Page 65 of The Highlander's Princess Bride
Kade threw him a defiant scowl. “I’m old enough to be part of any family discussion, Nick. And I’m not leaving until you promise not to hurt Logan.”
Logan’s anger had abated as well, and he now stood watching Nick with a sort of relaxed wariness, an easy smile lifting the corners of his mouth. Before tragedy had pulled their family to pieces, his brother had always believed that the world was a wonderful place indeed, full of beautiful women, fine whisky, and good cheer. He wondered if Logan still believed that.
Kade reached out and tugged on his waistcoat. “Nick, promise me.”
He forced a smile. “Lad, have you looked at Logan? He must outweigh me by more than two stone. He’d probably flatten me.”
“Too right,” Logan said, his smile stretching into a taunting grin.
“Stow it, you idiot,” Royal growled. “This is no time for jesting.”
“Why not?” Logan asked. “This is something of a farce, after all. We even have a pretty heroine to complete the scene.”
When he winked at Victoria, Nick’s desire to murder his brother flared hot again.
“I asked you not to tease Miss Knight,” Kade said. “It’s disrespectful, and she doesn’t deserve it.”
Logan winced. “Sorry, lad. I’m a bit off my feed, I suppose. It isn’t every day that a fellow returns to the ancestral home.”
“I understand, and I forgive you,” Kade said with touching dignity. “Now, please apologize to Miss Knight, as well.”
Nick didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. His little brother was putting them all to shame.
Logan gave Victoria a short bow. “Please accept my apologies for my unfortunate behavior, ma’am.” Then he flashed the rueful, charming smile that had been the downfall of many a Highland maid. “It’s simply that—”
“Apology accepted, Mr. Kendrick,” Victoria interrupted in a brisk tone. She clearly had Logan’s measure.
Nick ruffled Kade’s hair. “Go upstairs with Miss Knight, lad. I’ll come up in a bit.”
The boy flicked a worried gaze between Nick and Logan.
“Och, no need to worry,” Logan said. “We’ll just curse and shout and probably throw a few breakables, but that’s it.”
“You both promise?” Kade asked suspiciously.
“We promise, imp,” Nick said. “Now off you go.”
His little brother dashed over to give Logan a quick, fierce hug. “You’ll come see me before you go?”
“I promise, Kade.”
Logan’s reassuring smile fell away as soon as Kade turned his back. With a somber expression, he watched his little brother climb the stairs with Victoria.
Nick was furious with Logan for returning to Kinglas, but he was well aware of what exile had cost his brother. No matter his success in Canada, he’d lost the chance to see Kade and Braden growing up. He’d lost his family, the Highlands, and the home he loved above all else.
Nick ruthlessly snuffed out the flicker of sympathy. His brother didn’t deserve forgiveness. Logan was a constant, wrenching reminder of everything Nick had suffered and lost. To have him back at Kinglas was unacceptable.
He glanced around the hall. Once again, they had a large audience for another epic family brawl. “Taffy, I do believe today’s performance is concluded. The staff may return to their duties.”
The housekeeper gave a quick curtsy. “Aye, Laird. Shall I have the tea tray brought up?”
“That won’t be necessary. Mr. Kendrick will not be staying long.”
Logan’s face tightened. “Are you truly not going to hear me out?”
“I can tolerate a brief discussion, but I’ll be damned if I’ll sit about drinking tea with you, pinkies extended. What I need is a damn whisky.”
“At last, we agree on something,” Logan said sardonically.
