Bound by Secrets (Cauld Ane Series) Read online

  Payton felt the stress dissipating. “Ooh, yes. I need new jeans, anyway. I don’t have much cash, but I can pay you back later in the week.”

  Niall rolled his eyes. “My shout. Consider it an early birthday present.”

  “Nye, you don’t have to do that. Really. It’s almost a month before my birthday, and you’ve been paying for a lot of things using that excuse.”

  “So? Means I get bonus points for remembering.” He smiled. “I have something that might make today better.”

  “I’ll take anything. Tell me.”

  “I told Fiona she’d need to serve your favorite ice cream or I’d not help her with her ruse.”

  “You did?”

  He nodded. “I did.”

  Payton giggled. “Fine. Twist my arm.”

  She knew it was pointless to argue. And he really had been paying for a lot of things over the past three years, but was annoyingly tight-lipped about it. She’d asked him why and he’d said that he had the money and that’s what friends were for. This then prompted a conversation about mates, but Niall insisted he wasn’t hers.

  Niall grinned and headed for the private entrance to Jenners’.

  “You sneak. You called ahead, didn’t you?” Payton challenged.

  “Guilty.”

  She smiled. “I suppose you’d get mobbed if we went in the main entrance.”

  “Sure. Let’s go with that.”

  Payton clapped her hands. She’d heard about the personal shoppers at Jenners’ but had never experienced one herself. She supposed her family had the money to shop there if her mother was so inclined, but she was as miserly as they came, and refused to spend money on unnecessary luxuries.

  “In other news,” Niall said as he parked the car, “I got a letter from Brodie yesterday.”

  “You did?”

  “Aye. He mentioned he’d been writing to you.”

  “I’m sorry?” Payton said in confusion. “What do you mean?”

  “Brodie said he’s been writing.”

  Payton frowned. “To me?”

  “Aye.”

  “No he hasn’t.”

  Niall unbuckled and faced her. “Really?”

  “Aye.” Payton unbuckled as well. “Why would he write to me? Did you say something to him? Niall, I will skelp you if you said anything!”

  “I would never ever say anything about how much you love him, and how you want to kiss him…” He winced when she punched his arm. “Ow, you’re strong for a girl.”

  She blinked back tears of frustration. “What did you tell him?”

  Niall took her hand. “Hey, honest. I would never betray your confidence, Pay. Promise. Brodie just mentioned the letters in passing.”

  Payton tried to keep her excitement in check. She’d dreamed of Brodie Gunnach more than once…okay, more than a million times since he left, the memory of her vision at the welcome home party sparking hope in her heart. The idea that he would actually write to her was too much to dream of, but if he had, then what happened to the letters?

  “Weird,” Payton said, taking a deep breath and trying to appear nonchalant. Niall knew she had a crush on the prince, and teased her accordingly, but she didn’t want to admit just how deep her feelings went.

  “Very.” Niall climbed out of the car and walked around to her side.

  Payton slid out of the car and followed him to the private entrance of Jenners’. They were met by an excited young woman, ready to sell them whatever they needed. Niall took a seat on a bench outside the room and slid his phone from his pocket as Payton gave the saleswoman her size and was ushered into a private changing room.

  * * *

  Brodie stomped his feet to shake off the caked-on snow and then slipped out of his arctic weather clothing. His unit had just taken a small break from their hectic schedule to watch a polar bear cub play with its mother. He couldn’t help thinking how he wished he was sharing this moment with Payton, which led to more thoughts of his mate, which inevitably led to the heartache that came with his homesickness.

  He shook off his thoughts and opened his locker. His heart raced when he saw the light blinking on his satellite phone. His brothers and Niall were the only ones who had the number, and the only reason he and Niall interacted was to keep tabs on Payton. Brodie entered his pin and pulled up a text from Niall.

  *Payton hasn’t gotten your letters. What do you want me to do?*

  Brodie swore. He shouldn’t have committed to five years. The past three had been near torture and with another two to go, he was sure he’d never survive it. Payton turned eighteen in less than a month, but he’d wanted to give her more time before they started a relationship. Maybe it had been a bad idea to keep tabs on her these past years. It simply kept her constantly in his thoughts. He rubbed his forehead in an effort to think of what could have happened to his letters.

  *Find out what happened to them. Is Payton okay?*

  *Aye. She’s great, She’s spending your money.*

  Brodie grinned. He’d opened a special account for Payton that only Kade and Niall had access to. He knew how tight her mother was, and he wanted Payton to have whatever her heart desired. His mate would want for nothing.

  *Keep me posted.*

  *I will. Gotta go.*

  “Food’s up!” Joey, Brodie’s wing commander, poked his head into the locker room.

  “Thanks,” Brodie said, and set his phone back into the cabinet. “Coming.”

  He made his way to the main hall, where the entire group, including civilians, ate together. Taking his place in line, he stepped aside to let one of the ladies move in front of him.

  “Ta,” Pippa said, smiling the same smile she’d smiled for almost a year. The one that indicated she’d be his…he just had to say so.

  Brodie didn’t deny she was beautiful. Tall and brunette, the native Australian was adored by pretty much every man there. But even if technically he was single, Brodie’s heart was owned by a petite redhead, and he’d never do anything to betray her.

  For the next hour, he endured small talk, all the while consumed with thoughts of Payton and who would be trying to sabotage their correspondence.

  * * *

  Payton arrived at Fiona Gunnach’s home to find the Who’s Who of Edinburgh—of Scotland, really—and that now included Annis and their mother. Payton truly hated the insincere, rich-girl talk of the group. She’d never been very good at making small talk anyway. She never felt quite right in most groups, and certainly didn’t feel pretty. She had horrible eyesight, bad enough that contacts weren’t enough to correct her vision. So she was stuck with glasses. And she was sure she was one of the shortest females of their kind. Cauld Ane women were typically a few inches over the average human height, and at five-foot-five, Payton was considered tiny by their standards. Fiona was the only other woman she’d met close to her height, and she was still an inch taller.

  Payton studied the group. Shannon Fraser was tall and blonde; stunning would be the best way to describe her. She had a body that men waxed poetic about, especially when they thought no one else could hear them. She stood with Annis, giggling about something trivial, Payton was certain. Annis never discussed anything deep. She’d always said her life was for fun, not work.

  Fiona caught sight of Payton and grinned, walking purposely toward her. “Payton, love! I’m so glad you could make it.”

  Payton didn’t quite know how to respond. She’d had all of two conversations with Fiona Gunnach, and although they had been pleasant, she was still taken aback by her warm reception. She gave a quick curtsy. “Thank you for inviting me, Your Highness.”

  Fiona waved her hands in dismissal. “Oh, please, let’s be done with all of that nonsense. Just call me Fi.” She hugged Payton and whispered, “Save me from these horrible women. I want to slit my wrists with a spoon right now.”

  Payton couldn’t stop a snort when she giggled, and quickly covered her mouth with her fingers. “Sorry.”

  “Bless yo
u,” Fiona said, and then winked. “I do hope you’re not getting a cold.”

  “No. I’m fine.” Payton bit the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.

  “Thanks for picking Payton up, Nye,” Fiona said. “Any word from my brother?”

  Payton couldn’t help but perk up at the mention of the prince.

  “Brodie’s doing well,” Niall said.

  “You’ve heard from the prince?” Payton’s mother asked, feigning interest. She didn’t really care much about Brodie, but if she appeared interested, it would help her chances with the king…or so she said. “Payton, what are you wearing?”

  “Jeans, Mum.”

  “I see that. Where did you get them?”

  “At Jenners’.”

  “Payton!” her mother snapped. “Where did you get the money?”

  “I paid for them, Mrs. McFadden,” Niall said.

  Her mother frowned, but then schooled her expression. “Oh. Well, we’ll pay you back.”

  “No need, ma’am.”

  “Thank you.” Payton’s mother glanced at Annis and then back to Niall, her voice taking on a pinched quality, as though to appear nonchalant. “So, you’ve heard from the prince, is that right?”

  Payton tried not to roll her eyes in disgust. The fact that her father and brother were trusted by the king wasn’t enough in her mother’s eyes. Angus kept Phyllis at a distance, and she wanted to be “in” with the royal family, even if she had to pretend to care about someone as lowly as the third prince.

  “I have.” Niall raised an eyebrow. “In fact, he mentioned something about writing to a few people, including Payton.”

  Payton watched her mother’s face lose color.

  “Oh?” her mother said.

  “It was so strange,” Niall continued, “Because when I asked Payton if she’d gotten anything from Brodie, it seems she hadn’t. Perhaps his correspondence got lost in the mail.”

  “It must have,” her mother said. “I haven’t seen anything come through.”

  Payton narrowed her eyes and tried not to scream in frustration. Her mother was lying.

  “No matter,” Niall said. “I may end up playing postman for him. My mail seems to arrive just fine.”

  “I don’t think that will be necessary,” her mother countered. “I’ll ask Aileen if she’s seen the letters. Sometimes, I find things in the strangest places after she’s cleaned the house.”

  “Mum,” Annis called from her place by the window. “Come and see Shannon’s new shoes.”

  Niall took advantage of the distraction, dragging Fiona and Payton further from the group. “Interesting how your mum said letters. If she hadn’t seen anything, how would she know there was more than one?”

  “Nye,” Fiona admonished. “Be nice. Don’t jump to conclusions. Maybe they really were lost.”

  Payton sighed. “No. It’s okay. He’s probably right. Niall’s been on the short end of my mother’s insanity.” She took a deep breath. “But, I’m pretty sure her deception has delayed the further tongue-lashing I was sure to receive about the new clothes.” She ran her hands over her new jeans. “So, it’s a positive.”

  “Not if she read the letters,” Niall argued.

  “Oh, please. What could Brodie Gunnach write in a letter that would offend my mother? The man doesn’t even know me.” Payton raised an eyebrow. “I can only assume he wrote to congratulate me on my sister’s news. Connall emailed the same thing a few weeks ago.”

  “You’re probably right,” Niall said.

  “Let’s go play nice, shall we?” Fiona suggested, and pulled Payton toward the group, the subject of Brodie’s letters officially dropped.

  Payton spent the rest of the afternoon attempting to appear engaged, but her thoughts kept roaming to the letter…or letters…Brodie sent. Perhaps he misses me. The thought sent a thrill through her. Could she even allow herself to hope?

  CHAPTER THREE

  HAVING SURVIVED THE impromptu shopping spree, which really meant shop owners bringing product to Fiona’s house and which included an extremely personal bra fitting by Marie, one of the royals’ stylists, Payton returned home and headed to her room, hours of homework in her near future. She stalled at the door, noticing a stack of envelopes on her dresser.

  Throwing her backpack onto her bed, she grabbed the letters and fanned them out in front of her. Six letters from the prince. All in his strong and surprisingly neat handwriting.

  She forced away her immediate desire to commit matricide and closed her door. Checking the stamp dates, she opened the oldest one. It was dated three weeks ago. A picture fell out as she unfolded the pages and she couldn’t stop a quiet hum at the tiny polar bear cub walking behind its mother.

  Dear Payton, I hope this note finds you well. I thought you’d like to see some of the sights we are lucky to witness when we have down time. I think of you often, Brodie.

  That’s it? She slapped the paper against her forehead.

  She opened the next letter and then the next and then the next, frowning with each rip of the envelope. They were all much the same. She let out a frustrated groan and stretched out on her bed. What had she been expecting, really? She shouldn’t be surprised. He wasn’t interested in her romantically. He was just a nice guy who wanted to send her photos of baby polar bears apparently.

  Her phone buzzed in her jeans pocket and she glanced at it before answering. “Hi, Niall.”

  “Hey. Did you “find” the letters?”

  “Yep. They magically appeared on my dresser.”

  “Good. I’ll send Brodie an email.”

  Payton sat up. “He’s allowed email when he’s on assignment?”

  Pause.

  “Nye? Are you still there?”

  “Yep. Sorry. Um. I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone that.”

  Payton giggled. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

  “Thanks. So what did Brodie have to say?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Okay.” He chuckled. “Keep your secrets.”

  “No, really. He had nothing to say.” Payton shook her head. “I don’t know why Mum felt the need to hide them. I think in total the six letters maybe had twenty lines not counting Dear Payton and his signature. He did send a photo of a cute polar bear cub, but honestly, I think he forgets I’m not fourteen anymore.”

  “I highly doubt that.”

  “Whatever.” Payton snorted. “I hate to cut our chat short, but I’ve got homework.”

  “Okay. Hey, if Brodie wants your email address, can I give it to him?”

  “What is up with you and Brodie Gunnach, Niall?” Payton sighed. “Yes, of course, if he wants my email address, give it to him.”

  “Thanks.”

  Payton smiled. “I have to go. We’ll talk tomorrow, okay?”

  “Okay, ’bye.”

  Niall hung up and Payton went to the secret place she kept her treasures. Knowing Payton’s love of history, her father had given her an antique armoire from the seventeenth century when they’d moved to Edinburgh. She’d discovered a false bottom in one of the drawers, and started to hide things in there, hoping her parents wouldn’t find them. No one had said anything to her, and if her father knew anything about the drawer, he didn’t mention it. Payton slipped the letters into the notebook she’d kept from her first year at school in the new city. The one that had Payton Gunnach written a thousand times in various different scripts, little girl dreams of practicing her new name if she was ever so lucky as to be bound to the prince.

  “Payton?”

  Closing her drawer quickly, she turned to find Aileen standing in her doorway. “I was just getting to my homework.”

  “You’re not in trouble, lass, although, remember to keep your door open a bit, eh?”

  Payton chuckled. “Yes, of course.”

  The nanny smiled. “I found one more letter that your mother ‘misplaced,’” she said, and handed Payton an envelope.

  “Oh, thank you.” Payton felt her
cheeks heat.

  Aileen left Payton alone and she kicked the door gently, leaving it open just a smidge, the way her mother decreed. She sat on her bed and tore open the letter that had been sent less than a week ago. A photo of an old car, an Arrol-Johnston, if she wasn’t mistaken, fell onto the duvet. Upon closer inspection, she saw Brodie in the driver’s seat. She couldn’t stop herself from running a finger over his gorgeous face. She set the photo aside and unfolded the letter.

  Payton, I remember promising to show you my first car, and since I’m not there at the moment, I thought you might find a photo entertaining. I do intend to keep my vow to take you for a ride one day. Until then, forever yours, Brodie.

  She held the letter to her chest. Forever mine? Really?

  Payton wasn’t sure it would be wise to allow herself to dream that far in advance. She’d seriously questioned her vision years ago after Brodie left, especially as time went on with no word from him. Life would be much easier if she were old enough to know who her mate was. Payton groaned. What did it all mean? She couldn’t fathom.

  With a sigh, she dragged school books from her bag and settled in for a boring night of no thoughts about Brodie Gunnach. None. At all.

  * * *

  Brodie had a few hours before lights out, so he grabbed his phone and dialed Niall’s number. Faster and easier than email.

  “Hey Brodie,” Niall said after the first ring.

  “Hey. What happened with the letters?”

  “Her mother miraculously found them. She got them today.”

  “Good,” Brodie said. “Did she say anything?”

  “Maybe you should email her,” Niall suggested.

  Brodie leaned against the locker. “I thought she’d appreciate a written letter instead.”

  “Okay.”

  Brodie frowned. “What?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Spit it out, Nye. What happened? What did she say?” Brodie suddenly felt like a teenager waiting to find out if a girl he liked felt the same way.

  “She just said they were short, and she wondered if you had forgotten she wasn’t fourteen anymore.”

  “Shite.”

  “Brod. She’s your mate. It doesn’t matter if you’re not Shakespeare. Why not wait until you’re home to do this wooing thing?”