None of the men listened; not that Seona expected them to. She knew how men were—although they might show caution at times, warriors such as these would display no fear or hesitance. They’d charge right in to the midst of trouble with their blades.
Near silence reigned for several minutes.
Seona held her breath, waiting to see what would happen next. Praying Keegan and the men helping him would not be ambushed in such poor visibility.
Moments later, broad-shouldered, indistinct silhouettes appeared in the bright mist and strode toward them. Was one of them Keegan?
Aye.
When Keegan emerged, walking with Dirk, Rebbie and some of the other guards, she released a calming breath.
“Thank the saints,” Isobel whispered.
Seona felt the same gratitude, but could not voice it for her aunt waited beside her, scared stiff.
Sheathing their swords, Dirk and Keegan strode closer and the guards moved aside. Keegan’s intense blue gaze was on her but she tried not to stare at him. Saints! Anytime he was near, she almost overheated.
Isobel launched herself at Dirk, who caught her and pulled her close for an affectionate embrace and a kiss on the cheek.
Seona admired their closeness, but Aunt Patience let out a gasp, her lightly-wrinkled ivory skin reddening and her dark blue eyes narrowing in disapproval at the public display. Seona wanted to ask her what was wrong with a husband and wife showing love and concern for each other? Certainly Seona’s father had never shown any care for her mother. In fact, she remembered him showing utter disdain for her many times.
Isobel drew back. “Seona saved my life.”
“What?” Dirk frowned. “What happened?”
“A stray arrow was flying straight toward me, and Seona pushed me to the ground.”
Dirk’s fierce gaze lit on her. “I thank you, Lady Seona.”
She tried to curtsy but her legs were too shaky to perform the motion adequately. “’Tis naught more than I’d do for mine own sister.”
Dirk hugged Isobel close again and whispered something in her ear. But Seona’s gaze darted to Keegan, standing next to his cousin, and the compelling expression on his face—a proud grin. His blue eyes seemed even brighter than usual as he observed her.
He took her hand in his large one, lifted it, and kissed the back. “You are very heroic, Lady Seona. I thank you for your good deed.”
A thrilling heat suffused her and she dropped her gaze. Heavens! He’d never kissed her hand before, nor should he whilst her aunt was present. She would disapprove. ’Twas not her aunt she feared, but what her aunt might tell her father.
Still, Seona savored the warmth of Keegan’s skin against her own and the tingles showering her body.
“No thanks necessary,” Seona mumbled, refusing to look at Keegan or her aunt. They could be glaring daggers at each other for all she knew. But at least Patience was silent this time.
After a long moment, Keegan released her hand, but her skin still burned where his firm warm lips and the scratchy stubble on his chin and upper lip had brushed over it. Seona realized Dirk was talking and forced herself to focus on his words.
“When we went that way…” Dirk nodded to the right. “We saw neither hide nor hair of them. They were decoys to lure us away so that Haldane and the others could attack from this side. We couldn’t find them when we went that way either and didn’t want to risk pursuing them up the mountain in the thick mist.”
“There must not be very many of them.” Keegan turned aside and crossed his arms over his chest. “Else Haldane would’ve had more men with him on this side.”
“Aye,” Dirk said. “Last winter he had around a dozen. No way of knowing whether he’s added to his band of outlaws or whether some have died or found more profitable thieving grounds.”
“I’m thinking McMurdo has trained them to be as elusive as he’s always been,” Keegan said.
“Just what we need. A dozen more McMurdos.” Dirk shook his head, then glanced at the sky. “After the mist lifts, we’ll travel south until we reach a village or until dark, whichever comes first. ’Tis unfortunate there are no castles between here and Ullapool.”
They waited for over an hour and, finally, the mist rose further up the mountains.
As they rode south, Seona and the ladies were heavily protected, with a guard on either side, when the trail was wide enough. She wished Keegan would guard her personally, but she knew that wasn’t possible. He rode further forward, his head turning right and then left as he scanned the hills and mountains for an impending attack.
***
Although summer days were long, their party was still several miles away from the nearest village when gloaming descended over the Highlands. Seona glanced west. The sun was but a glowing smudge of pink and violet when they stopped beside a stream in a wee glen. ’Twas a beautiful spot with bare mountains all around, some green and some gray granite.
A few of the clansmen built a fire while several others guarded on the outskirts. Soon the scents of roasted rabbit and quail teased her nose and made her stomach growl. Despite her hunger, her full attention had been captured by Keegan on the opposite side of camp where he removed the saddle from his horse.
When Seona noticed Isobel and Dirk approaching her, she curtsied.
“I cannot thank you enough, Lady Seona, for saving the life of my dear wife. Is there anything I can offer you in repayment?” Dirk asked.
Seona swallowed hard for she was momentarily speechless. “’Tis not necessary. Isobel is like a sister to me. I value our friendship greatly.”
“Och. Well, I can understand friendship, for I highly prize my own friends,” Dirk said. “Still, if there is ever anything you need, and if ’tis within my power to grant it, I will do so. Just let me know.”
Seona nodded. “I thank you, my laird.”
Dirk bowed, kissed Isobel’s hand and moved away from them to talk to the guards.
“You are like the sister I never had.” Isobel drew Seona into a tight embrace.
Seona hugged her, then stepped back. “I feel the same. One can never have too many sisters.” She grinned, wishing she and Isobel could live near each other, but once Seona went home she might never see Isobel again. Her throat tightened.
“I know what you want, but ’tis not in my power or Dirk’s to give it to you,” Isobel said.
Seona frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I should’ve said who, not what.” Isobel darted a meaningful glance at Keegan across the way. “Why do you not go speak with him?”
Heat washing over her, Seona stared down at her broken fingernails. “I think… that would not be very wise.” Surely Isobel knew of the precarious position she was in. Seona would never be allowed to choose her own husband the way Isobel had.
“It appears that Lady Patience is focusing all her attention on that handsome guard, Hugh MacMillan. You might have a few free minutes.”
Seona glanced at Patience, laughing and conversing with the guard who was about her age. Seona had never seen her aunt so talkative with a man before. What a transformation. At least she was enjoying life for once.
Seona shifted her gaze to Keegan again, where he brushed his horse while it picked grass at the edge of the camp. Everything about him enticed her—his broad shoulders and strong arms, his tall height and his many other masculine attributes. His plaid was belted about his narrow waist and weapons hung from his belt. Being a guard, he was always heavily armed. But it wasn’t just these physical things that appealed to her. He had a charming, friendly and protective nature.
“I wouldn’t know what to say to him anyway,” Seona said. Despite staying in the same castle for months, they had not truly had a conversation. They had only spoken in a very impersonal manner. A greeting, a curtsy, a mumbled thanks when he complimented her. The kiss on the hand he’d given her that morn was the only time he’d shown so much affection.
“You are in love with him,” Isobel whispered
.
“Shh.” Seona turned to see who might be listening. Thankfully, no one met her gaze. “I certainly won’t be telling him that.”
“But ’tis true, aye?” Isobel grinned in a teasing manner.
“It matters not. My father would never allow me to marry anyone less than a clan chief or a titled laird. And I wouldn’t want to play with such a good and honorable man’s affections,” she said, glancing at Keegan. “It could be dangerous if my father were to think we’ve had a tryst.”
Her father had slapped her more than once for minor infractions, which was why she had to get her younger sister away from him. She prayed Talia was well and still living with their cousin, Genevieve, but many months had passed since she’d seen her. Talia was eighteen summers and Seona feared her father would marry her off to some violent barbarian before she saw her again.
“I’m not suggesting you marry him,” Isobel said as if Seona were overreacting. “And your father will never find out if you merely have a brief conversation with Keegan. Who knows? You may not even like him when you get to know him.”
Ha. That was highly unlikely. She feared she would fall even harder for him if she learned more about him. Some nights she had trouble sleeping because of thoughts and imaginings of him—what it might be like if he kissed her and held her close. He haunted her dreams.
“What is it going to hurt to simply speak to him for a few moments?” Isobel persisted in an innocent tone, reminding Seona of a mischievous fae.
She watched Keegan, crossing behind the horse and brushing the other side. He had removed his dark blue doublet, making the play of his generous muscles beneath his shirt almost visible.
Aye. ’Twas too tempting by far. And speaking to Keegan in private would only make her yearn for more. She could not have him. Her father would never allow it. He had come down hard on one of her past suitors, the youngest brother of a chief. They were of the same social station, in a manner of speaking, but the man had no title or lands. Her father had punished them both for one innocent dance. With Keegan being the chief’s cousin and guard, her father would find him even less suitable.
Seona’s father had sent her to marry the MacKay chief… whom she’d thought would be either Aiden or Haldane. ’Twas what her father thought, too, but neither of the young men was chief. She was thankful she hadn’t been required to marry either of them when their oldest brother arrived and took over the position.
Though Dirk was a handsome man, they were not suited. Besides, Dirk had been in love with Isobel when they’d arrived in Durness. Therefore, Seona was being returned to her father. He would likely find her another chief to wed. She dreaded to see who he chose for her this time and prayed her future husband would not be abusive. She hoped to marry a kind man who would allow her younger sister to live with them.
“You may never again have such an opportunity to speak with Keegan,” Isobel said, growing more serious and slightly sad… for Seona’s sake.
She gazed across the grassy area toward him… and he was staring at her. Mortified he’d caught her, she quickly shifted her gaze to Isobel. “He is looking this way,” she whispered, trying not to move her lips.
Isobel glanced his way, but Seona refused to do so again. She did not wish to lead Keegan on. And she certainly didn’t want him to know they’d been discussing him.
“Well, I’ll let you decide,” Isobel said with a tiny smile. “Shouldn’t be long until we can eat.” She strolled away.
Why had she ended the conversation so abruptly? Seona turned to watch Isobel approach Dirk.
“Lady Seona?”
She spun to find Keegan behind her. Saints! She slapped a hand over her thumping heart.
“Pray pardon. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He gave a slight, concerned frown.
He was so handsome and disturbing to her, his sandy-brown hair blowing back in the breeze, that she could hardly think what to say.
“Nay.” She waved a hand, trying to catch her breath and act normal. “I am well. I didn’t know you were there, and I was only a wee bit startled. That’s all.”
“Good. I but wanted to thank you again for saving Lady Isobel’s life. We all know how much she means to Dirk.” Keegan’s blue gaze was warm upon her.
“There is no need. I merely acted on instinct.”
“Well, I must say you have excellent instincts.”
“I thank you.” She could not look away from his charming smile with a hint of devilment. It bewitched her. “I’m glad you were not injured when you pursued the outlaws.” ’Twas true her demeanor was formal and far too stiff, but she knew not how to converse with him, or any man, in a more relaxed way. Besides, he threw her off balance and made her feel strangely feverish.
“I thank you, m’lady.” He gave a hint of a bow.
She swallowed hard, trying to think of something else to say. “You are… very brave to defend and protect us.”
He grinned, appearing far more relaxed than she was. “’Tis naught more than my duty. And ’twas certainly no hardship to protect you.”
She felt humbled and flattered that he’d singled her out. She trusted him to protect her better than anyone.
“’Tis disappointing that we must return you to your father,” he said in a lower tone. His gaze grew more intimate and, indeed, his disappointment was clear upon his face.
“Aye. I have enjoyed spending time with your clan.” And you.
“I wish…” Keegan shook his head, his expression sobering. “I wish you could stay longer, Lady Seona.”
A shiver passing over her skin, she savored his deep voice pronouncing her name. “As do I.”
His gaze intensified upon her, becoming as hot as a blue flame. He had given her interested looks before, but never one so breath-stealing. She felt near paralyzed. Captivated. But quickly tore her gaze away, her heart thudding loudly. She must protect herself, and him. This delicious enticement could only be destructive. As she had expected, talking to him caused her to want to draw closer to him.
He cleared his throat. “Have you a weapon?” he asked.
Chapter Three
When Keegan’s eyes met Seona’s this time, the heated passion was banked, and he seemed most solemn. Why had he asked her if she had a weapon?
“Nay,” she said, darting a glance toward her aunt. Her back was turned, and she was still conversing with the guard.
“Lady Isobel carries a dagger with her, and you should as well,” Keegan said. “You need to be able to defend yourself should—God forbid—something happen to me and the other men.”
Seona did not even want to consider such a horrid situation. “You and the other men are strong warriors and guards. I’m certain you will fight off any enemies.”
“Aye. I do hope so. But should you ever find yourself alone, ’haps after you return home, you need to know how to fight off an outlaw.” His gaze serious, he gave a slight frown. “Come. I want to give you something.” He turned sideways and offered his elbow.
“Where?” She sent another quick glance toward her aunt. The guard was giving Aunt Patience something to drink in a wooden cup.
“Just over here,” Keegan said. “’Tis in my pack.”
“Very well.” She curled her hand around his elbow. Just above it, her fingers stroked over the bulging muscle of his upper arm. The times he’d escorted her to the high table, when she’d been at Dunnakeil, were the highlights of her days. His hard, well-developed arm muscles were pleasing to her and, she had to admit, exciting.
Just as she did now, she’d always wondered what his arms would look like and feel like bare. And his chest. She felt overwarm of a sudden, but restrained the urge to fan herself. As well, a fluttering sensation overtook her stomach.
They approached his horse and his belongings on the ground. He bent and took a small dagger in a sheath from his pack. “I want to give you this, Lady Seona. I’ll teach you how to use it.”
“Oh heavens,” she whispered. His deadly serious demean
or chilled her heated skin. ’Twas no wonder he was such a skilled guard. “I thank you, but I’m not certain I will be a good warrior.”
“You’ve already proven you have a warrior’s instincts.” Keegan allowed a small grin to sneak out and she relaxed a bit. “Now you but need the skills. Besides, I’m not expecting you to be a fully-fledged warrior. ’Tis but for self-defense. I’m surprised your father or some other man in your family did not teach you. Do you have a brother?”
“Nay.” Her father would never want her to know how to wield a blade. Likely, he would fear she would use it on him.
“You can carry this small sgian dubh on the inside of your forearm, beneath your sleeve,” Keegan said. “And I’ll show you how to draw it quickly.”
“Very well. I shall try.”
Keegan was right. She must learn how to protect herself, should the need arise. Aside from that, she relished the notion of spending a few minutes with him for knife-wielding instruction.
She glanced back to see that the clansmen had set up another tent, this one for the chief, between where she stood and the rest of their party, giving her and Keegan a bit more privacy. No one seemed to pay them any mind, and her aunt was still focusing all her attention on the handsome guard.
Keegan motioned her to a flat grassy area in front of the horses and small trees. She moved to where he indicated, her attention shifting to the gleaming basket-hilt of the broadsword at his hip. A foot-long dirk hung on his other side, and she wondered if he had more weapons hidden beneath his clothing.
“If you will raise your sleeve, I’ll show you how to put the sheath on,” he said.
Her face heating, she untied the cuff of her sleeve and raised it a bit to expose her forearm. Aunt Patience would think it unseemly for her to bare her forearm to a man, but he was trying to help her.
He placed the sheathed knife against the inside of her forearm and pulled the straps around.
“Och, you have wee arms. I’m not certain this will fit unless I alter it,” Keegan said, eying the sheath. After removing it and kneeling, he took out the knife and worked on the leather, punching a new hole in both of the straps.
My Daring Highlander Page 2
