Free Lily (The Highland Clan Book 3) by Keira Montclair

“Well? What is your decision? I’ll not be changing my mind.”

 
    Chapter Seven
     
    Torrian crossed the bailey with Kyle the following morn. “Uncle Logan said he’d meet us in the lists.”
    “Will you tell me what this is about? Is he going to beat me or something? He was not happy with me yesterday. I have no doubt the man is capable of giving me an arse whipping over your sister.”
    “I think there are a few people ready to give you an arse whipping,” Torrian grumbled. “I’ve never seen my sire more upset than when she said she wished to move to Clan Grant. I had no choice but to assign someone else to protect her. Believe me when I say you must do as you’ve been ordered.”
    “But how did she find out about your father’s request?”
    Torrian shrugged. “It does not matter. She found out, as oft happens when such a thing is discussed.”
    “I’d like to talk to her and explain my reasoning.”
    “I’m sure you would, but you’ve been warned to stay away from her. And I’ll warn you that if you chase Lily away to Clan Grant, my sire and uncle will be less than happy. Consider this your last chance to make things right. You did not want her, so stay away.”
    “But you know ‘tis not why I turned your sire down.”
    “Kyle.” Torrian stopped to turn to his friend. “I admit my part in this travesty. My sire did ask me if you were interested in anyone special, or if I thought you were interested in Lily. I should have guessed his intent, but I had my mind on other things. But I must admit, you took me by surprise with your refusal. I would never force you to act against your conscience. You’ve made your decision. Now you must accept that you cannot have it both ways. You cannot continue to spend time with my sister without hurting her.”
    “But ‘tis not how I feel.” The truth was, this wasn’t just about honoring his father. How could he possibly explain to his friend how much he feared the thought of marrying his love? He did not take his responsibilities to the clan lightly. He always did his best, but would that even be possible if he were married to Lily? How could he think clearly if he lived with Lily and had to worry about someone hurting or kidnapping her? “Torrian, you know I must first make my sire proud. You know what he asked of me when he was dying, to become the best Ramsay warrior I could be.”
    “I understand your point of view, but you must understand Lily’s. You rejected her. ‘Tis the only way she will see it. I’m sure you can comprehend that. I would leave everything alone for a while. Allow matters to settle, or so my sire often advises. Lily will get over you.”
    “I’ll stay away unless I see her in trouble. You know I’ll not be able to stay away under those circumstances.” Hellfire, what had he done? He did not want his life to exist without Lily in it.
    And he did not want Lily to get over him.
    “ If you see her in trouble. Those are the key words. Dancing in a meadow with a crowd of Ramsays around does not count.”
    “Aye, I understand I erred that day. She makes me daft sometimes.” He hung his head, not knowing what he should do next. Could they not see how hard he was trying to be the best second possible? Was his father watching this fiasco from heaven?
    Logan appeared out of nowhere. “If a lass makes you daft, you should not turn down the offer of a betrothal. You should make her yours.”
    Kyle didn’t respond, mostly because he did not know how. They had not been there that day when his father had begged him to make him proud by becoming a Ramsay warrior. As the chief’s second, he’d exceeded even his own expectations, and he had no desire to stop.
    Logan said, “Since you’re the chieftain’s second, I would like to spar with you and see if you need any more training.”
    “Is this because of the other day, my lord?” Kyle couldn’t bring himself to look Logan in the eye because he believed he’d failed him