Page 35 of Never Fall for a Highlander

“I think I should send for Aline.She is supposed to be the healer, but you seemed to have relieved her of those duties.”

“Aye.I asked her to come to the brooch each morning so I can go over some things with her so she can take over when I leave.”

Robin didn’t want to hear those words.He was determined to find a way to keep them together, even though he hadn’t said any such thing to Helena.But he could tell there was an attraction between them, and that Helena was aware of it.

Fook the council, the voice inside him said.He was laird and he would make the decisions regarding his future wife.

After he’d left Helena, with instructions for one of the maids to help her undress, he sent two warriors to find Aline.She and her father had moved into the keep, but she was nowhere to be found.

The thought had crossed his mind that if Aline was unable to take over the healer’s job, it might encourage Helena to remain with them.But then again, to what purpose?Despite him cursing the council to the devil, he had to find a way to make his own decision regarding who he married.Until he could straighten that out, he could make no promises to Helena.He sighed with frustration as he entered the great hall, happy to see it empty, the council and the Gunns nowhere to be seen.

Following an afternoon making plans with The Gunn about how to handle the band of criminals who the man swore was doing as much damage to his border as Mackay was experiencing, it appeared everyone wanted a break.

Every time Gunn’s eyes had met Robin’s during the discussions, the man would bring up his sister, Lenora.She, on the other hand, seemed totally disinterested and made no secret of her feelings.

She’d said ‘nay’ to her brother.

He’d said he would take his fists to her.

Craig had said he wouldn’t allow that.

And the talks continued.

Chapter sixteen

Helena felt much better the next morning, which was quite surprising.Mayhaps it had just been fatigue with helping her sister and taking care of sick clan members.That had kept her quite busy, so she hadn’t gotten much sleep.

Robin had sent one of the maids to check on her and told her to join him downstairs if she was feeling better.

The Gunns were still at the brooch.Once she made her way to the table below the dais, Knox left his spot and joined her.Helena glanced quickly at Robin and frowned as he glared at Knox, who was being very attentive to her.Her feelings were all mixed up.There was definitely a pull toward the laird, but he never said anything to her about his feelings or thoughts.

But then there were those kisses.Which, her common sense told her, he’d probably given to any number of lasses.

“’Tis glad I am that ye are feeling better today,” Knox said as platters of cheese, cold meat, bread and fruit were deposited on the table in front of them.

“Aye.I believe it was just fatigue.”She picked up a piece of bread.“My sister is feeling better, as well.Little Arthur is sleeping during the night and the chamomile I gave her for his tummy has seemed to help, also.”

“So ye will be returning to Dornoch soon, then?”He watched her over the rim of his mug as he drank some of his ale.

Suddenly she realized that, aye, mayhaps it was growing near the time she should return home.Jena would need her for at least another week or even two, but it would not be long before she was ready to make that journey.

Sadness swept over her as she continued to eat her meal.

Later that evening she made her way from Jena’s room, happy that the bairn was asleep and Jena looked settled in for a good night’s sleep.Before she reached her door, a dark figure stepped in front of her.“Robin, ye scared the life out of me.”

“Sorry to frighten ye lass, but I wished to speak with ye.Can ye join me in my solar?”

Anticipation flooded her, along with uneasiness.Aye, she wanted to spend time with Robin, but she knew in her heart it was not a good idea.

“’Tis late.I should return to my room.”

He smiled and she knew there was no strength in the statement.Curse her attraction to this man.

He took her hand and after placing a kiss on it, tugged her so she followed him to his solar.Once they were inside, he closed the door and leaned her back against it, with him no more than a few inches from her.“What did ye and Knox do a the village that took so long?I thought ye were visiting a sick child.”

“So, I am to report all of my coming and goings to ye?”She could feel the anger in her stomach, replacing the good feelings she had when they first entered the room.

‘I am yer laird.”