Page 79 of Highland Ruse

Delilah hadn’t considered that. Elizabeth had never mentioned it.

But then, why would she have? Delilah was never supposed to have actually arrived at Edirdovar Castle. She had deviated from the original plan.

MacKenzie stopped in front of her and blatantly stared at her breasts so long, she had to fight the urge to fold her arms over them.

Finally he lifted his dark gaze to her face. “Ye please me.”

He spoke as if he offered her a compliment, as if she were put there solely to bring him pleasure. And by his demeanor, surely he truly believed such.

His eyes narrowed. “I dinna remember ye having that before.” He pressed a cool finger against the freckle at her jaw.

Delilah ducked her head in a shy gesture, one becoming of a lady. “I hope it does not displease you.”

“We’ll just ensure ye dinna go in the sun as much so ye dinna get more.” When she lifted her gaze, she found him smiling at her, seemingly ignorant to the rudeness of his comment.

Delilah pursed her lips to keep them from letting them curl back with disgust. She wished she truly was Elizabeth and could wrangle him toward some decent manners.

He stared at her as if awaiting a response. She remained intentionally silent. It was a lesser rebellion, but the most she could offer. She would not do anything to make things worse for Elizabeth. For surely it would be bad enough for Elizabeth once she arrived. Delilah deeply regretted the trouble she would leave behind.

And she would be gone by then. Both she and Kaid had agreed the prior night that if Torra MacKenzie could not be located in three days’ time, Delilah would return to Ardvreck Castle.

Laird MacKenzie cleared his throat. “In any manner, we’ll ensure it’s concealed tomorrow. In time for the wedding.”

Delilah stiffened before she could stop the blatant reaction.

He smirked. “The banns have already been read long ago and everything has been awaiting your very prolonged arrival.” He stroked her cheek. The chill of his clammy touch seeped into her bones, and it was all Delilah could do to suppress a shiver. “Tomorrow morning, my sweet Elizabeth, we will be wed.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Delilah had been gone three days.

Kaid stalked the length of his solar like a caged animal. Pacing.

And thinking too damn much.

He wished he could get a report from Donnan, but even if there’d been a way for him to send word to Kaid, there wouldn’t have been enough time for the news to travel back to Ardvreck Castle.

Surely she’d be at Edirdovar Castle now.

Had MacKenzie accepted her? Did he suspect?

If he did not, what would he do to her?

Kaid proceeded down the other side of the room, trying to ignore the tension knotting in his shoulders and pounding in his head. His skin seemed like it was too tight on his body, and time stretched to eternal lengths.

Everything was different without Delilah.

A knock sounded at his door, making every muscle in his body flinch in agitation.

He glanced toward the chair by the fire where Claire was curled into a ball and fast asleep. The girl hadn’t left his side since Delilah’s departure. He was not sure which of them missed Delilah more.

“Enter.” He didn’t bother to walk toward the door to open it.

Rhona entered, the expression on her wizened face was withered and hesitant. “Forgive the interruption, laird. I wanted to ensure ye were well.”

Kaid ran a hand through his hair and almost waved off the question when Rhona spoke again. “Actually, we know ye’re no’ well, laird. It looks as if ye’ve no’ slept in days.”

She let the door slip closed behind her. Her customary basket was slung around the crook of her elbow and her purple cloak thrown over her shoulders.