Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

M ae was becoming increasingly frustrated. Every moment of their days was spent hounding Brian's drunken steps. She barely got a moment to herself, let alone with Niall. Just the simple, singular thought of Niall brought a smile to her lips.

At first, it was easy to keep to the background with Niall. As they watched Brian, they would chat and share various things about their lives, getting to know one another. Mae would tell him about some of the things from her time, which fascinated Niall, and she'd listen as he told her some of his daring escapades as a guard, or of his childhood. She kept back the part of her life that was criminal. She was ashamed to share that with him, but as her feelings for him grew, and the closer they got, she knew she'd have to tell him at some point.

Unfortunately, it seemed Brian had come to expect Niall and her to be around, and he started seeking them out. If they were at breakfast, Brian would take the seat across from them, even if he'd been at another table all together. He'd get up and move to join them. Always with a lecherous smile Mae's way, which she completely ignored.

If they found a quiet spot in the courtyard to observe him and his behavior, under the guise of doing something else like brushing horses, or doing menial chores, Brian would find a way to join them. Not that he helped in doing said chores. He was too busy being utterly obnoxious to anyone and everyone, but especially to them. It was as though he was trying to get a rise out of Niall.

However, Niall took it all in stride. He didn't let Brian's words or behavior affect him. Mae knew it took a great deal of will power for Niall not to slug him over half the crap he spewed. It made her admire him even more.

Over the next few weeks, she and Niall tried to get more creative in their observation spots. Sneaking around, attempting to avoid Brian's gaze until Niall was needed to disrupt his destructive behavior. But it seemed to have become a game to Brian. He had this need to find them no matter where they were or what they were engaged in, and it was frustrating Mae to no end.

"I wish he would leave us alone," she muttered as they watched him from one of the towers.

Brian was standing in the courtyard, scanning the surrounding area, searching. She knew without a single doubt that he was looking for them.

"I know, love, but what can we do?" Niall sighed and pulled her close to him. "Tis my job to keep a close watch on him, which means I have to be within sight of him."

"I know. I just miss having time alone with you, that's all." Her lips quirked in a small smile.

Niall leaned forward and she knew he was about to kiss her. She closed her eyes, anticipating the feel of his lips upon hers. She lived for these stolen kisses these days and couldn't wait for this one. She pushed up on her toes slightly, wanting to make it happen faster.

"There you are," Brian slurred, coming up the stone tower steps.

Inwardly, Mae screamed as she dropped her heels back to the ground. Niall took a step back, releasing her waist. She turned to stare daggers at the disheveled man who'd joined them. He smelled of alcohol and body odor that was pungent. His hair hung limp and greasy, though his clothes were clean enough. She cringed, but did her best to keep her disgust from her face.

"Brian, what brings you up here?" Niall asked.

Mae could tell he was just as annoyed as she was, but he was doing his best not to show it either. Pissing Brian off to the point that he reported back to the Laird that the Donalds were unhospitable, just wasn't acceptable.

"Saw you up here, thought the view must be amazing. The Donalds donnae deserve such a view as this," he replied, looking out of the window toward the loch.

As she endured another disrupted rendezvous with Niall, Mae couldn't help but wish that Brian Campbell would drop off the edge of the Earth and disappear for good.