Page 18 of Edinburgh Escape (Brotherhood Protectors International #5)

Maggie’s gut knotted. “So far, Fiona, Bryce and I have all been attacked.” Her eyes narrowed. “The only person in the Drummond family who hasn’t been targeted, that we know of, is Ewan. Do you think he’s behind the attacks?”

Callum gave a slight shrug. “He stands to gain the most. If all of Lord Drummond’s children are knocked out of the running, he’ll inherit everything.”

“I can’t imagine Ewan doing that. He seemed so nice and welcoming.” Her heart sank. “Could he have brought me all the way here, just to cut me off physically?”

“Maybe. If he cared at all, why didn’t he warn us about the incidents?” Callum asked.

Maggie lifted a shoulder and let it fall. “Because he didn’t want to scare us away? I don’t know.”

“If he has placed a target on your back, he made it easier to aim by asking you to stay.” Callum reached out and cupped her cheek. “He has better access to you on his own territory, which he knows better than anyone.”

“Though I don’t like the idea of being on guard at all times, we need to be here and flush out the one responsible for the accidents and attacks.

” Maggie shoved a hand through her hair.

“The thought of someone trying to kill that little boy makes me sick to my stomach. We can’t abandon him.

” Her face softened. “He’s a cute kid. I also hate that he’s been sick.

Makes me want to wrap him in my arms and take him back to Montana, where he’d be safe and the doctors there might figure out what’s wrong with him. ”

“I don’t think Fiona will let you do that,” Callum said.

Maggie nodded. “She did appear to care about her son. I’ll give her that, as long as it wasn’t all for show.”

“She was in the car when the brakes went out. I don’t think she would’ve sabotaged it herself. And I don’t think she would climb a tree to damage the branch to make it fall.”

A frown pushed Maggie’s brow downward. “I’m glad we came. Now that I’ve found my brothers, I’d like them to be around for a while.”

“As long as the older one isn’t behind the problems,” Callum amended.

“Right.” She squared her shoulders and brought her fists up like a prize fighter. “I’m in for the fight. How do we flush out the person responsible?”

“I’d rather take you back to Edinburgh or on to Glasgow, where I might have a better chance of keeping you safe.”

She shook her head.

Before she could say anything, he held up his hand. “But I know you won’t go for that. I guess we’ll be accepting Lord Drummond’s hospitality.”

“Good. Then we’d better get dressed for dinner.

In a place like this, I imagine they’re a little more formal than jeans and T-shirts.

Afterward, I want to look around and talk to the others who live and work here.

Mrs. Jones might just be the tip of the iceberg of information about the people who’ve come and gone from Drummond Manor.

There might be others who know more of the Drummond secrets and are willing to spill. ”

Callum’s lips curved in a deliciously sexy smile, making Maggie’s heartbeat flutter. “Look at you being the sleuth.”

“Damn right.” She lifted her chin. “I don’t take being attacked twice lightly.”

“Whoever is behind all this has figured out you won’t be easily acquired. They only sent one guy on the first attempt.”

“And four on the second.” Maggie shivered. “Think they’ll send an army when they try again?”

Callum frowned. “I might need to get Ace to send backup. Or at least position someone closer than London.”

Maggie nodded. “Might be a good idea.”

“You can have the bathroom,” Callum said. “I’ll change out here.”

Hefting her backpack onto her shoulder, Maggie wheeled her roller bag into the spa-like bathroom with shiny white porcelain floors, a soaker tub large enough for two people and a shower that could easily fit a basketball team. As she stripped out of her jeans, her gaze went back to the tub.

Her pulse quickened at the thought of that tub—and sharing it with Callum.

What a shame it would be to let such a beautiful tub go unused.

And what a missed opportunity if she didn’t share it with the man she found incredibly attractive.

She’d never seduced a man before. Heck, she’d never been in a bathtub with a man.

At that moment, she seriously considered asking him to join her.

Of course, it would have to be after dinner.

Her breathing grew ragged. Though she didn’t have a sexy nighty to parade around in to catch his eye, she did have a pair of racy black panties and her black lace bra. Or she could just be naked in the tub and ask him to bring her a towel.

Holy smokes! What was she thinking?

She shook out the only dress she’d brought on the off chance she went to a fancy restaurant.

Sadie had loaned it to her. She’d worn it in one of her movies.

Maggie would never have purchased something as expensive and seductive.

But when she’d tried it on in Sadie’s bedroom, she’d fallen in love with the emerald-green fabric that clung to her body like a second skin, accentuating the swell of her hips and breasts.

It brought out the green in her eyes, making them sparkle.

She hung the dress on a hook on the wall and pulled out her toiletries bag.

She rarely wore a lot of makeup, but the dress needed at least a little drama on the eyes and a statement lipstick.

Sadie had shown her how to emphasize the green in her eyes and how to apply eyeliner for maximum effect.

Maggie had spent a little time practicing before leaving for Scotland, just in case she had the opportunity to attend a play in London or Edinburgh.

Once she was satisfied with her makeup, she pulled her hair up and secured it in a loose bun, allowing a few curls to escape and frame her cheeks.

She added pearl drop earrings and a matching necklace, completing her preparation for the last stage of her transformation.

..Sadie’s incredible dress. She lifted it off the hook and stepped into the garment, sliding it over her hips.

The material caressed her skin, cool and delicious.

She slipped her arms into the thin straps and pulled them up over her shoulders.

When she’d tried on the dress back in Montana, Sadie had been there to help her with the zipper.

Maggie reached behind her back and pulled the zipper up as far as she could, stopping about four inches short of finishing the job. The bodice dipped low in front, making it impossible to wear her bra with it. She didn’t really need a bra, but she did need help getting the zipper all the way up.

Holding the bodice against her chest, she hurried to the bathroom door and swung it open.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Callum wore black trousers and a black long-sleeve shirt, open at the collar. He’d combed back his dark hair, but a lock swept down over his forehead, giving him a dangerously sexy look.

His gaze swept her length from the top of her bun to the hem of her dress, his eyes flaring. “Brilliant,” he said. “You’re absolutely stunning.”

Heat warmed Maggie’s cheeks. “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.”

He dipped his head in acknowledgement.

“I’m almost ready,” Maggie said. “But I could use some help with the zipper.” She turned her back to him.

For a long moment, he didn’t move.

Maggie was about to turn back around when footsteps sounded behind her and fingers brushed against her skin.

A spark of electricity raced across her nerves, sending delicious shivers down the length of her spine.

He moved the zipper up, excruciatingly slowly, his knuckles skimming her back all the way.

Her breath lodged in her throat, and her pulse quickened.

He could just as easily slide that zipper down if she asked him.

If he wanted to.

The truth was that she didn’t know what he wanted or if he was interested in anything other than providing her protection.

When the zipper reached the top, he released the tab.

Maggie almost cried out in disappointment that it was over.

Then hands closed around her bare arms, and warm breath caressed the side of her neck where it blended into her shoulders. Lips brushed across her skin there.

She trembled, her knees turned to jelly, and she sank backward into Callum.

“I can’t resist,” he murmured, his words tickling her skin.

And she couldn’t fight her overwhelming desire for him.

“As beautiful as that dress is on you...” he whispered, “I want to take it off.”

She turned in his arms and stared up at him. “Would they come looking for us if we don’t show up for their dinner?”

His gaze bore into hers. “Do you care?”

Maggie shook her head.

Callum touched a finger beneath her chin, tipped her face upward and at the same time lowered his mouth to hers.

He claimed her lips with his, at first gently, caressing, worshipping.

Maggie’s hands climbed up his chest and wrapped around the back of his neck, dragging him closer. When his tongue traced the seam of her lips, she opened to him.

The kiss deepened. His hand slid around her and cupped her buttocks, pressing her hips to his.

When the evidence of his desire pressed into her belly, Maggie’s breath caught in her throat, and her pulse raced so fast, it made her dizzy.

The kiss went on. All thoughts of half-brothers, attacks or trains disappeared behind a haze of lust.

A knock sounded on the door, and a woman’s voice called out, “Ms. McKendrick?”

Maggie fell back to earth. She reluctantly stepped back, pressing a hand to her flaming cheeks.

Callum stared into her eyes. “I should say I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Please don’t,” Maggie said. “I wanted it.”

For a long moment, he met and held her gaze.

Another knock sounded on the door, “Ms. McKendrick, I’ve come to show you to the dining room.”

Maggie recognized the voice. “That’s Mrs. Jones.”

“I’ll get it.” Callum headed toward the door.

Pressing her hands against her heated cheeks, Maggie spun away from Callum and sucked air into her lungs.

That kiss.