Fire Maidens Scotland (Billionaires & Bodyguards #6) - Anna Lowe Page 0,34

eyes around, and Lachlan did too. The only other buildings that could offer any form of shelter were the cold, dreary manor house that hadn’t been used in years, the garage, the work shed, and the—

“The millhouse,” Holly announced. “If we can clear out enough cobwebs, that is.”

Lachlan’s breath caught, and he prayed Holly was bluffing. There was no way he could spend a night there with her. The place held far too many memories.

Which was downright illogical. Shelter was shelter, as he could attest from many a night spent bivouacked in dicey locations under rain, hail, or enemy fire. He hadn’t let emotions rule him then. Why were they a factor now?

Because it’s Holly. Our destined mate, his dragon snarled.

“The millhouse?” Natasha snorted. “That old, musty place?”

Lachlan’s dragon growled. It’s not musty. It’s special.

Too special, Lachlan feared. It was hard enough holding back his inner beast around Holly as it was. If they entered the millhouse, who knew what might happen?

Oh, I promise I’ll be good, his dragon lashed its tail, filling his mind with steamy images.

Holly, meanwhile, shrugged casually. “Good thing I brought a sleeping bag.”

Natasha looked horrified. “A sleeping bag?”

Holly nodded. “I just hope my allergies don’t act up in there, what with all the dust. I’d get a room in town if I could, but they’re so expensive.”

Lachlan frowned. If there was a room to let in town, he doubted it cost more than a few quid. Of course, Holly’s worn-out trainers and rugged rucksack did scream budget tourist.

“You could stay at your father’s,” Natasha pointed out to Lachlan.

He did his best to sound regretful. “Alas, we can’t. My father hasn’t been well, and he doesn’t want to be disturbed.”

A lie, but not a lie. His father was always curt and surly, and he never wanted to be disturbed.

Holly clapped as if struck by a grand idea. “Oh! I know. You can stay with us in the millhouse. Then you wouldn’t have to drive back to Edinburgh. You, me, Lachlan, and Mungo.”

Natasha crinkled her nose. “The dog?”

“Sure. It will be fun.” Holly glanced at Mrs. Killin. “There’s an outhouse, right?”

Mrs. Killin nodded earnestly. “Yes, miss. I can bring over a loo roll if you wish.”

Natasha backed toward her Mercedes. “No thank you. I’ll return for father’s things another time.”

Holly managed to look downcast. “Are you sure you want to drive all the way back to Edinburgh?”

Natasha gave her one last, contemptuous look before sliding into her Mercedes. “I’m quite sure. I’ll be back to check on you — I mean, to chat — later.”

Lachlan’s nostrils flared. To check on them — or to ensure Holly met a tragic end?

Natasha gunned the engine and roared away, scattering gravel.

For a long time, Lachlan, Holly, and Mrs. Killin stood still, watching until the car revved out of sight. Then Holly broke into a smile and stuck a palm in the air.

Lachlan cocked his head.

“High five.” She sighed. “Surely you know how to high-five?”

He did, as he demonstrated, but his heart wasn’t in it. Not until he knew just how far Holly’s bluff went. He glanced at Mrs. Killin. “Must we really spend the night in the millhouse?”

The older woman broke into a huge grin. “Of course not.” Then she sighed and looked at the sky. “I think Trevor would have gotten a good laugh out of that.”

“‘The house is off-limits? Sealed off until his will is read in full?’” Lachlan asked.

Holly shrugged. “I saw it on a crime show.” Then she grinned and went over to Mrs. Killin. “High five.”

The elderly housekeeper giggled and executed what had to be the first and last high five of her life. Then she shooed them into the house.

“Come along, then. I’ve got the tea on. And three guest rooms prepared for the night.”

Holly’s step hitched. “Three?”

Lachlan nodded. “Tony.” He checked his watch, more eager than ever for his friend to arrive.

* * *

“So,” Holly announced an hour later, slowly pulling the next envelope from Trevor’s instructions. The one marked To be opened in my study. “Shall we?”

Lachlan nodded, letting her lead the way. Actually, Mungo did, pushing ahead of them, his tail wagging furiously. When he stopped and sniffed forlornly, Holly bent and hugged him.

“It’s okay, Mungo. It’s okay.”

Lachlan’s chest squeezed, and he took a deep breath before stepping into the study. It wasn’t just sad — it was strange entering the oak-paneled room without Trevor. In fact, entering would have felt wrong if it hadn’t been for Holly. Being there with