Page 9 of Marin’s Promise

The morsel was tender, and his teeth sank through it without having to even chew. The herbs hit his tongue with more flavor than he'd ever tasted in his life, something pleasantly savory with a hint of earthiness. Exquisite.

He took a second bite and third, then noticed the sisters pointedly watching him. He popped a fourth into his mouth and regarded them as he chewed. Ire rankled him. He’d tried to follow all the rules of the table for the ladies and still his eating had somehow caused offense.

He hadn’t wiped his mouth on his sleeve; he’d pulled the meat from his eating dagger rather than biting it directly off the blade. He hadn’t even used the blade to pick his teeth. A bowl of water sat beside him. Shite. Rich men always washed their hands before eating. Damn their ostentatious and foolish ways, and damn him for trying to appeal to the lot of them.

His eyes narrowed.

“My sisters were wondering at the cause of your arrival and questioned the length of your stay,” Marin said sweetly. “They also would like to know what has happened to our soldiers. I was uncertain how to answer.”

In truth, he didn’t know how long he’d be there. At least until Warden Kerr could get enough troops over to take the castle. All of it would be based on how events played out at Berwick. A war was brewing between England and Scotland, and this land was a crucial piece in the chess game of wealthy men.

Like all those without a title, Bran was simply a pawn.

“The soldiers are alive.” He put another bite into his mouth. It was exactly as good as the first few. He could happily become a fat man on food such as this. “They’re in the dungeon, but we dinna intend to harm them.”

“Why are you doing this?” Anice asked. “Why would you threaten to hurt Cat, and bring your men in here? What do you want from us?” She glared at him openly now, no longer fearing Marin’s wrath.

Marin, for her part, did not tell her sister to stop this time.

“I took this castle intentionally without harming more than the one unfortunate soldier and I’ve no intention to hurt any of ye or yer guards.” He took another bite and waited until he swallowed before speaking again. “That’s all ye need to know.”

It was ridiculous to put on such airs for the benefit of these ladies. But then again, to do so, to win their affection, would make the people of Werrick Castle more compliant. He’d heard too many tales of the people rising up against usurpers. And who knew how long Kerr would take to come for Werrick Castle?

His gaze skimmed over Marin's face, noting the lusciousness of her lips, the fairness of her skin. He could only imagine her flushed with pleasure, her mouth and cheeks red, her blue eyes heavy lidded.

Aye, having the lovely noblewoman would be the perfect bit of sweetness after so filling a meal. He cut another piece of venison for himself and noticed none of the sisters had taken any for themselves. Now he was grateful he’d made them test it for poison.

“But surely you will not harm our soldiers.” Catriona offered a tentative smile, even as hurt flashed in her eyes, despite the optimism of her words. She looked away, no doubt recalling the man Bran had cut down .

He ate another slice of venison and drank deeply from the goblet of wine at his side. He didn't have the opportunity to drink wine often. Even when he had, it was usually sour with age and of poor quality, certainly nothing so fine as the rich spiced wine in his cup. He drained it in one gulp and found his starved stomach already overly full.

“We will discuss yer soldiers when I speak privately with Lady Marin.” He rose from the table and winked at the eldest sister. “I’m ready to retire.”

Her face went red. Aye, like that. He wanted all of her flushed exactly like that, under him and moaning in passion. His cock began to swell with longing.

“What does he mean?” Ella asked. “Are you going to have a private discussion without us?”

Marin put up a hand to cease her sisters' complaints and got to her feet. She turned from her sisters and lightly bit her lip. “I'd like a moment to prepare first.” Her voice was low, sultry; it teased over every nerve in his body and left prickles of gooseflesh, raising the hair on his arms.

Most likely she wanted to wipe her body off and apply more of her clean-smelling lavender water to her intimate places, the very places he intended to explore.

But, if Lady Marin of Werrick Castle needed a few minutes, he'd give her the time she needed. For soon, she would in his bed. And in the meantime, he had a missive to pen for Kerr. Bran’s end of the bargain had been fulfilled.

* * *

Marin was goingto kill Bran.

Her decision had seemed so easy earlier in the evening when she’d seen him with Anice, when he had reached out and caught her hand. Marin had wanted to kill him then, but when his men outnumbered her own two to one, it was wise to be prudent.

Nay, it would be best to do it alone, when there would be no surrounding army. And there was no better way to get a man alone than to seduce him.

Marin's hands shook so badly, she could scarcely fasten the jeweled belt around her waist.

Anice pushed Marin's hands aside and deftly fastened the clasp before readjusting it into place. “Is there nothing else we can do? Entertain him, get him drunk. You saw how fast he drained his wine. It would be easily done.” Her gaze was desperate when she looked up at Marin, desperate and scared. An uncommon look for the sister who was always so effortlessly composed. “Please, Marin.”

“I must do this.” And Marin would. She had to. In order to protect her sisters, her home. This was her mistake to make right, and she would do so without putting anyone else at risk.

“At least take Piquette,” Anice said. The large dog lying next to the hearth lifted his head at the sound of his name. “He’ll keep you safe.”