Her heart rate spiked even higher, and she well knew 'twas not fear. She was not afraid of the man, despite his intimidating manner. Would he kiss her again? Tackle her to her bed and have his way with her?
"What is it?" Her voice sounded strangely breathless to her own ears.
"I want to apologize." His tone was a bit contrite, though still commanding.
After taking a deep breath to calm her pulse, she pulled the door open to find him waiting close-by. His obsidian eyes met hers in the dimness of the corridor.
"I should not have… taken advantage of you." Though he sounded sincere, his expression belied his murmured words. He did not look remorseful in the least. In fact, he still appeared almost… impassioned.
"Let's make certain it doesn't happen again. You're to marry the cousin of my good friend. I don't wish to make enemies of Lily and her family."
Cyrus nodded. "I agree. Did Mistress Almsly look at that?" He pointed to her arm.
Surely he knew she hadn't. Elspeth had been in her chamber for only a minute or two. But at least he'd said it in the form of a question this time, instead of ordering her around like he did his guards.
"I'm going now."
Cyrus watched as Elspeth closed the door, bypassed him, and strode down the corridor. He felt like a first-rate imbecile. How could he jeopardize his future by kissing a woman who knew the lass he hoped to marry?
Elspeth was beautiful and fascinating, but she would be a completely inappropriate wife for him. She was nothing like the woman he'd always imagined marrying, the woman he had been searching for. She had no pedigree. Without doubt, her properties were worth a goodly sum, but they would not compare to Lily's dowry or an alliance with the marquess.
Why did he suddenly feel that the dowry and alliance were mundane things, while the thought of kissing Elspeth again made his heart knock about like a wild rabbit in a hutch?
He'd become a raving lunatic! 'Twas the only explanation.
Everyone who knew him would call him the most rational man in Scotland. No woman was capable of rendering him senseless. Had that changed?
Nay. He couldn't let it.
She was right about one thing… a kiss could never happen again. Even though he wanted to protect Elspeth from the madman tormenting her, he had to keep his hands and mouth to himself. And more than that, he had to keep his wits about him, even should she prove a great temptation. Which she did already.
Besides, he had plenty to occupy his time in keeping the whoresons at bay.
MacNeil had slipped up to the tower room and retrieved his bow and quiver, then emerged from the stairwell.
"Did you see the archer out the window?" Cyrus asked.
"Nay, he was gone."
"Bastard." Cyrus ground his teeth. "I need more of the MacKenzie guards and soldiers here. Since the men didn't arrive today, I'll need to talk to Fraser about traveling to Castle Rebbinglen with you and one of the other guards in the morn."
"Aye, Chief."
On second thought, mayhap they should all go. Elspeth would certainly be safer at Castle Rebbinglen than she was here. The only problem was… what if the outlaws saw them leave and attacked on the road with a larger force of men?
∞∞∞
'Twas dark as pitch while Cyrus and Fraser watched, hidden behind the stone steps in the courtyard to see if the archers climbed their ladders to the top of the wall again. The other four guards were posted in various places. All had their bows strung, with arrows in hand. If the interloper tried his trick now, he might well resemble a pincushion when he toppled to the ground.
But naught was happening, and all was silent. Cyrus itched to charge beyond the walls and hunt down the mangy curs. He certainly would if he didn't have to protect Elspeth. But young Dalacroy could've easily split his forces into two factions, one to lure them away while another entered the manor house. Cyrus could not risk any of them getting near Elspeth.
He loathed the defenselessness of this home. 'Twas one of the most vulnerable places he had ever spent any time. The walls were to keep out minor thieves, not to ward off armies. Aside from that, he could kick himself for not bringing at least a dozen soldiers with him on this journey. Preferably two dozen. This situation had taught him a lesson.
He turned to Fraser, crouching next to him, and kept his voice just above a whisper. "I've decided we should all return to Castle Rebbinglen in the morn."
Fraser scowled. "Including Elspeth?"
"Aye, she would be far safer there than here."
