After pulling on his boots, Gavin exited the room, glancing at Dani's chamber door as he passed. He wanted to see how Father John fared before he visited her. He dreaded the impending row over the armory incident.
Shaking his head over her odd behavior, he descended the stairs to the great hall. He found the priest eating porridge and bread at the high table.
"I'm beyond pleased you've awakened, Father John. Are you well?"
"Aye, lad. The Lord hath brought a miraculous healing to me."
"Indeed." Gavin sat down near him. "I am thankful."
"Your servant told me why you sent for me. You wish to marry the young lady?"
"Aye, she has agreed to become my bride." The mystery of why she had gone to so much trouble to steal his sword again sullied his joy. Mayhap she had changed her mind.
"'Tis well and good. She will be a benefit to you and this clan."
"I agree. She's one of a kind." Gavin enjoyed her odd quirks and wanted to know more about her. But first, he had to focus on Father John and his injury. "Do you remember who hit you on the head?"
"Nay. He was robed like a priest with a black cowl. As well, 'twas just after dawn, cloudy and dim among the trees when I started my journey."
Gavin nodded. "I've searched the wood and the borders this day but found no one. Where were you headed."
"Kilmartin."
"We will try not to detain you long."
The priest waved a hand. "Do not fash over it. I wish to help you and your clan in any way I can."
"I appreciate it. Do you feel able to perform a wedding?"
He grinned. "Aye, whenever you wish. My congratulations, m'laird."
∞∞∞
At the sound of a key scraping and rattling in the door lock, Dani turned from the smoldering blaze she'd built in the fireplace.
Gavin pushed the door open and entered with a tray of food. She ignored her gnawing stomach and glared at him. She would never stay with a man who kept her prisoner.
Gavin's expression remained dark as he set down the tray. "So, you're still wanting to kill me."
"No, of course not! I would never do that. And you can't keep me prisoner!"
"Why did you break into the armory?" His jaw hardened. The way he surveyed her, the expression on his gorgeous face—tight, serious, and unhappy, she didn't like it. No matter the battle going on inside her, she wanted to see him smile. She might even want to kiss him, but not now. First, they had to hash things out.
His frown deepened. "Dani. Why?"
She crossed her arms. "You won't believe me."
"I might."
Studying him, she bit her nail. Could she trust him enough to tell him the truth? "You promise not to throw me in the dungeon again?"
He lifted a brow, his gaze turning sharp and menacing. "Aye."
"You swear? Upon your noble lairdly honor, or whatever?"
"Aye." He placed his hand over his heart. "I will never put you in the dungeon again. You're going to be my wife. What do you take me for, a beast?" His gaze turned soulful and pained as he glanced away.
The brief glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes tore at her resolve. She wanted to hold him, stroke him, and kiss his closed eyes.
