Page 55 of Highland Spy

Ariana swallowed. She’d already blundered thus far, she might as well broach what she needed. “Angus MacAlister.”

To her great surprise, Isabel laughed, a lilting sound filled with genuine gaiety.

“Well, you’ve found him, my dear.” Her eyes danced with mirth. “He’s my husband. And if you’d like to warm his bed, I’m sure he’ll talk endlessly about himself and you’ll get whatever you wanted out of him. In fact, I’d be most grateful.”

She rose from the table in a graceful, sweeping motion. “I think we can work out a private discussion on my husband if you come into my employ. I do hope I’ll see you again, Bess.”

Ariana nodded. “Aye, my lady, I’m sure ye will.”

It was not until she was finally free of the tavern did she realize her great victory.

Not only did she know Angus MacAlister’s location, she also had a way to get to him.

Her first lone mission had been a success.

Chapter 14

Ariana had the information Connor needed and she wouldn’t waste a moment in getting it to him.

She raced up the stairs of the keep, her heart slamming in time to the quick, steady slap of her feet upon the worn stone.

She’d done the mission completely on her own, she’d gotten what she set out for and she hadn’t gotten lost on the way back.

Victory warmed her from within and kept the cool night air from touching her.

She stopped at the landing and her pulse quickened.

Light framed the door of the solar.

Connor was still awake.

She made her way down the dark hall in a rapid succession of bouncing steps. Her excitement was far too great to be contained. It was like trying to capture the brilliance of the sun between one’s hands.

She didn’t stop when she reached the door. She placed her hot palms against the cool, smooth surface and pushed it open.

The room was darker than usual, the hearth little more than a red glow of fading embers outlining Connor’s body in front of it.

He did not turn around. “Close the door.”

His voice was quiet with a tone she couldn’t name, but it curled around her heart and snuffed out the brilliant sun of excitement she’d so eagerly held.

She pushed the door closed.

His shoulders lifted and fell, as if he were taking a deep breath.

“Come here.” Again, too quiet, too ominous.

Ariana swallowed, her throat tight, and walked toward him on stiff legs. Deep within, she bristled at her own obedience.

What she’d done had been the right thing.

Surely he would understand once she explained the information she had.

He didn’t turn to her even when she stood directly beside him. The wavering light of the hearth bathed the front of him in a reddish glow—his folded arms, the seriousness of his carved expression, the way his forefinger tapped against his bicep.

It was never good when his forefinger tapped.

It was a familiar movement at practice when someone made the same mistake too many times, or when Sylvi challenged him.