Page 5 of Deception of a Highlander

Mariel waited for Kieran’s ready acceptance, but it did not come. Had she misjudged his interest?

“I dinna need a mistress,” he said and eyed her warily.

Frustration pricked her. She had acted too quickly, was too blunt, and now she would lose him if she didn’t smooth this over.

Her eyes swept over his powerful frame. “I don’t doubt your lack of need,” she said with a smile. “But I know I could make you happy.” Her finger trailed down the smooth fabric of his leine, following the carved planes of his chest beneath. “Very happy.”

His hand folded around hers and stilled the teasing gesture. “I said no.”

He was slipping away. She let her hand drop to her side and regarded him with a composure she did not feel. “Are you newly married?”

Kieran snorted as though he found the prospect distasteful. “I am no married.”

“You have a mistress already, then?”

“I have no mistress either,” he replied.

Her heart tripped with fear. “You are in love.”

The corner of his lip lifted in a sardonic smile. “I dinna have time for love. Nor do I have time for a wife.” He gave her a pointed stare. “Or a mistress, aye?”

His rejection stung no matter the reasoning. She was suddenly grateful for the allotted time. There might be a need for it after all.

If she had not already pushed him away.

Mariel forced a chuckle to lighten the heavy mood. “Then perhaps I can console my broken heart with your friendship. Come. Let us go inside before my dear maid becomes anxious over my absence.” A statement all too true, unfortunately.

If he did not follow now, she instinctively knew she would lose his interest forever. His rejection was not an option; her failure was not an option. Not with so much at stake.

No longer was Jack’s life the only one at risk, but now Kieran’s as well. If Mariel could not perform the task, the sympathetic Highlander would lose his life rather than his secrets. She met his dark eyes, and her heart flickered with sorrow.

Despite his obvious suspicion, Kieran pushed open the glass-paned door and motioned for her to walk ahead of him.

The uncomfortable warmth of the room was stifling as they left the cool silence of the night behind them. Yawning hearths glowed with red-hot embers on either side of the room lined in green silk an opulent expense meant to block out the cold. Mariel’s palms tingled with sweat.

She covertly scanned the crowded room for familiar faces. A habit borne out of necessity.

Jane appeared at her side and held out a plain metal goblet of wine. Her cheeks were flushed, and her amber eyes sparked with what could only be rage. Apparently, she had been informed of the new assignment as well.

“Thank you, Jane.” Mariel took the goblet with a smile but would do no more than put the cup to her lips. It was never wise to lose one’s head while on assignment. “Kieran, would you like Jane to get you something to drink?”

“I dinna care for English wine.” His response was curt, an indication that he still bristled from her folly outside. She may have lured him to her side, but she was still far from her goal.

Jane bobbed a curtsey and disappeared into the crowd, doubtless to find another of Aaron’s men to relate Mariel’s progress.

Several unoccupied chess tables stood near a large window, and an idea came to her. “Do you play?” she asked, nodding toward the table.

Kieran’s eyes followed the direction she indicated. “Aye.” His response was flat, and his face unreadable.

“Then let us play.” She grabbed his hand to pull him in the direction of the table. His palm was calloused and hard beneath her fingers. For all his noble status as laird, the man worked hard with his hands.

Mariel sank with grace into the dainty chair. “Jane has my purse. Perhaps we could wager something of a different nature?” She did not meet his gaze as she positioned the board, setting the yellowed ivory pieces in front of her and the chipped onyx before him. Would he take the bait?

“What did ye have in mind?” Caution laced his tone.

“If you win, I’ll leave you alone since I fear that is what you desire.”

He did not protest. “And if ye win?”