Page 64 of Defy the Highlander

Clegg had seen this coming. He knew what Lady Currie was going to offer and he knew what Brody was going to say because when he’d first come to the Ludus Caledonia, he’d made a point of asking if he could refuse to be bought by rich customers.

Therefore, he had been prepared for this moment.

“Lady Currie, our warriors are given a choice in matters such as this,” he said patiently. “I believe there have been one or two men who have refused you, so this is nothing new. If Brody does not choose to accept your money, then there are many others who will. You need not go away disappointed.”

Lady Currie was gearing up for a fight. “I do not want any others,” she said. “May I speak with you privately, Clegg?”

Clegg was already exhausted just looking at her. But he was a businessman and, above all, he had to be gracious. Even to spoiled tarts like Lady Currie. He nodded patiently.

“Of course,” he said, looking to Cam, who was still standing over by the door that led down into the staging area. “You and Brody will leave. Lady Currie and I have business to attend to.”

Cam nodded, motioning to Brody, who gladly followed him from the chamber. Lilia, still standing over by the couch, also fled. She didn’t even ask permission. In fact, she was close to tears and didn’t want Lady Currie to see her state, so leaving the situation was the best thing she could do. She knew Lady Currie wouldn’t miss her.

She had to find Brody.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

When Brody returned to his cottage, Lilia was waiting for him.

She was sitting in the dark on his bed and when he entered and closed the door, bolting it, she startled the hell out of him. In fact, he was about to grab her by the throat when he realized it was her, and then all he could do was pull her into a crushing embrace.

He’d never been so glad to see anyone in his entire life.

“I’m sorry, my angel,” he breathed. “I’m so sorry ye had tae see that. I would have spared ye if I could have.”

Lilia clung to him. “It wasna yer fault,” she said. “I knew what Lady Currie would do. It dinna make it any easier tae watch.”

Brody lifted her off the ground and took her over to the bed, setting her down upon it. He stood there a moment, looking down at her, feeling emotions roll through him like the surge of the sea. He was feeling so much that it was difficult to decide what, exactly, he was feeling at all. Everything was muddled.

He was muddled.

“Two pounds,” he muttered. “Laird Currie said it would take two pounds tae buy yer freedom?”

Lilia looked up at him fearfully. “Aye,” she said. “That’s what he said. Why do ye ask?”

Brody shook his head, exasperated. “Because that woman is going tae hound me, I know it,” he said. “I can see it in her eyes. She’s not used tae being denied. Mayhap I can borrow the two pounds tae buy yer freedom and then work it off somehow. Somehow, I must get ye out of Hawkhill and do it quickly.”

“Lady Currie is not used tae being denied,” she said miserably. “I warned ye.”

He stopped pacing and looked at her. “Ye know her,” he said. “What will she do now? She’s speaking tae Clegg and I dunna like it. What’s she saying?”

Lilia could only shrug. “I dunna know what she’s saying, but I can guess,” she said. “She’s trying tae force him tae command ye tae accept her offer. Will he?”

Brody was cooling off a little. Now, he was more fearful. “I dunna think so,” he said. “He told me I could deny her. I canna imagine he’d go back on his word.”

“Then ye’re safe, at least for tonight,” she said. “But I suspect we’ll be back tomorrow night and she’ll try again.”

“I’ll deny her again.”

Lilia watched him, feeling greatly comforted by his staunch resistance. There had never been any doubt, but he was almost rabid in his opposition. It was a gesture that proved everything he’d said to her – his devotion, his love. She was deeply touched by it.

They had a bond that no one, not even Lady Currie and her money, could break.

“Brody,” she said softly. “Sit down. Sit down and be calm.”

She was patting the bed next to her and Brody looked at it, looked at her, and realized just how agitated he was. His time with her was so far and few between that he didn’t want to ruin it with his anger. Smiling weakly, he ran his fingers through his dark hair and sat heavily beside her.

For a moment, they simply looked at one another, drawing strength from the sight and presence of each other. For a brief and shining moment, things were calm between them. They were together.