Page 37 of Kilted Abduction

She would figure out how to escape later.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Magnus walked into Domhnall’s study, where the laird and their two sisters, Enya and Thora, were already sitting. Although Domhnall obviously had the final say in matters, they all had a place and a voice in decisions that affected the clan and often discussed things together as a family Magnus, weary from his travels, walked to the table set against the eastern wall and poured himself a cup of wine and piled roasted meats, cheese, and bread on a plate that had been brought in for him and carried it back to his seat.

He set his cup down on the small table beside his chair but kept the plate in his lap and tucked into the food. Domhnall and his sisters gave him a few minutes of silence to eat but Magnus felt their eyes on him. Eventually, the pressure of their combined gazes became unbearable.

“What?” Magnus asked between bites. “Cannae a man eat in peace?”

“Man?” Thora asked. “Ye look more like an animal eating right now, braither.”

“I’m hungry.”

“Obviously,” Enya chimed in. “Apparently so hungry, ye’ve forgotten yer manners.”

“Truly, braither,” Domhnall said. “I’ve seen animals in the stables with better manners.”

They all laughed as Magnus sighed heavily. Determined to fill his belly, he tried his best to ignore them. After all that time on the road eating nothing but dried meats, cheese, and old bread, he was ravenous. And despite all their sarcastic remarks, they let him eat. For a time. Finally they had had enough.

“Maribel, can ye please clear the plates and tables?” Thora asked.

“I’m nae done eatin’,” Magnus protested.

“Ye are now,” Thora said. “If ye want tae eat more when we’re done here, ye’re welcome tae go eat in the kitchens.”

“Or in the stables with the other animals,” Enya cracked.

Magnus glowered at him but stood and refilled his cup of wine before it was all taken away, then returned to his seat, his appetite sated for the moment.

“All right,” Domhnall said once the servants had gone. “What did ye learn about this woman ye brought back.”

“Shouldnae we wait for Kai?” Magnus asked.

“Kai is on other business right now. We’ll start without him,” Domhnall replied. “Now, tell me what ye ken about this lass.”

“Ciara. Ciara MacDougal,” Magnus replied.

“Fine. Ciara MacDougal. What can ye tell me about her? Is she our spy?”

He shook his head. “I dinnae ken.”

“After spendin’ all that time on the road back tae Dunvegan with her, how can ye nae ken?”

Magnus leaned back in his chair and blew out a long breath as he swirled the wine around in his cup, staring into its deep red depths as if it held the answers.

“Fair of skin, golden hair, emerald eyes,” Thora said.

“Aye, good with a blade and a bow,” Magnus agreed.

“Sounds like the girl ye brought back,” Enya said.

“Aye. Fits her tae the letter. A little too closely, perhaps?” Magnus said.

“What dae ye mean?” Domhnall asked.

“I just mean it kind of sounds like somebody wanted us lookin’ for this specific lass.”

“Aye. Because they say she’s a spy,” Domhnall said. “Workin’ with the English tae destroy our clan.”