Page 50 of A Knight To Call My Own
“And therein lies my problem, and hence, my reason for seeking you out, Laird Calum.”
“You surprise me by knowing who I am.”
“I knew the exact moment you rode across our borders and who you were. Only a fool would not be vigilant in protecting what is his.”
“I believe that is no longer your right, if you could claim such ownership prior to MacGillivray’s arrival to lead his clan.”
An animal-like snarl erupted from Edric as he lost his composure. “The lands should have been mine, and would have been if Fiona’s brat of a son had continued on his path, looking for glory abroad.”
“How unfortunate for you he has returned to claim his birthright, including bringing home a bride,” Calum smirked meaningfully.
“And therein lays the root of my proposition to you.”
“Go on. You have my attention.”
Edric stood. “I need monies to see myself settled where I can live out my life comfortably. You need the same in order to ensure Clan Davidson’s survival through the coming winter. Split Lynet’s ransom with me, and I will ensure easy passage into the keep. You should have no trouble capturing the girl, once inside.”
“Why should I trust you?”
“Do you think it wise not to? I could have just as easily sent out our own guards to lead you on your merry way back to whence you came without so much as a shilling for your troubles.”
“’Tis still no reason to take you up on your offer of helping me obtain that which I need.”
“I would think we would both benefit from such a scheme.”
“What if I want more than mere coins to fill my coffers?”
“Pilfer whatever you can find from Urquhart, for all I care. There is not much left for the taking. Believe me, I have looked. Why do you think I wish to leave?”
“What if I desire to keep the girl?”
“Give her to Dristan of Berwyck, keep her for yourself, or drown her in the lake. Think you I care what happens to her?”
“She is part of your family.”
“Bah! All I want is my fair share of the coins she will bring. I will then bid good riddance to the place, along with my useless sister.”
Calum considered Edric’s plan, including the drawback of sharing what he could easily get done by himself. Had he not been scoping out the lay of the land, including the routine of the castle guards, for some time now? Then again, if Edric could ensure easy entry through the barbican gate, then, mayhap, ’twould be just as simple to get rid of the man afterwards. He would not have to share any of the ransom, but keep it all to himself.
Calum held out his hand. “Do not cross me,” he warned.
Edric reached out to seal their bargain. “’Tis done then.”
“Aye.”
Edric gave a satisfied smile. “Let me tell you how we shall go about getting you inside the keep.”
Calum listened intently and nodded in encouragement for Edric to divulge all he could on the inner workings of the castle. Afore too long, he had a good handle on the situation, knowing he would indeed easily obtain Lynet, along with her ransom monies from Berwyck. Edric, on the other hand, would quickly become a useless liability and would in no way further aid his cause once the keep had been breached.
Edric droned on about the wealth that would soon be his, causing Calum’s head to throb with a horrendous headache. ’Twould give him the utmost pleasure when the time came to put this babbling idiot out of his misery. He called his men to gather around the fire and listen to how they would obtain their gold. Calum smiled. ’Twas time to put his plan into action.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Ian awoke to stare in wonderat the miracle lying next to him. His heart seemed to freeze for an instant afore beating ferociously within his chest again. Was it no small wonder the woman he had taken to wife had slowly crept her way into a place where he thought no lady would ever dwell again?
She lay there beside him, appearing like a picture of innocence. The corners of her mouth were turned up in the slightest of smiles set upon her lovely face. He reached over to brush a strand of her hair from her temple, and the heat of his fingertips caused her to automatically lean into him. Her own hand came to rest upon his chest. ’Twas almost as if she tempted him in her sleep for him to take her, yet again. But she would need time afore her body would be ready for another round of pleasure as they had shared last eve. Kissing her forehead, he moved to leave her side.
“Ian…” He paused at the sound that escaped from her dreams. His name came from her pouting lips in a breathy wave of desire. A hungry craving for her rushed through him, almost causing him to rethink his thoughts of but an instant ago.
