Scot to the Touch (The Hots for Scots #7) - Caroline Lee Page 0,31

so relaxed,” Kiergan quipped with a wink. “Why, I almost heard ye laugh once!”

As Alistair shook his head with a smile and returned to his spot at his desk, Kiergan chuckled. Teasing his twin brother was one of life’s joys, but in the last several years, it had become almost an act of desperation as he’d watched Alistair slip further into his work. Lara had brought the humor back into Alistair’s life, as well as love. She’d taught him to relax, and as far as Kiergan was concerned, that was worth his weight in gold.

Well, mayhap Alistair’s weight. Or Macolm’s weight. No’ Rocque’s weight. Nae one has that much gold.

“What are ye thinking?”

His brother’s question interrupted Kiergan’s musings, and not wanting to explain the maudlin bent of his thoughts, he pretended to study the passageway door. “I was wondering how often the passages are used these days. How much sneaking around is really going on, I wonder?”

Davina had left her chamber and entered his. Had she seen anyone else? If Kiergan took a stroll through the passage one night, would he run into any of his brothers?

And why did it matter?

Because it might be a clue to the mystery that is Davina MacKinnon, seeing as how she kenned of the passages.

It might help explain why she came to his bed, but still claimed to hate him.

Mayhap ‘twas because of the unimaginable pleasure.

Unimaginable pleasure…

Davina had said that the other night, as she crawled atop him.

But then…then Kat had used the same phrase at the stream.

They’re sisters. ‘Tis likely they spoke about it, or some such.

Aye, but then why did Katlyn not mention discussing such with her sister, when she and Kiergan were discussing Davina’s mysterious claims?

“I dinnae ken.”

Alistair’s statement, in the midst of Kiergan’s musings, had him frowning.

“What?” Kiergan’s gaze flicked between his brother and the passageway door.

There was an amused smirk on his twin’s face. “Ye asked if I kenned how often the passageway was used, and I dinnae ken. Ye’re as distracted as Malcolm this afternoon.”

“Aye.” With a sigh, Kiergan scrubbed his hand over his face. “And I have first watch on the wall tonight, so I’ll miss the evening meal. Remind me no’ to tease Rocque again, aye?”

Alistair snorted. “I remind ye every damn time and have for years. It doesnae help, ye clot-heid.”

Managing a rueful smile, Kiergan shrugged as he backed out of the room. “What can I say? I’m a glutton for punishment.”

“Ye are.” Alistair waggled the scroll Kiergan had brought him, which contained the final version of Nessa’s most recent betrothal contract, waiting only for Da’s signature before it would be sent. “And remember, Rocque had fish last night.”

The reminder had Kiergan wincing as he headed for his chamber. He needed to ready himself for the evening’s watch and knew he couldn’t spend too much time staring at the darkness and thinking about Kat—nay, Davina. He should be thinking of Davina, should he not?

And then, when his watch was over, mayhap he could return to his room via the secret passageway. Just to see what he could learn about the MacKinnon sisters.

Both of them.

Chapter 7

“Thank ye so much for yer kind words, lass!” Moira, the Oliphant housekeeper, was beaming. “ ’Twas unexpected of ye to go out of yer way just to offer a compliment.”

Embarrassed her praise had garnered such an enthusiastic response, Katlyn clasped her hands in front of her and stared down at the cobblestones in the courtyard. “I meant every word,” she said quietly. “The meals have been spectacular, and I ken how much work goes into running a castle of this size.”

“Och, dinnae…” The older woman trailed off, then clucked her tongue disapprovingly.

When she lightly touched Katlyn’s arm, Kat lifted her gaze to see Moira’s worried look melt into satisfaction.

“There ye are, lass,” she said softly, and patted Katlyn’s arm. “Ye are a lovely woman, and although I can imagine ye’ve dealt with whispers and fear, ye must ken that nae one here will judge ye poorly.”

It was a kind thing to say, but Katlyn knew the way of—

Actually, she’s right.

The realization caught her by surprise. Moira was right. Since she’d arrived at Oliphant Castle, she couldn’t think of a single person who’d flinched or looked away from her mis-matched gaze. There’d been some stares of course, but no one had condemned her or cursed her.

Moira must’ve seen her eyes go wide in realization, because the older woman chuckled and patted her arm yet again. “See, lass? I’m right, am I