Page 402 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Twenty-One

Morning light streamed through the bedchamber window. Iain blinked, his eyes focusing on splotches of white that played havoc across his vision. He reached across cool sheets and discovered the space next to him empty. He released a slow breath. So, despite the fact his wife had accompanied him to bed when he at last discovered her in a favored spot overlooking Fauldun Castle, he’d woken up in very much the same state in which he’d gone to bed: alone. Iain fought the notion that her absence from his bed was an indication of an absence of heart.

He rose, wrapped his tartan around his waist in practiced haste, then made his way to the kitchen where Maude stood over a kettle boiling in the hearth.

“Have you seen my wife?”

Maude looked up. “She was here earlier. You may find her in your library.”

“Is she—did she—” Iain halted.

Maude gave him an amused look. He shook his head and headed for his library.

Once at the door, Iain opened it slowly and saw

Victoria, lounging on the sofa in front of the fireplace, feet tucked beneath her. Their eyes locked for a moment before he broke the silence.

“Good morning, love.”

She angled her head. “Morning, my lord.”

“I was hoping you would give me the pleasure of your company on a ride this morning,” he said.

“A ride?”

Iain nodded. “Johannas sent word they are ready to place the wheel in the water. He asked for you, and

I—”

“The wheel is ready?” Victoria jumped from her seat. “I would very much like to go.” Her expression turned pensive. “He asked for me?”

“Aye.” Iain crossed to where she stood.

“Oh.”

“Is something wrong?”

Victoria gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. “Nay, I just…”

“Just what?” Iain demanded.

“Why did he ask for me?”

“He thought perhaps you might like to see the results of your work, and there is the chance your guidance will be needed.” Iain drew her close so that the side of her face almost touched his chin. “Should there be another reason?”

She looked up at him, her brows drawn.

“Another reason?”

“You were expecting something else.”

She blushed and Iain’s senses jolted with a combination of lust and jealousy.

“I…I did not expect…that is, it did not occur to me they would think me of any further use.”

“Any further use?” The words came out harsher than intended, and she jumped.

“If you would prefer I not go…you did ask me to come. Have you changed your mind?”