Highland Warrior (Campbell Trilogy #1)(83)

“Where else would I be?” She smiled sweetly—too sweetly. “Did you not order me confined to the castle?”

He didn’t even try to appear apologetic but simply shrugged. “A necessary precaution for your safety.”

Caitrina bit back her rising anger. “And did you not think to ask my opinion on the matter?”

“Why would I do that?” he asked, genuinely perplexed. “You are my responsibility.”

Her cheeks burned, and it wasn’t from running. God save her from the obtuseness of men. It seemed not to occur to him that she might resent his high-handedness. “I am your wife.”

Now he just looked confused and slightly wary—apparently having the good sense to realize that he’d said something wrong but not knowing what. “Aye.”

“Not chattel to be ordered around. If you wanted a meek, biddable wife, I’m afraid you are going to be disappointed.” Her eyes locked on his. “Very disappointed.”

Amusement hovered around his mouth. If he laughed, she swore he would regret it.

“Believe me,” he said dryly, “I have no illusions in that regard.”

Deciding not to be insulted, she gave him a short nod. “Good.”

He drew his fingers over his chin, considering her. “And this truly upset you?”

“It did.”

“But why? I was only seeing to your safety.”

“It was the manner of your actions. Since it was my freedom at issue, don’t you think you might have discussed it with me before giving your orders?”

He frowned. “That’s what I do—give orders. I don’t consult.”

Caitrina pursed her lips and searched for patience. “Perhaps not with your men, but what about with your cousin or brother?”

He looked thoughtful. “Occasionally,” he admitted.

“Is not the same courtesy due your wife?”

The notion appeared to startle him, but it wasn’t altogether repugnant. “Perhaps.”

“The next time, you will kindly inform me of your wishes before you leave.” She smiled. “And I will do my best to change your mind if I don’t like them.”

At that he laughed. “I look forward to the challenge, lady wife, but I’m not easily dissuaded—particularly when it comes to protecting what I hold dear.”

Her heart tugged at the tender declaration, but even if warmed by his motives, she would not fall back into the oblivion of her previous life. She was no longer content to be sheltered in the dark and allow others to make decisions for her. “And I can be a very persuasive woman.”

“I don’t doubt it,” he said wryly. “Is there anything else on your mind before I see to my men?”

“As a matter of fact, there is.”

“Why am I not surprised?”

She ignored the put-upon sarcasm. “The way you left, it was so sudden.”

“I regret not being able to explain, but in this case it was necessary.”

“Surely you could have spared five minutes?”

“What needed to be said required longer than five minutes.”

“Be that as it may, the next time you try to leave with nary a fare-thee-well, I will not be so understanding.”

He lifted a brow as if contradicting her claim of understanding. “I’ll remember that.”

“What was so important to take you from here like that?”

He sighed, dragged his fingers through his hair, and then gave her lopsided grin. “My duties, it appears, will have to wait.” He strode to the fireplace and pulled out a chair, offering it to her. She took the proffered seat, and he pulled another chair opposite her for himself.

She could tell by the grave expression on his face that it was serious.

“You are not going to like what I have to say. But, please, before you say anything, hear me out.”

Caitrina’s heart thumped, suspecting what he was about to say.

“Alasdair MacGregor is dead.”

She flinched from the blow. Dear God, Niall had been right. She hadn’t wanted to believe it, but here it was straight from Jamie’s mouth.

She sat stonily as he relayed the story of Argyll’s treachery exactly as her brother had described it.

Please, she prayed. Don’t let it be worse. “And what was your part in this, my laird?” she asked hesitantly. “Aside from negotiating the MacGregor’s surrender?”

He took her hand and looked deep into her eyes. “I swear, Caitrina, I knew nothing of my cousin’s plans. I thought he had every intention of handing the MacGregor over to King James. When I received Argyll’s note that the MacGregor had been killed in Edinburgh, I knew something had gone horribly wrong. I also suspected the reason. That is why I left without explanation—I had none to give until I spoke to my cousin.” His face darkened. “I was furious when I realized what he’d done.”

Caitrina searched his face. He looked so sincere, and she wanted desperately to believe him. But could she risk it? Jamie had never shied from the fact that he was Argyll’s man. His enforcer. Could he ever belong to her when his loyalty was tied to Argyll? Was Niall right? Was she a fool to trust him?

Her silence appeared to worry him. “Tell me you believe me.”

His voice was insistent, but not pleading. She understood why. He was a proud, honorable man. When he answered, he’d told her the truth and would not beg for her to believe him. That was not his way.