Reckoning (Book 4 of Lost Highlander series) by Cassidy Cayman

really. Mostly that it’s small and north.”
    “Bloody idiots,” Quinn said. “I pity that ye’ll have to lead them one day soon.”
    “Yeah, about that.” Pietro looked hopefully to Lachlan.
    He cracked his neck and frowned. “Truthfully, I didna think this would take so long. I’m going to start giving ye orders again. Carry them out, but grumble about it as much as ye like. I want people to think I still trust ye, while ye make sure they know ye’re no’ really on my side.”
    “Like a double agent.” Pietro seemed to like the idea. “That’ll be easier actually. I can make it seem like I’m giving them information they wouldn’t have got without me.”
    “Aye, that’s a good way to put it. Now, after a bit of that, I was thinking to take Bella home with me and leave ye behind as advisor.” He held up his hand at Pietro’s lack of enthusiasm for that plan. “Once on my own land, we could annul the marriage and she could come back in a tiff. And then ye can sweep her off her feet. If the Glens are warming up to ye, and ye do a good job as advisor while I’m away, it should work just fine.”
    “That actually sounds like a really good plan,” Pietro said, a little too amazed for Lachlan to feel flattered. “It’s totally believable. Bella’s always in a tiff about something. And everyone hates you so much already, I’m sure they’ll get behind her on leaving your ass.”
    Quinn laughed into his hands while Lachlan nodded stiffly. He knew it was difficult for Pietro to watch him sit beside Bella at meals every day, and go off with her to bed each night.
    Ever since the folly in the woods, he hadn’t allowed them so much as a chance to pass each other in the hallways, so he understood that Pietro was frustrated, which couldn’t help turn to anger, which had to be aimed at him. Still, it rankled.
    “Aye, it’s a sound plan, and I’m pleased ye’re doing your part in fueling their flames of hatred,” he said, meaning to sound sincere but unable to keep his words from dripping with sarcasm. He closed his eyes and started again. “Ye have to know that I want what’s supposed to be? Ye and Bella together?”
    Pietro looked chagrined. “Of course.”
    “I think if we keep our noses clean,” Lachlan looked pointedly at Quinn, “we shall have the makings of a verra tidy and peaceful coup in another month or two.”
    Pietro pressed his lips together at the time frame while Quinn slumped and leaned his head against the back of the chair.
    “‘Tis a long time, brother. We’ve been here almost a month already.”
    “Just keep it in your pants, Ferguson. If anyone screws this up …”
    “Enough,” Lachlan said tiredly. “Save it for the yard. Ye may beat each other as much as ye like when there’s witnesses to see ye, just dinna kill each other. I need ye both for one thing or another.” He stood up to take a look outside his door. Bella must have been extremely charming or else buried the poor man in other errands, because the hallway was still clear. “I wish it could be sooner as well, but a peaceful outcome is more agreeable to me than a bloody one. Let them settle down a bit from Tavish’s death. We’ll have a few feasts, call in a storyteller or a piper. Keep them stuffed with food and entertainment. When I feel safe to leave Pietro in charge, we shall go.”
    He shoved Quinn out first, turning to give Pietro a last bit of encouragement. Pietro’s face was twisted with worry and he grabbed Lachlan’s arm.
    “I’ll do whatever it takes,” he said. “But please let me see Bella. I don’t think she’s well. She looks paler than usual.”
    “I shall make sure she’s all right,” Lachlan said, feeling like a world class lout. “But it’s too dangerous, and ye know that.”
    “Well, at least give her this.” Pietro pressed a crumpled bit of parchment into his hand. “Tell her I love her and think of her every moment.”
    Ah, bugger. Lachlan watched him race down the