Scot to the Touch (The Hots for Scots #7) - Caroline Lee Page 0,50

them.’ ”

“One lover, and since when did ye become a prude, laddie?” Da snapped in return as Kiergan reached the secret door. “Ye dinnae adore Moira as much as yer brothers do?”

Kiergan frantically tried to figure out how to open the door from this side, as Duncan snorted again. “I love her, and I’m happy for the two of ye. Just dinnae claim ‘tis important historical significance when all ye use it for is—”

“Without them, I wouldnae have my Lara,” Alistair interrupted in a reasonable tone. “So I think they’re impor—”

“Shut yer mouths, all of ye,” Kiergan growled, rattling at the door. “I need to listen!”

His brothers and father immediately quieted, and Rocque even stepped up beside him to listen at the door. Naught. And there was no way to open it from this side.

“Fook,” whispered Kiergan. Then he beat his fist on the door. “Kat? Are ye aright? Answer me!”

“Kiergan!” hissed Malcolm, and Kiergan spun to see the scholar pointing to a spot on the other side of the hearth.

Kiergan and Rocque stepped back in time to see the other door swing fully open, and Katlyn was revealed in the passageway, looking out at them. She was breathing heavily, and her eyes were wide. Kiergan reached for her, but she put her hand up and stepped back.

“Did she come out?” Katlyn blurted. “Vina? Did she come out this way?”

Shaking his head, Kiergan had to tell her the truth. “Nay, love. Ye’ve only been in there a few moments, but we havenae seen either of ye.”

And it was her turn to mutter a curse. “I’m going back in after her.”

She turned around, and Finn—who was closest—blurted, “No’ alone,” and stepped in after her.

The door slammed shut, and Kiergan felt like punching something. He hated this standing around waiting, feeling useless!

Rocque’s big hand settled on his shoulder. “Easy, Kier,” he murmured, and Kiergan tried to remember to breathe as each moment stretched.

There was a click from the first door, and he lunged to put his hand around the edge to ensure it wouldn’t swing closed again. But when Davina saw him, she yelped and backed into the darkness.

“Where’s Kat?” Kiergan snapped. “Did ye see her? Ye must’ve passed her!”

But Davina just shook her head and turned to dart back into the darkness. The sound of running feet had Kiergan turning to see Finn barreling toward him from the opposite direction. Kiergan ducked out of the passage just in time to avoid being slammed into.

“Did ye see him?” Finn panted. “He— The intruder was just here!”

Kiergan’s eyes widened. “Graham? He’s in here?” Frantically, his gaze swept the dark tunnel.

“I’m chasing the crazy bastard. There!” Finn pointed into the darkness and took off at a dead run.

“Kiergan?”

When he heard his name being called from the great hall, Kiergan stepped back out of the passage, keeping the door propped with his foot. Katlyn was hurrying toward him, around the hearth, and the band which had been squeezing tight around his chest began to ease when she slipped her hand into his.

“Vina is still in there,” Kat said, shaking her head, “but I couldnae convince her to stop. I think… Is it possible she kens Graham? I saw him in there, and I think she did as well.”

Kiergan turned doorstop duty over to Rocque, then whistled to get his brothers’ attention. “Graham’s in there. Finn is chasing him, and we think Davina might ken him.”

“Of course she kens Finn—” Rocque began, but Malcolm cut him off with an uncustomary rude gesture.

“He means she kens Graham.”

Rocque grunted in understanding. “She could be in danger.”

When Katlyn made a noise like a quiet whimper, Kiergan knew he couldn’t let her continue to wonder. “I’m going in after her.”

Katlyn’s hand tightened around his for a moment before she released him. He glanced at her, and she smiled slightly. “Because that’s what leaders do,” she whispered, then stretched up to place a kiss on his cheek. “Be safe, my love.”

My love.

She hadn’t said the words otherwise, but that was good enough for him. Feeling bolstered, Kiergan took a deep breath and pushed the secret door open wider.

Darkness engulfed him once he took a few steps down the passage.

Damnation. We have to put some sconces or candle niches or something in here if we’re going to keep popping in and out so often!

Placing his left hand along the wall, he stepped in the direction of the other door. “Davina? Vina, sweet, yer sister is worried for ye. Let us sit down—in

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