The Thief Read online

  He? She didn’t even know his name. Her fingers tightened about her goblet. ‘The old Johnstone laird’ or ‘Jeanne’s husband’ were the only titles she’d known him by. It hadn’t seemed important to enquire about his name, but now she wished she had.

  She hadn’t attended the ceremony. She hadn’t been invited. Despite sharing her parents’ and sister’s blood, she’d led a very different and separate life from theirs. She’d forged her own. She’d had no choice.

  ‘Are you all right?’

  She searched Lachlan’s face, his eyes. His full lips were pressed in a flat, grim line, and not a flicker of twinkling mischief showed in the blue depths. She wanted to believe he did care, but powerful men used whatever means were at their disposal to get what they wanted. She wasn’t prepared to take the risk that his concern wasn’t real.

  ‘I’m fine.’ She inhaled deeply and released it slowly. ‘I did not know Jeanne’s husband. Not even his name.’ She frowned into her wine and placed the cup on the bench beside her.

  Even though she’d never been close to Jeanne, she was still concerned for her. Was Jeanne with her husband when he died? Jeanne loved being doted upon and praised, almost as though the honeyed words others bestowed on her fed a desperate need. Had her husband’s death snuffed out her light? Did she miss him?

  A rush of cold air swept through the chamber, flattening the flames in the sconces high on the walls. Lachlan stood and turned toward the Great Hall’s entrance.

  Kenzie’s gaze roamed the length of her husband from the leather boots encasing his lower legs to the plaid draping his lean hips. His linen shirt stretched tight to accommodate the wide expanse of his back, and his wheat-coloured hair skimmed his broad, powerful shoulders. He exuded a potent vibrancy not every man possessed. Would she mourn his death, this husband she never wanted?

  She was very much afraid she would. She didn’t want to care for Lachlan, she didn’t even want to like him, but despite her best efforts, he’d started to mean something to her.

  She should leave, run as far as possible from Castle Redheugh and its laird. Those she aided needed her, depended on her. She couldn’t let Lachlan distract her from her responsibilities.

  ‘My men have returned from Irvine,’ Lachlan said turning back at her.

  ‘Then you must go.’

  Concern etched his features. ‘Know I am here if you wish to talk.’

  Curse the worry stealing the light from his eyes, the troubled expression robbing the world of his smile. Curse his kindness, even if it was an act, and curse his mind-numbing kiss. Curse her eyes and ears and lips for seeing, hearing and feeling it all.

  ‘Is there anything you need?’

  Certainly not his compassion.

  ‘An annulment.’

  A flash of steel brightened his eyes. ‘Nae.’

  Kenzie rose slowly to her feet. ‘Then I will settle for a promise from a man whom I know keeps them.’

  He faced her. ‘I only make promises I am able to honour.’

  ‘I see nae reason why you won’t be able to honour mine.’

  His eyes narrowed. ‘That depends on what you expect from me.’ He folded his arms across his chest.

  She lifted her chin. ‘I want the freedom to go about without being questioned and without you hovering over me.’

  He cocked one brow high. ‘I heard nae complaints regarding my earlier hovering in the stable.’

  Fire flared in her cheeks at the memory of his kiss and the wicked thoughts she’d suffered soon after. She glanced around the chamber, hoping no one was close enough to hear their conversation. They stood alone. She swallowed her relief and looked back at her husband, to find him watching her closely.

  ‘Do I have your promise?’

  Moments dragged by as she withstood his intense scrutiny. Every nerve ending twitched in protest at her enforced stillness. The urge to lower her eyes from his grew powerful but she could not give in. She needed this promise for those she aided.

  ‘Unless you give me reason to believe otherwise, I will not—’ his gaze dropped to her mouth, ‘—hover over you.’

  Her lips tingled. She sealed them tight to prevent her tongue from moistening them.

  ‘This is your home, Kenzie. As long as there is nae danger to you or my people, you are free to go about as you choose.’ His voice deepened. ‘You have my word.’

  A feeling of pure warmth unfurled in her heart as he made his promise. A promise for her alone. A promise she knew he would keep. She stared at him in wonder, then turned to the hall’s entrance where four of his men waited.

  ‘I’ll leave you to speak with your men.’ She started forward, only to have Lachlan’s hand come to rest on her shoulder. She stopped and fought to ignore the sensation of strength and security his simple touch evoked.

  ‘You don’t have to go. I’ll not be long.’

  Angling her head, she could see his tanned fingers upon her. Could feel the heat of him through the layers she wore. Could sense herself wanting to give in, to stay. ‘I’d appreciate some time alone.’ Time to remind herself of the reasons why she didn’t want a husband.

  ‘Very well, but remember, I am here if needed.’

  Inclining her head, she moved forward, suffering the slide of his hand over her shoulder and down her back. Out of his reach, she quickened her pace and ascended the stairs.

  She’d told him she was fine, but she wasn’t. She’d never wanted a husband, had vowed never to wed. The thought of a family of her own tugged at her heart. She pushed it aside and stumbled up the last step. She entered the chamber at the top of the stairs. His chamber. Hers.

  She stood in her unwanted husband’s chamber in her unwanted husband’s keep. The trouble, and what terrified her most was that there was no other place she wanted to be at this moment.

  ‘God help me.’ Pushing away from the door, she walked around the enormous bed to the far corner of the room and stared down at the sacks Ailsa had left for her—a solid reminder of who she was and what she had to do.

  Her boots sat beside the bundle. With a murmured, ‘God bless Ailsa,’ she removed her borrowed slippers and donned her sturdy boots.

  She didn’t need a family of her own. She already had one in the neglected women and unwanted children residing in the cottages on the fringes of Irvine lands.

  Lachlan had made a mockery of her vow never to wed. He’d stomped on her beliefs about men of his ilk with his understanding and kindness. She needed distance between them before he had her breaking her oath to never bring a child into an uncaring world.

  ***

  After his bride all but ran from him up the stairs, Lachlan waved Duff, Lundy, Cal and Dair outside and left the hall.

  ‘Keep me company.’ His men fell in beside him as he headed toward the rear of the keep. ‘Any troubles?’ he asked, despite knowing full well the cattle delivery had gone smoothly. Hearing it from those he trusted eased his mind, while the telling reminded him of his sense of control in certain matters. Matters, he now discovered, that did not include his wilful bride.

  An annulment! Damn Parlan’s ill-timed visit. How in Christ’s merciful name could she ask for annulment after the kiss they’d shared in the stables? A kiss that had fired his blood and left him aching. A kiss he knew had affected his wife in the same way. And then to accuse him of hovering.

  God Almighty. He did not hover. He …

  ‘Trouble, Lachlan?’ Duff’s enquiry broke into his frustrated thoughts.

  He glanced at his companions, saw the concern in his men’s faces and inwardly cursed. ‘Nae. You’ve done well.’ Drawing a deep breath laced with mid-morning dampness, he tunnelled stiff fingers through his hair. ‘But there is something I ask of you all.’

  ‘Name it, laird,’ Lundy said.

  ‘I ask the four of you to guard my wife in my absence.’ Lachlan looked at each of his men. ‘But you must be discreet.’

  ‘Your lady wife will never know we’re anywhere near her,’ Dair said
with a grin.

  ‘We’ll keep her safe, laird,’ Cal added.

  Lachlan did not doubt it. He dispatched them beyond Castle Redheugh’s walls, on one last errand before the darkening clouds overhead opened again and drove everyone indoors.

  Relief trickled through him as he stood and watched them round the corner to do his bidding. His gaze wandered up the pale stones of the keep to where his chamber was located, to where his bride was now hiding. He wanted to go above and see how she was faring, but her request for time alone held him still.

  A heavy tread announced someone’s arrival and drew Lachlan’s attention to the exact spot where his men had disappeared around the keep.

  Muir, Elliot’s armourer, lumbered into view, looking the worse for wear from the past night’s festivities. Lachlan exchanged greetings and joined the ox of a man in the armoury where he worked his magic with steel. They conversed about swords and appraised those used for practicing their skills. Muir discussed his ideas for altering the way he made each weapon to favour those who would use them. Lachlan absorbed the conversation, a welcome distraction from his frustration regarding his wife.

  He finally took his leave and stepped outside. The sky now resembled night, though it was just past noon. As he strode to the front of the keep, he decided Kenzie had had enough time alone.

  The Great Hall teemed with servants readying all for the delayed noon meal. Smoked meat scented the air as he walked the hall’s length to the staircase and ascended. Reaching the landing above, he wondered how she’d spent her time. He pushed open the door and looked straight at his bed—his neatly made, empty bed. Lips thinning in disappointment, he entered the room and walked around the chairs. Unoccupied. He frowned and turned full circle, searching the chamber and finding no sign to prove his wayward wife had been here at all.

  Clenching his fists, he left the room. His ability to reason slowly began to return as he descended the stairs. He might have missed seeing her among the busy horde in the hall. She could also have been in the kitchens—he had found her there early this morning.

  His muscles relaxing, he’d no sooner taken the last step down into the hall when Duff entered the hall, alone.

  ‘Where are the others?’ Lachlan asked the moment Duff reached his side.

  ‘Doing your bidding, laird.’ Duff glanced about the room. ‘I’ve some news about your wife.’

  ‘My wife?’ Lachlan looked at Duff’s grim expression. ‘Come by the hearth.’

  They walked to a bench before the fire that afforded them privacy.

  ‘What news?’ Lachlan asked the instant he took his seat.

  Duff sat and said, ‘The four of us had just left when we heard the sound of hooves from behind. I thought you’d decided to join us, so turned, expecting to see you following.’ Duff glanced away and shook his head. ‘But it wasn’t you. It was your wife.’

  ‘My wife left the castle grounds?’ Lachlan’s stomach hardened to granite.

  ‘Aye. She was heading north, riding like the wind, so didn’t see us.’

  Jaw locked, muscles tensed, Lachlan managed to utter, ‘Where?’

  ‘The others continued west and I alone followed your wife to a cottage north of the burn where you found her the night of the raid.’ Duff paused. ‘It looked like she was delivering something. She didn’t stay long.’

  ‘And?’ Lachlan said through clenched teeth.

  ‘Then she rode to another cottage and did the same thing.’

  Lachlan cocked one brow.

  ‘And then one more.’ Both of Lachlan’s brows rose. ‘All three cottages are on Irvine land.’

  ‘Who?’

  Duff shrugged. ‘I kept my distance, so couldn’t see who she spoke to, or who lived in any of them.’

  Lachlan had asked them to be discreet. He didn’t want her to know he’d set them to guarding her. A clever decision if ever he’d made one. Duff was thorough and wouldn’t be sitting beside him if Kenzie hadn’t yet returned. He asked, anyway. ‘Where is my busy wife, now?’

  ‘She’s in the stables. I slipped in through the gates after her and questioned the guards.’

  Lachlan merely cocked a brow, again.

  ‘Your lady told them she was free to come and go as she pleased. Said they were your words and if they didn’t want trouble they should let her pass.’ Duff glanced away and then back. ‘She also said she’d be back before they served the delayed noon meal.’

  Who lived in the cottages? A lover? Lovers? He’d known he couldn’t trust her but his gut twisted at the thought of her betraying him with another.

  Damn her! She was his wife. She was his.

  He shot to his feet. ‘My thanks, Duff. Wash—we’ll eat soon and then you can get some rest.’

  Leaving his man by the fire, Lachlan strode out of the hall. His wife had accused him of hovering. How would she take to being smothered by his presence?

  ***

  The wind howled and whistled in through the stable entrance as Kenzie rubbed down her borrowed mount. She glanced at the now empty sacks hanging over the stall and sighed with relief. Those who relied on her now had enough food and supplies to last them for the next two sennights, more likely three. Before her next visit, she’d have to pilfer warm clothing and sew small garments for the children.

  They’d all greeted her with bright smiles and open arms, chatting wildly all at once. Pressed for time and in no mood for lectures, she’d hadn’t dared mention her sudden marriage. She’d simply told them she’d been busy and then used the excuse of gathering storm clouds to keep her visit short. She’d then ridden to the next cottage. And then the next.

  She’d done what she had to do. Now she could concentrate on having her marriage annulled. Something she was no longer sure she wanted. Her uncertainty frightened—

  ‘Have a pleasant ride?’

  The source of her unexpected doubt and wanting spoke softly from behind her. A dangerous sign, considering her recent ‘outing’. A sign she pretended not to notice.

  ‘Aye.’ She resumed rubbing the horse’s coat.

  ‘It seems I need to speak in the simplest of terms to make myself clear to you, Kenzie.’

  ‘Whatever do you mean?’

  ‘Look at me, and don’t act the fool we both know you’re not.’

  Her mouth kicked up at the corners at his underlying compliment. She released the bundle of straw and dusted her hands. Before she turned, she ensured her smile had been smoothed from her expression.

  He stood large and imposing in the stall’s opening, hands fisted on hips, his features stony. ‘Where did you ride to?’

  ‘Where I went is nae concern of yours.’

  ‘Aye, it is. The moment you rode out of Castle Redheugh’s gates, alone, I could not guarantee your safety.’

  ‘I’ve been riding about alone for years.’

  ‘Another of your father’s faults,’ he muttered. ‘But that was before you married me and before I promised to protect you.’

  ‘You also promised me the freedom to go about as I pleased.’

  ‘I meant within these walls and you know it.’

  ‘I had responsibilities before we wed. Being married does not make them disappear.’

  ‘Responsibilities can be shared if you choose.’

  Would he still want to share the responsibility if he knew the type of people she provided for? The forgotten, the outcasts, the neglected, the illegitimate. She’d witnessed his kindness, but only among his clan. If he were anything like her father, he’d not help them at all and would stop her from aiding them too.

  She couldn’t take the risk. And she didn’t want to tell him. Those she helped relied on her, needed her. They were the family she’d created; they gave purpose to every ordinary day and it was something she relied on, something that fed her deepest need. Something that made her feel whole.

  ‘I can’t tell you.’ His disappointment rushed at her in waves, like a living thing. ‘Not yet.’

  Those in the cot
tages had all they needed for at least three weeks. She could use that time to find a way out of her unwanted marriage. Guilt swamped her, but she held firm, stubbornly clinging to her inner selfishness as she searched for something to offer in return.

  ‘I can promise never to venture beyond the gates again unescorted.’ But Ailsa could.

  He studied her for some moments. ‘While I appreciate your promise and will hold you to it, I must tell you that’s a given.’

  ‘A given?’

  ‘I’ve already spoken to the guards and nae matter what you say or how you threaten them, they will not let you ride out alone.’

  Kenzie stiffened and stared at the man who had the power to make her life miserable, if she let him. Her recent discoveries regarding her husband’s kindness allowed her to see the restrictions he placed on her as concerns for her safety and not attempts to control her. He also hadn’t forced her to reveal where she’d been. Instead, he’d offered to share her burden.

  Her initial annoyance lessened as her understanding grew. ‘Very well. I accept.’

  ‘Ah, Kenzie. In this you have nae choice.’

  ***

  Lachlan guided his bride from the stables across the windswept bailey. They reached the steps to the keep just as the sky opened and the rain tumbled down.

  He hadn’t gained the answers he’d wanted, but her promise, combined with his orders, eased the sickening knots plaguing his stomach.

  If she had a lover, the last thing she’d do was give her word not to leave Castle Redheugh alone. Wasn’t it? He’d witnessed her struggle whether to tell him or not and his gut feeling was to let the matter lie. But he couldn’t. She was his wife. He didn’t trust her. He had to know. He’d send someone to find out who resided in the cottages.

  Until he knew her secrets he’d stick by his bride’s side and concentrate on seducing her. He wanted her. He needed an heir to complete the final part of his father’s dying wish. Whatever information his men uncovered, there was no better way to find out if Kenzie had indeed had a lover than by bedding her himself.

  Chapter 14