Page 46 of The Beast of the Highlands
Flynn frowned. “I daenae ken.”
“Well, I do.” Autumn gulped. “She has more spies in this castle than either you or I know. And if we are not careful, I fear something terrible might happen to me.”
Flynn held her tighter. “I’ll protect ye, lass.”
“I believe you… but if she strikes when you do not expect it, you may not be able to,” Autumn said, feeling a cold blade of terror slice through her heart.
And it only grew colder, his pensive silence speaking volumes.
28
After Keira’s warning, Flynn and Autumn had vowed once again to keep their distance. And once again, as the weeks went by, they had failed.
Behind the closed doors of Flynn’s bedchamber, in the dead of night, under the ruse of bringing medicine for his mostly-healed injuries, he savored Autumn as best he could. But even with the door locked, and the keyhole stuffed with cloth, there was a nervous energy to their lovemaking.
In the castle’s stables, hiding in the hayloft or in one of the empty stalls, they tumbled in the straw and devoured one another, not knowing when they might get their next taste. They did the same in the outlying barns, making sure that Keira and the spies they knew of were accounted for, and distracted by Desmond, Natters, and Willis.
Indeed, the three soldiers had become experts of diversion.
Nor could Autumn and Flynn revel in one another, in the sanctuary of their library, for Keira forever had one of her father’s soldiers stationed in the annex that led down to that blissful realm. Whenever Flynn tried to go down there, knowing Autumn had gone before him, he was stopped and told there was some conjured problem within the castle.
And they certainly could not repeat their efforts at the hunting hut, in case those English soldiers decided to try their luck again. Though Flynn had sent out many scouting parties, they had found no sign of those soldiers, other than a few long-abandoned fires and camps.
“What’s the matter with the two of ye?” Leighton squinted at Autumn and Flynn, who were standing at opposite sides of the younger man’s study.
Flynn rolled his shoulder. “A few aches and pains.”
“Och, ye’re a terrible liar.” Leighton smirked. “Ye’ve both been like this for weeks, starin’ mournfully at one another when ye think the other isnaelookin’. I cannae stand it anymore. Ye’re breakin’ me heart.”
Autumn smiled sadly. “I am sorry, Leighton. I have been inattentive.” She walked up to his writing desk and rested her hands on his shoulders, like a mother to a son. “Worry not, Sweet Boy.”
Leighton covered one of her hands with his. “This is Keira’s doin’, I ken it is. She’s been flouncin’ around the castle like she owns it, and scoldin’ folks for gettin’ in her way, or for nae givin’ her “due courtesy,” even though she’s done naught to deserve it.” His mouth set in a grim line. “The clan wouldnae be cross with ye, Brother, if ye sent her away. They’d cheer ye.”
“It isnae so simple, Leighton.” Flynn gazed at his beloved, and the comfortable manner she shared with his younger brother. It delighted his weary heart to see them so close, though it came with a bittersweet edge. It was obvious who Flynn ought to be with, and who he should wed, but he did not yet know if he was ready to go against Laird Dunn.
I’ve other allies, aye, but would they come to me aid if they discovered I’d broken me promise?
He sighed, wishing he had the power to do as he pleased, without any consequences. In truth, he envied the likes of Desmond, and Willis, and Natters. If they liked a woman, they could court her, and ask for her hand in marriage. It was not nearly so complicated.
A sudden thought came to him, as he observed his brother and his beloved, who seemed to be having a private discussion of their own. What if he were to skirt around the promise? It would not be breaking it, exactly, but it would give him the freedom he desired. The only trouble was, it would mean putting a great deal of weight upon Leighton’s young shoulders.
“How badly do ye want to see us wed, and have Autumn as yer sister-in-law?” Flynn asked, suddenly giddy with excitement.
Leighton paused in his conversation with Autumn. “I’d carry Keira out of this castle, strapped to the back of me own horse, to see it happen. Ye’ve never been so happy, Brother. Well, ye were happy, ‘til Keira came and got in yer way.”
“What if it meant me standing down as Laird of this clan?” Flynn could hardly believe he was saying this. “I’d stay at yer side, as yer advisor, but ye’d be the one with the title. See, the promise I made was thatIwould wed Keira when I became Laird. If I amnae a Laird anymore, I cannae be expected to marry her, and she’d have nay place to demand that ye marry her.”
Autumn gasped. “Flynn! Have you taken leave of your senses? You cannot do that. Your clan relies upon you.”
“And they’d rely upon Leighton, and love him as much as they’ve loved me,” Flynn replied, growing surer by the second. “They’re already fonder of him, and though he’s young, he wouldnae be alone. He’d have the two of us, helpin’ him until he’s old enough to lead by himself.”
A grin cracked Leighton’s face. “Ye’ve done it, Brother! Ye’ve found the perfect solution!” He tilted his head up to look at Autumn. “And what’s more romantic than givin’ up yer title for a lass? Nae that ye’d lose any of the merits. I’d make sure ye were both well taken care of, with anythin’ ye could possibly want.”
“This is ludicrous!” Autumn protested, but Flynn could see a glimmer of possibility upon her beautiful face.
Leighton shook his head. “It isnae, Autumn. It’s the remedy ye’ve been lookin’ for, to the contagion that is Keira Cranach.” He smirked. “I’d pay handsomely to see the look on her face when she finds out. And Laird Dunn willnae be able to complain, or launch an attack, because me brother hasnae broken his promise. If he isnae the Laird, he doesnae have to uphold the betrothal.”
“I do not know if Laird Dunn would see it with such lenient eyes,” Autumn replied, as her gaze sought Flynn’s. And though she sounded concerned, there was a deep longing in her eyes that could not be ignored.
