The Scot's Pursuit - Keira Montclair Page 0,13
to do. I could see that all the way from the gate.”
“A kiss,” Ware said, his lips pursing. “’Twas all. I was kissing my betrothed.”
Alick glanced quickly at Branwen to ensure he was reading the situation correctly. He could see the relief in her gaze, so he continued in his pursuit. “What you were doing is irrelevant to me. The relevant matter is that she was pushing you away. You need her permission, and you surely did not have it.” He stood about a horse-length away from the man and settled his hands on his hips, his sword easily within reach.
Not that he expected it to turn into one of those types of battles, but one could never be certain.
Ware reached for Branwen’s hands and clasped them within his own, a bit too tightly if Alick were to guess. “Tell him the truth, lass. Was I forcing you?”
Branwen glanced between them, her expression a blend of confusion and fear. Fear of being slapped again by her father. In fact, he was quite sure he knew who’d put that bruise on her cheek. Punishment for what they did last eve.
He held his hand up to Branwen. “Do not answer him. I could see you were doing your best to refuse him, and my sire is also a witness.” Turning back to Ware, he said, “Unhand her now and step away.”
“Nay, we are to wed soon.” He did release her, but he stood with his arms crossed in front of him like a defiant child who wouldn’t be swayed.
“’Tis irrelevant. My grandsire taught everyone on Grant land that a man needs a woman’s permission to kiss or touch her. Step away from the lass.”
A furious voice rent the air, and even though he’d only met with the man the previous night, Alick knew it was her sire. “Grant, stay out of this,” the man said, storming up to them. “I have given my consent to their marriage and to his courting my daughter. ’Tis not your affair.”
Da joined them too, his expression uncommonly serious as he quietly took everything in. “I am also a witness. Osbert, step away from the lass. Now.”
Osbert glared at him, but he did as he was told—only for Alick to take his place.
Ignoring him, the older man turned to Denton. “I’ll leave for now and speak to you inside, my lord.”
Once he left, Denton took Branwen by the wrist and yanked her behind him. “Leave her be, Grant. She’s taken.”
“I will make my intentions known. I’m asking permission to court her, Denton.” He caught the surprise that flashed across Da’s face before his expression settled on a smirk.
“Denied,” Denton said flatly.
It was obvious he hadn’t considered it, and Da did not let the insult stand. “Are you implying there is something wrong with my son, Arnald? He’s a fine man and one you should be proud to bring into the family.”
Denton finally lifted his glare from Alick. “Under other circumstances, I would agree with you, but he’s been overbearing to Branwen during our entire visit. I deny your son, and we will take our leave on the morrow. She’s betrothed to another.”
Da turned to Branwen and asked, “Has my son been bothering you at all, my lady?”
Her look was one of shock and horror, but Alick felt fairly sure it wasn’t his request that had horrified her. Or at least he hoped so. She shook her head and whispered, “Nay, he’s been most kind.”
She flinched, and he noticed Denton cruelly twisting her wrist.
Branwen whispered, “But he…”
Alick stepped forward until he was a hand’s length from Denton’s face. “Let go of Branwen’s wrist. I can see you’re hurting her. Don’t try to deny it.”
Denton’s only response was to slowly release his hold on Branwen, who quickly rubbed her wrist before hiding it behind her back. Her father said, “Branwen, walk ahead of me and go back inside the keep.”
She did as she was told, and Alick fought the instinct to pull her into his arms as she walked past him. Her sire glowered at him as he followed her. The moment they were out of hearing, Alick turned to his father. “I’m not giving up.”
“I’d be disappointed if you did,” Da said. “That lass needs a champion. And I might add that your mother and I were starting to wonder if you’d ever get serious about someone.”
“I’m going to talk with her uncle. The Earl of Thane will surely listen to reason.”
“Will he? He doesn’t support King Robert,