Page 37 of The Highland Heir

Arran appeared surprised. “He speaks to ye ofsuch things?”

Ella realized she shouldn’t have noticed orspoken of any of this. And, in truth, Kieran hadn’t exactly spokento her on this topic, regardless of how many times she’d askedhim.

Rather than answer, she simply shrugged andturned to Kieran.

“Do ye plan to spend the night with one ofthese women?” Ella asked him.

His brows came together in confusion beforehe asked, “What women?”

She laughed at his attempt to feignignorance. He winked, and her breath caught.

Arran had winked at her on at least twooccasions as they traversed up to the castle from Jenny’s cottage,and neither time had she reacted as she did when Kieran winked ather.

Perhaps it was just a matter of comfort. Ifshe were able to get to know Arran better, mayhap his winks wouldmake her breath catch as well.

If she left in the morning with Kieran, shewouldn’t have an opportunity to get to know Arran better. But tostay meant she would miss out on the short time she and Kieran hadleft together before everything changed. There would be time afterKieran wed for her to come back to Kildary and spend time withArran.

Mind made up, she leaned closer toKieran.

“I’ll be ready to leave with you in themorning.”

*

Kieran didn’t sleep well. He thought he waseager to be home, but as he dressed and went to get the horsestacked, he realized he was eager to leave Kildary with Ella, andfor their travels home more than arriving at home.

He was also dealing with a fair bit ofguilt.

He’d wanted her to choose him. But when shehad, he realized he’d been wrong to want that. It was a selfishthing no friend should have done.

To want her for himself when he could notgive her anything in return.

And worse was knowing he should bid her tostay so she’d have the opportunity to know Arran, but he was unableto speak the words.

He was not a good friend. He was amonster.

The cottage door opened, but instead of Ella,it was Jenny who came out. Kieran had a moment of unease thatperhaps Ella had changed her mind until he saw the scowl on Jenny’sface.

It was the same as it had been last nightwhen Ella had announced she would be returning home with him.

“I did not think you selfish like yourfather, Kieran Sinclair.”

Kieran didn’t care for being likened to hisfather. Rolfe was respected and well-liked by the clan as well asthe neighboring clans, but on a personal level, Kieran hoped not toever be like him. If he was one day blessed with children, he wouldnot treat them as his father had treated him.

“Am I to leave her here? Just run off andabandon her? She said she wanted to leave. I didn’t make her.”Kieran’s response was rather snappish, and he realized he was angrywith Jenny because she made him feel even more guilty over whathe’d done.

“You shouldn’t have asked. You must know howthe lass feels about ye. Do you wish to hurt her in this way?”

“Of course not. And we are friends. We havealways been, and I hope to God we will be able to remain so afterI’m wed. I don’t want to lose her friendship.”

Jenny shook her head and waved a hand athim.

“Ye Sinclairs. Ye do what you want withoutany regard to others and what is best for them.”

Kieran wanted to lash back at her, wanted toknow what right she had to compare him to his father when shedidn’t know him. But it didn’t matter, for Jenny turned sharply andwent back inside, letting him stand there holding their horses.

“Am I being selfish, Ridire?” he whispered tohis horse, who snorted and shook his head. “Thank ye, lad. I’vepacked an apple for you.” He patted his loyal mount.

When the door opened this time, Ella came outwith a smile.