Page 71 of Fearless Heart

Fiona smiled. “I must go to my husband. He doesn’t look pleased to be in the center of all these men even with the drink flowing as it is.”

“Indeed.” Heath waved Fiona on and turned to her. “Our last discussion was filled with discord. I wasn’t certain you’d return. We must speak, but now is not the time. Your father came to retrieve you. I had to tell him of our marriage. He brought the Sinclairs with him and I’ve settled the matter. You need not worry over the betrothal to Angus.” He chuckled and motioned to the man who sat alone in the corner.

“Oh gracious be. I am gladdened to hear that. Can you imagine being wed to him? Now you know why I fled my home.”

“Aye. I saved Angus from death when a boar tried to skewer him. He’s indebted and has declared his desire that your betrothed be nullified. Then the MacKintoshs came. I hadn’t expected their arrival.”

“Fiona tells me there’s a possible treaty between them and the Frasers.”

He set an arm around her and pulled her close. Lillia delighted at the feeling of him against her, but she still smarted over what his Uncle Andrew said. If he wasn’t going to be laird of his clan, Heath would have to find another means to support himself.

“We plan to discuss the matter at length, when the night grows late, after most seek their beds.” He leaned close and his mouth by her ear, and he spoke low, “I can only assume the outcome will be beneficial since they came to us. But we shall see.”

“About what I said earlier …”

He pressed a finger on her lips. “Sweetness, we will discuss our marriage and all else later. Right now I am content you are here and safe.”

“I am well, just a wee bit chilled from my walk.”

Heath took a cloak from a peg hanging on the adjacent wall and set it around her shoulders. “Are you warm enough now?”

Lillia wished they were alone. She wanted to wrap her arms around him. “When I’m near you, I’m always warm.”

“Then I’m about to make you hot.” Heath grinned and tugged her hand to get her to follow.

She shrieked at his abrupt movements, but smiled when she regarded the grin he wore. “What are you about?”

“Warming you.”