“I told ye, I promised ye, Isworeto ye before God that I would protect ye. And now I see I’m goin’ to have to protect ye from yerself.”
Without warning, he scooped her up into his arms and threw her over his shoulder.
“Put me down. I’ll walk.”
“Ye have the tongue of a sailor, but I’d rather take me chances with the tempest than face yer ire,” he grunted, moving with ease out of the Great Hall and through the corridor like a phantom.
The servants all scrambled to the side, eager to clear a path for their Laird as he stormed past.
Lavina pounded her fists against his back, yet he did not release her. Before she knew it, they were back in the room, and theworld was spinning once again. She landed on the soft mattress, the Laird’s steely glare pinning her in place.
“Ye will stay here this time. I’ll nae be made a fool of again. I’m nae a murderer, but I’ve heard enough rumors about me, and I can tell when there’s nay point in trying to reason with someone. Ye’ve made up yer mind about me, and that’s all there is to it. Maybe one of these days, ye’ll realize that I am nae the monster ye made me out to be.”
CHAPTER NINE
The cool night air did nothing to quell Theo’s ire. He paced the length of the balcony, debating how to handle his wife.
It was one thing to have people shy away from him because of his parents, but to be labeled a murderer? It was as if she had plunged a dagger straight into his chest and twisted it.
“Go back inside,” he barked when he heard the soft moan of the balcony door.
He was in no mood to be bothered. His wife had already done enough damage.
The door clicked shut behind him, but the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. He wasn’t alone. Her presence lingered like a storm cloud, heavy with rain.
“Nae until ye tell me what the blue room is,” Lavina said flatly.
She stepped into the moonlight, her arms folded over her chest, blocking the way to their chambers.
Theo arched an eyebrow, fighting the admiration that stirred within him. It took guts to stand up to him, especially now.
He let the silence hang between them until a clap of thunder cracked the sky. Lavina flinched, panic flashing in her eyes. For a moment, it wasn’t he who held her attention—it was the storm brewing behind them.
“’Tis me old room,” he finally answered, his voice low. “I had yer sister taken to me childhood chambers. Ye’ll also find Amber’s room next to it. I thought she’d like it better than the guest room.” He paused. “But if ye want me to move yer sister outside the keep?—”
“Nay,” Lavina cut him off quickly. She refused to look at him.
Theo kept his gaze on the moon as it played peekaboo with the clouds. He didn’t trust himself to steal a glimpse at her, too afraid her beauty might cool his anger.
A heavy hush lingered between them like tar, thick and clingy, refusing to let go.
Dropping his shoulders, he let out a long breath.
“Yer sister will be safe,” he assured, his voice softer now. “As will ye. I suggest ye go to bed… before ye tempt me to turn around. And if I do, I may nae have control over what happens next.”
“Ye should ken,” Lavina said, her voice steady, “that I’d do anything for me sister.”
“Clearly,” Theo huffed, shaking his head. “But I have to admire yer gumption. Yer courage.” His eyes met hers. “If it comes down to it, where ye have to pick between?—”
“I’d pick her every time, nay hesitation,” Lavina answered, rolling her shoulders back, looking as fierce as ever.
There was that spark of boldness that ignited his longing, his desires. It was as if his wife could read him so well and already knew which button to press.
“Well, at least ye’re bein’ honest. Cannae fault ye for doin’ that. But ye, dear wife, should ken something as well…”
Theo turned. His breath caught in his throat as her beauty stunned him.
How could someone be so beautiful? It was as if she were an angel come down from heaven to grace him with her presence.
