Page 76 of The Highlander Who Protected Me

“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that the family thinks that way. Royal and I did fight like barbarians on more than one occasion.” She threw Victoria a smile. “I suspect Angus isn’t the only one who worries what will happen once I have Royal in my evil clutches.”

“My husband worries about everyone, so you’ll have to get used to that. As for the twins, I’d say their feelings about you could best be described as terrified.”

“I was quite hard on them during that blasted elopement, wasn’t I?”

“Grant said he was afraid you were going to steal a pistol from one of the grooms and shoot him and Graeme.”

“I actually threatened to do just that.” Though it seemed almost comical now, it hadn’t been one of her better moments.

“The twins will come around, I promise. And Logan and Kade certainly like you, so they’re no problem.”

Ainsley scoffed. “Logan Kendrick likes anything that’s female and well proportioned, so I don’t put much stock in his approval. Kade, however, is a genuinely nice boy. I haven’t a clue why he likes me so much.”

“He’s at a rather impressionable age. So, let’s just say you madequitethe impression on him,” Victoria said with a twinkle.

“Too bad the others aren’t equally impressionable.”

“Dearest, it truly only matters what Royal thinks.”

Ainsley raised a hand in frustration. “But I don’tknowwhat he’s thinking. I can usually tell, but these days he’s like a cypher.”

“One generally has to be quite firm before Royal will admit that something is bothering him.”

“It’s not what I was expecting, to tell you the truth,” Ainsley said. “Even when we fought, we always seemed to understand each other.” It was as if they were somehow connected beyond words, although it sounded too silly to voice such a thought.

“I think he’s nervous. That’s why he’s being so careful with you.”

“But he’s never been nervous before, Victoria. Royal and I arealwaysstepping on each other’s toes. It’s what we do.”

“But now you have a daughter to worry about. That’s bound to affect your relationship.”

“Not for the better, apparently. I’m not sure he trusts me anymore.”

While Victoria frowned, apparently thinking about that observation, Ainsley took the opportunity to peek into the carriage. It was as much to check on her daughter as to cover up her embarrassment. Discovering that Tira slept soundly, she had no choice but to meet her friend’s sympathetic gaze.

“Are you afraid Royal no longer has feelings for you?” Victoria asked.

That was precisely her fear. While their marriage might never be conventional, she’d hoped to create a satisfying, affectionate relationship with Royal and a loving family life for Tira. It was depressing to contemplate that he might only have agreed to marry her out of some dreary sense of duty. All she wanted was a bit of love, for both their sakes.

You’re a sentimental fool.

“It doesn’t matter,” Ainsley replied. “All that matters is that Tira is happy and I get to be with her.”

Victoria rolled her eyes. “Royal adores you as much as ever, you goose.”

“He’s got a funny way of showing it, since he’s acting like I’ve got some horrid disease.”

“I suspect his behavior stems from an excess of emotion rather than a lack of it.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

“His feelings for you are, shall we say, robust,” Victoria explained. “Physically as well as emotionally.”

Ainsley’s cheeks grew warm. “He didn’t tell you that, did he?”

“God, no. He’d shoot himself if he knew we were having this conversation. But it’s obvious to me that he would be delighted to get you alone and, er . . .”

“Have his way with me.”

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