hand to stop his pacing. “You have a good life here, Aedan. Jinny is happy where she is. You should think of Gwen, of your people, and yourself. It’s time to let go of this hatred. Forget the O’Cains. I don’t want to leave and be worrying about you back here.” The anger she sensed thrumming through him abated a little and she smiled.
He shook his head. “So ye’d worry about me, lass? Perhaps I ought to declare war just so I know you’re thinking of me.”
Abby laughed at his teasing that edged toward real feelings. Something she couldn’t let happen. Aedan needed to be kept locked away in the “holiday fling” box, and nothing more. “I think you know I’ll never forget you, or my time here, and of course, I’ll worry about you when I leave. But your future is about to start, and it’s a future that although it doesn’t involve me, also shouldn’t involve war.”
Her reply caught his attention like she knew it would.
“I find my need for a wife has waned and certainly a wife who’s biddable—who is seen and not heard—is no longer what I desire.”
A warm glow spread within her. “You’re not allowed to fall for me, Aedan. It’s against the rules.”
“How can I not?” He clasped her jaw, tilting her face up to meet his. “The thought of ye leaving me rips my soul in two. I cannot imagine not seeing you next to me in the morn, to watch as you walk around the grounds, taking pleasure in my home as much as I adore you.”
Tears burned her eyes, and she blinked to clear her vision. “Don’t say that.” She pulled away, needing space from the man who consumed her every thought. Damn it. I’m never going to be able to keep him in a box. “Getting back to what’s important, I don’t think you should declare war on the O’Cains. I think it’s a mistake you’ll live to regret.”
He pulled her close to him again and nodded. “I’ll think on yer advice and I promise I’ll not act hasty or without thought.”
He kissed her softly, the barest touch that left her longing for more. He was saying what she wanted to hear, placating her.
“Come, we must join the games,” he said, walking toward the door. “A good sword fight is just what I need.”
She smiled, sensing his troubles were far from over. “Actually, now that you mention that, I need to ask something of you.”
“What is it?” he asked, walking over to where he kept his swords and a varied amount of knives.
“I need you to lose if you happen to face Clan Scot.”
Aedan slowly turned toward her, confusion marring his brow. “And why is that?”
“I haven’t told you this, but Mae Scot’s brother wants her to marry into Clan Kirk, some laird named Rory. Well, apparently, he’s horrid and she’s in love with someone else. The prize today is money, isn’t it?”
“Aye.” He crossed his arms, giving her his full attention.
Abby tore her gaze away from his magnificent pecs and back to his eyes. “If they win some money, it may grant her a little time. She’s petrified she’ll be left at Clan Kirk’s estate on their travels home.”
“I can understand her concern.” Aedan turned back to his swords and picked up the two he wished to use. “I’ll see what I can do. I canna promise ye I’ll lose, though, lass. It’s not in my nature to do so.”
“Well, there are some large men lined up for this competition today. You may not even make it past the first round.” Abby grinned at his glower. “Are you sure you’re up to it? You do seem a little older than the other men. I’d hate for you to get hurt.”
He scoffed at her words, but Abby could see the laughter in his eyes. “Ye worry is for naught. Come on,” he said, gesturing for her to join him at the door.
Abby took in his muscular shoulders, large hands that were strong and able. You’d be an idiot, indeed, to dismiss the might of a Scotsman with a steel blade in his hands. It made her feel a little sorry for the men going up against him today, as it was obvious Aedan had a lot of pent up tension he needed to expel. But still, she hoped he would listen to her thoughts about the war. Even if only a little bit.
Aedan had fought through two opponents already, but