Page 91 of Steel & Surrender

And then, to Greig’s surprise, Kenna stepped forward, stomped on Davy’s foot, and slapped him across the face—hard.

His brother’s head snapped back, his lean body going rigid.

Greig tensed. His brother was a hothead, and aye, the lass had lashed out at him, but their father had brought them up with one clear rule: never, ever lay a hand on a woman in violence. Ever.

Kenna snarled something at Davy then, turned on her heel, and stalked off.

Rubbing his cheek, his expression stunned, Davy turned away.

Muttering under his breath, he went over and helped himself to some more ale. The barrels were almost drained by this hour. The local women serving had long retired or sat down with a cup of ale to watch the dancing and catch up with friends.

Greig approached him. “What was that all about?”

Davy’s chin kicked up. “Nothing.”

“Didn’t look like ‘nothing’.”

Davy’s lip twisted. “The lass is a foul harpy.”

Greig gave him a long, hard look, his own misery and turmoil momentarily forgotten. It looked as if he wasn’t the only one who knew little about women. “Overstepped, did ye?”

Davy shot him a glower. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Greig shrugged and helped himself to a cup of ale.

He needed it; something to distract him from the colossal mess he’d made of things.

It was over. There was no going back from this.

He took a sip of ale and grimaced. Earlier, it had tasted good. Now, it was just bitter.

Nausea rolled over him then, bile stinging the back of his throat. Muttering an oath, he set the cup down on top of the barrel.

He glanced Davy’s way then to find his brother watching him. “Where did ye get to?” he asked, his gaze searching now. “Last I saw, ye were dancing and flirting with Brìghde Boyd … and then both of ye disappeared.”

Greig’s gut clenched. “I escorted her home,” he said gruffly.

Davy snorted. “Aye?”

Greig cut his gaze away. “Aye.”

“It looks like both of us are having a fine evening,” his brother muttered.

“Brìghde was the last challenge on Alistair’s list.” The admission was out before Greig could stop it.

Davy stilled, his eyes drawing wide. “Really?”

“Aye … he was determined to win her heart.”

His brother cut him a searching look. “Does she know?”

Bile bit the back of his throat. “She does now.”

A long moment passed before understanding flared in Davy’s eyes. His lips parted—yet he didn’t get the chance to reply.

Shouting sliced through the night.

The Highland pipe came to a screeching halt, as did the dancers.