Page 368 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Fifteen

Iain repressed a laugh at the distracted nod the lass gave the woman who placed the supper plate on the meeting hall table in front of her. While it was impossible to hear her words from where he sat across the room, her polite, but preoccupied, expression was nothing new that day. Her attention was clearly divided between studying her surroundings, the crowd gathered for the evening and, most important, the MacPherson warrior whom she had come to understand was her guard. As her attention slid passed Iain, he caught the telltale flicker of her eyes and knew she realized he had been watching her. Her attention dropped to her food, confirming her wish to hide the fact she had been thinking of the very thing she had promised not to: escape.

“Where would you escape to, lass?” he wondered in a low voice.

“What is that you say?” Johannas asked from across the table.

Before Iain could respond, the door of the meeting hall swung open. The crowded room quieted and Iain turned. Samuel Menzies stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room until meeting Iain’s gaze. Samuel started forward, followed by three men, and stopped just short of Iain’s chair.

“Would have come sooner if I knew you were here,” Samuel said.

“I imagine so,” Iain replied. “Will you have a drink?”

The older man glanced at the bottle of whiskey.

“Dawilneh’s finest?”

“Nothing less.” Iain filled a glass and handed it to him.

In one quick swig, the liquid disappeared down Samuel’s throat. He let out a long whistle. “Still the best in all of Scotland.” He slammed the glass down on the table. “You know why I have come?”

Iain nodded. “Aye, Samuel. Though I had not expected you tonight.”

Samuel gave him a questioning look.

“I was told you were up north.”

“Come back early,” Samuel said with a grimace. “I am not overly fond of that side of the family, if you

know what I mean?”

“Family can be a nuisance,” Iain agreed.

Samuel looked around the room. “I see you brought men with you. Expecting trouble?”

“Should I be?” Iain asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“A man gets what he gives.”

“Only if he has given it.”

Samuel studied him. “Havena’ seen Kayleigh in some time.”

“You know what I have to say on that matter,” Iain said. “What is done is done. The girl is happy.

Would you have me tear her from her husband?”

“The lass is a Menzies,” Samuel answered heatedly. “She should have married one.”

“’Tis five years passed, man,” Iain said. “How long will you plan on carrying a grudge?”

“Until the debt’s paid.”

“You and I both know your daughter wanted to marry John,” Iain said with a weary sigh.

“Nay,” the old man argued. “The lad took her.

She had no choice.”