"I find I must give her twice as many compliments because you give her none. You're about as charming as a blacksmith's anvil." Fraser's eyes retained their mischievous glint.
"I'm not here to charm a lady. I'm here to protect her and find who wishes to do her harm."
"Because you're smitten with her." Fraser grinned. "Admit it."
Cyrus snorted to cover the unexpected thud of his heart. "Hardly." He casually sipped his ale. Everyone knew he didn't get smitten anymore… not for a decade or longer. He was incapable of such ridiculous sentiment.
"Well, in that case, you won't mind if I… get to know her better then, will you?" Fraser raised a brow.
Was that a challenge?
Cyrus ground his teeth, but before he could say anything, Elspeth came into his range of vision, effectively cutting off his retort through her mere presence. 'Twas bedeviling how she could seize his attention so effortlessly.
Fraser had lost his wits if he truly thought Cyrus would allow him to pursue Elspeth. None of them were pursuing her, regardless of her great beauty and appeal.
Fraser's grin widened, and Cyrus wanted to throttle him.
Finally, the food was served, and they all took their seats—Elspeth between him and Fraser.
Throughout the meal, she nibbled at the fowl on her trencher, ate wee green peas two or three at a time, and broke small bites from her piece of bread. She shifted with discomfort, only meeting his gaze briefly and murmuring one-word replies when he spoke to her. She seemed far more interested in talking to Fraser about unimportant things.
Cyrus found himself annoyed that she engaged in such easy and relaxed repartee with Fraser. She should recall how he had knocked on her bedchamber door back at Castle Rebbinglen in a bid to seduce her. At the time, she had said she would never invite him in. Had she changed her mind?
When she glanced at Cyrus, she instantly tensed. He saw it in her mouth and her posture. His own shoulders tightened in response.
Her intoxicating perfume had been teasing at him throughout the meal. He was thankful she didn't wear an excessive amount, for 'twould likely drive him mad. He could not name the scent nor was he about to ask her. 'Twas obviously a complex yet compatible blend of many fragrances and likely cost a king's ransom. The spellbinding floral made him think of midnight in a warm summer garden. He also detected a creamy sweetness and—enigmatically—the scent of wood. 'Twas earthy and spicy at once… mayhap a hint of cinnamon and cloves on bare female skin. Damnation! He had a desperate urge to press his nose to her neck and inhale her. Or had she allowed a drop to run down between her breasts?
Hell. He would not be able to leave the table for a long while, for a certain unruly part of his anatomy was raring to go. Hopefully, his sporran would cover his arousal if he was careful. That damnable scent! He wished she wouldn't wear it.
At the end of the meal, when Fraser strode outside to check on the guards, Cyrus approached Elspeth. "Lady Grey, would you have time for a brief word now?"
Her sharp glance was just short of a glare. "Of course, Laird Stornmor."
They had both reverted to a formal address, and he didn't like it one bit. Annoyance coiled in his chest. He wished he could feel completely indifferent around her. Unaffected in every way.
When she didn't move, he added, "In private?"
"We'll go into the study again."
"Perfect." He followed her down the short corridor and into the smaller room, then closed the door behind himself.
"Have a seat, if you please." Her cool tone was completely in opposition to his heated body.
He dropped to a settle some distance from the hearth, where a small fire burned.
"I would like to discuss something with you first." She laced her fingers together.
"Aye?" He observed her, surprised. Mayhap she would reveal all and he wouldn't have to ask.
"'Tis about Fraser. I see how he watches Gracie."
Confused, Cyrus frowned. "Who?"
"My youngest maid, the blond lass who often serves at meals. She's but sixteen summers and has had a hard life thus far. I gave her employment when no one else would. She's trying to get her feet under her and does not need involvement with a man." Elspeth's amber eyes flashed with ire. "You ken how persistent Fraser can be when he's bent on seduction."
Cyrus remembered how Fraser had eyed the bonny lass from the first moment she had set foot in the hall. "I'll order him to stay away from her."
Elspeth nodded, looking relieved. "I appreciate it."
