Chapter 11
It was not until six days later that Sheena discovered just where she was. Six days, locked in Colen’s room. He had managed to learn her first name, but no more than that. Sheena was a stubborn woman, and no mistake.
“Are you serious, Colen? Do you mean to tell me your brother spent the entire day locked in his room with his mistress? He didna even come out for food?”
“She’s a new one,” Colen tried to explain. “He often does that with a new one.”
“How much more of this am I to take? First he’s busy, then he’s no’ to be found, then he’s angry, then something else. And all the while you keep me locked up. Well, I’ll no’ stand for it anymore!”
“Sheena, please—”
“Nay, no more excuses. I agreed to give you time because I wanted to leave here peaceably, without making a fuss. Yet you put it off and put it off. It’s been six days!”
“I did tell him I was ready to marry,” Colen defended himself.
“But you didna tell him about me, about my being here. As soon as he asked what settlement was expected, you said no more.”
“He was no’ ready to hear that there would be no settlement. He must be in a good mood to be hearing that.”
“So I must wait for the mood of your brother to change? The truth is, you’re afraid of his answer. You’ve made too much of this, Colen. It has become too important to you. Do you no’ see that?”
“But it is important.”
“Aye. So important you’ll jump at any excuse no’ to talk to your brother.”
“I couldna bear it if he said I couldna marry you,” he replied, downhearted.
“How will you bear it when you can’t change my mind?” she asked, not unkindly.
“Women are fickle,” he returned. “They’re known to change their minds. It’s no’ you I’m worried about; it’s my brother.”
“Fickle! Who told you that nonsense? Nay, dinna answer,” she said dryly. “Your dear, sweet brother.”
Colen laughed. “I’ve never heard him called that “afore.”
“Is he so terrible?”
“At times. MacKinnions are known for their fierce tempers, but Jamie can be the worst.”
“MacKinnion?!”
“What’s the matter?”
She had gone deathly pale.
“You’re a MacKinnion? James—he’s The MacKinnion!”
Colen became quite alarmed by her appearance. “What’s wrong, Sheena? I told you who I was, so that’s not it.”
“You never!”
“But I did. I must have. What’s wrong?”
“’Tis no’ possible!” She started to laugh hysterically.
Poor Colen didn’t know what to make of her behavior, but when she flew toward the door, he was right behind her. He caught her arm, and she shrieked wildly. “Dinna you touch me!”
He slapped her, and the sound was as loud as a whipcrack. She was stunned for a moment, and then her eyes flashed and she slapped him back just as hard.
Colen was shocked. He stepped back, a hand to his cheek.
“You hit me!”
Sheena might have laughed “You slapped me first. I’ll no’ take that from you or anyone.”
“But you…hit me!”
“Aye, I did, and with good reason,” she replied. “What reason did you have for hitting me?”
“You were acting crazy. I was trying to calm you.”
“Maybe I was,” she sighed. Her mind was clearer, the panic ebbing. “But you’re twice the size I am and had no business laying a hand on me.” Her voice rose again. “And I willna stay here any longer!”
“Aye, you’re right,” he admitted sheepishly, surprising her. “’Twas wrong of me to put it off so long and keep you a prisoner here. I’m sorry. I’ll settle it tonight, I promise.”
“Why no’ now?”
“I’m to leave shortly, to get back the horses that were lifted the other night.”
“You mean you’ve a raid to do? Today?”
“Aye. But as soon as I return, I’ll settle it.”
“You swear, Colen?”
He nodded and turned to leave. At the door he stopped, absently rubbing his cheek. “I’ve never been slapped by a girl ’afore.”
“Then ’twas high time, for you’re a stubborn brute if I’ve ever met one.”
“And you’re a spunky lass,” he chuckled. “You wouldna catch a MacKinnion woman slapping back. She’d get a fair beating if she did.”
“Is that what your wife should expect?”
“Och, Sheena, I wouldna hurt you.”
“Of course not,” she replied sarcastically. “You’d only have to have everything your way all the time, as you have so far.”
“Will you give me this one last day without making a fuss?” Colen asked in parting.
Sheena hesitated, but only to make Colen nervous. There was no question anymore about her causing a stir. She couldn’t risk it, not when a MacKinnion might come to investigate. Maybe even The MacKinnion himself!
“This one day and no more, Colen,” she said at last.
He grinned. “If I’m no’ back by dark, a girl will bring you food. And dinna fret, lass.”
He left, and she was free to take in fully what she had just learned.
For six days, she’d been living in the midst of Clan Kinnion!
Her family’s great enemies were outside that door…
in the next room…all around her. And The MacKinnion was among them.
She sat down on the bed and let the realization take hold of her. She was living a nightmare.