Highland Harmony: Avelina and Drew (Clan Grant Series Book 8) by Keira Montclair Page A

ever tried.”
    “Hurry off! I’m too busy today.”
    Aedan had just taken a sip of mead from his skein and choked. “Too busy doing what? Acting miserable? Kicking arses?”
    Drew glared at his friend and said, “Bugger off, Cameron.” In truth, he was too busy trying to decide how to make amends to a certain beautiful lass for his indiscretions, and he did not have any idea how to go about it. He scowled as different scenarios played out in his mind.
    I’m sorry for getting caught? Forgive me for my desires? You know I’d rather it were you?
    “Arghhhh….” he yelled out at no one in particular.
    Aedan laughed and strode back to him. “Hellfire, I’ve not seen you this miserable since you were celibate for a fortnight. What’s going on? You’re hiding something.”
    Drew just stared out over the lists, brooding in silence.
    “If ‘tis about your sire,” Aedan said, rubbing his jaw, “he’ll see your worth some day. Do not doubt it.”
    That was the foremost of Drew’s problems most days, but not today. The worst part was that he could not confess the truth to Aedan. He couldn’t explain because Aedan would either laugh hysterically or be so furious that he punched him square in the jaw.
    Drew didn’t answer, so Aedan sauntered off into the fields. He paused to talk to one guard after another, apparently offering them advice.
    A few moments later, a lad ran up to him and said, “My laird said to tell you tonight should be better for you.”
    Drew stared at Aedan, wondering what he was about.
    Another lad stopped in front of him. “My laird said if ye’re too soft to work today, you can return to the keep.”
    Drew’s eyes widened at the word soft , and his gaze immediately searched out Aedan, who was watching him from afar, doubled over in laughter.
    “Bugger off, Cameron!” Drew shouted loud enough for half the men to hear him. Deciding he could stay no longer, he glared at Aedan, spun on his heels, and stalked off.
    There was no reason to deny the truth any longer. The reason he was so upset was because he cared about Avelina Ramsey. Where his feelings had come from, he had no idea. But he was angry, nay, pissed , that Lina had seen him with the kitchen maid. And he had no idea what to say to her the next time they saw each other.
    He was marching through the forest, still furious at the world, when he heard some rustling off to the side. When he glanced back over his shoulder, he was stunned to see how far he had traveled from the lists. If he hollered to Aedan, he doubted his friend would hear him.
    Hellfire, he’d search out the source of the noise on his own. He moved through the trees, unsure of what he would find. In case it was a group of boars or something dangerous, he kept his hand on the hilt of his sword.
    It was an animal, but a human one. Lachlan. Lachlan had a lass pinned to the ground, and he was fumbling with his breeches. He was clearly intent on molesting her.
    Drew’s blood was boiling in his veins before he even recognized the lass.
    Avelina Ramsay’s face had been punched, and she was out cold. Fury exploded inside him. He wanted nothing more than to kill Lachlan with his bare hands. He jumped on him from behind, emitting a growl that took the other man by surprise.
    “Menzie, leave off. I’ve declared her as mine. She agreed to marry me as soon as I explained everything to her about the legend. We’ll marry within a sennight as the legend of the sword goes. We’re leaving soon, and I’m taking her with me since she agreed. Now go away.” He scrambled to right his clothing as Drew grabbed his tunic and spun him around.
    Drew bellowed, “Nay, she’ll not be marrying you.”
    Ignoring everything Lachlan had to say, Drew grabbed him by the throat, lifted him and tossed him through the air. His back hit a tree trunk, and he crumpled to the ground. As soon as he was down, Drew fell on him and pummeled his face until there was blood all over. Lachlan tried to fight