“Slàinte,”they said at the same time, thenKeegan downed half his shot of whisky.
Dirk sipped leisurely, then eyed Keegan with a bit of devilment. “A word of advice—if you’re going to slip into a lady’s bedchamber, make sure you don’t get caught by her chaperone.”
Not amused, Keegan sent him a mock grin. “I figured she was in her own chamber, or still flirting with MacMillan in the great hall.”
“Well, thank the saints you weren’t naked,” Dirk said.
“Indeed,” Keegan muttered, taking a seat on one of the chairs. “I should’ve barred the door.”
“What was this about her father forcing you to marry her?”
“Mayhap he will. I hope.” Indeed, ’twas Keegan’s fondest wish.
Dirk dropped into the chair opposite. “Years ago, when I was a wee lad, the MacKays and that branch of the Murrays were enemies.”
A cold frisson of dread slithered through Keegan. “In truth?”
“Aye. When Da married my stepmother, that helped smooth it over because, through her mother, she was distantly related to the Murrays.”
Keegan nodded. “Now that you mention it, I remember my da talking about conflict with them many years ago, when he was a young man.”
“Aye. I’m hoping the Murray chief doesn’t get riled up again because of what’s going on with Lady Seona. Not that I fear him or his clan, but his second cousin is the Earl of Tullibardine, leader of all the Murrays. He has a massive army.”
Keegan hadn’t meant to put the whole MacKay clan in danger. But he couldn’t help falling in love with Seona. And he was glad he’d finally told her. He’d loved her for months.
“Peace is important to me,” Dirk said. “I don’t want the MacKay clan crushed because of some minor offense.”
“You mean because I’ve been caught with her?”
“That and the fact she was not able to marry the MacKay chief as her father had arranged.”
Keegan nodded. “Nor do I wish to put our clan in danger. I hope you don’t think me a fool when I say—” Hell, could he tell Dirk that he loved Seona without appearing completely mad? Dirk loved Isobel, and he’d told Keegan as much. Anyway, ’twas obvious to anyone who saw them together.
“Aye?” Dirk prompted.
“I cannot help that I love Seona, and I cannot live without her now. Surely, you of all people understand how I feel.”
“Of course, I do. I would’ve fought twenty men singlehandedly, if I’d had to, in order to keep Isobel.”
“I would do the same for Seona.”
A knock sounded at the door.
“Aye,” Dirk called.
Rebbie stuck his head in. “I thought I heard a woman’s screams.”
Dirk motioned him forward. Rebbie entered and closed the door.
“’Twas this scoundrel who caused it,” Dirk said. “He was discovered in Lady Seona’s chamber.”
“Och.” Rebbie grinned. “You are naught but a stag in rut, aye?”
Keegan’s face burned and he rolled his eyes. “’Tis not the way of it.”
“Watch him blush,” Rebbie said. “’Tis obvious he’s your cousin.”
Dirk frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
