Page 47 of Trapped with the Vicious Highlander
The courtyard was no longer empty and filled with just grass. He could now see Ava and Margaret down there, running. He could see the biggest smile on Margaret’s face as Ava chased her across the fields and to the swing. A rush of warmth bloomed in his chest at that moment, and the world around him faded into the background.
“M’Laird,” Darach called again.
Brodrick didn’t answer. Instead, he continued to watch.
Ava was wearing a bright yellow gown, and the sunlight bounced off it in a way that made her look ethereal. His breath hitched as he watched her. She looked utterly mesmerizing, and the fact that she was playing with hisdaughter made her even more alluring.
“M’Laird?” Darach’s voice shook him out of his reverie.
He turned around and gave his man-at-arms a wide smile. “I am certain whatever ye come up with shall be incredibly strategic.”
“But M’Laird—” Darach started again.
“Will that be all, Darach?” Brodrick asked.
Darach nodded once, the remainder of his words freezing on his tongue.
“Good,” Brodrick uttered. He stepped closer to Darach. “As I said, make sure the men are well fed. I am off to the courtyard.”
“The courtyard?” Darach echoed.
“Aye.”
“Ye dinnae plan to eat with the men?”
“I will eat later. Dinnae worry about me.”
“What if the men have something to discuss with ye over the meal?”
Brodrick rose and made for the door. “Tell them it can wait.”
Whatever Darach was about to say, Brodrick did not wait to listen to it. Instead, he made his way out of the common room and straight down the stairs.
The castle hummed in the daylight as he walked with only one purpose in mind.
He planned to join Ava and Margaret. As he walked, some part of him couldn’t help but wonder if he was going to be a welcome addition. Will Margaret open up to him, or will he just get in the way of everything?
He quickened his steps, not letting the nagging question weaken his resolve.
There was only one way to find out.
* * *
Ava paused to catch her breath, reveling in Margaret’s laughter. While chasing Margaret around the courtyard had been a hectic and rather grueling experience for her, she was incredibly happy that the girl was enjoying every single moment of it. It didn’t matter if she could die from exhaustion any second. As long as the child was having fun, every breathless run was worth it.
She stopped suddenly and sank into the grass, letting her breathing slowly return to normal. She panted for air, and Margaret, who only got the hint a little later, stopped running around as well. She made her way to Ava and also sank into the grass.
The afternoon air smelled of freshly cut flowers, honey, and a hint of lemon. It made Ava wonder for the briefest of moments what Flora had directed the maids to make for dinner.
“Do you like the blanket? The one your aunt gave you yesterday?” she asked.
Margaret nodded slowly.
“Good. And you’re happy to use it every other night, are you not?”
Margaret nodded again.
“Good. So tell me, what else do you plan to do today? Shall we use the swing?”
