Page 16 of Ruined By the Ruthless Highlander
He hadn’t slept.
The English lass had only been in his castle for one night, and already everything felt off.
His hands balled into fists at his sides as he thought of what to say to her. He had expected her to flee after the first night. Instead, she’d demanded breakfast.
Perhaps he would read her some stringent Highland rules, so she would realize quickly that she didn’t belong here. Glen Carrick wasn’t some English castle to wine and dine in. It washisfortress.
A knock sounded at the door, and Finn stepped in without waiting for permission.
“Ye look like shite,” the young man-at-arms said cheerfully, dropping into the chair across from his desk.
Lachlan snorted. “Good mornin’ to ye, too,” he murmured, before walking toward his desk and lowering himself into his chair.
Finn grinned, tilting his head. “Ye’re in a sour mood. I take it the Englishwoman isnae leavin’, then?”
Lachlan’s jaw clenched slightly. “Aye. I already sent for her.”
“I thought she’d be readyin’ her carriage by now,” Finn said, leaning back in his chair. “She’s courageous for an Englishwoman.”
Lachlan nodded, considering mentioning her breakfast demands for a moment.
“The men will talk, ye ken. There’s already the topic of her deed and whether she’s truly got a claim to Glen Carrick,” Finn added.
Lachlan’s eyes narrowed. “We daenae ken that yet.”
“But ye’re lettin’ her stay as long as she wants.”
“I’m nae lettin’ her do anythin’,” Lachlan said sharply. “The steward’s comin’ to settle the matter soon. Until then… she’s a guest.”
“A guest,” Finn repeated, his voice filled with skepticism. “Is that what we’re callin’ her?”
Lachlan turned toward the window, his expression hard. “What would ye rather I call her? An heir?”
Finn studied him for a long moment, then shrugged. “I daenae ken. But the way ye looked at her yesterday… doesnae seem like ye’ll treat her as just a guest.”
Lachlan’s jaw tightened, and he balled his fists at his sides. Finn’s words pricked at him. “Watch yer tongue, Finn.”
“I’m just sayin’—”
“I ken what ye’re sayin’. And ye’re wrong.”
Finn raised his hands in mock surrender. “Aye, me Laird. Whatever ye say.” He rose and headed toward the door before pausing with his hand on the knob. “For what it’s worth, she’s nae like the others. English or nae.”
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door.
Finn looked back at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
“She’s here,” he intoned, turning the knob to pull the door open. “Mornin’, me Lady,” he greeted.
Marian nodded before walking into the room.
Finn closed the door behind him with a grin, leaving Lachlan alone with her for the first time.
Lachlan watched as she gracefully moved across the room and lowered herself into the chair Finn had vacated.
She’s nae like the others.
That was the problem.
