Page 392 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Nothing, we met and…talked.”

Even Riley blanched at the obvious lie.

“It would have been interesting to hear that conversation,” Iain commented.

“My lord?” Katherine said.

Iain reached toward her and produced a blade of grass from her hair, then held it out for her inspection. Katherine burst into tears. Iain grimaced and poor Riley shifted from one foot to the other.

“Enough,” Victoria snapped.

Katherine quieted.

“Only a moment ago, you insisted you were not a child. Act like the grown woman you claim to be. This is a fine mess.” She glanced at Riley. “I wager the lad had no notion of what he was letting himself in for.” She ignored Katherine’s indignant gasp. “How you have changed. It has been one short year since last I saw you. What happened?”

“My crime is not so bad,” the girl said.

Victoria stared. “You care nothing for your reputation?”

Katherine lifted her chin. “’Tis far less than what you did.”

“What I did?” Victoria said in unison with Iain’s,

“What she did?”

“Do you refer to my stay here at Fauldun Castle?” Victoria demanded.

“Aye.” Katherine replied.

Victoria narrowed her eyes. “How interesting you should see the similarity. That situation ended in marriage, which is exactly how this shall end for you.”