Read Online In the Laird's Bed by Joanne Rock - Free Book Online Page B

Cristiana saw her household as Duncan might—ruled by frail men aided by a woman. Up until that time, she had allowed herself to believe that Domhnaill’s strong walls, legendary wealth and generosity would preserve them until another member of the clan took over as laird. But what if their weakness showed all too clearly?
    Might Duncan truly take the keep in the king’s name?
    She wished more than ever that she had not allowed this meeting.
    “My message for the laird will not take long to deliver.” Duncan’s clipped response gave her scant assurance.
    What if he merely wanted to convey his intention to claim Domhnaill? He’d threatened as much that day back in the brew house, but she had not taken him seriously.
    “Duncan, wait.” She paused just outside her father’s rooms.
    But her former betrothed never slowed his pace.
    Instead, he rapped upon the door guarded by a lone man-at-arms.
    “Wait? Your adviser has just suggested we move things along in a timely manner. Let us see your father while we can. You and I can talk later.” His expression shifted as his eyes darkened. “Perhaps we can finally speak privately?”
    His voice hummed along her senses, alerting her to the warning and the invitation that came hand in hand with his offer. She hated that her heart beat faster, knowing she had more to fear from her own weakness than from him. He’d proven to her three nights ago that he was a man of great restraint and nothing like his brother.
    But that deep sense of honor of his that put her innocence in her own hands, was the same sort ofhonor that would never abide keeping Leah from her father.
    “We can go right in,” Keane assured them, peering back and forth between them as if he could make sense of the undercurrents if given enough time.
    Cristiana did not think even she could understand what forces were at work between her and Duncan, so as crafty as her father’s adviser was, she did not worry that he would guess the full import of their exchange.
    Keane opened the door, leading the way into her father’s rooms. Cristiana followed quickly, edging past Duncan as he held the door. Even that brief moment of nearness was enough to stir her senses. The warmth of his powerful body called to mind those moments in his arms when he’d carried her to her chamber. The pine and leather scent of him reminded her how much time he spent outdoors, a strong presence on Domhnaill lands even though he did not lead the people.
    Sweet merciful heaven. What if he’d been riding the perimeter of the lands all this sennight to take full measure of the property he planned to seize?
    “I never thought I would see a Culcanon dare to return to my keep,” her father said by way of greeting, calling her from fearful thoughts.
    Sensing more fight in him than she had seen in some time, Cristiana felt hope stir. She moved to take a seat on one side of him while Keane ambled over to the other. The laird’s chamber was a wide, longroom that had once housed the whole family while the towers were being constructed. The extra space now held a table where the laird could conduct his affairs or meet with advisers privately. Duncan claimed a seat across the wide table from them.
    “And I never thought I would see one of the strongest lairds in the kingdom allow his keep to go underdefended for so long.” Duncan planted his forearms on the table and leaned across it. “Are you trying to invite war? Even across the border in King William’s court, they say Domhnaill is ripe for plucking.”
    Keane rose to his feet, incensed to his Highland toes at the notion. But beside her, her da appeared confused again.
    “They say that?” He shook his head, shaggy eyebrows drawn together. “I have enough gold to pay the men-at-arms on these walls for well nigh two years.”
    “But you’ve no one to lead them. And you know as well as I that paid men are only as loyal as their next coin when there is no strong leader to guide them.”
    “We