Page 57 of Villainous Soul

I must have dozed off because we were in Edinburgh when I opened my eyes.

“Drop us off at the penthouse,” Keir said to Alan.

“I booked Evie a room at the Balmoral along with us.”

“Aye, well, I want to make sure she’s okay,” he said. “I’ll drop her there later.”

We pulled up in front of a large sandstone building in the middle of the World Heritage Site in New Town. It was just a few yards from Edinburgh’s commercial center. Keir poked his head back in the car after we got out. “Have Evie’s luggage brought back here, in case she wants to freshen up. And schedule a meeting with the Circle of Kings at the office tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, sir.”

Keir took my hand and led me up to the communal entrance. “There’s no lift, so we have to take the stairs. We went up three flights to the top floor. The penthouse flat occupied the entire level. He unlocked the door, opened it, and we went inside.

“Another one of your residences?” I asked, looking around.

“Aye, the first place I ever purchased. I’m not one for hotels. I like my own stuff.”

“It’s amazing.” I stood at the window, looking out an incredible view of the city.

“I’ll show you the best part later,” he said. “But for now, we need to get you something to eat. There’s a small brassiere just down the road.”

I rubbed my forehead, the weight of the morning crashing down upon my shoulders. “Um, when are we headed back home?”

“Tomorrow. I need to give the flight crew time to recoup, and I have a meeting in the morning.”

I felt myself starting to panic. I needed to be home to deal with things. “Maybe I should try and catch a flight home tonight.”

“Come here,” he said, pulling me into his arms. “I know today didn’t work out how we wanted, but I promise you I will think of a solution. I got you into this, and I won’t abandon you. You’re not going anywhere until I get you something to eat, and we can talk.”

His words and touch helped ground me for a moment. “Okay?”

“All right.” I nodded.

The café was a few blocks from his flat. Keir got us a quiet table in the back. “Would you like a glass of wine?” he asked.

“Sure.” My stomach was still upset, but hopefully, I could eat something.

We placed our orders with the waitress, and she returned with the wine, pouring us each a glass. Keir buttered a piece of bread and handed it to me. “Eat this first.”

I nibbled on the bread, and after a few bites, I started to feel better.

He held up his glass. “Slange lass.

“Slange,” I repeated. “What does it mean?”

“Good health,” he said, setting his glass down. “I am sorry about today.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure what I will tell my brothers. Especially Patrick.”

“I will speak to him.” He reached over and covered my hand with his. “I told you before as long as we are married, I will take care of you as my wife.”

“I appreciate it, Keir, but I think it would be better if I spoke to Patrick myself. There’s a lot more involved here. And now I have to worry about the papers.”

“I understand, but I’m a great negotiator.”

“There is nothing to negotiate. My only hope is to convince Cormac that we wait a year.”

“You can’t marry the bastard,” he said. “I’ll speak with your brother and see what we can work out.”

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