There were gasps and a shrill little yip of alarm from Ronnie. Their reactions brought a shout of pleased laughter from the intruder as he moved forward into the light, revealing himself.
Gotcha!
Stuie! his mother shrieked. You fiend!
The teenager chuckled, waving the crossbow at them. Relax. It isnt loaded.
Lane realized that Jack had managed to suddenly appear at her side. He was still trying to play her guardian angel and, damn it, she didnt need a guardian angel.
That kid has a sick sense of humor, he muttered.
It wasnt just a joke, Lane murmured. Hes looking for attention. Havent you noticed how Hale and his mother manage to ignore him?
Ronnie, however, wasnt ignoring Stuart at the moment. Put it down, she demanded. Where did you get that thing?
In there.
He jerked his head toward the library.
There arent any bolts for the crossbow, Allison interjected. None of the collection is dangerous. She moved behind Stuart, folding back the other wing of the double door to the library and flipping on all the lights.
The others crowded into the opening behind her to gaze at the wall-mounted antique weapons. The assortment represented every early age, ranging from maces to muzzle loaders.
It was my fathers collection, Allison explained. But he made certain they were all neutralized. Even the sword points have been blunted.
Ronnie shuddered. Harmless or not, theyre still nasty things.
Stuart certainly didnt share his mothers distaste, Lane noticed. There was a gleam of fascination in his eyes as he reverently stroked the edge of a halberd.
Dinner, everyone.
Dorothys welcome announcement summoned them to the dining room off the other end of the lounge. As they gathered around the table, Ronnie cast out another seductive net.
I feel absolutely defenseless after Stuies little performance. I need a bodyguard next to me. Jack, she implored, you will sit beside me, wont you?
But Jack had no intention of being outmaneuvered again. Good for you, Ronnie, he agreed heartily. Theres nothing wrong with a little old-fashioned male protectiveness when the situation calls for it. But whenever possible, I think it ought to come from family, dont you? That makes you lucky tonight. Youve got two strapping sons here, one for either side of you.
Her game had been neatly turned against her. Stuart grinned while his mother glared at him murderously. But Ronnie, left without a choice, found herself flanked by her sons.
Jack, however, wasnt finished. Allison, of course, has her cousin Dan to guard her from any stray dragons. But Lane here...well, Im the closest to family shes got. Right, sweetheart?
Lane would have looked like a fool sputtering objections to what the others must regard as mere playfulness, though she knew better. In any case, he didnt give her the opportunity. With the ease and swiftness of a military tactician, he installed himself beside her, his expressive mouth registering a smile of satisfaction. Lane felt her careful defenses already under assault. It was going to be a long meal.
Allison, amused by Jacks strategy, was seated between Hale and Dan before she suddenly noticed the table setting. She glanced up at Dorothy, who was waiting to serve them. There are only seven places. Why arent you and Nils and Chris joining us?
Weve already eaten in the kitchen. Would anyone like freshly ground pepper for their salads?
Even if you were hired to help with the weekend, Allison persisted, youre friends, not servants.
Chris wanted it this way. Dorothys response was quiet, impassive.
But I didnt intend
Allison, let it go, Hale cautioned her.
The uncomfortable moment passed, but a tension remained in the room. They tried to ignore the ceaseless wind blasting around the lodge as they concentrated on the savory beef burgundy that the caterer had provided for the occasion.
Dan, an able diplomat, made an effort to distract them. He told them how his Norwegian grandmother was responsible for the style of the house. Even the chapel was her design. It was his side of the family who had once owned the island. Neither Whitney cousin offered to explain how the property had passed to Allisons father.
Lane endeavored to enjoy both the food and the conversation but, thanks to Jacks potent nearness, she found herself with an appetite for neither one. Maddening the way he had his chair positioned so unnecessarily close to hers. She could actually feel the sensual heat of his hard body.
It was no accident either when, rescuing the napkin slipping from his lap, his hand came brushing against her thigh. She caught her breath, feeling as though fire had stroked her.
Something wrong? he murmured, his strong-boned face all innocence.
Not a thing, she assured him, and silently damned him for tormenting her. He was deliberately testing her, of course, wanting to know if she was still susceptible. Because whatever else had been wrong with their marriage, the sex between them had always thrived. Then she damned herself for her own weakness. Where Jack Donovan was concerned, she was still volatile.