Alasdair’s eyes widened. “Sister? Why would ye think that?”
“Because that is what you said.”
His brows furrowed. “When?”
“That time you were arguing with Fiona.”
“I always argue with Fiona.” He shook his head. “I have thought of ye often, believe me, but I never thought of ye as a sister.”
“Then—”
“Lorelei!”
She turned to see Fiona running toward her, Gavin following. She didn’t know why he was here, but Alasdair didn’t seem surprised.
“How did ye ken we were here?”
“Emma,” Fiona said.
Lorelei looked around, realizing for the first time the girl had gone. She must have left while the kissing had been going on. She felt her cheeks warm. Hopefully, Emma hadn’t mentionedthat.
Alasdair turned to her. “Was that the girl who was with ye?”
“Yes,” she answered, wondering how he could sound so calm after what they’d just done. “She’s the one who rescued me.”
“Rescued ye?” He frowned. “Where—”
“It is a long story.” Lorelei suddenly began to shake as she realized what danger she’d been in. “I do not feel so well…”
“Och!” Alasdair scooped her up as though she were a bag of feathers. “I am an eejit for keeping ye here.” He turned to Fiona and Gavin. “Did ye bring a carriage?”
“I have Argyll’s,” Gavin answered.
“Good. Then let’s go home.” He eyed his sister. “And then there will be some explaining to do.”
Fiona huffed at him.
She was probably going to have a lot of explaining to do as well, but for the moment, Lorelei didn’t care. For now, she was safe in Alasdair’s arms.
…
The sun had already set and it was dark when Lorelei made her way down the stairs to the front parlor where she was quite sure everyone would be waiting. When they’d gotten home earlier, Lady Bute had taken charge, telling everyone there would be no questions until Lorelei got some rest. Then Louisa’s mother had ordered a hot bath and there had been freshly brewed chamomile tea waiting for her when she was through. She suspected a drop or two of laudanum had been added because she had no recollection of falling asleep.
But she did recall the kiss. In vivid detail. Alasdair’s use of mouth and tongue, masterfully commanding her response, causing sensations that she didn’t even know existed. He’d nearly rendered her senseless with his adept skill, making her forget where she was and the predicament she’d been in.
That predicament was why everyone would be waiting for her in the parlor, wanting to know what had happened after Fiona had escaped. She would wager that she would be in for quite a tongue-lashing as well, although that might not be the correct way to think about it considering…
Best to put that thought on hold for now.
Taking a deep breath, she entered the parlor. Alasdair and Gavin were standing near the unlit hearth, brandy snifters in hand. Louisa and her mother sat on the settee while Fiona was in one of the wingback chairs, looking a bit sullen. Lorelei took another fortifying breath. Alasdair must have already had words with his sister.
“Are you feeling better?” Lady Bute asked as Lorelei took the other chair.
“Yes, thank you. The bath and rest helped tremendously.”
“I am sure you needed it.”
Silence fell in the room after the last remark. Louisa and her mother looked concerned. Gavin took a sip of brandy while Alasdair raised an eyebrow questioningly. Fiona rolled her eyes.
