by Maggie Way
“Depends on who you ask,” she said with hesitation.
“Never mind. I don’t even want to know. Do me a favor and tell him I’d like to be alone and not to follow me,” Alice said before sliding out of the other side of the SUV while the reporters were still asking Lord McNally questions. She started in a jog up the road. The castle was only a mile away, and she could run that in less than twelve minutes with the right shoes and probably even less time if she cut through the forest, not that she’d be stupid enough to try with a killer still on the loose. Nope, she wasn’t that crazy. She’d stick to the main road and away from the cliffs.
“I can explain,” Duncan said, sliding in on the driver’s side.
“No need, brother,” Celeste said with a disapproving look on her face.
“Where’s Alice?”
“You should have told her the truth about who you were. She thought you just ran the pub. She now knows about Vivian, so at least that’s out in the open too.”
“There is nothing between Vivian and me. There never has been.” He turned in his seat. Dread filled his body. “Where is she?”
“She went back to the Castle fifteen minutes ago, when you were still fielding questions.”
“And you didn’t stop her? There’s a killer on the loose,” Duncan said, throwing the SUV into gear and hitting the gas. Smoke and dirt filled the air behind them as he tore off in the direction of the castle.
Chapter Thirteen
Alice made it back to the castle and walked through the front doors. Sometime in the last twelve minutes, tears had leaked from her eyes, although she’d never admit it. She swiped hard at the tears. She had no reason to cry. It wasn’t as though she’d fallen in love. Hell, she’d known him less than a week.
No matter how she tried to rationalize it, the truth remained. She felt like her heart had been ripped from her chest. Maybe it was from the thought of what might have been to knowing definitely nothing would ever be between them. It didn’t matter. She took the steps two at a time until she reached the landing, almost running into the Barracuda.
“What’s wrong? Please don’t tell me it’s another dead body.”
All of the fight drained from Alice’s body. She didn’t have the will or the desire to pick at Cassie’s mom. “The media knows I’m here. They think Duncan and I are a couple.”
“I can handle the media. They won’t step foot on the castle’s property, but why is that bad about Duncan and you? He’s a fine young man.”
Alice’s mouth parted and confusion clouded her mind. “Why do you even care what’s wrong with me and why in the hell are you being so nice? Has the apocalypse started and I missed the memo?”
“You’re my daughter’s best friend. True, you and I might not always get along or see eye to eye, but when it comes to Cassie, the last thing I want is to see her upset because you are. Now tell me what is so wrong about the media thinking Duncan and you are a couple.” The Barracuda crossed her arms over her chest and raised her brow. Alice didn’t have a choice, it was either spill her reasons or go head to head with this determined woman.
“He’s withheld the truth from me about who he really is, and he’s engaged,” Alice said and had started down the hallway when she heard Duncan’s voice calling from the foyer.
“Alice.”
“Duncan McNally. Alice has had enough play time with you. It’s time she started performing her maid of honor duties. I have her doing wedding preparations. I don’t need you distracting her.”
“Ms. Townsend, we had a misunderstanding. I need to explain. Please, just tell me where she is.”
Alice stood motionless in the hallway and out of sight. Her heart raced. She expected the Barracuda to invite him up the stairs and point the direction to Alice’s room, and yet, she didn’t. Only Mrs. Smythe appeared walking down the hall, a smile of satisfaction on her face and a shake of her head as she passed.
“Did you withhold the truth from her?”
“Aye, but…”
The Barracuda held up her hand. “She’s busy, Duncan. She’ll be busy the remainder of her stay.”
“Fine.” She heard the resignation in his voice. “Tell her I was here and that I’d like to talk.”
The Barracuda nodded, and Alice waited until she heard the front door shut. She stepped out of her hiding spot. “Why did you do that?”
“You’re a strange woman with an unbelievable talent, but nevertheless, you are Cassie’s best friend and I will always protect my daughter and those she loves. Even if it calls for you and I to occasionally get along to do it.”
And there was the motive that made sense.
“For whatever reason, Cassie considers you like a sister, and with a gift like yours, you’re bound to be ridiculed and that would break my Cassie’s heart, so I’ve felt it my duty to make sure you had a strong backbone to deal with the nonbelievers.”
“In a weird way, you have.” Alice wasn’t sure if she should thank the woman or give her a quick shove down the staircase, so she chose the option that didn’t involve spending the rest of her life in jail. “Thank you?”
“Run along to your room and make yourself presentable, like a lady. I won’t have you looking like a sweaty heathen if the press somehow manages to sneak onto the property.”
And the Barracuda was back. All was right with their dynamics. Alice grinned.
“I’ll make sure he doesn’t come back today, but you do realize that you’ll eventually have to see him. You are walking down the aisle with him.”
“I know,” Alice said and headed for her room. She stepped inside and closed and locked the door to find that Duncan McNally hadn’t left like being told. He stood in the middle of her room and held her gaze. “I have got to get them to switch me out of any rooms with secret passages.”
“I’m not engaged,” he said, first stepping closer, and she held up her hand to stop him.
“I trusted you with my secrets, and you couldn’t even trust me with your identity.”
“I realized you had no clue who I was, and I liked it. I just wanted you to like me for who I am as a person, not what my last name means. You, of all people, should understand that.”
The sad part was that she did. She remembered what it was like when people came out of the woodwork after they’d heard she’d been give the million dollars. The fact she’d invested it and lived off the interest was of little concern to those that knew she could still access the funds. They didn’t care where it came from, only that she shared. “The press is here, and you don’t want to be associated with me. Not with who your mother is.”
Duncan crossed the room and lifted her chin with the crook of his finger. “I choose who I spend my time with, not my mother and not the press, and I chose you, Alice Graham, the only woman who has ever beaten me in darts. I haven’t lied to you. I just withheld some of the truth.”
“Yes, you did.” Her brows dipped as she looked up at him. “You told me you didn’t own a kilt.”
“I’ll wear it the rest of the time you’re here, if you forgive me.” He lowered his head until his lips were mere inches from hers.
She smiled and rested her palms around his neck. “I forgive you.”
He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers in a sensual kiss that she’d wanted him to give her while in the shower that morning. Heat sizzled between them. There was no denying their chemistry. It was like a living, breathing thing that drew them to each other. His hand slid into her hair, and he tilted her head and started backing her up toward the bed. Her legs had just hit the mattress when there was a knock on her door.
“Alice, are you okay?” Cassie asked.
Alice held her fingers over his lips and shook her head, hoping that Cassie might go away.
“They’re meant to be. He needed a push to come clean,” Celeste said from the other side.
“That was smart calling the press,” Cassie added. “I just want her to be happy. If it happens to be in Scotland,
that’s even better.”
Anger stirred in Alice’s gut, and she had started for the door to yank it open when Duncan pulled her back. She opened her mouth, and he pressed his lips against hers. If there was talking after that, she didn’t hear. Duncan had them both undressed in less than two minutes. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. Slowly lowering her to the mattress, he followed her down.
Breaking the kiss, he held her gaze as a smile formed on his lips.
“We know you’re in there. Duncan, you have the keys. I know you dinnae leave.”
“Walk,” he hollered out. “We’re discussing the fine attributes of Scotland.”
Alice’s entire body shook as she chuckled until Duncan slid inside of her with one easy stroke. There was no more laughing after that. She didn’t even have a coherent thought as he slid in and out of her while holding her gaze. There was something intimate about the way he looked at her, the way he pegged her with his stare, seeing directly to her soul as their bodies joined.
She refused to close her eyes. She bit her lip to hold in her moans as his strokes quickened. The slick slide of their bodies and the smell of sex filled the air. “Stay with me tonight.”
She nodded.
“And all the nights until you leave.”
“I will.” She breathed out and arched her back. Wrapping her legs around him, she pulled him in closer. She wanted him, all of him, hard and now. “On one condition.”
“Name it.”
“Make me scream your name.”
“With pleasure, lass.”
Duncan and Alice stayed in bed most of the afternoon, debating which way to sneak out of the castle. At some point, Celeste had gotten tired of waiting, and Cassie had hollered through the door that Celeste had gotten a ride back into town. Alice couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to spend the afternoon than with a man who was willing to come after her.
Duncan stroked her hair as she lay in the crook of his arm. “I almost had a heart attack when the Barracuda stuck up for you.”
“Me too,” Alice said glancing up at him. “It was weird, right?”
“Oh yeah.” He glanced toward the tapestries that hid the entrance to the secret passageway. “I know you’ll be staying with me the rest of the time you’re here, but we should really see about moving you out of this room. I donae like how easy it was to get in here.”
Alice stood from the bed and slipped into a robe. She held out her hand to him. “Let’s shower, and then you can help me pack.”
“That’s an excellent idea on both accounts since you wouldnae let me help wash your back this morning. I get to make up for it now.”
“Enjoy it while you can. When the girls get here in the morning, I’m afraid you won’t be seeing much of me.”
He rose from the bed and stalked to her, untying the sash that held the robe. He slipped it off her shoulders, picked her up in his arms, and carried her into the bathroom.
Within the next hour, they both got cleaned up and dirty again before having another shower and packing her things. They found a room across the hall that was empty and stored most of her stuff in there, only taking a few items back to his house for the night. She knew when Gwen and Violet arrived that Cassie would want all of them to spend time together. It would be the first time the four of them had been together in over a year.
Chapter Fourteen
Cassie squealed as she had the day that Alice had arrived, only now there were three women making the same sound, and Alice was sure their happiness was about to bust out her ear drum.
Alice just smiled and made the up-and-down motion with them as they jumped holding each other’s hands.
The bouncing finally stopped when Duncan, Daniel, Rowan, and Riley stepped out of the front door. Violet and Gwen both turned quiet.
Gwen nudged Alice’s shoulder as the guys came down the stairs. “Which one is the best man?”
Alice smiled nice and big. “The only one wearing his kilt.”
“Damn,” she cursed beneath her breath.
Violet’s cheeks blushed bright pink as the introductions were being made. Duncan wrapped his arms around Alice, as Daniel did Cassie.
Rowan moved between Vi and Gwen and threw his arm around each of their shoulders and led them up the stairs. “Let me give you two beauties the grand tour.”
“He didn’t waste any time,” Alice said to Cassie. The guys grabbed the luggage, and they all followed the others inside.
Alice and Cassie got comfortable, each with a glass of wine while they waited for Rowan to show Gwen and Vi around. When they returned, Cassie pushed Rowan out. “Thanks for the hospitality. I can take it from here.”
“But…”
“No, really,” she said, gesturing to their best friends.
Alice held her hand to her ear. “I think I hear Ms. Townsend calling you. I’m sure either she or Mrs. Smythe has something you can do.”
He held his hand to his chest as if she’d plunged a knife through his heart. “Et tu, Alice.”
Alice waved as Cassie shut the door on him. They both chuckled while Vi and Gwen’s eyes both widened as if they were still adjusting after coming out of the Rowan whirlwind.
“I can’t believe we didn’t get here sooner. We could have found our own Highlanders and been as happy as you two,” Gwen said, plopping down on the couch next to Cassie. She took her wine glass and had a nice long sip before handing it back.
“You still have a few days,” Alice teased.
“And will you be flying back with us, or are you staying to play house with Duncan McNally?”
“You made the papers back home,” Vi interrupted before Alice could answer, her face set in that concerned sisterly look.
“I’m not surprised.” Alice gave a pointed look to Cassie. “Cassie thought the world should know so Duncan’s sister and she made it happen.”
“You hussy,” Gwen teased and smacked Cassie arm. “I hope you do that for me when the time comes.”
“I’m sure you’ll announce it from the highest rooftop yourself,” Vi said and grinned.
“She’s right. I will.” Gwen rose from her spot and poured both Violet and herself a glass of wine.
“So, when are the strippers getting here?” Vi asked, glancing to Alice. “I assume you made sure at least one would be wearing a kilt.
“Actually, Celeste handled the bachelorette party details. I have no idea what she has planned, but you guys are going to love her. She’s a bundle of crazy wrapped up in a supermodel body.”
“Great,” Vi said, collapsing against the cushions. “How am I going to compete with a supermodel?”
Alice patted Vi’s hand. “You won’t need to. She’s really great. I promise, you’ll love her.”
Hours later they were all in the Broken Spirit with a sign on the door that read “Private Party.” Celeste had even managed to talk Duncan out of bartending for the night and bringing in someone who was wearing a kilt and flirting with the women. The liquor was flowing, and music poured from the speakers as a group of men walked in the door. All of them wearing kilts, their faces painted in a Highlander warrior look, with swords strapped to their backs.
The entertainment had arrived. The baby oil slathered all over their chests was an instant giveaway.
Alice stood at the bar waiting on the shots as the music started. Celeste and Gwen grabbed Cassie by the arm and stuck her in a chair on stage, where the men started seductively gyrating and dancing around her while slipping an I’m-The-Bride sash in McGregor colors over her body and a tiara into her hair. It was brilliant; everything about the night was relaxing and fun.
Alice smiled. Celeste had thought of everything.
The bartender walked over with all of the same shots and one extra, which was different. He pointed to the one she didn’t order and winked. “That one is for you, doll.”
“I didn’t order it.”
“Duncan did. I had special instructions to serve you that and tell you
that it’s a Scotland favorite.”
Alice grinned and leaned into the bartender. “What’s it called?”
“A Slow Comfortable Screw.” He winked and reached beneath the counter. “He also wanted me to give you this.”
The bartender handed her a single perfect red rose and an envelope.
Alice’s grin grew as she took the shot and tossed it back in one smooth gulp, wiping the remaining drops from her mouth. She opened the note, and with it, her heart.
Your schedule has been cleared. Tomorrow is just for us. No wedding plans, no maid of honor duties, just you and me. Take the enclosed aspirin and make sure to drink plenty of water. Missing you already.
Alice slid the aspirin out of the envelope, and a bottle of water appeared in front of her.
“He must really care about you.” The bartender grinned and walked away.
Alice took the meds and downed the water. She called the bartender back over and ordered several more waters to be brought over to the table before she picked up the tray of shots and carried them over to her friends.
Cassie had two men fawning over her while the others had jumped off the stage and were dancing with the Gwen, Vi, and Celeste. Alice handed out the shots and was heading back for the bar when one of the guys cornered her by placing his hands on both sides of her. “How come you aren’t dancing, lass?”
“At least one of us has to keep our wits about us,” she said, looking toward the others. “I guess I won that honor.”
“American,” he said, moving his arms and leaning against the bar. “So, what are you doing after you get the rest of them pissing drunk and you take them home? You and I could continue the party.”
The guy was good looking in a model that worked out daily kind of way. Any woman might have swooned and taken him up on his offer, but he lacked one thing in Alice’s eyes. He wasn’t her Scotland. Duncan had already claimed that spot in her heart.
“Thanks for the offer, but no. I’ve already got someone waiting for me, and he’s already beaten you to the punch.” Alice lifted the rose to her nose and inhaled the floral scent.