Countdown - Iris Johansen [150]
“You are until proven otherwise.” His lips twitched. “I believe you’re casting aspersions on the House of MacDuff. You’d rather be a bastard than a member of my family.”
“Did you expect me to be honored?”
“No, just tolerant. We’re not such a bad lot, and we do stand by our own.”
“I don’t need anyone to stand by me.” She whirled and headed for the door. “Shove it, MacDuff.”
She heard him burst into laughter as she ran down the hall toward the steps leading back to the stable. She was confused and shocked and . . . angry. The anger took her by surprise, and she couldn’t see any reason for—
Yes, she could. She had been alone all her life and been proud of the independence that isolation had bred. MacDuff’s sudden revelation did not make her feel warm and cozy. It seemed to take something away from her.
Damn him. He’d probably concocted a kinship just to keep the blasted gold in the family, to keep her from talking to Trevor.
And what was she going to do? How much was she going to tell Trevor?
And why was she even considering limiting what she told Trevor?
Of course she’d tell him everything. Except that nonsense about her being related to MacDuff. What Trevor chose to do about pursuing Cira’s gold was his affair, and she wouldn’t make him feel any reluctance because he might be dipping into her family’s treasure trove.
She had no family but Eve and Joe. She certainly didn’t need to invite an arrogant, paternalistic MacDuff into her life right now.
But paternalistic wasn’t the right word. MacDuff’s attitude had been—
She wouldn’t think about MacDuff’s attitude. It disturbed her, and she had enough emotional trauma to deal with right now.
She had reached the courtyard and she saw Trevor standing on the front steps.
Velvet nights and silver mornings.
Screw you, MacDuff. The sex was grand and Trevor was a unique man who stimulated her mind as well as her body. That was all she needed or wanted.
Her pace quickened. “I have something to tell you. I found Cira’s letter, and it’s no wonder Mario didn’t want to tell us about what she . . .”
What do you want me to do about it?” Trevor asked quietly when she’d finished.
“The gold? Whatever you want to do about it,” Jane said. “You’ve searched for it for a long time. Your friend Pietro died in that tunnel trying to find it.”
“Some would say that MacDuff deserves the gold since technically it’s his family’s fortune.”
“Yes. And how do you feel?”
“He deserves it if he can find and hold it.”
“He said you’d say something like that.”
“He’s a perceptive man.” He paused. “I won’t go after it if you don’t want me to. It’s only money.”
“Don’t give me that. It’s a damn fortune.” She started up the steps. “And you’ll have to make up your own mind. I’m not going to be responsible for influencing you one way or another. I’m tired to death of being responsible.”
“And I believe I’m getting tired of being irresponsible. Don’t you think we’d make a great match?”
She felt a surge of happiness, followed immediately by wariness. “What are you saying?”
“You know what I’m saying. You’re scared to admit it. Well, I’m way past that point. You’ll have to catch up. How did you feel when you thought I was blown to bits?”
She said slowly, “Terrible. Frightened. Empty.”
“Good. That’s progress.” He took her hand and kissed the palm. “I know I’m rushing. I can’t help it. I’ve got years of experience on you and I know what I want. You’re having to work your way through this. You don’t know whether you can trust what we have.” He smiled. “And it’s my job to show you that this feeling isn’t ever going to go away. Not for me and, I hope to God, not for you. I’m going to dog your footsteps and seduce you at every opportunity until you decide you can’t live without me.” He kissed her palm again. “What are you going to do after you leave here?”
“I’m going home and be with Eve and Joe. I’m going to sketch and rest and forget everything connected to MacDuff’s Run.”
“And