Page 44 of Tempting the Highland Devil
“Me laird, are ye certain? The tunnels were built for the laird’s safety. It is to ensure that he can escape, and he is safe if there is ever a siege.”
“It is to ensure that he survives and nay one else does,” Arran answered as he stared hard at the tunnels entrance. “If I am goin’ to be laird of these people, then I shall do it my way, James,” Arran said and turned to face James again. “My faither was a vile man. I knew him better than anyone else. If I ever become like him, I want ye to promise that ye will end me.”
“Me laird,” James stuttered with a scared, pale look entering his features.
“Swear it to me, James. That ye will never let me forget this day. Swear it to me.” Arran clamped a hand over James’ shoulder and stared deep into his eyes till he caved and nodded.
“I swear it to ye, me laird.”
A long moment of silence passed between both men, and Arran felt they had an understanding. Whatever happened, he would ensure he never ruined this clan.Or Yvaine.
“Good. Now, seal the tunnels forever.” Arran could not change the past, but there was only one thing he could do. He could make things right.
23
Yvaine watched Arran train his men from a distance a few days later. She could not help but admire him as he moved flawlessly on the field and swung his sword over his head with ease.
Her skin burned with a flush as she recalled the times they trained together back in MacLennan. Every moment remained vivid in her mind even though it felt like it was a while ago.
Arran was very occupied these past few days; she had barely seen him in the castle. His training ended, and the guards left the field while Arran spoke with James.
He had one hand propped on his hips, and his sword in the other. Yvaine tucked away the flutters in her chest and walked towards him slowly. He noticed her presence after James nudged in her direction.
Yvaine’s smiled widened when he turned around, and his features brightened a little.
“Me laird,” she greeted with a curtsy because she knew he would complain. Arran frowned, and Yvaine straightened as she giggled.
“Why are ye teasing me?” Arran dismissed James with a light wave of his hand and focused his attention on her. Yvaine flushed when his eyes drifted over her face and landed on her eyes.
“Ye should have seen yer face,” she answered in a light tone. “I have nay seen ye around the castle,” Yvaine continued. She missed the little moments they shared in the past. Everything had changed since her brother announced his desire for her to find a husband.
Arran avoided her eyes even as she spoke with him now, and she reached out to touch his hand. “We can have supper together tonight,” she continued. “I will have the kitchen prepare us the best broth. I remember that is yer favorite, and we can eat in the dinnin’ hall.”
“I willnae be able to join ye, I’m afraid,” he said and rubbed the back of his neck.
“Oh,” Yvaine gasped, her heart sinking with a little disappointment. She quickly searched her mind for another reason to get him to spend time with her. “How about ye train me? We havenae had the chance to resume our lessons since we arrived here.”
“I should meet with my councilmen by noon, Yvaine. I dinnae have the chance to…”
“Great! We have a few hours till then,” Yvaine cut-in, not giving him the chance to refuse her. She realized now that he was avoiding her, and she was determined to make it impossible for him to do so.
Yvaine drew his sword out of his hands before he could stop her then thrust it forward, purposely missing his body, so she did not hurt him.
“Now is nay the time, Yvaine,” he scolded as she showed him the few moves she had learnt. “Ye will hurt yerself.”
“Ye dinnae give me much credit, me laird,” she teased and backed away from him with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “I am much stronger than ye think.”
She tossed the sword aside and thrust her arm out to land a punch. Arran caught her blow, twisted her hand, and twirled her around, so she landed in his arms, her back pressed into his chest.
Yvaine gasped once their bodies made contact. The hardened walls of his chest made her pulse accelerate. She held her breath and waited for him to speak as his hot breath kissed the crook of her neck. Yvaine wished she could see the expression on his face.
“Ye can let me go now,” she said after some time, and he released her abruptly then put some distance between them. Her wrist stung a little because of his tight grip, and she massaged the spot while looking at him.
Arran’s expression crumbled a little. “Did I hurt ye?” He came closer to examine her wrist. “I am so sorry, I dinnae mean to.”
“I am fine,” she said in a rush as he peered down at her wrist. “It was a mere sting; I am all right.”
Arran’s frown stayed even. “Ye dinnae need to be so scared, Arran. I willnae break.”
