Page 84 of Sins of a Scot
“Ye are in nay different a position than I, me laird,” Iseabail scowled. “We both want something the other has in their possession. Either I see me family, or ye dinnae set eyes on yer crystal.”
He glared at her for a long moment, but realizing he was being outdone, the laird spun on his heels and looked at the guard who had led them to the study. “Bring them,” he barked.
“Aye, me laird,” the guard swiftly replied.
Once the guard had left, Laird Sutherland turned his attention back to Iseabail. He circled her, leering at her lustfully. He made no attempt to hide his desire for her, and Owen could do nothing but ball his fists in jealous anger.
“So, this is yer lover?” he said, as he continued to walk around her.
Iseabail gasped, and Owen watched her face flush bright red.
“I suppose ye’ve both spent many a night together,” he continued, “frolicking, and flirting, and?—”
“Me laird, what dae ye plan tae dae with the crystal?” Owen demanded.
He had to say something to end the humiliation, for Iseabail was clearly mortified at his words, and by the sounds of it, he was thriving on her discomfort.
“That’s none o’ yer damned business,” he barked back, glaring at Owen. “Ye should mind yersel’, boy. Ye’re only still in this room due tae me good graces.”
“I beg tae differ, me laird,” Owen returned. “Speaking tae a lady in such a manner shows nay grace at all.”
Laird Sutherland walked the few steps towards him, which is exactly what Owen wanted him to do, and glared him in the eye. “I’m surprised ye’ve lived as long as ye have, with a mouth like that. Perhaps me dungeons will nae be empty when Laird Mackay and his son vacate them.”
“Nay,” Iseabail cried.
“Iseabail,” Owen pleaded.
“Aye, Iseabail.” Laird Sutherland growled, spinning to look at her. “The men are talking. Best tae keep yer pretty little mouth shut.”
The condescension in his tone was sickening, and Owen had to use all his self-control not to smash his fist into that fat face of his. Laird Sutherland opened his mouth to continue, when the study door opened once again.
Owen turned to see an older and younger man shoved into the room. Her father was a sturdy man, but while he was tall, he looked weakened, as though he had suffered much. Keane had Iseabail’s fine looks, and was broad and muscular. There was a Viking look about him, with his long blond hair and dark blue eyes. Owen deduced immediately that he was a warrior, for not only did he hold himself in such a way, as though he feared nothing, he was also covered in battle scars.
“Faither! Keane!” Iseabail gasped.
Laird Mackay looked weak, but from a cursory glance, neither looked harmed. Owen was certain Iseabail was feeling waves of relief at that moment, and her face certainly expressed the same. After all her worry of Laird Sutherland keeping his word, her family was, indeed, alive and as well as one might expect. That being said, Laird Sutherland did not need to leave cuts and bruises. He was capable of inflicting pain without leaving a mark, and thus, Owen had to wonder how much they had both suffered while they had been held captive.
Iseabail turned to run to them, but the guard stepped forward and stopped her.
“What a happy reunion,” Laird Sutherland drawled sarcastically. “But warm embraces will come after ye have voiced tae everyone present, the agreement we made.”
Iseabail spun her head and glared at Laird Sutherland before turning to Owen with an expression of utter devastation. Her look confused him, for she appeared terrified, as though she did not want to speak.
“Ye ken our agreement. I dinnae have tae say it out loud,” she retorted.
“I think there are people in this room who need tae here it, Lady Mackay. Our deal was made between ye and I alone, neither yer faither nor yer lover,” he gave Owen a glowering look,” know it, or so I gather by the way ye just looked at him.”
“Just let me family go. Ye’ve got what ye wanted,” she argued.
“Say it!” the laird bellowed. His anger was palpable as his face reddened and his jowls wobbled in rage.
Taking a huge breath, Iseabail let out a heavy sigh.
“Fine. But I have a further condition.”
Laird Sutherland looked as though he were about to explode, and glaring at her, he waited for her to continue.
“Ye are already freeing me family but ye must swear that Owen and all in his clan will be left alone, too. Nay repercussions will be meted out on them.”
