Page 28 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

Cam misunderstood what was bothering him. “Do you think you’ll not get their support?”

“I understand my da has moved up the ranks since marrying the laird’s daughter,” Bryce said.

“Is that his fourth wife?”

“Nay, fifth. I hope this one is of fair health. And that she has provided enough influence I may use to my advantage.”

“Influence is one thing. Connection is another. You’ve not spoken to your father in many years.”

“I visited a year or so after…” He didn’t need to speak of the event out loud. Cam would know what that pause meant. “I have seven half brothers and sisters. They write.”

He moved out from under Cam’s heavy strike and twisted to offer his own blow, but Cam blocked him.

“Did you wish me to join you when you go see him?” Cam asked when they took a break.

“Nay. You have your own duties here with your house. Your wife is increasing and will need your help.”

“I’ll still be able to run the men through their drills every morning in your absence.”

Bryce turned to eye Liam. He was eighteen now, a man, and Bryce would have put him in charge if not for the fact Lach was sending him on an errand soon as well.

“If you could manage that, I’d be obliged,” he told Cam. “I don’t want them getting soft while I’m away.”

“I’ll see it done,” Cam promised.

“Tomorrow I’ll be leaving to check the borders. I’ll leave for the Campbells when I return. I would already have been off if not for needing to see Dorie settled. She slept like a rock last night, no doubt exhausted after her ordeal.”

“She’s definitely had her share of struggles lately.”

“I think the lass is used to struggles. It’s obvious she hasn’t had the best life thus far.” And then she’d married the likes of him. After becoming his wife, she’d been poisoned and nearly killed in a fire. Dorie McCurdy MacKinlay was not high on luck. Though she was still alive, when his Maggie was not.

Cam shook his head. “You mean because it’s possible her own father planned to kill her to get out of an accord with us?”

“Aye. But I don’t want her to know about that.” Bryce might not be the best husband, but he would do what he could to protect her. That meant sparing her additional grief. He’d keep her safe.

“But she’ll need to be guarded in case there’s another attempt.”

“I understand, but I can have her guarded without telling her the why of it.” He didn’t think it would come as a surprise to Dorie, but there was a matter of expecting such a thing and knowing it to be true. “She’s my wife. She’ll do as I say.”

Cam laughed at this. “If you’ve found a wife who listens to ye, you are blessed indeed.”

Bryce knew Dorie was strong, she’d proven that by her very existence— She’d survived life with the McCurdys. But he couldn’t hurt her in that way. To know that her own father would rather kill her than honor his agreement. It would break the lass’s heart.

He’d never been one to push his men to alleviate his anger, but as he snapped orders to the lower ranks he had to admit it did make him feel slightly better.

But whatever relief he’d gained during drills was short lived, and by dinner he was restless again. Dorie entered the hall in her borrowed gown and new shoes. Her hair had been brushed. He took in her slender ankles which were revealed by the dress that was too short for someone of her height. He swallowed as he noticed the curve of her hips. She’d been so thin when she arrived, but those new curves were enticing.

She smiled at something Mari said and he felt his stomach flip in excitement. Nay. Surely it was just hunger. He hadn’t eaten since the morning meal. That was all.

“Doesn’t Dorie look lovely?” Mari encouraged when they arrived at the table.

“She looks better than she did this morning,” Bryce agreed, earning a glare from Kenna and a sad frown from Mari. Dorie continued to smile as if she’d taken his rude comment as a compliment. He should have done better. It seemed his wife was as unused to receiving compliments as he was at giving them.

“The three of ye ladies do our clan proud. We don’t deserve such lovely brides,” Cam said. Mari fluttered her lashes at him and offered a smile that foretold of an early departure to their chamber.

Bryce had always been a flirt in the past. Charming women was an amusing way to pass the time. Especially since it never led anywhere. A few sweet words here and there didn’t cause any harm. But he’d grown rusty.

He drew on the skill that seemed to have abandoned him since he’d been forced into marriage. “You look fetching,” he said quietly, just for Dorie.