Devils Own (Clan MacAlpin 2)

“That’s just fine coming from someone who’s not read a book in his life,” she muttered. Then, in as quiet a voice, she whispered the correct pronunciation.

Aidan was the only one to hear, and he met Elspeth’s eyes over the book. His quick nod and smile made her feel like his co-conspirator.

He read on, eventually stumbling once more. “ ‘Dish … dish—’ ”

Brows raised, he pointed out the passage, but the cottage had grown too dark. As she adjusted the page for a better look, their hands touched. Wildfire razed her senses. She thought he drew in a sharp breath, but she refused to look, fearful she’d just imagined it.

She thought she saw him glance to her mouth. The most peculiar light was in his eyes, and he looked at her with purpose, as he had before, and as before, she wondered if he might kiss her someday.

What would it feel like? Would he open his mouth to nibble her like a sweet? Would she taste him on her tongue? Perhaps, someday, before he sailed away again, called by distant shores, she might ask if he would kiss her. Just one, just once.

She’d ask as a favor. For surely she wasn’t Aidan’s type. Aidan’s type of woman would be dark and voluptuous, not pale and reed thin. His type would have full, red lips. She’d know when a kiss was imminent, and she’d lick those lips, sending her man a telling, lingering gaze.

Something overcame Elspeth—a bolt of courage, of desperation—and she flicked her tongue out ever so slightly, to graze her bottom lip.

Aidan sucked in a breath, and this time she saw it to be true. This time she saw that gaze alight on her mouth. She felt suddenly too hot by the fire, too trapped by her own skin pulling taut over her breasts, at her belly.

She heard her father’s

footsteps shuffle across the room, and it was a splash of cold water. He was watching, and she refused to give him any more reason to mistrust. She cleared her throat. “It’s dis—dishonoured. ”

“As in, what a man feels when forced to pay his debts in labor not coin,” her father grumbled, oblivious to the moment occurring by the fire. He’d been puttering about the cottage, in and out, fetching wood, stoking the fire, rifling through the cupboard. “You best get supper on soon, or we’ll be up till midnight. ”

She felt Aidan tense again, and knew a surge of anger. The last thing she wanted was for him to storm off, disgruntled, or worse, discouraged. She whispered, “It’s not as though he has a coin to spare. ”

Aidan’s laugh was a low rumble in his chest. Though she was too nervous to do anything but swallow her own laugh, she hoped her smile told him how much she was on his side.

“It’s dark, Elspeth,” her father said sternly. He spoke from over their shoulders, and she startled. “And though I don’t know the man who’d choose you for his seduction, it’s improper. You’d not be alone with the parson himself after dark. ”

She knew her anger could have no vent, and it tightened her lungs and set her pulse throbbing in her temples. When she answered, her voice was tight. “Aye, Da. ”

Aidan shut the book and shifted in his seat, and she wondered if she only imagined the feel of him bristling beside her. His knee touched hers for a pregnant moment. “The fence is almost done. ”

She felt the blood drain from her cheeks. If he was almost done with her fence, did it mean he was almost done with her too?

“So, I was thinking,” he began slowly, watching her father begin his puttering again, until finally the man stormed out the door, water bucket in hand. “Perhaps we should have our next meeting in daylight. ”

“Oh!” A little gasp escaped her lips. Aidan wasn’t done with her, after all. One more meeting—and perhaps she could devise a way to ensure one more after that. “Yes, that sounds lovely. ”

“Oh. ” He mimicked her, with a rakish grin. “You see, I’ve a … document I can’t quite puzzle out. ”

She kept a smile on her face, even as the fire in her heart dimmed just a little. He wanted to meet with her, not because he wanted to see her, but because he needed her to read something for him. She told herself it was just as well—so long as it meant she’d get to see him. “But of course. ”

Did he mean those mysterious papers she’d glimpsed once before? He’d guarded them jealously.

Her mood spiked as she considered the possibilities. He was likely involved in some sort of swashbuckling pirate business—a treasure hunt, perhaps. “I’d love to read your documents,” she said with enthusiasm.

A veil dropped over his face, making him seem grim and shuttered. “No, no, luvvie. You won’t be reading all of them. ”

Elspeth pursed her lips. He’d be thinking those thoughts again—that she was too weak, or too frightened. Or perhaps it was worse than that. Perhaps he simply didn’t trust her.

Whatever his reasoning, whatever his business, she had to find out what he was about. “Where shall we meet, then?” she asked, even as her mind raced with possible ways she could uncover his secrets, perhaps help him.

“Come see us at Dunnottar. Tomorrow. ” His grave expression vanished, and her handsome rogue appeared once more. He gave her a wink. “You can show me the library. ”

Aidan knew he should keep his distance from her. Elspeth was too smart by half, and she’d figure out his business in a trice.

And he was growing impatient besides. He’d taken too long with his studies, and had begun to fear the man with the pearl earring might slip through his grasp. Though he’d never breathe a word of concern to Elspeth—never would he want her to think herself a failure.