Starcatcher by Patricia Potter

Author:Patricia Potter
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781504001120
Publisher: Open Road Media

Chapter 18

Just before dawn, Patrick rose to leave Marsali’s room. He was aware that something had disturbed her the previous night, and he did not want her to awaken alone. Standing beside the bed, he leaned over and brushed her lips with his own.

Though the kiss was light, her eyes flew open instantly. She blinked several times, then, focusing on his face, she raised a slender hand to take his. He felt a now familiar tugging in his groin, looking at her. She was naked, as beautifully naked as any statue, her body warm with sleep.

“I must go,” he said, wishing he did not have to. But this was not the time to make his father doubt his loyalty, as finding him in bed with his enemy’s daughter would surely do.

When he turned to reach for his plaid, lying in a heap on the floor, she held on to his hand. “Can you tell me where you are going?” she asked drowsily.

“I will check on Quick Harry, for one thing,” he said.

“And other things?”

“I have to meet with Rufus.”

“Where is he?”

He hesitated for a moment—but only a moment. Marsali was his wife, and this concerned her as much as it did him.

“My wily friend is ingratiating himself with the Sinclairs,” he said.

Her eyes widened in shock. “You are not going to the Sinclairs, are you?”

“Nay,” he replied. “I am to meet him, if he can break free.”

“Can I go with you?”

He shook his head. “The meeting place is close to the Sinclair border. I will not endanger you.”

“But you will endanger yourself?”

He smiled. “I survived twelve years of war, love. The Sinclairs donna frighten me.”

Her brows knitted together. “They frighten me.”

He gave a soft laugh. “I donna think anything frightens you.”

She did not share his humor. “You won’t go alone?”

The tips of his fingers brushed her cheek. “Do not worry, my lady.”

“I do,” she said, and there was no teasing in her voice.

He leaned down and kissed her again. “I should see you at supper.” Again, he tried to take his hand back from her, but she held on, unwilling to let him go.

“Please, Patrick,” she demanded. “Please take someone with you.”

“I will try, Marsali,” he said. And though he knew it was not what she wanted to hear, it was all he was able to offer.

Retrieving his plaid, he wrapped and pinned it quickly, tossing her a kiss from the doorway as he left the room. The vision of her eyes, dark with anxiety, followed him.

Gavin entered his father’s bedchamber, took one look at his sire’s face, and thought, Here is trouble.

His father had returned earlier that day from another unsuccessful foray seeking assistance in his feud with the Sutherlands. None of the other clans bore a grudge against the Sutherlands, and they were all tired of war. Aside from that, everyone was reluctant to anger Charles, the new king, who was said to hold Patrick Sutherland in high regard.

Gavin knew his father was disheartened and felt betrayed by friends and allies.

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