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

her. In part, he had made that decision because the sight of her bruises enraged him and made him want to finish what he’d started and kill Lachlan Burnes. But the other reason he had stayed away was he was afraid Aedan would discover how important Lina was to him. And he wasn’t ready to completely admit that to himself yet, much less to his friend.
    He had gone home, hoping that being away from her wouldn’t bother him, but Lina was all he had thought of on his way to the keep. As soon as he stepped into his great hall, his father called him out in front of everyone eating the midday meal, accusing him of being lazy, unreliable, and untrustworthy. Since seeing his parents together only reminded him of why he would never marry, he decided it wasn’t the best place for him at present. Now that he was developing true feelings for a lass, he did not need a reason to stay away from her.
    His parents tended to send him in that direction.
    So he turned right around and left again. His mother followed him down the pathway crying, so he hugged her once, peeled her arms away from his neck, and walked away.
    He had been too worried about Lina to stay away anyway.
    Now he leaned against the stone wall of the Cameron keep and watched Lina’s brother. This man had the type of reputation he had always yearned for himself. Considered one of the fiercest Highlanders in the land just behind Jennie’s brother, Alex, Logan was feared by most men. It was also a known fact that he worked for the Scottish crown. How did a person become so strong?
    Drew decided to pay close attention to everything Logan did this week so he could model his behavior after him. Drew wanted to be important. He wanted to be respected. He wanted others to believe him fierce and noble and loyal, a man who could be counted on to fight for what was right, who would protect the innocent.
    He took a few steps toward Lina, and immediately found two wooden swords aimed at his belly.
    “Dabin, do no’ wet him near Aunt Wina.” Gregor’s expression let Drew know just how much the wee lad meant it. While he could easily push them away, he decided to give into the lads’ sense of honor, especially since they were bent on protecting someone verra special to him.
    Gavin, the elder of the two, held his sword in two hands. “You’ll not go near our aunt. We are her protectors.”
    “Aye. Hew ‘tectors.” Gregor’s fierce scowl made Drew want to smile, but he managed to refrain. He knelt down in front of the laddies and said, “I promise not to hurt your aunt. In fact, I was the one who saved her from the bad lout who hurt her.”
    Gavin raced to Lina’s side, Gregor right behind him. “Is that true, Aunt Lina? Is he the man who saved you?” Gregor bumped into him from behind.
    Gavin turned to his cousin, clearly irritated. “Gregor, you’re supposed to be watching that man while I talk to Aunt Lina.” He used his sword to point at Drew.
    Gregor tore back over to Drew. “I will teep him hewe.” The laddie’s wooden sword quickly swung back toward Drew’s belly.
    “Gregor, ‘tis this man who saved me. Let him be,” Lina said. “His name is Drew Menzie.”
    Gregor let his sword arm fall to his side and headed back toward the door, Gavin close behind him. They both nodded, stepped back, and held their swords pointed toward Lina so Drew could pass safely.
    Drew headed toward the hearth, nodding to Lina as he came closer.
    “Is this true?” Logan asked, now leaning against the hearth. “You saved her?”
    Drew nodded and tried to make eye contact with Lina, but she stared at her hands, kneading the linen square there.
    “My thanks.” Logan grasped his shoulder. “You have my deep gratitude. If you ever need aught, let me know.”
    Gwyneth, who stood next to her husband, added, “You have my gratitude as well. We are all verra devoted to Avelina. She is a treasured member of our clan.”
    Drew nodded. “I can see that.”
    Turning back to face Lina,