Wicked Laird: Brethren of Stone Book 2 Read online

  He straightened his shoulders. Had he never considered the weight his older brother carried?

  The door opening interrupted his thoughts as the boys quietly entered. Ailean sniffed the air and Blair saw his look of absolute longing, heard his stomach growl, as the boy turned toward the kitchen stove.

  Shamus came up behind him and groaned, his hand coming to his stomach. Poor kid needed a meal to fill his belly. “Yer sister’s been cooking,” he said.

  “Aye.” Ailean nodded and rubbed his tummy. Lachlan came in behind them and stopped, staring at the pot of food.

  “How’s the tide look?” Blair asked crossing back into the small corner that housed the kitchen.

  “Nearly done going out. Another hour.” Aliean replied.

  Blair gestured to the table. “Sit then. We’ll have a quick bite and then we’ll pull out the boat.”

  The boys’ eyes grew round but they sat without a word. As he handed them each a bowl, the delicious scent wafted into his nostrils. It was a far cry better than what he’d been preparing for himself and it made him, despite his fears, convinced that his plan to have Elle cook for him was a good one. He’d learned his lessons, hadn’t he? If he could keep from proposing the way he had with Cordelia than they could enter into an arrangement that was mutually beneficial.

  He looked over to where Elle sat in the chair. Her long, dark lashes rested on her upper cheeks as she softly breathed. Her hair had dried and the strawberry blonde locks had been twisted over one shoulder, hanging down to her waist. He’d like to touch that hair. While her eyes were closed, the tension in her face told him she wasn’t asleep.

  He poured another bowl, then walked toward her. “Have you eaten?”

  She looked back up at him and shook her head. Her green eyes, like the color of spring grass, near took his breath away. They too were filled with hunger but he didn’t want food. He handed her the bowl. “You’ll need it for your recovery.”

  With a nod, she accepted the soup and brought the bowl delicately to her lips. He turned away. He had to stop thinking like this if this arrangement was to work at all.

  After pouring a bowl for himself, he ate quickly, then called to the boys. They bounced back outside. With a quick look at Elle, he narrowed his gaze in mock severity. “Stay in that chair.” He could only hope they’d be able to save that boat. If they didn’t, he didn’t know how he could help Elle and Ailean. They’d be indebted to him for the next decade if he had to buy a new one.

  The door closed with a soft click. Elle would comply this time without complaint. The morning had worn her out.

  She gave her ankle a soft turn. Hissing at the first stab of pain, she was grateful she could move it, a good sign.

  Closing her eyes, she let her mind wander and it naturally followed Blair down to the beach. He pulled out the boat, muscles rippling. With that same unruffled confidence, he repaired it and returned it to her neighbor. She, all the while, stayed tucked here. Warm, safe, and fed. When he came back, he lifted her into his arms again, only this time he didn’t just carry her to safety. He placed his lips on hers and then he…she stopped herself.

  “Foolish girl,” she said to the walls around her. There were no such happy endings. Not for her, anyway. Why was she still dreaming about a man saving her?

  As if to remind herself why it was a terrible idea to let her thoughts wander so, she reached her hand under the blankets and touched the scars on the back of her legs. They’d healed and it didn’t hurt to run her fingers along them but they served as a reminder of what happened when she put her blind faith into a man’s hands.

  From the moment she’d accepted Malcom’s proposal, she’d known it was a mistake. She didn’t love him of course, she barely liked him. But he would provide for her, and even more importantly, Ailean. He was too young to take on their father’s lease and become the earner for their family. He’d deserved a childhood.

  But Malcom had begun making demands almost immediately. He’d chosen all new clothing for her. Which might seem exciting for a young girl from the village, but it had been clear her opinion didn’t matter.

  She told herself it was just clothing. And pretty ones at that. Her cupboards were full, Ailean would be able to attend school. It was worth it. But that had only been the beginning.

  She shifted in the chair. She wasn’t a fool. She knew all men weren’t like Malcolm. But at the heart of all this, she was vulnerable. She had no money, barely enough food. She couldn’t afford to get swept away by any emotions. She had to keep her head and her wits.

  And certainly, she couldn’t expect a man to race to her rescue. There was no future in the town where Malcom McKenzie lived. She’d only stayed because her uncle’s cottage was there. Once she had enough money to leave, she would. She and Ailean could start over.

  But not that very moment. The fire crackled and she snuggled down further into her blankets. She was warm, fed, and reasonably comfortable—if she ignored the throb in her ankle—for the first time in a long time. Right now, she'd enjoy the comfort. Leaving was a problem for later.

  Chapter Four

  Blair got the boat up onto the beach. It would take a few days to repair with the size of the hole in the bow of the boat. She must have crashed against a rock, it was the only explanation.

  “What was she doing out on the water alone?” he asked more to himself. He was honestly amazed she hadn’t drowned.

  “I don’t get any coin until the end of the week and we were out of items to trade even when people will make them. She was trying to feed us,” Ailean answered as he shifted from foot to foot, his gaze dropping to the ground.

  Blair swallowed down his protest. He was not in the business of saving women. He ignored the voice that said he was doing exactly that. Just like with Cordelia, his attraction was getting in the way of his good sense.

  Banging his fist on his outer thigh, he ignored the voice. He was making a deal this time and he was getting a great bargain. Not only that, but the faster he could get his business going, the sooner he could be the laird this province desperately required.

  “Shamus, go fetch the doctor. Ewan, get the neighbor Elle borrowed the boat from. There’s another bowl of stew for ye if ye do.” Then he turned to Ailean. “Let’s go check on your sister. I need to discuss my plan with her.”

  Ailean nodded and the other two boys left. As he and Ailean walked back up the hill, the boy tapped his arm. “Can you really fix the boat?”

  Ailean stared at him with a bit of wonder on his face. Blair had four younger brothers and he knew that wide-eyed look well. Younger boys learned how to be men by watching and imitating older ones. Ailean was surely about to ask Blair to teach him. “Aye. My family owns a shipping company. I’ve been repairing boats since I was a child.”

  Ailean moved a little closer. “Can ye teach me?”

  He did ruffle Ailean’s hair then. Truth be told, he missed his family and, he could hardly believe it, but he missed having young ones tagging behind him. “Aye, I can teach ye. But not on Mr. McLaren’s boat. He’ll want it back very soon and I’ll need ye to complete some other chores fer me.”

  Ailean’s shoulder’s slumped but he answered, “You’re right.”

  “Soon, Ailean, I’ll be bringing in large ships that will always be in need of repair.” Blair gave a chuckle as Ailean perked up.

  “Will ye build ships?” The boy asked as they reached the cottage.

  Blair opened the door and they stepped inside. “Probably not. It’s best to build ships where there is lumber. But someday, maybe ye can visit my brother. He’s got an entire fleet of boats. Some he uses for his shipping company while others he sells. His boats are always the fastest in any fleet.”

  “Who is your brother?” Elle called from the chair. Her body was slumped over as though she’d been asleep but her eyes were wide as they assessed him.

  “My brother is Stone Sinclair, the Earl of Alban.” He stopped searching her face for a reaction.
r />   There was a tiny flicker of a frown. “And who are you?”

  Ailean bounded in front of him. “He’s the new laird. He’s going to teach me to build ships.”

  “I already told ye, I’m Blair Sinclair.” He stepped closer...lines creased her forehead as she stared at him. “And we got the boat out of the water. The hole is large but the frame is intact. I’ll have it repaired in a few days.”

  “Why are ye helping me?” The lines above her brow had relaxed but her mouth was set.

  “Ailean, go fill the water bucket for me.” Blair pointed into the kitchen. The boy bounded over and grabbed the handle without question or comment. If only Elle were so easy to win over. Once the door had closed, he turned back to her. “I saved ye from the water because I didn’t think about it, I just did it. But I’ll help ye with the boat because I’m hoping ye’ll help me in return.”

  She squared her shoulders, and folded her arms. “With what?”

  “I could use some assistance around here. All my money is tied up into building the docks and buying the ships. That’s why I live here instead of the manor. But if ye could cook fer me, do some other chores and Ailean could help me, I could get my business going faster. You’d be employed and fed and ye could work off the debt—” he stopped. Why did it bother him to put numbers on the arrangement?

  “It’s a good offer”. She gave him a sideways glance, tilting her head, scrutinizing him. “But you should know that people who assist me land in far more trouble than its worth.”

  A rumble built deep in his chest. So, McKenzie gave anyone who aided her trouble did he? He’d assumed as much from the other man’s words. “What does McKenzie do to them?”

  Her eyes grew round with surprise. “How did you…” but then she stopped. “I am going to hurt that child.”

  He chuckled. “It wasn’t just him. I met McKenzie at Derby’s croft.”

  Elle visibly paled. “You met him? Does he know I’m here? Did he threaten you?” The words had come out in a rush.

  “He didn’t say anything that frightened me. Though, I do not make it my business to help random damsels in distress.” His cheek ticked at the lie. “You and Ailean could help me. And if he’s any good with woodworking and ship building, it could mean a real career for him beyond crofting.” He moved closer to her then, bending down so he was at eye level. “Elle, I am one of the few men in this country that a man like McKenzie can’t touch. Ye’ll not get a better offer.”

  Damn him and his good offer and his sound reasoning. It was true. Every word. The problem was that she didn’t want a man’s help. She’d only known him a few hours. What if Blair turned out to be as bad or worse than Malcolm? A shiver ran down her spine. If she consented, she opened herself up to being hurt.

  “It’s not that it isn’t a good offer,” she started.

  He sat back, a frown playing on his lips. “You have another?”

  “Another what?”

  “Offer.” He reached over and grabbed a log to toss on the fire. “A man who has promised to marry you. Or a position you’re about to take.”

  “If a man was about to marry me, I wouldn’t have been in that boat,” she said, spitting out the words. “And no one will give me a position.”

  “Then why not take what I’m offering?” He leaned toward her again as he waited for what she would say next.

  She stared back. Several seconds passed before, swallowing, she answered, “That last time I put my life in someone else’s hands, it did not go well.”

  Blair closed his eyes for just a moment. She saw raw anger pull at his features before he masked it again. “I see,” he said, sounding incredibly calm. Had she misunderstood his expression? “And I understand, I think.” He reached out his hand. Slowly she placed her small pale fingers in his. “But ye have to think of Ailean and yerself. Ye’re not makin’ it on yer own.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. A single one broke free and trailed down her cheek. “I ken.”

  “We’ll draw up a contract and we’ll sign it. Agree upon hours, wages, and money owed. When the debt is clear, we’ll renegotiate or ye can go. My brother runs a giant staff. I’ll see ye get positions far away from here.” He gave her fingers a small squeeze. It was a dream. It had to be. Or else, the nightmare her life had turned into could be over.

  Another tear slipped out. “And ye’ll put that in the contract too?”

  One corner of his mouth turned up. “Aye, Elle, I’ll put it in the contract.”

  She nodded, but a niggling doubt was creeping in. “All right, I’ll do it. But before I sign, I need to ken. How many guns de ye have?”

  He was still holding her hand but he sat back on his heels. “What?”

  Elle had been afraid to tell him. He’d change his mind when he understood what a threat McKenzie was. But maybe that was for the better. Her scars itched, the ones McKenzie had left on her back and legs. If he never got involved, they’d all be safer. She realized it mattered to her that he not get hurt. “The last time the doctor treated me, McKenzie came to his house waving a pistol. He shot one of his dogs.”

  Blair let go of her hand as he stood. She tried to keep her face free of any expression. But he was about to kindly, or not so kindly, tell her to leave. She didn’t blame him and she’d vowed that she could get them through this mess on her own. Still, a vision of being warm, fed, and safe had danced in front of her eyes. Honestly, she’d pictured Blair’s arm about her waist, his body close to hers.

  “He did what?”

  She shook her head. No more tears. “He’s ruthless. I’ve always known that. But I—” What? What did she say next, that she was a fool? That she’d been frightened and alone? That she wasn’t prepared for just how cruel a man could be.

  “Later, ye will tell me everything he did tae ye.” Blair was back in front of her then. “But for right now, ye’ll eat a nice dinner and then ye’ll rest. And yes, I’ve got plenty of ammunition.”

  Relief washed over her. “Blair, ye can’t get involved.”

  He leaned toward her. For a moment, she thought he might kiss her. Her breath caught with the realization that she wanted him to. Instead he softly leaned his forehead against hers. “I am now the largest land owner in the province and Malcolm McKenzie’s direct competition. If everything ye’ve told me is true. McKenzie and I are going to tangle no matter if I help ye or not.”

  “Oh,” she whispered. He was right. McKenzie’s entire business was predicated on him having no competition. The old laird had never been a threat. He ruled this province because no one dared to cross him. “Ye might not. He owns the crofts and leases them while ye’re going to ship goods. Yer businesses can exist separately.”

  The latch clicked and Blair rose just as the door opened then and Ailean came striding back in with a full bucket. “I got it, Laird Sinclair.”

  “Just Blair will do and thank ye.” He gave the boy a smile. “Are ye up fer feeding the hogs?”

  Ailean gave him a nod. “Aye, I can do that.” Then the boy bounded back out the door.

  “Is he always such a hard worker?” Blair turned back to her.

  Pride made her chest swell. “Aye, he’s a good boy.”

  Blair gave her a smile. “Back to our original conversation. Did McKenzie face any repercussions for what he did to the doctor?”

  “No, of course not.” Her shoulder rose up and then fell back down. “He gets away with whatever he wants because he has enough money and enough people depend on him—” She didn’t bother to finish. “And ye would be a threat to his position.”

  “Aye. That I will.” He gave her another small grin. This one warm, comforting, and thrilling. “It could be argued that ye’ve helped me. I’ve a much better understanding of the one man who might try to challenge me.”

  That made her smile in return. “I hadn’t thought of it like that. Me helping you.” It made it easier to accept his help to know that she’d done something for him.

  “And ye cooked the st
ew. I’ll cook fer ye sometime and then ye’ll understand what a favor ye’ve done.” He bent over her then and picked her up. She’d gotten used to his touch and, though she had no idea where he was taking her, she didn’t hesitate when he touched her. Rather than fear, it was pleasure that heated her skin.

  “Where are we going?” she asked even as she nestled into his broad chest.

  A small laugh reverberated through him, she felt the vibrations more than heard them. “I’m taking ye to my room. Ye can’t be in blankets when yer neighbor arrives and yer clothes still aren’t dry. I’ll bring ye a bowl of stew and the doctor can see ye in here.”

  “The doctor?” She yelped. “He won’t see me again. I’m sure of it. Not after what happened.”

  “He’d better,” Blair rumbled. Then he gently laid her on the bed. “Ye rest now. Ailean and I will sleep in the loft. There are two beds. Ye won’t get better if ye don’t.”

  He walked back out of the room and Elle blinked after him. His smell, like summer grass and something male, wrapped around her. This should have been the worst day of her life. She’d nearly drowned. So why did she feel happier in this moment then she had been for a very long time? It couldn’t last. She sighed. It never did.

  Chapter Five

  Blair sent Ailean to fetch both the doctor and the boat’s owner, Mr. McLaren. There was much to do and he was trying to be efficient with his time. Rubbing the back of his neck, he could admit to himself that after the story he’d heard, he was a little worried that the doctor wouldn’t come and Ailean’s trip to the village would be in vain.

  The doctor did treat her in the end. Blair wasn’t sure if it was on principal, or fear of angering the new laird that motivated him but he examined her foot, then reported his diagnosis to Blair. “It’s not broken. She needs to rest it for a week or two and she should be back to normal.”

  “Thank ye, doctor,” Blair opened the bedroom door to escort the doctor out as Elle peeked over the covers at them both. He had the urge to kiss her forehead before he left the room but, gritting his teeth, he stepped out and then closed the door behind him.