Page 53 of His Secret Highland Bride

“I’d rather not put our brother at risk.”

“Ye may not have a choice.”

Shane nodded. He now had more to think about, not less. He accompanied Alec back to the bailey to help with training the men. If they were facing war, it wouldn’t do to have the men unprepared. They were a motley bunch, some too thin and small, others too soft and slow. He pushed them hard and taught them how to make quick work of an opponent so they could move on to the next and the next.

Fighting helped to clear his mind of everything but the sound of blade on blade and the sweat on his body. It gave him the opportunity to focus on one thing at a time. He was jumping ahead to thoughts of war. But there was a step to take before that happened. “I must bring charges against Deirdre and request the MacColls return her to us with what she stole to see justice served.”

Alec’s laughter cut short when Shane didn’t laugh. “You’re serious?”

“I am. I need to give them the chance to do the right thing before I escalate the matter to the king.”

His brother’s eyes went wide. “And what do you think he’ll do about it?”

“I served as a captain in his army for the last five years. I hope that earns me some regard.”

Alec only made a noise to indicate his feelings on the king’s regard.

“Just because the MacColls go outside of the law doesn’t mean I’ll do the same. I’ll do things properly so we can stand on the side of right.”

“I doubt any of us will be standing at all when this is done.” With that, Alec went back to the men. He would rather have had his war chief in agreement with his plans, but he knew Alec would do what was asked of him.

Still, Shane worried if this was the right thing. As he had come to do when he was unsure of a decision, he went looking for Lindsay after he’d stopped at the river to wash first. He found her in the cottage, playing with a knotted piece of fabric with the dog. The smile on her face creased with worry, and Shane hated that he relied on her so much. But she gave him hope and peace when he needed it most. She came to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“What has happened?”

He told her the truth. “Nothing, yet.”

She nodded. “I’ve made a mutton pie, and there is ale. Let’s first get you something to eat.”

He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until she mentioned the food. He nodded and sat at their small table as she brought their meal.

“Go on.” She encouraged him to dig in, which he did gladly.

After dinner, Lindsay seemed surprised when Shane led her outside toward the river. Tre ran off to find her own entertainments while Shane clasped Lindsay’s hand in his own. He needed air and space and the feel of his wife’s hand in his to bring him peace. But as they made their way to the side of the river, Shane realized he wanted more than the touch of her palm against his.

He wanted to feel her body and hear her pant his name as he took her to the edge of pleasure and tipped her over. He’d realized in his plans that he may not be able to get out of the arrangement with the Wallaces. Not knowing how much longer he might be able to call her his wife, he didn’t want to waste a moment of the time they had left.

He removed his plaid and spread it out on the soft grass. Their coupling came on quickly and almost rough with the need they both felt. She took control by straddling his body and rocking them both to perfect completion.

“Now, what is on your mind?” she asked as he lay in the thick grass, catching his breath. She knew him too well, but at the same time, not at all.

He chuckled and turned his head to face her. “Right this moment? Nothing is on my mind. It is completely blank, and I thank ye for it.”

She snuggled closer, and he wrapped her in his arms and tucked his plaid up around her before kissing her forehead.

They lay like that for a while, just relaxing and breathing. No sounds around them but for the birds in the trees who had regained their song after their moans of pleasure had scattered them.

Eventually, his temporary peace faded away.

He spoke his plans quickly and waited to hear her response.

Chapter Twenty

Something had been bothering Shane all evening, and even in the desperation of his lovemaking she felt his unease. She looked at him now, hoping he would trust her enough to share his burden. Even if she couldn’t help, talking about one’s burdens made them easier to bear. “Tell me what has you worried,” she said calmly.

He let out a breath. “Tomorrow, someone from the MacPhersons will leave to deliver a message to the MacColl laird. If they don’t return Deirdre and what she’s stolen, the MacPhersons plan to take the matter to the king.”

Lindsay nodded. “While I hope you are not the one sent to deliver the message for the laird, I do see it is the best first step.”