Page 28 of The Laird's Secret Bairn

Dougal’s eyebrow rose, slow and deliberate. “And how exactly did the two of ye plan to return eaten goods once they’ve been eaten?”

He was smiling, his attention entirely focused on her. He was doing a good job of ignoring Skye. It hurt her more than she thought it would.

“We hoped ye wouldnae be too cross, me Laird,” she said, lifting her chin in open challenge.

This time, Dougal did look into her eyes, but his smile had vanished. His expression was unreadable, partly because the mask hid half of his face, and also because he never let much show.

“Ah, did our hospitality nae satisfy ye, me Lady?” he drawled.

“I think Skye will make ye read or write something, Da,” Lily announced solemnly, sounding much older. “That’s what me governess does when she gives me that very look. Thank goodness I’m done with lessons for the day!”

Then she bolted to her room before either adult could respond, her kitten tucked under one arm.

Skye held her hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter. Lily was certainly full of energy, even more than some of the younger children she knew. The little one was a breath of fresh air and brought life to the castle, which Skye could see plainly.

She turned to follow her, but Dougal caught her arm gently. “Will ye nae make me read or write, lass?”

Skye wrenched her arm from his grasp, wanting no part of him to touch her, even though the moment he reached for her arm, a shiver ran through her, a reminder of the pleasure he had brought her in the drawing room.

Her eyes fell to his lips, before she looked away, blushing furiously. She had specifically told him no kissing, and yet here she was, letting her mind stray.

“Is this some sort of jest?” she asked seriously.

After their conversation last night, she couldn’t be sure that he wasn’t toying with her. The anger was still there. Dougal was choosing to let her see it because he wanted her to know.

“Nay. I only wished to thank ye. I havenae heard Lily giggle so recklessly in longer than I can remember.”

Skye frowned. She understood what Dougal was telling her, but it was also difficult to wrap her mind around.

“But she’s a child. She should be allowed to giggle recklessly every single day without anyone watching to make her feel small for it.”

“’Tis hard to be a child when?—”

“Ye’re someone’s secret,” she finished quietly, watching the words land.

Their conversation was now impossible to forget. She felt partly foolish for her words, speaking of things she clearly did not understand. But Lily had the right to run around, be happy, and laugh. She was but a child, and for that short time in one’s life, it was a chance to be free.

Dougal reached out and grabbed her arm again. This time, his grip tightened slightly, pulling her a half-step closer. “She isnae a secret. Her safety was entrusted to me, and I’m doing me best by her. Ye need to understand that.”

“And failing at everything else. What will her memories even be by the time she’s grown?” she challenged, unable to stop herself. “I understand yer need to protect her. She is a precious child, but she cannae stay within these walls forever.”

Dougal had no answer for that. He released her arm, before turning and leaving in an angry huff.

Skye stared after him, her chest tight with frustration that she couldn’t entirely explain, not even to herself. It was not her place to question how he raised the girl, not really, and yet she couldn’t shake the image of Lily hidden behind these four walls.

It was for her protection, Dougal had told her. He likely believed it, but he might be doing more damage than he realized.

Skye leaned against the wall, pressing her hand against the cool stone. Her heart was still pounding hard in her chest. It was just like last night.

She hadn’t meant to push so hard. Hadn’t meant to dig at wounds that were clearly still raw and tender.

Shaking her head, she decided she was going to go back to her room for now. She had done enough, and another interaction with Dougal would only end in disaster.

11

She wasn’t going to let Dougal ruin her mood.

He was frustrating. All she wanted to do was express concern for Lily. The young girl was terribly sheltered and lonely, seeking out friendships with animals.