her salaciously. The inspection left her uncomfortable, and she frowned. “What brings you out and about? I didn’t see you helping with the planting today.”
“Was that where you were? Ye do know that ladies do not work in the fields like common farm hands. They’re to breed our children and ensure our meals are hot, as well as our beds.”
Kenzie laughed. It was either that or smack the man over the head with his own caveman club. “I see you think highly of women.”
The oaf didn’t pick up on her sarcasm and merely narrowed his eyes. “Not particularly. Although I do care for my sister and that is where you and I cross swords, in a manner of speaking.”
“Oh. How so?” she asked, knowing her presence here had ruined all their plans. Or maybe it was her presence here that had ruined Ben. She started at the thought. Could it be her that caused his demise?
She wasn’t sure, but with time travel, anything was possible. Perhaps she had returned to this time and was the reason behind Ben’s death by whoever this unknown assailant was.
“Ye are a very fetching young lass, Kenzie. Are ye looking for a husband of ye own? I have not settled down as yet, and ye look the type who’d give me strong sons.”
Kenzie choked on her own shock. She cast Evan a glance. He was deadly serious. Again, a chill raced down her spine, and she was sorry for whoever it was who ended up with him. Something told Kenzie that he would be a hard and possibly cruel husband.
“I’m not interested, sorry. I’ll be returning home soon, in any case.” Kenzie threw a half smile at him, trying to butter her reply, but he didn’t fall for it and scowled.
“Yer too good for me then, is it, lass? Ye can warm the bed of the Laird of Ross, but not the future laird of Clan Grant? ’Tis insulting.”
Kenzie glared at the man. How dare he be so crude and vile?
“It’s also insulting that you’d say such a thing to me. If the Laird of Ross were here, would you be so honest in your opinions on what children I could birth you and how well I’d warm your bed?”
“’Twould be wise of ye to consider my offer. I think ye shall find that the laird and my sister will form an attachment, at some point, mayhap not as strong as the one between Ben and Aline, God rest her soul, but strong enough to tie the two families together once more. ’Tis only right that we have a voice in the upbringing of Alasdair.”
His words gave Kenzie pause. “I thought that was why you were here now. To renew your friendship and blood ties without marriage. You’ve certainly not mentioned this desire to the laird as yet and you’ve been here some weeks now. Or is there a different reason for your stay at Castle Ross?”
To kill the laird when opportunity strikes?
“Nay, you’re right, and we’d be sorely disappointed should someone come between our plans. Athol will take Aline’s place, and you shall leave or marry me with very little fuss.”
Kenzie’s temper snapped. “Oh, I’m leaving soon enough, but I won’t be marrying you, Evan Grant. I don’t think we’d suit at all.” If the man wanted a woman who’d cook, clean, and practically wipe his ass, she was most definitely not the woman for him.
“’Twould also be welcome if ye let Athol and Laird Ross spend some time with each other, without you as a distraction. I know the laird has taken a liking to ye, but if ye think you’re any different from the many other whores who’ve graced his bed, ye are fooling yourself.”
Jealousy coursed through her veins. Jealousy that was misplaced, since this thing, whatever this thing was between her and Ben was only short term. And damn the man, but he was right. Had she not come here, not just to this time, but to Castle Ross, Ben may have fallen for Athol, and they may have made some sort of future together.
Maybe it was her being here that killed him.
The thought filled her with dread, and she fought not to be sick. What have I done?
They arrived back at the castle together, not without a few odd looks from the guards at the gate or those who patrolled the battlements. Kenzie dismounted quickly and went inside to seek out Ben. She had to talk to him, make him