“I need you to entertain St. John a wee bit—” He held up his hand when she opened her mouth to deny him. “Only during the days. No more.”

“Why?”

“Because Murien arrived at the castle earlier this week.”

Kat pressed her lips together. “Murien has her sights on St. John.”

Malcolm nodded. “And you know what she is. She won’t stop until she has him.”

“Surely he can avoid her if he wishes—”

“He might, but then there is that blasted talisman ring.” Malcolm shook his head solemnly.

Kat caught him looking at her from beneath his lashes. “What talisman ring?”

“Didn’t he tell you?”

“No.”

“Och now, why hasn’t he done so? I suppose he’s a mite embarrassed.” Malcolm sighed heavily. “Poor Devon. His family is cursed with a ring that seems to cause marriage.”

“Marriage?”

“That’s what happened to three of his brothers. And they each had the ring in their possession when it happened, too. Devon fled London, hoping to escape the ring, but he found it in his carriage after he’d left, and so here he is, stuck with the blasted thing.”

“Malcolm…surely you don’t believe in this ring?”

He shrugged. “Perhaps.”

“I don’t.”

He eyed her shrewdly. “Not at all?”

“Not even a little.”

“Good!” He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small object. “Since you don’t believe in it, you won’t mind trying it on.”

Kat blinked down at the small circle that lay in the palm of his hand. Silver with tiny runes etched in the surface, it appeared innocuous. “Does St. John know you have that?”

Malcolm looked slightly shame-faced. “Perhaps.”

“Perhaps? Och, Malcolm! He’s your guest.”

“Whist, Kat! I am going to put it back. I was just curious.” He held the circlet up to the light. “You must admit ’tis pretty.”

It was pretty, glistening in the sun. As Kat looked at the ring, the urge to touch it began to simmer through her.

She shook her head. “I want nothing to do with it.”

“Damn, Kat! Must you be so stubborn?”

“Yes,” she answered implacably.

A sigh burst from his lips. “You are the most irritating woman I know, with the exception of Fiona.”

“Thank you. I’ll treasure those words.”

“I only borrowed the ring; I did not steal it, so you can stop glaring at me.”

“Why would you do such a thing?”

“Because I was curious to see it. Don’t you fash, I’ll have it returned to his room before he knows what’s toward. Meanwhile, hold out your hand and let’s see if the ring fits.”

“Fits?” Her brow lowered. What was he doing? “Why would you want to see if it fits?”

“Because I’m curious, is why.” Malcolm reached out and grabbed her hand. Before Kat could say another word, he’d slipped the ring over her finger.