Kilts and Daggers Read Online Free PDF Page B

Fagan’s voice, any fool knew that he didn’t want to escort her, but when Grace heard “ bhana-phrionnsa ” fall from his lips for the hundredth time, she’d had enough.
    â€œLaird Sutherland,” she interrupted vehemently. “I can assure you this princess will be just fine escorted home by her betrothed’s men.” She looked at Fagan, and her eyes clawed him like talons. When he glowered at her in return, she turned and smiled at Ruairi. “Thank you for your kindness, but there truly is no need—”
    â€œOch, lass, while ye stay in the Highlands, ye are my responsibility. Fagan will escort ye home, and ye have nay voice in the matter.”
    Ravenna placed her hand on Ruairi’s arm. “I know you mean well, but what about—”
    â€œYe know better than that, Wife. Everyone under my roof is my responsibility. I have a duty to protect them. I will not leave your sister’s safety to chance. Lady Grace will be escorted home by my captain and his men. Now there is naught else to be said on the matter.”
    Ravenna may have been silenced by her husband’s dark expression, but Grace refused to let any man, especially a Highlander, decide what was best for her. She was about to speak when Fagan shot Ruairi a withering glance and something unspoken passed between them.
    This time when Fagan spoke to Grace, the tone in his voice was rather pleasant. In fact, the man even smiled, and when he did, Grace found his grin to be irresistible. Perhaps Ruairi had given his captain a good scolding, because it was about time someone brought that wild dog to heel.
    In a desperate attempt to try to dismiss the strange aching in her limbs, Grace depicted an ease she didn’t necessarily feel. At least that was her intent until Fagan stepped forward and she found herself taking a quick, sharp breath. He lifted her hand, and when their eyes met, she felt a shock run through her.
    â€œMy dearest lady, Scotland will nae be the same without your presence. It would be my pleasure to escort ye back to England.” A devilish look came into his eyes. “I will count the days until your safe return.”
    What. An. Idiot.
    God, how she wanted to say those words aloud. When Ruairi tried to cover Fagan’s words with a cough, Grace realized she never should’ve assumed anything about Fagan Murray. As he stood there with his sparkling emerald eyes, so arrogant, mocking Daniel’s words, she wanted nothing more than to wipe that bloody smirk off his face.
    She closed what little distance was left between them and whispered, “Eyes are not the only thing I know how to blacken, Mister Murray.” When he swallowed hard, Grace knew she’d won this particular battle.
    â€œGrace!”
    Ignoring Ravenna’s reprimand, Grace pulled her hand from Fagan’s grasp, lifted her skirts, and left them all standing in the bailey with their mouths agape.
    * * *
    â€œPlease let me apologize on behalf of my sister. Sometimes Grace’s behavior is rather—”
    â€œOch, Ravenna, ’twas naught that wasnae deserved. I only wish my laird had spoken to me first about this quest.” Fagan’s angry gaze swung to Ruairi, and Ravenna placed her hand on Fagan’s arm.
    â€œI will take responsibility for that. With all the excitement of the wedding, I thought Ruairi had spoken to you. I know that was his intention all along.”
    â€œAye, but I had hoped to get a few drinks in him before I told him,” said Ruairi in a scolding tone. He gave Fagan a brief nod. “Ye know Ravenna’s sister is under my protection. If Casterbrook—”
    Fagan held up his hand. “Ye donna need to say anything more. I wouldnae leave the task to Casterbrook’s men either.”
    â€œTruly?” Ravenna rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Daniel is a good man. He’s good for Grace. Just because he’s English does not