Page 75 of Claimed By a Savage Scot
Catriona, deeply touched by Sorcha’s warmth, replied, “I’d love tae, Sorcha thank ye.”
Sorcha’s face softened as she lowered her voice. “And remember what I told ye, Cat. Dinnae make the mistake of runnin’ from happiness merely because ye fear losin’ it.”
A lump rose in Catriona’s throat. “I’ll write tae ye, let ye ken how things work out,” she promised quietly when she could speak, squeezing Sorcha’s hands.
“And I’ll expect scandalous details in every letter,” Sorcha went on, her eyes mischievous. “Though somethin’ tells me I may be returnin’ soon fer a weddin’.”
“Sorcha!” she remonstrated softly, looking around to see if Duncan had overheard, relieved to see his attention was elsewhere. Catriona laughed then, and they embraced once more before Sorcha finally turned toward the waiting carriage. As Kenneth helped her inside, she shot Catriona a wicked grin before disappearing into the carriage.
Kenneth then approached Catriona with a dramatic solemnity entirely at odds with the weather whipping his blond hair into disarray.
“Lady Catriona,” he said grandly, taking her hand. “Life will be very dull without yer beauty and charm tae brighten me days.”
He bowed low over her fingers, pressing a theatrical kiss against her knuckles.
Catriona smiled politely, amused despite herself, especially when Sorcha rolled her eyes heavenward through the carriage window. Over Kenneth’s shoulder, she saw Malcolm’s jaw visibly tighten and almost laughed aloud.
“Safe travels, Laird Forbes,” she replied demurely. This time, as she had feared he might, Kenneth winked at her with merry blue eyes before releasing her hand at last.
The gates creaked open, the escorts’ horses stamped and snorted as they formed a cordon around the vehicle, which rolled majestically out through the gates, the onlookers waving their goodbyes.
Malcolm moved closer beside her once the gates began to close. “Thank Christ,” he muttered beneath his breath. “If I heard one more oily compliment from that man, I might’ve thrown him off the battlements.”
Catriona bit back a smile as she looked up at him. “Oh?”
He glanced sidelong at her. “Dinnae tell me ye enjoyed it.”
“Nay,” she replied lightly. “I much prefer yer oily compliments.”
A laugh broke from his lips seemingly against his will, attracting Duncan’s attention. He sent them both another curious look.
Malcolm’s amusement vanished instantly, his expression turning serious. But the warning glance he shot Catriona only made her lips twitch harder.
Before Duncan could say anything, she slipped her arm through his, chattering about the pleasant visit and jesting about Kenneth’s flirting. Within minutes, her brother’s attention had shifted entirely towards her, leaving Malcolm quietly exhaling beside them.
Still, circumstances being what they were, she was unsurprised when the mood among the men sobered once more.
Duncan turned toward Malcolm thoughtfully. “I think we should ride the perimeter this afternoon,” he said. “Speak tae the villagers oursel’s. If Sinclair’s men are probing the borders, firsthand accounts could be vital.”
The seriousness in his tone sent unease curling through Catriona’s stomach. Torcall suddenly felt very near again, like a hovering hawk’s shadow falling across a hapless rabbit below. And she was the rabbit.
Malcolm nodded slowly, his gaze flicking almost imperceptibly to Catriona. “Agreed. Though I’m nae certain both of us should leave the castle together.”
Duncan frowned faintly.
“With Sinclair’s men so close,” Malcolm continued, “someone should remain here overseein’ the defenses.”
“Right enough, Braither,” Ewan agreed immediately, catching on. “’Tis best if ye stay here, and I can ride with Duncan instead.”
Duncan studied Malcolm for a long moment. “There’s somethin’ different about ye lately,” he remarked suddenly.
Catriona’s pulse skipped. Beside her, Malcolm remained impressively calm.
“Aye, I’m different all right, due tae havin’ that bastard Sinclair breathin’ down me neck every hour of the day and night,” he returned gruffly.
Duncan nodded slowly, though his sharp gaze lingered on his friend as he observed, “Aye, I can see why that would get on yer nerves.”
To Catriona’s relief, he clapped Malcom’s shoulder. “All right. Me and Ewan will go and check out the lay of the land. Guard me sister well. See ye both at supper.” His parting glance took in the both of them as he walked off toward the stables with Ewan.
