Page 29 of Deception of a Highlander

“I also have some poultices for ye to place against your wound when ye change the bandage, as well as the balm I just used. Ye need to rest for at least one week. I’d say I want ye to be in bed the whole time, but I’m no’ daft enough to think ye’ll listen to me. Rest at least the night in a proper bed, and be careful when ye ride, aye?” She placed several bundles of linen-bound herbs on top of the clothing.

The healer looked out the window to where Kieran paced and shook her head. “The toughest men are the most helpless when their women are ill.” A wry smile spread over her wrinkled lips. “I’ll leave ye to dress while I go speak to him.”

The woman slipped from the room and let the door close soundlessly behind her. Nervous excitement fluttered in Mariel’s belly. Once she was dressed, she would see Kieran. She reached for the dress and caught sight of her mud-smeared arm. Her fingers crept over her gritty hair, still riddled with leaves.

And then a realization slammed into her like a punch to the stomach.

The breath left her chest, and her heartbeat slowed to an aching throb. With the liberation from physical pain came the burden of memory. Her giddiness faded at the prospect of seeing Kieran.

She remembered why she was there.

* * *

The healer leaned so close to Kieran, the tip of her long gray braid brushed his forearm, and the sweet scent of herbs hovered in the air around them.

“It’s no’ my place to say this, Laird MacDonald, but the lass has been ill-used. Ye be good to her, aye?” Though worn with age, the look in her eyes was fierce and protective.

“Did she say something to ye?” He heard the hope in his voice. If he knew the cause of her hurt, he could help ease her pain.

The old woman considered him for a moment before answering, “She dinna have to.”

Kieran nodded in silent understanding. There was something in Mariel’s past. Something she was not telling him or anyone else.

Before either of them could say another word, the door to the cottage opened, and the world dropped away as Mariel stepped toward him. Golden light from the low setting sun splashed over her in a wash of ethereal essence. Gone were the velvets and silks and ridiculous hairstyles. All that remained was her. The way she had been for him that fateful night at the Sheep’s Heid Inn.

A plain brown overdress caressed the fullness of her breasts and accentuated the sweet flare of her hips. Her unbound hair fell to her slender waist and reflected the sun’s dying rays like rich onyx flecked with gold.

Her cheeks flushed as she drew closer, a fine display of color on a face deathly gray not two hours prior. Mariel ducked her head, and the hue of her cheeks deepened.

“Kieran, you’re staring.” A nervous smile touched her lips. Without a word, the healer stole away, leaving them blissfully alone. “Am I such a mess?”

“Ye look different, Mariel. Verra, verra different.” A slight breeze rustled the leaves overhead, and an errant lock of hair fluttered across her cheek. Before he realized what he was doing, he reached out and tucked the tresses behind her ear. “I dinna think I’ve seen ye look more beautiful.”

He trailed a finger down her cheek. Her skin was always so soft, so smooth. Heedless of others, Kieran drew her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her slender frame, careful to avoid her injury.

Her familiar, heady scent enveloped him. For a moment, he had feared he might never breathe deep her tantalizing perfume again. But now the danger had passed, and she was there, safe in his arms.

He wanted to press his lips to hers to make up for all the time he had fought his attraction toward her. Awareness sizzled between them, bewitching him and making his mouth hungry for the taste of her.

Colin materialized beside them and cleared his throat. “We should most likely find the inn the healer recommended before dark.”

Kieran dropped his arms and stepped away from Mariel, irritation coursing through him. “Mariel, ye ride with me,” he said, more harshly than intended. “And dinna try to argue. I’ll no have ye riding a horse on yer own with that wound.”

Her mouth opened and then closed as the objection died on her lips. Disappointment pricked at him. He’d been looking forward to finding alternate methods of silencing her.

* * *

Kieran ushered Mariel to her rented room. The furnishings were typical of most inns, with a bed in the corner and a short wooden table holding a simple basin and ewer. Though small, the chamber was clean and would allow Mariel the restful night of sleep the healer had insisted on.

The innkeeper’s two sons followed close behind with a large tub held between them. Kieran set Mariel’s bags on the floor and then straightened. “How do ye feel, lass?”

“Better than I expected,” she said with a wry smile. Her coloring had paled slightly after the ride, but other than that, she appeared to be faring well.

The boys disappeared out the door. Their feet were heavy upon the stairs as they went to retrieve water for Mariel’s bath.

“I plan on bathing as soon as they finish filling the tub.” Her gaze turned pointedly toward him.

Kieran sat down on the bed. It was comfortable despite the aged ropes that groaned in protest beneath his weight. “Aye, I figured ye would.”