Read Online MacAlister's Hope by Laurin Wittig - Free Book Online

chief’s care and you are free to spend some time with me.” His words were light, but when she looked over her shoulder at him, his lovely green eyes could only be described as hopeful. She turned back to the table, pouring a little water into the bowl set beside the ewer. She splashed the cold water on her face, dispelling the last of her fatigue with it.
    “It would seem I am no longer needed.” She dried her face, desperately trying to come up with a reason she could not go with him, though she wanted to just as desperately.
    “Nay, lass,” he said, turning her with a hand on her shoulder. He took her hands in his, further testing her resolve with his touch. “You are always needed.” He lifted her hands to his lips and a shiver of pleasure warmed her skin. “But when you did not name your reward,” he lowered her hands but did not let them go, “the chief instructed me to entertain you for a few hours in the hopes that a little leisure and fun might help you think of something you desire.”
    She closed her eyes and tried not to think of what she most desired. She must be strong for both of them.
    “I confess,” his voice went soft and he gave her hands a light squeeze, “I leapt at the chance to spend the time with you outside these walls.”
    “But—”
    “Enough buts, Fia. The chief commands it and we cannot decline such a wish when he has been so ill. He will think I no longer honor his position.” Kieron grinned at her and she knew he was managing her just as he managed Tavish, Annis, and anyone else who thwarted his plans. If he wasn’t managing her with a kind heart she might not take it well, but he was, and she found she did not have the strength to disappoint him, or to deny herself his company for one last day.
     

     
    They quickly checked to see that the chief was well, though the snores that sounded through the thick oaken door of his chamber were a good indication that he was fine. Once Fia had conversed about his care with the woman keeping watch over him, and they had determined when they would gather to start making more of the salve, Kieron took her hand and pulled her away from her charge, down the stairs, through the hall, and down the outer stairs.
    The sun was still low in the sky, making long shadows in the village. The smell of wood smoke hung in the air, and the murmurings of people starting their day drifted out from the cottages as Kieron pulled her up the lane.
    The feel of his hand in hers warmed her enough to keep the morning chill from penetrating her clothes.
    “Where are we going?” she asked.
    He grinned at her. “I want to show you my favorite place. ’Tis not far. Come on!” He tugged on her hand, urging her to run with him. He could have easily outpaced her with his long legs, but he must have shortened his stride, or slowed his steps, for she was able to keep up. Before long they left the confines of the village and headed toward a loch that she could just glimpse now and then through the trees, its mirrored surface reflecting the crisp blue of the sky.
    “Are we going to run the whole way there?” she asked. Her breath was growing harsh in her throat and her lungs were beginning to burn.
    Kieron immediately slowed to a walk. “I am sorry, lass. ’Tis only that we have not much time and I would spend as much time as we can where we are going.”
    “You said ’twas not far, aye?”
    “Not much farther, though far enough from the village that not many ever go there. I think you will agree ’tis worth the walk once you see the view.”
    Fia could feel her brows arch, and she blinked her eyes rapidly as she grew suddenly nervous. A secluded spot, away from the village. She was certain she could trust Kieron to keep her safe, but she was not certain she could keep the distance she had resolved was necessary if she was not to leave here with a broken heart. Alone. With Kieron. A shiver ran through her even as he pulled her back into a slow run.
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