Page 45 of My Highland Fling
When she handed it to him, he thrust his hand between her legs.Gabrielle jumped, then stumbled because she’d landed on his foot.His vodka tipped from her grip and wet his shirt.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said.
“Look what you’ve done,” James snapped, swiping at his damp shirt.He reprimanded her with a slap before shoving her from him.
One guard jumped forward and helped her to regain her balance.“Go to the kitchen,” he whispered.
“I apologize for my clumsiness,” Gabrielle said, trying to ignore her stinging cheek.The guard’s accent was the same as Ramsay’s.Gabrielle ripped her gaze away to check with her husband.“Would you excuse me while I see to dinner?”
“Of course, my dear,” he said, and his voice held a trace of warmth.
Relief had her weak at the knees, but she exited the lounge and made her way swiftly to the bedroom she shared with Adrik.Her dress was wet from the vodka since it had splattered her too.She’d change and go back to the kitchen.If she hurried, she’d have time.She exchanged her gown for another, equally expensive and fussy.In the en suite, she checked her hair.When she reapplied her lipstick, she recalled the items in the medicine cabinet.
She hesitated for a long moment before plucking the jar of laxatives off the shelf.
“Have the guards eaten yet?”she asked the cook in an undertone on reaching the kitchen.
“Not yet.I’m about to plate their stew.”
Summoning her courage because this was a crazy risk, she handed the pills to the cook.“Could you add these to the stew?”Was the cook loyal to Adrik?She’d find out soon.
The cook’s eyes widened, and she shot a glance at the other staff, thankfully at the far end of the kitchen.For once, they weren’t eavesdropping.She turned her attention back to Gabrielle.“Has something happened?”
“Not sure.I know it’s a gamble, but my gut tells me now is the time.”
They shared a long look, and finally, the cook gave a grudging nod.She slipped the pills into her pocket.“When does the master want his meal?”
“In a quarter of an hour.”
The cook checked on her underlings.“Ladies,” she called, “we have fifteen minutes before service.Have a quick break, but return in ten minutes.”
The staff downed tools and disappeared into the staff room.
“You realize if you’ve misread this situation, we’ll be in danger.”
Gabrielle gave her a grim smile.“Yes.”
“And you’re still willing to risk this move?”
“Yes.”
“Very well,” the cook said.“Do you have a weapon?”
Gabrielle shook her head.
“Take a fork off the table and slip it into a pocket.Stab anyone who gives you problems, and don’t hesitate.”
“All right.Can I help with anything?”
“Yes.Pray you’ve made the right decision, and help me grind these tablets.”
Chapter 22
Displeasure
Gabriellefinishedinthekitchen and tapped on the lounge door before entering.“Gentlemen, if you’d like to move to the dining room, I’m about to serve dinner.”
“No guards,” Adrik said.“I wish to eat my meal without distractions.”
