The Scot's Quest - Keira Montclair Page 0,7

while. You know how hard the ground can be.”

Derric threw his saddlebag and a few things onto a nearby chest as Alasdair turned to leave. Except he didn’t leave—he stopped at the door and said, “I hope you aren’t here to play with my cousin’s feelings.”

Perhaps Derric should have expected something like this, but he hadn’t. Alasdair had caught him completely off guard. He set his hands on his hips and asked, “What exactly do you mean by that?”

“I know you like to taunt Dyna, and I see something between the two of you. But remember, she’s not some camp follower to be used and tossed aside.”

Derric’s back bristled at the implication, but he reminded himself that Alasdair had a right to be protective of his cousin. And this was his castle—Derric was relying on his hospitality. “I would never do that to Dyna. I have more respect for her than any lass I’ve met other than my sister.”

“Good, although I do recall you not having much respect for your sister. Either way, you need to respect Dyna or you’ll have many to answer to here at MacLintock Castle. Or anywhere. Keep that thought foremost in your head while you’re a guest on MacLintock land.”

Alasdair gave him one final steel-eyed glance, then left. Bloody hell, but the man seemed to be more like Alexander Grant every time he saw him. Alex could unsettle him with just a look. He didn’t wish to have the same with Alasdair.

Derric slumped onto one of the beds, thinking over his words. He was lucky Alasdair had phrased it as a mild threat and not a question. In truth, he wasn’t quite sure what his intentions were. Did he need to think about it on MacLintock land with all of Dyna’s male cousins around?

He thought of Senga, how she’d been all soft and curvy, always smiling. He’d enjoyed her company, for certes, but he’d never considered marrying her. The only time they’d spent together had been in bed.

Then he thought of Dyna. Diamond was a challenge, but one that invigorated him. Talking to her was almost as much fun as kissing her, and he’d loved every minute he’d spent with her. She was easy to taunt and tease, but he only did it in fun. At first, she’d taken him too seriously, but now she seemed to understand that many of his comments were meant as jests.

She was the one he was drawn to, the one he’d come to see here on MacLintock land. Dyna was the kind of lass he’d marry, not Senga. But did he have a chance with her?

He intended to find out. Before he searched for Senga, he needed to understand this hold Dyna had over him. Why did he go to bed every night with ice blue eyes on his mind? Why did he keep reliving every conversation—and kiss—they’d ever shared? That had to mean something.

But what will you do if the lassie is your daughter?

He didn’t think it likely, but it was possible. And if it was true…

He knew the honorable thing to do would be to propose marriage, but could he? Knowing he and Senga didn’t suit would make it difficult to commit to marrying her. Especially since he cared so deeply for another woman.

He shook his head, telling himself to slow down. First, he needed to see if he and Dyna suited. Once he knew the answer to that question, then he’d seek out Senga, find out the truth of the wee bairn’s parentage.

A knock sounded at his door and he answered. Joya stood outside and said, “I have a meat pie and an ale for you. Elspeth brought some water to freshen up. The others will be leaving shortly, so don’t delay.”

“My thanks. I’ll be right along.” He took the small meal and Joya headed back down the stairs. Elspeth left a pitcher and departed as quickly as she’d arrived.

He washed his face and hands from the ewer of water Elspeth had brought, pouring it into a basin and using a linen square he found in the chest by his bed.

Then he left, a little unsettled that he was about to go hunting with the Grant men, all of whom probably felt as Alasdair did, but he reminded himself that he could learn from them. He’d certainly picked up sword skills from fighting with them.

He had to hope Dyna wouldn’t go along because she’d be a sheer distraction for him, and all of her cousins would