Page 74 of A Flawed Scotsman

“What again?” His mother gave him a bleary look of someone just awakened. “Go away.”

“He has returned,” Ruari said, knowing she would understand whom he spoke about. “He is not dead.”

Blood drained from his mother’s face, her eyes widened, and she gasped. After taking a beat to compose herself, she finally spoke. “Why should it concern me?”

“Is it true?” Ruari’s voice shook. “I am Robert Ross’ son?”

This time, she let out a hard breath, her eyes bulging. She pushed at his chest. “I said go away!” she screamed. “Go away!” Lifting trembling hands to her face, she rubbed her eyes and turned her back.

The subject would not be dropped until he learned the truth. He stalked forward and rounded her. “Tell me.”

“He should have left her and married me. But he did not. Instead, he tossed me aside. Sent me away.” It was evident she was not speaking to him, but more to herself. “The bastard should have remained. He should have remained and looked the other way. Everyone does that. Everyone has secrets.”

She continued to babble about secrets until Ruari took her by the shoulders and shook her. It was as if he scalded her skin and she hissed, “Do not touch me.”

“Is that why ye left me? Because I am Robert’s son? A reminder of yer adultery?”

His mother came to life, hitting him on the chest with fists and kicking at his legs. “He knew I married his brother to be closer to him. He knew it and when I came to his bed, he allowed me. He used me. So ye are his. Only his. Not mine.”

Although her logic made no sense, Ruari finally understood. It wasn’t hatred that his mother felt for him. She did not feel as if he were hers to begin with. For some strange reason, the knowledge settled him.

“I will let ye live in peace and never return.” Ruari walked out the front door. For some reason, he was feeling lighter than he’d ever felt.

By the time he rode toward home later that day, it was dark. He was much too exhausted to continue. Ruari knew Esme would be angry with him, but he couldn’t bring himself to face anyone. His mother had confirmed the truth. He and his cousins were truly brothers. It was ironic that he and Malcolm had just spoken about how he’d been like a brother to them.

The true reason must have been that the late laird had not been his uncle but, in fact, his father.

After pulling his mount to a stop, Ruari walked for a while and then lowered to sit with his back to a tree. Overcome with emotions, Ruari ran his hands down his face. Once he rested, he’d return to the keep. Although he would have preferred to remain away for longer, it wouldn’t be fair to Esme.

He’d keep the truth of his paternity to himself. Better to leave things as they were. There was no reason to bring up the truth of his birth as it mattered not at this juncture. His cousins had always accepted him, and he was an integral part of the family. For that, he was grateful.

Moments later, the moon helped him stay on the path that lead him back to Dun Airgid, his home.

Chapter Twenty-Two

It was late when he finally trudged into the main house. Very few people were up and about in the great room when Ruari entered. Those who’d decided to remain for the night had found places along the walls and in corners to sleep. Upon noticing light coming from Malcolm’s study, he lumbered there, hoping to find his cousin alone.

Luck was with him. Malcolm sat at the table reviewing accounting ledgers.

When Ruari went to the sideboard and poured whisky, his cousin, no, his brother looked up.

“I would like one as well,” Malcolm said. “Have I told ye I detest reviewing accounts?”

“Aye, I remember. Ye always made excuses to leave the room when we were tutored.”

There must have been a strange timbre to his voice because Malcolm studied him with a furrowed brow.

After accepting the glass, the laird motioned for him to sit. “Where have ye been? Yer wife was worried.”

The strong liquid formed a heated path down his throat. “I went to see my land and found the place where I would like build. Someone was there. Conor Ross.”

Malcolm’s brows flew up. “What is he doing here?”

“Claims to have heard of yer father’s death.” The words stuck in his throat. It was also his father who’d died.

“Does he wish to remain?”

Ruari rolled the glass between his hands. “I told him to go.”