Page 44 of Leila’s Legacy

Niall returned his attention to Leila. “Ye canna even attend yer own da, yet ye would willingly see to Lady Davina without knowing anything about her, or her condition?”

Leila swallowed and lifted her chin with that iron spirit he so admired. “My father’s illness has naught to do with her. She is someone in need of help and I am in a position to give it.”

“If she dies, ye will be held accountable.”

“And if she lives, I have saved a life.”

Frustration ground into Niall at her stalwart determination to help this person of whom she knew nothing. “You will die if she does. She is ill with the pestilence.”

Leila gave a mirthless smile. “My life is already in forfeit.”

He opened his mouth to protest her claim, but she put up a hand, silencing him. “I understand you believe a priest is being brought in to declare whether I am guilty or not. I tell you they have already made up their minds and are only doing this to appease the masses. I was not brought to Liddesdale to be tried; I was brought here to be killed.”

“That isna—”

“I will do it.” Leila folded her arms over her chest, unwilling to listen to his arguments.

And he did have arguments to rival her claim. No man of God would judge her as a witch if she was not.

“Have ye any demands if ye do this?” Niall asked in an encouraging tone.

She glanced down at herself. “A bath and a clean kirtle. It will only benefit her health if I can be clean when I attend to her.” Her cheeks colored to a lovely shade that was made all the prettier by the crimson gown. “I’m sure I must look dreadful.”

“Ye’re the bonniest woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” Niall’s feet carried him to her. He had told himself before that he would not kiss her again, touch her again.

He had not promised he wouldn’t crave her again, for such a thing was impossible.

His longing for her had redoubled in the span of days since they had kissed, since he’d stroked her to pleasure. Her cries echoed in his ears and the image of her heavy-lidded eyes bright with desire filled his thoughts and dreams.

It was because of all those things and more he had kept his distance from Lady Leila. And it was for all those things and more, he could not stay away. Despite her incredible outward beauty, she was far lovelier within. Her strength, her spirit, her kindness.

His hand rose of its own accord and delicately stroked her soft cheek. She pulled in a quiet breath. “I’d meant to stay away from ye,” Niall confessed. “But I canna.”

She searched his eyes. “I do not want you to.”

Niall groaned and captured her lips with his own. It was a tender kiss, a hope for what was to come later. For now, he had her reply to deliver to Lord Armstrong and she had a life to save.