Highlander Most Wanted Page 0,71

set to rumor that he was intent on killing someone again. His brother and Brodie hurried to him in the courtyard, their concern apparent as they approached.

“What ails you?” Teague asked warily. “I hear you’re on another rampage.”

Brodie stood silent, watching the interchange between the brothers as if he was loath to intervene in any way.

Bowen arched an eyebrow. “What makes you say such?”

“We were told you had plans to kill another McHugh. I wanted to see what sin had been committed this time.”

Irritation bit sharply at Bowen. “You say that as if there was no sin committed before.”

Teague’s eyes narrowed and he suddenly became very serious. No longer were his words flippant or drawn out for effect.

“The lass’s being attacked hardly constitutes no transgression.” His brow was etched with anger and his eyes blazed. “ ’Twas not my intention to discount what the lass went through. ’Tis enough. She should suffer no more. No matter my feelings about her or the sins she has committed. No one deserves such treatment.”

Bowen crossed his arms over his chest and nodded his satisfaction. “ ’Tis glad I am to hear you say so.”

Teague scowled. “How could you think otherwise? I believe you’ve handed me great insult. When have I ever condoned the mistreatment of those weaker, especially a mere slip of a lass?”

“I’d rather not have to break up a fight between the two of you,” Brodie said in a calm voice. “The word was spread that you entered the hall in a killing rage and that surely another McHugh life would be forfeit. Teague and I merely came to ascertain your demeanor for ourselves.”

Bowen snorted. “ ’Tis true enough I scowled at the lot of them, but I’ve not shed any more blood. Not yet. But the day is still young. I may have a need before ’tis over with.”

Teague lifted his chin in Brodie’s direction. “I say we don’t allow him all the amusement.”

Bowen chuckled and shook his head. “I aim to make my point loud and clear. Consequences will be outlined for disobeying my directive where Genevieve is concerned.”

Teague stared at him a long moment and then lifted his gaze to Brodie. “Would you excuse us a moment, Brodie? I’d like to have a word alone with my brother.”

Brodie nodded and slipped away, disappearing around the corner of the keep.

Bowen raised one inquiring eyebrow in Teague’s direction.

“What are your plans for the lass?” Teague asked bluntly. “And I don’t mean what do you intend to do with her as far as punishment or retribution. ’Tis obvious you have a keen interest in her. I’m more interested in your personal plans for her.”

Bowen frowned. “I’d say ’tis none of your affair.”

“Don’t hand me that,” Teague muttered. “Think on this, Bowen. Do not do this to the lass. You want to bed her. ’Tis plain as the nose on your face. She isn’t a lass to be casually bedded, and you should well know this. I may have reservations where she is concerned, but she’s been hurt enough. Don’t take advantage of her in this manner.”

Bowen stared in shock at his younger brother. “You insult me, brother. Who says I have any intention of casually bedding the lass? Moreover, ’tis none of your affair what my actions are toward Genevieve. You’ve made your judgment of her clear.”

Teague shook his head. “Nay, I have not. I have eyes. I can see how tormented the lass is. I can see what has been done to her spirit. ’Tis enough to turn my stomach. You make a game of bedding lasses. You use wit and charm to woo them into your bed, and then you move on to another challenge. I’m merely telling you that you should have more respect for Genevieve than to simply make her another conquest.”

Bowen’s lips curled and he bared his teeth. They ground together until his jaw pained him. He advanced on his brother, a low growl emanating from his throat.

“I love her,” he said fiercely. “She is not some passing amusement. The last thing I’m going to do is hurt her. I’ll kill anyone who tries.”

By saying it aloud, he thought perhaps it might seem silly to him. That perhaps he’d been swept up in the moment with Genevieve and that maybe he wasn’t quite to the point of love yet.

But he was dead wrong. The words felt right on his lips. Saying them aloud only confirmed what his heart already knew. He was well and truly in