Chapter Seven #2
From a distance, no one would know of her disfigurement. But in spite of it, Taryn appeared uneasy about being the subject of so many stares. She was twisting her hands together, as if she was nervous. She need not be afraid, for she was easily one of the most beautiful women here.
Killian moved in closer, still keeping his back to the wall. Although he was permitted to move about the Great Chamber among the guests, he knew it would not be fitting for him to approach her. When she caught him watching her, she straightened, lifting her chin coolly.
Ewan came to stand beside him and nodded toward Taryn. “Do you suppose I could ever find a woman like her to wed?”
“Your family will arrange it.” Killian accepted another cup of mead, hardly tasting it.
“Aye. When I’m older,” Ewan agreed. The young man’s gaze followed Taryn, and Killian’s mood darkened at the sight of all the men staring.
Several of the musicians began to play, and the sound of pipes and the harp filled up the space.
He recognized Lady Genevieve, Bevan MacEgan’s wife, at the harp.
Taryn chose a seat to listen, and in time, Killian saw a dark-blond-haired man approach and sit beside her.
He was speaking in a low voice, leaning close.
It was Connor MacEgan. The man was slightly younger than himself, but he’d always had a smile for the ladies. He took Taryn’s hand and held it while the music continued.
There was a low buzz in Killian’s ears, his blood heating as he watched them. Would she let Connor take her into a darkened corner, telling him of her worries and fears? Would he soothe her, stealing a kiss?
Killian’s knuckles tightened over the cup. He knew what she was doing—looking for someone else to fight her battles. And from the looks of it, Connor was more than willing. Damn them both for it.
He took a step forward, only to have Ewan block his path. “You look as if you’re about to murder my brother. Do you have a claim upon the Lady Taryn?”
Killian steadied himself. No, he didn’t. And no matter that he’d tasted her lips, feeling the pleasant touch of her body against his, this was her choice.
He shook his head at Ewan but began walking toward the benches, not caring that others were beginning to stare at him. He was well aware that he was interrupting the musicians, but before he could wrench her away from Connor, a hand seized his shoulder.
Reacting on instinct, he swung his fist and found himself staring at King Patrick. He caught himself before throwing the punch and dropped his hand to his side. “You startled me, Your Grace.” He raised a knee in deference and lowered his head.
“My men will accompany the Lady to Tara as her escorts,” the King said. It seemed to be a subtle way of telling him that his task was ended, and he should go back home.
Killian inclined his head. “I understand.”
The King held his gaze for a long moment before nodding and walking away. Killian remained where he was, still staring at Connor and Taryn. A slow burn of anger flowed through his veins as he watched the man tease her.
His anger heightened with every minute that passed. It’s what you deserve, his common sense reminded him. She was never going to wed a man like you.
But she’d kissed him back. And more than that, when she’d looked upon him, it was as if she felt something for him. As if she cared.
No one had ever cared about a man like him.
They used him for their own selfish needs and walked away.
He supposed that was why he wanted to be selfish for one moment in his life.
He wanted to know what it was like to have a home of his own.
..a woman of his own. He knew, even if no one else did, that Taryn was a courageous, beautiful woman.
He wanted to guard her, to keep her safe. For she belonged in his arms.
At the moment, Connor MacEgan was looking into her eyes with fascination.
Touch her, and you die. His fists clenched, and he saw her blushing beneath the man’s look. Not only was Connor MacEgan the brother of a king, but he had enough charm to win the heart of any woman he wanted.
And when the man dared to lean in and steal a kiss, his rage shattered. Killian crossed through the crowd, heedless of the guests and musicians. He grabbed Connor by the tunic and hauled the man backward.
A fist slammed into his ear, and the world tipped sideways. Killian staggered, swinging until his fist connected with Connor’s jaw.
“Killian, wait,” Taryn protested. “What are you—”
“She’s mine,” he gritted out to Connor. “Do not touch her.”
A strong arm seized him, and the King jerked him back. “I will have no fighting at this gathering.”
But Connor was already on his feet, rubbing his jaw. “Stay out of this, Patrick. We were just having a bit of fun.” He cracked his knuckles and began circling Killian. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had a good fight, hasn’t it, Killian?”
“A year or two,” he agreed.
“And what of the rest of you?” Connor called out to the onlookers. “Would you be wanting us to fight for your entertainment?”
There came a raucous cheer, and Killian added, “I’m going to break every bone in your body, MacEgan.”
Connor’s answer was to beckon him forward, and the guests began placing wagers over who would win.
With reluctance, the King stepped back. “So be it. It ends when blood is drawn.”
Killian gave a slight nod to show that he’d heard, but Taryn’s stricken expression made him pause. “Please, do not fight over me, I beg of you.”
“Now, then, Lady Taryn, that’s what men do over a beautiful woman.” Connor swung a blow, and Killian dodged sideways. “Was he telling the truth? Are you his?”
“He’s my escort,” Taryn answered. “And I’m not b—” Her words broke off, but Killian heard the unspoken thought.
I’m not beautiful. In her eyes, he saw the embarrassment and confusion of having two men fight over her.
She wasn’t at all accustomed to such a thing.
And it infuriated him that she couldn’t see that there was beauty in her.
“I’m not worth fighting over,” she finished, taking a step backward.
“You are,” Killian disagreed. “And it means I’ll be defending your honor from anyone who dares to steal a kiss.” Especially a MacEgan.
Connor held up his fists, his weight balanced on the balls of his feet. “Come on, then. Let’s see what you remember.” He sent a flirtatious smile toward Lady Taryn. “This will be a good fight.”
And so it would, as soon as he ground Connor’s face into the dirt, Killian thought to himself. He swung a blow toward his opponent’s face, but MacEgan ducked, and his fist struck only air.
Connor tried to grab him, but Killian sidestepped the man, ignoring the sudden dip in his balance. He fought to steady himself, circling his opponent in turn.
“Her lips are sweet,” Connor said. “Worth fighting for.”
At the man’s grin, Killian spun and punched the man in the stomach.
It felt good to fight, to release the anger and frustration he’d been holding back for so many days.
He struck the man a second time in the ribs, staggering when Connor gave an answering blow.
They grappled together, and Killian forced the man to the ground.
His mind blurred from the drink and from the pent-up aggression.
Jealousy tore through him. Not only because the man had dared to touch Taryn...but because Connor MacEgan had everything Killian wanted. He had a fine home, the respect of his family and friends, and enough charm to win any woman he wanted.
But damned if he’d let the man get closer to Taryn. He shoved Connor against the hard dirt of the Great Chamber. A fist cracked across his face, and the pain of the answering blow was nothing at all. This was about defending her honor.
Yet when he risked a glance at Taryn, he saw only horror on her face. “Stop this, please,” she pleaded. “I don’t want either of you to be hurt.”
A trickle of blood formed at Connor’s lip. “You could kiss me to make it better.” Then he grinned and reached out a hand to Killian. With great reluctance, he helped the MacEgan up.
“Kiss her again, and I’ll make you unconscious,” Killian swore. Dimly, he was aware of his sore jaw and a bleeding nose.
Connor clapped him on the back and said, “The Lady Taryn can choose which of us she prefers.”
“I don’t prefer either of you,” she answered. “It was foolish for you to fight.” She turned away, walking toward the back of the gathering space. Her cheeks were red, and she lowered her face as she retreated.
Killian felt certain that she wouldn’t return if he let her go, so he caught her by the wrist. “Come with me.”
“I don’t want to,” she protested. “Just leave me alone.”
But he ignored her and drew her back toward a corner of the room, pulling out two low chairs for them to sit upon. Aye, she was angry with him right now. But he wasn’t about to let her go off alone. Not yet.
“You do look beautiful tonight,” he said in a low voice.
“You humiliated me in front of everyone,” she whispered. “All of them were staring at me. It wasn’t right.”
He reached for her hand, but instead of taking his palm, she reached out to touch his swollen jaw. The gentle path of her fingers sent a roaring heat through his skin.
“He kissed you, Taryn. I couldn’t stand there and let him do that.” Though he knew that it was only flirtation on Connor’s part, he couldn’t understand the dark feelings of possession that had overcome him.
“You have no claim upon me,” she argued, looking down at her lap.
“Don’t I?” He reached out, sliding his hand through her hair. “Is it Connor MacEgan that you’re wanting?”
She turned to look at him, and her blue eyes held confusion. “You weren’t fighting over me because you found me beautiful. You were fighting because you want part of my kingdom. If I had nothing at all, you would not even look at me.”