Highland Fling (10 page)

“It has,” Aleck agreed. “It’s not safe for her here. I’m not even sure
I
can keep her protected.”

“You’ve a gun though, right?” Ian asked, sprinkling some feta cheese onto the salad now.

“Aye,” he admitted grimly. “And I’ll use it if need be.” And right now, it was looking more likely.

“I could speak with some folks at the department and arrange a safe place for her, Aleck,” Colin said. “This is getting a bit intense.”

“No.” He didn’t care for the idea of anyone else watching over Delonna. Not a bit. “She’s under my protection.”

“Quite gallant of you really. And for someone who’s just an employee of yours, aye?” Ian’s lips twisted. “Maybe a friend too.”

Knowing where this was going, Aleck kept his own mouth closed and refused to take the bait.

“Friend with benefits,” Colin murmured.

Ian gave a short guffaw and returned to the salad with a bag of candied pecans.

“If you’re trying to wind me up, it’s not working,” Aleck drawled.

“Is it not?” Ian asked.

Well, maybe it was. Realizing he was clenching his fists at his side, Aleck relaxed his grip.

“Before you arrived,” Ian continued, “we were making wagers on how long you and Delonna lasted—when she came to stay with you—before you started shagging.”

“That is none of your fookin’ business,” Aleck roared as he lost his attempt to appear unfazed. “Ah, you bloody wankers.”

His brothers laughed, as Aleck strode to the fridge to grab a beer.

“He’s not so good taking it as he is in dishing it out,” Colin murmured to his twin.

“No, can’t say that he is.” Ian grinned. “You’re right, we’re just winding you up. We quite like Delonna, and are happy to see you dating—”

“We’re not dating.” He popped off the cap on the beer and took a swig.

They were sleeping together. Two very different things. There were no romantic dinners out. No strolls on the beach holding hands. It was sex with a friend. So, aye, Colin was right in a way. Friends with benefits. Still, he wasn’t about to confirm it aloud.

The silence from his brothers had him glancing up from his own brooding thoughts and meeting the twins’ equally matched contemplative stares.

Aleck took another sip. “What?”

“It’s not such a bad thing to seek out a relationship,” Colin said cautiously.

“For another man, no, likely not. For someone like me? Aye, it would be.” His fingers clenched around the bottle. “I’m not interested in the sorts.”

“You truly don’t want a wife someday? Children?” Ian asked, visibly confounded.

There was the familiar, invisible punch in the stomach if he let his mind go there. For a moment he was sixteen again, running through the wynds of Edinburgh, stealing kisses with a gorgeous brunette. Just as quickly as they came, he reeled the memories back in. Eased that wall back up around his heart.

“It’s not my cup of tea.”

“I thought it might just be a phase.” Colin abandoned the salad and went to check on the steaks. “Seeing you with Delonna gave us all a bit of hope. You’re different with her.”

“Aye, well it’s hard to send her home afterward, when she’s staying with me,” Aleck said tersely.

Only a handful of seconds went by before the woman they were discussing strode into the room.

“Hey guys,” Delonna said, turning her bright smile on all three of them. “Mind if I grab a beer?”

“Not at all. Help yourself.” Ian gestured to the fridge.

“Thanks.”

If Delonna had overheard any of the conversation about her, she didn’t give any indication.

“Smells amazing in here. Thanks for letting me come tonight.” She easily removed the beer cap and took a drink.

Shite, but his mind was in the gutter. Just that sentence and the way her lips wrapped around the bottle head had Aleck’s blood heating. He wouldn’t mind helping her come later as well.

Her gaze met his for a moment, and there was a twinkle of mischief in her gaze, before she finished her long pull on the beer.

“You’re always welcome here, Delonna,” Ian said with a warm smile. “And I hope you never doubt that.”

Her attention shifted to Ian and her tone quieted. “I really appreciate that. Appreciate everything you’ve all done.”

“How could we not? You’re like family,” Colin added. “We care about you.”

Aleck was aware of Colin turning a pointed look at him, but he chose to ignore it. He kept his attention completely on Delonna. It was hard to see her as he once did. A cute, flirty bartender who worked for him. After last night every part of him reacted to her on a primal, possessive level.

He wanted to pick her up and carry her off and away from his family. Then strip her out of that sweater dress and boots and shag her silly.

While his brothers might have romantic ideals about him and Delonna, he wasn’t so naïve. Lust came easily. Love was much harder. And right now he was completely over his head in lust with Delonna. Likely would be until they’d shagged for a few weeks and took the edge off.

As if sensing his thoughts, she glanced his way again. Her eyes widened and he watched her breasts rise slightly as she drew in a quick breath.

She touched her neck, almost self-consciously, and lowered her gaze.

“Anyway, I should get back to the ladies.” She turned to hurry from the room, calling out, “Which, by the way, Ian, you and Sarah make adorable children.”

“Thank you,” Ian murmured as she left, then turned to Aleck. “She’s a special girl. I certainly hope we can keep her from being hurt.”

Aleck grunted. “I’ve already told you I’m going to do everything I can to ensure her safety.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Ian grabbed the salad and headed toward the dining room, saying grimly as he passed, “But I actually meant being hurt by you.”

Chapter Eleven

“I love my nephew, but he’s breaking my arm.” Kenzie groaned and adjusted the sleeping newborn. “Anyone else want to hold him for a bit?”

Delonna hesitated from where she sat on the couch, glancing at the sleeping baby. He’d made the rounds to all the other women in the room except her. Her fingers curled and the urge to volunteer was tempered with the unease of not really being experienced with newborns.

She waited to see if Hailey would volunteer, since Sarah was outside with her daughter Emily at the moment. But Hailey seemed busy pilfering the bowl of nuts, clearly looking for one type in particular.

“Delonna? You’ve not held Ben yet.” Kenzie stood, and without waiting for her to accept, gently laid the sleeping baby in her arms. “There you are.”

Delonna caught her breath, almost afraid to breathe, fearing it would wake him. He was so tiny and beautiful with his dark hair and hint of olive-toned skin—those traits from his mom. She knew, when his eyes were open, that his eyes were the striking green all the McLaughlins had.

“He’s precious, aye?” Kenzie murmured, smiling down at them.

“He is,” she said softly, drawing her finger down one super-soft cheek. The baby’s mouth puckered, but he stayed asleep.

“He’ll be hungry soon, I imagine.” Kenzie laughed. “We’ll hand him back to his ma after that, as you won’t be able to help with that so much.”

That had a smile tugging at Delonna’s lips.

Hailey made a noise of triumph as she found the nut she was seeking and popped it in her mouth.

“I’m going to grab a soda and see if the men need anything,” she said a moment later. “Need anything from the kitchen?”

Kenzie and Delonna shook their heads and murmured a no thanks.

“I’m sorry Brett couldn’t make it tonight.” Delonna glanced at her friend.

“Ah, me too, but he’s come down with a disgusting cold and I told him he’d best stay home and not risk giving it to the baby.”

“Good call. Will you bring him a plate of leftovers?”

“Of course. And a bit of whisky.” Kenzie’s smile seemed a little mischievous after the whisky remark. But before Delonna could comment on it, Kenzie asked, “So you must be quite shaken up about what happened at the pub.”

Delonna’s stomach knotted. “I am, and I feel really guilty about it.”

“You needn’t feel guilt. It’s not as if you were the one who pulled the trigger.” Kenzie shook her head as she sat down on the couch next to her. “I’m shocked it’s gotten this violent, so quickly.”

“Me too.” She stared down at Ben, registering the complete vulnerability and innocence of the baby in her arms. Maybe she shouldn’t even be holding him right now. Everything she touched seemed to become a target.

“How are you and Aleck getting on?”

Choose your words carefully.
“Just fine. He’s been very supportive and nice to me.”

“A bit more than nice, hmm?” Kenzie drawled. “No use pretending you’re not shagging now. You’ve a terrible poker face.”

Delonna smiled, knowing her friend was right. “I know I do.”

“Well, it’s good you’re having fun together. He’ll be a nice distraction from the chaos around you. And from that arse of an ex of yours.”

A distraction. She hadn’t even thought of Aleck that way, had she? It had just been instinctive and seemingly inevitable that they’d end up in bed together.

“It makes me happy to see him with you too. You’re different than the usual women he gets involved with,” Kenzie went on. “Not all trashy or dimwitted.”

“Um, thank you?” was all she managed, not quite sure how to reply to that. She really didn’t want to imagine Aleck in bed with other women, especially some that had likely come into the bar. Just picturing him going to bed with some of those bimbos made her feel a little stabby.

“Aye, it’s a compliment,” Kenzie assured her and then hesitated.

“There’s a but?”

“Mmm.” Kenzie gave a small smile. “Just as I said before, be careful with him and make sure you’re keeping your heart out of things.”

Frowning slightly, Delonna avoided her friend’s gaze. Yes, Aleck had a reputation as being a commitment-phobe, but Kenzie hadn’t seen how he’d been lately with her. Delonna knew she wasn’t imagining the tenderness in him when he was with her. The way he held her all night long, and would press a kiss to her forehead when he thought she slept.

“It might be nothing, but there was someone else. A long time ago.” Kenzie interrupted her thoughts.

“Sorry?”

“Aleck. He had a girlfriend in Scotland, and though he kept the relationship fairly quiet, I knew they were very close.”

Before Kenzie could finish, or Delonna could ask what happened to the relationship, the kitchen door swung open and the men filed into the living room.

“Dinner’s about ready,” Ian announced. “I hope you’re all hungry…and can anybody tell me where my wife went?”

“Outside with Emily.” Kenzie gestured to the window. “And about time, I’m bloody well starving.”

Everyone went different ways, most to the kitchen, and Delonna was left with a snoozing newborn in her arms. Her thoughts still lingered with mild curiosity on this former girlfriend Aleck had back in Scotland.

“You look quite motherly right now.”

She glanced up, not realizing Aleck was still in the room.

“Do I?” An amused smile twisted her lips. “Well, it’s much easier borrowing someone else’s baby for a few minutes than having one of your own.”

“Doubtlessly.” He stared down at her, his expression somehow both wary and tender. “Mind if I take a turn and hold my nephew?”

“Please do.” Before she could stand up and hand Ben off, Aleck reached down to lift him out of her arms.

There was something intimate about the trade-off, and her breath caught as their gazes locked. And then Ben was in his arms and Aleck’s attention turned fully to the baby.

She watched Aleck cradle the infant, touching his cheek as he silently stared down at his nephew. A myriad of expressions crossed Aleck’s face. Wonder. Tenderness. But it was the brief flicker of sadness that made a bunch of questions zip through Delonna’s mind.

Did he want kids of his own? Maybe he was feeling the strain of being the oldest McLaughlin sibling and not being married or having any children. Maybe he couldn’t even have children.

Her phone buzzed with a text message, and she dug into her pocket to get it. She didn’t recognize the number, but after reading the message her easygoing mood vanished and her stomach went sour.

“Who is it?” Aleck didn’t miss a thing. “You’ve lost all the color in your face.”

“It’s…” She shook her head, swallowing hard. “It’s James. He wrote me.”

“Give me the phone.” Without waiting for her to do so, Aleck cradled the baby in one arm and plucked the phone free from her grasp with the other.

He read aloud the text, “‘Heard about the pub and other shit. Sorry, babe. I was in trouble, needed money and had to disappear. Guess you got pulled into my mess. I didn’t think he’d remember you. This guy doesn’t play around. Be careful. Maybe disappear if you can. Anyway, it’s been fun. Stay…’” Aleck didn’t finish, his lips tightening into an angry slash.

She knew what it said. How he’d ended the text.
Stay fuckable
. Again, she had to wonder how the
good sex
blinders had managed to block out what a complete asshole he was. Again she reflected on how what she’d thought was good sex was
nothing
compared to what she and Aleck had.

“I swear I’ll kill him myself if I find the bastart,” he said savagely. “Colin needs to see this, or whoever is working on your case at the station.”

She nodded, not about to argue. “Unfortunately, it’s not his number.”

“But it’s
a
number and it has to lead to someone.”

Before he could continue his argument, there was a flurry of movement and a squealed, “Uncle Aleck!”

Emily bounded into the room and threw her arms around his waist.

“Ah, my little Em.” He visibly relaxed, an effort Delonna knew was forced rather than natural. He was still livid.

“Though not such a little lass anymore, aye?” He gave her a smile. “My God, you’re almost a teenager now.”

“Totally.” She stood up on her tiptoes to kiss her newborn brother on the cheek. “And isn’t Ben just the cutest? Mom says I need to take all the proper classes before I baby-sit.”

“A decent plan,” Aleck agreed solemnly.

She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I already know everything anyway.” She turned away and skipped toward the kitchen. “Later. I want steak.”

“She is so funny and sweet,” Delonna said softly. “I see so much of Ian in her.”

“Aye,” Aleck agreed, once again all broody. “But she’s much prettier than him.”

“I can’t disagree. Want me to hold Ben again so you can go grab food?”

He shook his head. “No, I want you to go find Colin and show him that message. I’ll spend a few minutes with the babe and be in shortly.”

She sighed and gave a terse nod. “I will.”

“And dish me up a plate and save me a spot at the table. Emily will likely clear out half the food before I get in there.”

“She’s a tiny thing, I can’t imagine she’d eat much.”

He snorted. “Just you wait and see. She’s the size of her mother with the appetite of her da.”

“Well then, guess I’d better grab us food.”

“Find Colin first.”

She nodded and shared a look with him that set her heart beating, before making her way to the kitchen.

So full
.

Delonna leaned back in her chair and placed her hand over her stomach. She eyed the last couple bites of steak and baked potato on her plate and regretted leaving them behind. Because everything at dinner had been amazing.

She’d shown Colin the message and he’d written down the info and promised to pass on the info to the detectives on the case. She’d be contacted soon, he’d said. She was getting pretty chummy with the Island County Sheriff’s Department.

“How’d you like the salad?” Aleck asked, nodding to her plate.

She could still taste the hint of feta from it. “Amazing. Kudos to whoever made it.”

“That’d be me.” He gave a smug grin.

“Ah, the hell it would,” Ian called out, overhearing their conversation. “Steal my credit, will you? The man brought a bag of pre-washed lettuce. I provided all the delicious bits.”

She nudged Aleck in the side. “I see what you did there. Your salad-making talents are about equivalent to mine, boss boy.”

He made a face and stabbed another piece of steak with his fork. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“As if your ego needs another one,” Kenzie teased.

Delonna relaxed in her chair, watching the easygoing banter that went on at the table among the group. She’d known the McLaughlin siblings were close, but any time she spent moments with them like this, it was clear just how much so.

Family was everything to them. They were so utterly tight knit and protective of each other. Not just each other, but those they cared about. That concern and protection had spilled over to Delonna now. And she couldn’t begin to express how much she appreciated it.

Even with all that was going on, the violence that had taken over her life, she couldn’t deny that she felt much safer when she was with them. Most especially with Aleck.

She noted the conversation turning to the siblings’ parents and her ears pricked up at the mention of the dad recovering from surgery.

“What’s this I missed?” she asked mildly.

Kenzie glanced her way and sighed. “Da has had hip surgery.”

“Aye, and Ma had no intention of telling us, if you can believe it,” Colin muttered.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Delonna reached for her beer. “How is your mom holding up?”

“Not so well,” Aleck replied, any trace of humor vanishing now. “She says she’s fine, but it’s just her taking care of Da and it’s become clear she’s not able to go to work.”

“Oh, right. Because all you kids are here.” Delonna nodded. “No family over there to help?”

Ian sighed. “There’s one nearby, but he’s busy with a wife and newborn. Which is why one of us will be flying out to Edinburgh soon.”

“If we hadn’t just had Ben, we’d go,” Sarah said regretfully, glancing over to where the newborn slept in his father’s arms.

“Aye, it’d be a bit much to juggle,” Aleck agreed, lips twitching in amusement. “Both Da and my nephew would likely give you a bit of fuss.”

“Absolutely,” Kenzie agreed. “Da is a wonderful man until he gets sick, then he’s a grumpy bear. He’s quite independent, and I’m sure is not happy being laid up from surgery. Ma is likely having a devil of a time.”

“Aye she is.” Aleck nodded, looking distracted, maybe off in his own thoughts.

“I’ve put in the request for time off,” Colin said, leaning back in his chair, his brows furrowing, “and I’m hoping for the best, but I’ve just been assigned a new case—”

“You should stay,” Kenzie waved off the rest of whatever he’d been about to say. “You’ve a pregnant wife and leaving the country should be the last thing on your mind.”

All eyes swung to Hailey and mouths gaped.

Hailey looked just as stunned and her gaze swung to Colin. “I didn’t tell anyone.”

He shook his head. “Nor I. We only just took a test and received the confirmation. How the bloody hell did you know she was pregnant, Kenzie?”

“Well I didn’t until you just told me. It was a lucky guess.” Kenzie grinned. “The other morning at breakfast Hailey looked a bit sick and picked at her food. Just a minute ago she was sorting through nuts with the determination of a woman in the throes of a pregnancy craving.” She shrugged innocently. “And I knew you guys were trying to have a baby. So like I said: lucky guess.”

“So it would seem,” Colin murmured.

“All I wanted were the cashews,” Hailey blurted. “Crap, I knew I’d do a terrible job hiding it, Colin.”

“It was a secret?” Delonna asked, glancing at the two.

“Aye, somewhat. We meant to keep it quiet for a bit.” Colin scowled. “Just until she was through the first trimester.”

“Sorry, like I said, wild guess. Didn’t actually think I’d be right.” Kenzie grimaced. “Er, congratulations, though?”