Page 12 of Utterly Dauntless (Return to Culloden Moor #3)

CHAPTER TWELVE

T he sound of Aries' voice calling his name sent a jolt through Grey's veins. For two years, he'd only heard her in his dreams, in his memories, before the phone call in Brighton. Now, just days later, here she was, on the other side of that door. All he had to do was open it.

He pulled back the bolt lock, took a breath, and prayed she wouldn't disappear in a wisp of smoke—not that she could have done such a thing without Wickham's help.

With the door out of the way, his eyes locked on hers and time froze. She was hale and healthy, judging by the rest of her. She held a glass jar aloft and a can of spray, poised to defend herself. Grey couldn't help teasing. "Fixin' to cook for the man, are ye?"

When she smiled in return, his heart nearly stopped. He couldn't breathe, couldn't take the sweetness of the moment when he knew the bitter taste of what would inevitably follow after. So he stepped away and gestured to Wyn to take over. Thankfully, his friend didn't need any explanation and quickly traded places.

Grey moved to the far wall and stood guard beside the door, wishing he could blend in with the old burgundy wallpaper. Or better yet, wait outside for the police to be called.

But no. He had to listen to her and Campbell talk things out. Had to listen to the tragedy that had shaped her life, that she had fought so hard to put behind her. For years, she believed she'd wished them into oblivion, that she'd taken their lives. Only after Grey and she had met did she learn from Wickham that the lads had been returned home. If she hadn't run away, she would have known it.

If she hadn't run away.

She should have learned by now that running away only complicated matters. But she hadn't.

And when Campbell started raving at her for running away and ruining his life in the process, it cut too close to the bone. Grey had to leave the room or start bellowing like an angry mule.

But he hadn't gone far enough. Now he stood in the parlor listening to her planning to leave again, to go to Glasgow with the man who'd kidnapped her rather than stay in Inverness another day, as if leavin' him was as easy as putting on the kettle.

Grey clenched his fists, closed his eyes, and prayed for patience so he didn't beat down Campbell's walls. When he opened them again, Wyn stood in the kitchen doorway watching him.

"Aye?"

Wyn folded his arms and shrugged. "I dinnae reckon Aries wants us to fetch the police."

Grey let out his breath. "I reckon not."

"Then what's the plan?"

"I dinnae trust him with her. Someone will have to go along on this quest to Glasgow."

Wyn nodded. "All of us. Just to be wary."

“Fine. But we’ll draw straws. One of us must stay with Campbell the night, be certain he does nothin' foolish."

"Wallace already volunteered. I think he likes makin' the bastard nervous."

"I'll go let Peg know she'll have guests for the night, shall I?"

Wyn smirked. "Chookie."

Grey shrugged. "Chicken? Weel, ye’re nae wrong."

Seated on a kitchen chair, Aries braced herself. In a matter of seconds, she and Grey would be face to face again.

She heard a door shut and Wyndham came back into the kitchen alone.

"He's goin' to Peg's, to let her ken she'll have company tonight."

Wallace grinned and bobbed his eyebrows. "Dinnae worry about us. Carson and I are gonna have a grand evenin'. Aren't we, laddie?"

Carson's eyes bulged but he said nothing. Still seated on the table, he looked like he didn't dare move.

"Now," Wallace continued, "what will be on the menu, do ye reckon?"

Carson darted looks at the other men, who gave him no help.

"Ch...Chinese takeaway?"

Wallace slapped him on the back. "Yer future's lookin' brighter by the minute, Mr. Campbell. Damn me if it isnae!"

Aries laughed along with the others, but she couldn't help be disappointed. It wasn't as if she would have many moments with Grey, so this missed opportunity left a hole somewhere very near her middle.

"We're headed to Peg's then?" McHenish headed for the side door and jerked his head, inviting Aries to come with him.

She told Carson she'd see him in the morning, promised him Banner Wallace didn't bite, then hurried outside. She was pretty sure the young man hadn't believed a word she'd said—probably doubted she'd come back—but she wasn't going to waste time trying to convince him. He'd believe it when she walked through the door in the morning.

She had more pressing issues at the moment. First, she had to share the plan with her gran and figure out a way to invite a Muir witch with some power to take a trip to Glasgow, and she had to get Grey alone, to convince him one last time that he should let her go.

Although, other than having McHenish as her escort, she didn't sense she was being held captive at the moment.

Grey had chased her down, but he wasn't trying to keep her?

It wasn't at all like him.