Wicked Laird (Brethren of Stone 2)

Blair grimaced. “Mind yer own damn business.”

He didn’t want to admit what they both knew. He was tumbling into the same trap he’d been caught in the last time he’d fallen in love. And he couldn’t listen to Stone tell him how wrong he was again today. That would have to wait until tomorrow.

Elle sat in the hot tub and sighed for the tenth time. The warm water lapped at her skin, washing it clean was glorious.

She’d scrubbed her skin clean and a maid had helped her scrub out her hair. As she climbed out of the tub, she wrapped up in a fluffy garment and set about brushing out her long strands of hair. Part of her felt as though she shouldn’t enjoy this. But another wanted to tuck these memories away. Her time with Blair, the way she felt in his company.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

“Elle, it’s Eliza. May I come in?” Eliza called from the other side of the door. “I’ve brought some dresses for you to try.”

“Please do,” Elle called.

The door quietly opened and Eliza came in with a bundle of clothing in her arms. Setting them on the bed, Eliza moved toward her. “I’ll brush it for ye if ye’d like.”

“Oh ye don’t have to do that.” Elle started to stand. “You’ve been too kind.”

“Nonsense. I’d be happy to. Besides, it will give us a chance to talk.” Eliza gently pulled the brush from Elle’s hand and began to softly pull it through her damp tresses. “What beautiful hair.”

“Thank ye,” Elle answered. Eliza had been lovely but she wasn’t sure why she was being so kind. “How long have you and Stone been married?”

“Nearly two years. Stone’s parents had just died in a collapse in the mines and he was completely overwhelmed—though he wouldn’t admit it—taking over the earldom. I tease him that I only caught him in a moment of weakness.”

Elle hadn’t known that Blair had lost his parents at the same time in an accident. “How awful for them.”

Eliza nodded. “It was. But the siblings rallied together, they made a promise to care for one another and they do a good job of it.”

She understood and it her heart squeezed to know how much she and Blair had in common. “That is wonderful. I don’t know what I would do without Ailean. It’s the only way I’ve survived through everything.”

Eliza patted her shou

lder. “You’ve lost your father recently?”

“Yes, I did.” Elle took a breath. She wanted to tell Eliza about McKenzie. Though she’d just met the woman she’d longed for someone to talk to. In the village, she hadn’t dared say a word against him. “I went to a man for help right after my father passed but he took advantage of my grief. He was cruel and manipulative. It’s made it difficult for me to rely on anyone but myself.”

Tightening her grip on Elle’s shoulder, Eliza leaned closer. “I understand. Blair made a similar mistake. But it doesn’t mean Blair should never trust a woman again nor does it mean you can’t rely on a man. We all have errors in judgment, especially when we’re hurting so much.”

Elle understood. Deep down, she knew she could trust Blair. “Thank ye.”

“We’re all here for you Elle. In fact, Stone wants to help Blair more than Blair will allow sometimes. Blair is adamant that he start the business on his own. Won’t take any help.”

Elle caught her breath. She understood. “Maybe Blair wants to prove to the world that he’s strong.” Elle looked back at Eliza wondering if the other woman knew that was how she felt too.

Eliza gave her a kind smile. “Of course he is. But why not accept the help of people who care for you rather than suffering? We are stronger together.”

Elle closed her eyes. When she thought about Blair, it seemed obvious that he should accept the help of his brother. Should she follow that same logic? Though Blair wasn’t her family, he wasn’t like Malcolm either. His motivations weren’t selfish. “I have spent so long trying to be strong.”

Eliza began twisting her hair into an intricate pleat. “You’d make a fine match for Blair.”

That made Elle’s eyes pop back open. “Oh, I couldn’t. I’m just a girl from the village.”

Eliza gave her a grin. “So was I. And now I’m a countess.”

It was too much. Elle could trust Blair with her life. She was certain of that now. But her heart? She doubted it.

Chapter Eight

Blair sat around his family’s kitchen table. The kitchen was warm, full of life and laughter, and he relaxed back into his seat. Knowing his brother would help finance his business, he had a renewed sense that he could be successful, but it was nice to sit here with the people he loved.