She felt Connor’s body tense as he released a loud groan that echoed off the walls. As he spilled his seed inside of her, Eva pressed a kiss against his strong chest. Her mind swirling with one thought.
I shall never love another… only him.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Connor sat alone in his study, the room steeped in the quiet authority of generations past. Dark oak shelves lined the stone walls from floor to ceiling, heavy with ledgers, maps, and leather-bound volumes that smelled of age and smoke. The McLaren crest hung above the hearth, watching him as he leaned back and exhaled slowly.
Connor’s thoughts drifted, as they often did of late, toward Eva and the fragile calm that had followed the bloodshed. He rubbed a hand over his jaw, grounding himself in routine and duty. A knock sounded against the door, sharp and respectful.
“Enter,” Connor called, straightening.
David stepped inside, closing the door behind him with care.
“Ye sent for me, Laird?” he asked, his tone steady and familiar.
Connor nodded and gestured toward the chair, though David remained standing.
“Aye, report,” Connor said.
David inclined his head. “The fences in the villages are mended, stronger than before, and the folk are grateful for it.”
Connor allowed himself a faint smile at that. “Good,” he said, “they’ve had enough hardship of late.”
David shifted his weight. “The men worked through the night in some parts, but it’s done.”
Connor rose from his chair. “They’ll be paid double ale for it,” he said. “Tell them I ken their efforts.”
David smiled at that, pride flickering across his face.
Connor moved toward the door, then paused.
“Have ye heard any rumblings from the McKay clan?”
David’s brow furrowed. “Do ye expect trouble, me laird?”
Connor opened the door and motioned for them to walk. “I daenae think they’ll attack,” he said, “the McKay council will ken why Jack fell, but grief makes fools of men.”
They stepped into the corridor, boots echoing softly against stone.
“Stay alert,” Connor continued.
“Aye,” David said, “but I’ve heard nothin’ of retaliation in me travels.”
Connor nodded once. “That’s good news, then,” he replied.
They passed a pair of guards who straightened at Connor’s approach.
“Keep yer eyes sharp,” Connor told them, and they thumped their chests in salute.
David watched with approval. “The men trust ye,” he said.
Connor snorted softly. “Trust is earned every day,” he answered.
They turned toward the inner courtyard, sunlight spilling in through the archway. Servants crossed with baskets and linen, life resuming its steady rhythm.
“The harvest reports came in as well,” David said. “Looks to be a fair yield this season.”
Connor allowed himself a breath of relief.
