The Ranger (Highland Guard #3)(64)

And she did wish it differently. The past few days had told her how much. She was scared to put a name on her feelings for Arthur for fear of what she would discover.

“We were very fortunate,” she said, sensing that Sir Hugh was waiting for her to say something.

Anna didn’t know what was wrong with her. She’d never had this kind of problem talking to anyone.

She tried to control the shaking of her hands, but the intensity of his stare made her drop the piece of bread she’d been holding. It fell on the table beside her goblet. She reached for it at the same time he did, and their hands touched. Before she could jerk it away, he covered her fingers with his own.

Her pulse spiked with something akin to panic. Like a bird caught in a cage, her heart fluttered wildly in her chest.

“You’re nervous,” he said, releasing her fingers and handing her back her bread.

Her cheeks burned.

“You’ve nothing to fear, Lady Anna,” he said, amused. “I’m quite harmless.”

The expression on her face must have registered her utter disbelief. He took one look at her and chuckled mildly. “Well, maybe not completely harmless.”

The unexpected show of humor made her smile, and for the first time, Anna felt herself begin to relax. She gave him a sidelong glance from under her lashes. “You are rather ... imposing, my lord.”

He laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment even though I don’t think you meant it as one.” He leaned closer to whisper. “How about if I endeavor to be imposing to everyone but you? With you I will be quite harmless. It will be our secret.”

She dimpled, unable to resist his charm. Sir Hugh Ross charming? She wouldn’t have believed it. Was there more to the humorless nobleman than she’d realized?

“I believe I should like that, my lord.” She felt a smidgen of her boldness return. “Perhaps it would help if you smiled more.” She glanced up at him then. Yes, when he smiled he didn’t seem quite so intimidating.

He grinned, his gaze seeking hers out. “I shall do that.” He paused. She watched his fingers trace the carved stem of his goblet in a soft, lazy way that was almost sensual. Some of her discomfort returned.

“I’m very happy that you decided to journey north, Lady Anna.”

Her blush intensified; she hadn’t missed his meaning. He was amenable to the renewed talk of a betrothal. She knew she should be relieved. It was what she’d come for. It might help save her family.

Then why did it feel like something hard had just lodged in her chest?

She nodded shyly, suddenly unable to meet his gaze, fearing that he would see too much. Her chest squeezed, feeling the noose of her future pulling tighter and tighter.

Her personal feelings didn’t matter. She should be happy knowing she’d done her part to help her family. That would be reward enough. Wouldn’t it?

When he turned to motion a passing serving girl to refill their goblets with wine, her gaze unconsciously slipped to Arthur’s.

She knew where he was without looking. The heat of his anger seemed to penetrate across the room.

Their eyes caught for only an instant, but it was long enough to feel the force of his rage like a smith’s bellows. He usually kept his emotions so tightly wrapped that she’d wondered if they were even there. No more. She’d never seen him so raw and fierce. He looked like a man holding himself by a very tight rein.

She turned away, shaken by the intensity of the emotions that came over her.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t looked away fast enough, and Sir Hugh observed something of the exchange. She felt him stiffen beside her, his gaze narrowing on Sir Arthur. “Campbell doesn’t look too happy with our arrangement. I don’t like the way he watches you.” His gaze shifted back to her, one brow cocked in a way that was anything but lazy. “Is there something I should know, Lady Anna?”

She cursed Arthur for his recklessness. He was going to ruin everything. And for what? He’d had more than enough time to make his feelings—if he had any—known. And now she didn’t have a choice. Her father was counting on her.

Still, she hesitated. If there was a time to change her mind, it was now. Her heart tugged in one direction and her duty and love for her family tugged in another. The conversation with Sir Arthur came back to her. Hearing him speak of losing the war had shaken her. She took a deep breath and forced away all her doubts. Her personal feelings didn’t matter. She had to do this. When Bruce came, they would have a better chance with Ross and his men by their side.

She shook her head. “Nay, there is nothing you should know.”

The certainty in her voice must have convinced him. He nodded. “Good.” He held out his hand for hers. “Come, there is something I should like to show you. And I believe there are some things we should discuss.”

Anna ignored the pain twisting in her chest and smiled—albeit tremulously. Without another glance, she slid her hand into his and allowed him to lead her from the Great Hall, her future all but decided.

This was how it felt to lose control.

This was how it felt to want something so badly he’d be willing to kill for it. Not for right or wrong or on a battlefield, but for the pure satisfaction of seeing another man at the end of his blade.

Arthur wanted to kill Hugh Ross. He wanted to kill him for looking at her. For touching her. For the lustful thoughts that were surely running through the bastard’s mind. If Ross’s gaze dropped to her chest one more time, Arthur didn’t think he’d be able to stop himself. A spear right between the eyes from across the room. He could do it blindfolded.