Page 35 of The Lyon’s Lass

“You’re right, of course. It’s only I worry about angering a man who is already filled with rage.”

“He’ll not come back here. There is nothing for him here but the painful end of my fist. You are safe.”

She felt safe. At least while Iain was here. But what would happen when he left? Because he would leave, and she would be left behind to deal with everything at the castle herself.

Iain was pleased with the progress of the castle over the last three weeks. The roof had been repaired, as well as the windows and the railing on the stairs. Maisy had straightened out the books, and it seemed they would be able to turn a profit as the castle had in the past.

And the nights—as well as a number of afternoons—in bed with Maisy had been divine.

There was not so much left for Iain to do. Hodge had even started working on a crew for The Rue’s next voyage. If Iain didn’t like spending his nights in bed with Maisy so much, he may have already gone.

He brushed her russet hair from her face where she slept next to him. She’d stopped leaving him in the mornings to sneak back to her own rooms. Abagail understood the way of husbands and wives and was not scandalized by their sharing a bed. Which was good, because Maisy’s lies had become a horror.

His wife enjoyed spending time in his bed. He made certain of it. But his stay here had already dragged out longer than he’d planned. Every morning he said it would be the day he left, but then she would smile at him and he would not say the words that would put their time at an end.

He couldn’t let it go on. It was cruel for both of them to nurture feelings they weren’t at liberty to have. He had purchased the cargo and had buyers waiting for their goods. He couldn’t wait any longer.

“It’s today isn’t it?” Maisy said, her voice low in the dim light of dawn.

He wanted to reassure her, but he had no reassurances to give.

“Aye. I’ve already put it off a week longer than I should have.”

“Jack is going to be devasted when you leave.”

He and Jack had become fast friends as they’d seen to the business of the castle and the tenants. He was quick to learn new things and everyone liked him. He could charm the wool from a sheep. Iain had even learned a few signs so he could communicate better.

Still, Iain didn’t think it was Jack’s feelings Maisy was really speaking of. It was easier to speak as if it were.

“Aye. That’s why I should not linger longer. We don’t want anyone to think I can stay.”

“Because you can’t stay.” Her statement came out as a question.

“No. My cargo is ready. I must go.”

“And you wish for us to stay here? It was not so bad living on the ship before.”

He chuckled. “You say that for it was not but a few days. When it is six months, it will be a different story.”

She let out a breath and continued to trail her fingers over his chest in a pattern only known to her.

“Besides, I need someone smart to see to the running of the castle and that is you.” He placed a kiss to her hair.

“If I was so smart, I wouldn’t have allowed myself to become attached to you.” It was the first thing she said that hinted at her feelings.

Feelings he shared but was not as brave as she to speak them.

He huffed a breath and pulled her closer. He wanted to tell her how much he’d miss her while he was gone. He wanted to promise to return, but it could be years before he’d be back this far north again. So he simply kissed her head again and squeezed her close.

When the sun was up, a light knock on the door disturbed their peace.

“Capt’n, the men have arrived to see to your trunks for the voyage.”

“I’ll be there in a few minutes.” He didn’t move from where he lay next to Maisy.

“If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not come see you off. I think it would be best if I just go about my day.”

“Of course,” he agreed easily because he would do whatever was easiest for her. He wouldn’t ask her to wave to him from the dock for as long as he could see her. No, her way was probably best.