Page 68 of Bound to a Scot
“Bleedin’ hell,” Maddox muttered as he threw back his bed covers.
He padded across the room and splashed some cold water from the basin onto his face, washing away the tendrils of sleep that clung to him like cobwebs. Grabbing a towel, he wiped his face then raked his fingers through his hair and stared at himself in the looking glass. Maddox knew he should feel guilty for what he and Emmeline had done and that it had been dishonorable but he just couldn’t.
His feelings were genuine, his heart was true. It didn’t make the fact that he’d slept with a married woman right, but with how poorly Burchard treated her and how unhappy she was, he couldn’t make himself feel bad about it either. They had both suffered horribly and had given each other a bit of happiness, temporary though it may have been. He couldn’t believe that was a bad thing.
Maddox tried to dull the roar and got dressed. There was something he wanted to do. No, something he had to do that was long overdue. Sitting on the edge of his bed, he pulled on his boots then stood and slung his cloak over his shoulders and fastened it around his throat. After giving himself one final glance in the looking glass, Maddox turned and walked out of his bedchamber.
His first stop was at the kitchens where he managed to sweet talk the serving women into making him a plate of eggs and leftover roasted meat. They added a couple pieces of sweet bread and jam just because. After filling his belly, Maddox thanked the women and took his leave, stalking through the halls. As he rounded a corner, he found Adair leaning back with his arms folded over his chest as if he’d been waiting for Maddox all morning.
“And where have ye been?” Maddox asked.
“Here and there.”
“Whose bed did ye warm last night?”
“A gentleman never kisses and tells, lad.”
“Nobody’d ever mistake ye fer a gentleman.”
“’Tis true,” Adair said with a chuckle. “I met a lovely chambermaid by the name of Ayla.”
“Explains the glow on yer face.”
“Aye. It probably daes.”
Maddox chuckled and Adair fell into step beside him as he made his way down the corridor.
“Where are ye goin’ then?” Adair asked.
“I need tae dae somethin’.”
“What is it ye got tae dae?”
“I’ve got tae talk tae somebody.”
“About what?”
“’Tis me business. Ye should go and spend some more time with yer chambermaid.”
“She’s busy,” Adair said. “I think I’ll come with ye.”
“I dinnae want ye tae come with me.”
“I’m yer advisor. ‘Tis important fer me tae ken what ye’re up tae. I heard what happened tae ye and Lady Emmeline the other night. I was worried and had made me mind up tae go lookin’ fer ye, especially when the laird returned early and was nae happy about the two if ye missin’. And then, when ye returned I didnae even get a chance tae speak tae ye afore ye all disappeared intae the laird’s study, so I buggered off tae release some pent up tension. But that isnae happening again. I am watching ye from now on.”
Maddox sighed and knew there was no way he was going to get Adair to leave him be. When the man had his mind set on something, there was rarely any dissuading him. But he also felt guilty for the awkward and worrying situation he had put him in. However, Maddox didn’t want him to hear what he had to say. He stopped and turned to Adair.
“This is private, lad. I need tae dae this on me own,” Maddox said.
“But ‘tis me duty tae keep ye safe.”
“Fer cryin’ out loud, I’m nae marchin’ intae a room full of assassins,” he snapped. “We’re quite safe here.I’, sorry fer what I put ye through, but I’m fine. So, go see yer chambermaid or go meet a new one. I dinnae care what ye dae but right now, I need tae dae somethin’ on me bleedin’ own.”
Adair’s mouth curled and he grimaced like he’d bitten into something sour. He was concerned. And Maddox appreciated that and normally welcomed his companionship. But right then, he wanted to be alone to attend to his business privately. Adair held his hands up, chest high, with his palms facing Maddox.
“Alright, alright,” he said. “Nay need tae get yer bleedin’ knickers in a twist, lad.”
Maddox chuckled. “I’ll see ye later then.”
