by Maya Banks
Genevieve shuddered in revulsion. “Nay, not like Ian. At least, not yet.”
Taliesan’s gaze was sharp, her eyes narrowing as she stared hard at Genevieve. “Think you ’tis a trick?”
“I know not what to think,” Genevieve said truthfully. “But ’twould be foolhardy of me to blindly put my faith in Bowen Montgomery—or any other man. He seems to be genuine and fair, but then Ian could be charming and convincing when he wanted.”
The pain in her voice couldn’t be disguised and she looked away, afraid that her composure would break and humiliate her in front of the other woman.
Unexpectedly, she found herself pulled into Taliesan’s arms and hugged tightly. It was a surprising sensation. For so long she’d been bereft of touch, affection … comfort. How long had she gone without the basest of emotional needs?
She went stiff at first, unsure of what she should do. But Taliesan held on, her arms wrapped tightly around Genevieve. Gradually, Genevieve’s own arms circled Taliesan’s slender waist and the two women hugged fiercely as they sat on Genevieve’s bed.
“I vow to be a good and loyal friend to you, Genevieve,” Taliesan whispered.
The words settled into Genevieve’s heart like a soothing spring rain. She was warmed through by the kindness Taliesan extended, and by the genuine offer of friendship.
“I will be a good friend to you as well,” Genevieve promised.
Taliesan pulled away and smiled broadly. “Good. ’Tis settled then.”
With her future so uncertain, Genevieve wasn’t sure anything was settled at all, but she wasn’t going to borrow trouble by dwelling on what tomorrow might bring. For now, she was content to have a friendly face amid a sea of animosity, and a warrior as her champion and protector.
With Bowen and Taliesan both at her side, the coming days might not be so difficult after all.
CHAPTER 12
Bowen answered the knock at his chamber door and admitted his brother, closing the door behind them.
“You’re settling in well,” Teague observed.
Bowen surveyed the sparsely furnished chamber and shrugged. He’d refused to take over the chamber of either Patrick or Ian, instead relegating those chambers to his brother, Brodie, and Aiden.
“You have need to speak with me?” Bowen asked, pushing matters to the point.
Teague nodded grimly before settling into one of the chairs by the open window. “ ’Tis not an easy matter I bring before you. It could be nothing, but I would be remiss if I didn’t bring it to your attention.”
Bowen frowned and took a seat across from his brother. “Say what is on your mind.”
Teague took in a deep breath. “The story, as I’ve heard it, is that Genevieve convinced Ian to abduct Eveline.”
Bowen’s brows drew together and he reared his head back in surprise. “That doesn’t even make sense. What on earth would she have to gain, and, furthermore, Ian doesn’t strike me as the kind to take direction from a woman.”
Teague held up his hand. “There’s more. Let me explain all I’ve heard.”
Bowen’s lips curled in distaste. “Gossip. ’Tis obvious none here have any love for Genevieve. They’re hardly objective when it comes to the lass.”
“That may well be the case,” Teague said calmly. “But ’tis a story I’ve heard from numerous sources, and the facts don’t change in the telling.”
Bowen’s mouth drew into a fine line, but he nodded for his brother to continue.
“ ’Tis said that when Ian received knowledge of Eveline’s marriage to Graeme, and that when he heard the lass had perpetuated a grand deception to prevent her marriage to Ian, his ire was raised and Genevieve prodded him, stoking the flames of his anger and telling him that he should not allow a mere lass to make such a fool of a man like him. ’Twas also said that she was the mastermind behind his plan to find those among our clan who would ally themselves with Ian and play the spy, and that it was her idea for Eveline to be abducted and brought back as prisoner.”
“How certain are you of this information?” Bowen asked.
“I’m not saying I’m certain or not certain,” Teague admitted. “I’ve not made any judgment. I’m only relating all I’ve heard.”
“But you think there is credibility to this story,” Bowen pressed.
Teague hesitated a moment and then finally nodded. “Aye, the telling of it has been convincing. ’Tis not from people who are overtly hostile toward Genevieve. They do not trust her, and while no one denies that Ian abducted Genevieve and imprisoned her here, ’tis widely thought that she wielded much influence over him and that she used that influence for her own gain.”
Bowen shook his head. “It doesn’t make sense. What gain was there for her in Eveline being abducted? Spite? Resentment? It does not add up.”
“Perhaps she is a consummate actress,” Teague said in a grim voice. “She plays the role of the victim easily. Who, indeed, would assign any blame to a woman who has supposedly endured so much?”
Bowen’s mouth opened wordlessly. “Think you it is all a ruse? That she’s manipulating us?”
Teague shrugged. “ ’Tis not my place to say. But I would not leave this place without giving you the information I discovered. ’Tis your choice to do with it as you wish, but I’d not have you unaware of what is being said or of the possibility that she is deceiving you—and others.”
Bowen sat back, anger and disgust knotting his chest. He didn’t like to think that the lass could be so calculating. But he couldn’t discount the possibility. It would make him ineffective as a leader of this clan.
Now he wondered what the truth was. There was no question that the lass had been abducted and sorely abused. At least, in the beginning. But the question was whether the captor had turned captive and whether she’d been able to wield influence with Ian as time passed.
And could he blame her if she had managed to claim the upper hand with a man such as Ian? Had she merely done what was necessary to survive? Others would condemn a lass for using whatever means necessary to survive, but Bowen could admire such strength. Except that she had placed his sister by marriage in terrible danger.
Why would she plant such an idea in Ian’s head? What purpose could it possibly serve for Eveline to be threatened in such a manner?
“Just have a care, Bowen,” Teague said in a low voice. “There are vipers everywhere. You know not where Patrick is or what threat he may pose. Keep your eyes open and don’t trust anyone. I’ll return with supplies as soon as I’ve apprised Graeme of the situation. Perhaps the best thing is to take care of the McHughs’ needs as quickly as possible and address the leadership of their clan so that we may wash our hands of the entire bloody mess.”
Only, Bowen had promised Genevieve protection. He’d offered her sanctuary. Jesu, he’d even offered her a place in the Montgomery clan.
How could he possibly go to his brother with the woman responsible for endangering his wife?
“I’ll see to the matter,” Bowen said brusquely. “I’ll not form my opinion until I’ve heard all there is on the subject.”
Teague nodded. “Aye, ’tis best to do just that. If you have need of me before I return, simply send word. I’ll come immediately.”
“ ’Tis odd,” Bowen murmured.
Teague lifted one brow. “What’s odd?”
“Us being parted. We’ve always worked as one. The three of us. Graeme as laird. Us always at his back. ’Tis strange now to be away from home. In a clan that is not our own.”
“I don’t doubt your leadership abilities,” Teague said. “The McHughs will thrive with you as their laird, no matter how temporary.”
Bowen rose. “I thank you for that. Go and return quickly. I prefer your company and am more comfortable with you as my right hand.”
Teague clasped arms with Bowen. “Be safe, Bowen.”
“And you,” Bowen returned.
Teague left Bowen’s chamber and Bowen turned to the window, staring broo
dingly into the night.
What an enigma Genevieve McInnis was proving to be. Bowen knew he had no right to be angry until he uncovered whether Teague’s report was true. But he couldn’t help the tight curl of rage at the idea that she’d somehow been responsible for the attack on Eveline.
He shook his head. Nay. It was not right to take that leap before he had proof. He would discover the truth soon enough. And he knew just the person he would go to for answers.
CHAPTER 13
Bowen was up at dawn to see his brother and Aiden off on their journey to return to their respective keeps. It was strange to have Brodie Armstrong remain behind as a source of support, but Bowen was glad of his presence. The McHughs were a hostile, stubborn lot, and the task before him was not an easy one.
When the Montgomery and Armstrong warriors filed out of the courtyard and toward the distant rise, Bowen went in search of Taliesan.
To his consternation, she was not to be found. It was likely she was with Genevieve, and if that was the case he didn’t want to question her in Genevieve’s hearing. He would simply have to wait for the right opportunity.
He broke his fast with Brodie in the great hall, and both men grimaced at the meal, which wasn’t an improvement from the night before. It would be a miracle if either man survived long enough for Teague to return with food and goods.
“Have you seen Taliesan yet this morn?” Bowen asked.
Brodie frowned. “Nay, why do you seek her?”
“I have need to discuss a matter with her.”
“ ’Tis early still. Perhaps she’s still abed.”
A look around told him ’twas not likely when the rest of the clan was already up and moving. But then he hadn’t yet spied Genevieve either.
He forced the rest of his food down and immediately set his mind to forming a hunting party. The idea of freshly roasted meat made his mouth water and his stomach rumble.
On his way through the courtyard, he spotted Taliesan carefully making her way from the row of cottages on the hillside just outside the stone skirt surrounding the keep. He paused and waited as she popped out of sight only to reappear at the gateway leading into the keep.
“Taliesan, I would speak to you,” Bowen called as she neared.
She looked instantly nervous and bobbled a bit as she regained her footing.
“Of course, Laird. Is aught amiss?”
“I would speak to you privately,” Bowen said, casting a glance around at the others milling about.
The worry in her eyes deepened, but she nodded hesitantly and awaited Bowen’s directive.
He led her through the great hall, annoyance biting at him when he saw no place where people weren’t congregated. He stepped outside the back of the keep, where, finally, he spied an area near the bathhouses, where it was quiet and private.
“Is something troubling you, Laird?” Taliesan asked, a tremble to her voice.
“Aye,” he said bluntly. “I seek information, Taliesan, and I demand honesty from you.”
She went pale and her eyes widened, but she nodded vigorously. “Of course, Laird. I do not lie. ’Tis not in my nature.”
“Do you know anything of Genevieve influencing Ian’s plan to abduct Eveline Montgomery from her clan?”
If possible, the lass went even whiter. Every bit of blood drained from her face, leaving her to look as though she’d topple over in a dead faint.
The stricken look in her eyes told him more than she could possibly voice. It was all there for him to see.
God’s teeth, but this wasn’t what he’d wanted to hear. Or see, as it was.
“Taliesan?” he prompted.
He needed—wanted—the whole of it. He wanted there to be no guessing. No speculation.
“Do not make me say what I know,” she begged. “I would not betray Genevieve in such a fashion.”
“But you would betray me and my kin,” he bit out. “A defenseless, innocent woman who’s never done wrong to anyone.”
“She is not the only one to have suffered!” Taliesan snapped.
Bowen’s lips curled. “Nay, she is not. But neither has she been the one responsible for others’ suffering. Can Genevieve say the same? Can she, Taliesan? You said you do not lie. So tell me the truth. What do you know?”
Tears glittered in Taliesan’s eyes, and he felt like a complete bastard for being so forceful with the lass. But he had to know if he could trust Genevieve. If she had wronged his kin, Graeme would never accept her into their clan.
“I heard her say to Ian that he should not accept such humiliation from Eveline,” Taliesan whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks. “She told him that only a weak fool would stand back and not retaliate.”
Bowen’s jaw clenched. The deceitful bitch had turned Ian McHugh’s ire on Eveline. She’d been the cause of Eveline’s imprisonment and her terror. He would never forgive her that. And neither would Graeme.
He turned to stalk away, but Taliesan’s soft plea stopped him.
“Please, Laird, do not punish her. She’s been punished enough.”
Bowen stood a long moment, his back to Taliesan. Then he slowly turned, hating the distress in the lass’s eyes.
“Where is she now?” he demanded.
Panic flared across Taliesan’s face. “Do not hurt her!” Rage suffused her face, and she actually took a step toward Bowen as if to threaten him. “You are no better than him if you abuse her,” she spat.
Bowen blinked in surprise at her vehemence. Then he frowned, because he’d just been handed a grievous insult.
“You think I’d abuse her?”
She flushed a dull red, but her eyes still shot sparks of anger.
“I know not what you think to do, Laird. You’re angry. You feel you and your kin have been wronged. I vow you have not been wronged as much as Genevieve McInnis has.”
Bowen heaved a deep breath and then sighed. “I’ll not explain myself to you or anyone else. I am laird. However, if you think I’d abuse her or any lass, you couldn’t be more wrong. I don’t appreciate the insult, Taliesan. I won’t tolerate such from you again.”
Her lips quivered and fresh tears shone in her eyes.
“What the hell is going on here, Bowen?” Brodie demanded.
Bowen turned to see a scowling Brodie advancing toward him and Taliesan, his mouth drawn into a menacing line.
“Taliesan and I were reaching an agreement on a few things,” Bowen said in a mild tone.
“Then why is she crying?”
Brodie sounded so horrified that it nearly amused Bowen.
“Because he is a brute and he frightens me,” Taliesan blurted out. “And he’s going to hurt Genevieve. I know it. I do not trust such smooth words and promises. Ian offered them time and time again. Pretty words from fair-of-face men. No thank you.”
She ended on a shudder that had both Bowen and Brodie frowning with puzzlement. An uneasy sensation gripped Bowen’s midsection and, judging by Brodie’s black scowl, he was likely thinking along the same lines.
“What did he do to you, lass?” Bowen asked quietly.
She flinched as though he’d slapped her. It was an involuntary action brought on by the shock of his question. It was clear that she’d expected no such topic to arise, and she looked dumbfounded as to how to answer.
“N-nothing,” she stammered.
“You said you never lie,” he chided gently.
“That bastard did something to you?” Brodie all but roared.
She shrank back, and it was clear she wanted to be as far away from the two men as possible. He couldn’t blame her. They were overwhelming presences. One alone would frighten a lass senseless. But the two of them together?
“ ’Tis nothing I cannot bear,” she said in a regal tone laced with strength and acceptance. It made Bowen admire her spirit and ferocity even more. He could respect her loyalty and her protection of Genevieve. Even if he wasn’t entirely certain the lass deserved such devotion from Taliesan.
“Where is Genevieve?” Bowen asked one last time, his stare leveled directly at Taliesan. He pinned her with his most forceful look and refused to look away until she was all but fidgeting beneath his gaze.
“She does not like to bathe in front of the other women,” Taliesan said in a low voice. “They ridicule and mock her. She prefers to bathe alone, in the stream beyond the bathhouses. ’Tis the same stream that feeds the bathhouses. When Ian was alive, he forced his men to go with her, and they were allowed to look their fill. Sometimes she would go days without being clean because she couldn’t bear their cruelty.”
Bowen felt himself softening toward the lass when it was the last thing he could afford to do. There was too much about her that he didn’t understand and didn’t know. Little about her made sense to him, and the more he learned, the more intrigued he became.
“Take Taliesan to break her fast,” Bowen directed. “I have need to speak to Genevieve.”
Taliesan’s eyes were stricken. “I beg you, Laird. Be merciful with her. She’s so fragile that she could break at any moment. I don’t know how she’s managed to remain so stalwart for so long.”
“I’ll do my best, but, Taliesan, what you must realize is that if she’s a traitor to my people, she will have to be dealt with accordingly.”
Taliesan’s face crumbled and she looked away, her hands wringing in obvious distress. Brodie touched her arm and guided her back toward the keep.
Bowen sucked in a deep breath and turned in the direction of the stream that snaked through the back of the keep beyond the protective stone walls. It was foolhardy for a woman alone to venture out to bathe in the stream. Anyone could happen upon her and either abuse her on the spot or spirit her away and she’d never be seen or heard from again.
But then if she’d had to endure constant escort from Ian’s men, he could well understand why she’d seek privacy to wash herself. He paused a moment, guilt overtaking him at the idea of intruding on her. He could wait until she finished, could he not?
Then he stalked forward again, angered that he was allowing this slip of a lass to rule his thoughts and actions. She was a manipulative deceiver and he would not be taken in by her sad eyes any longer.
