Page 80 of Steel & Surrender

“She did well,” Greig replied, smiling once more. “I’m not much of a dancer, especially these days. But considering this tune is a slow one … I was wondering if ye’d step out with me.”

Brìghde’s pulse started to pound in her ears. She hesitated, just for a moment. “I’m not much of a dancer either … so we can both tread on each other’s feet.”

He laughed then, a deep rumble in his chest.

The sound made her relax a little. “Very well, then.”

Those nearby were giving them odd looks now though, and Brìghde’s cheeks warmed once more. Dear God, all of Duart would be talking about this by morning.

23: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

BRÌGHDE SET DOWN her cup onto an upturned barrel, and he did the same.

Greig then reached out, offering her his right hand.

Her gaze settled upon the silver ring on his middle finger, and she smiled. “Ye still wear it.”

He smiled. “Always.”

Flustered by his response, she placed her hand on top of his.

Together, they moved forward, joining the cluster of couples that swayed in time with the music.

The dance was one Brìghde had seen her parents enjoy years earlier. It wasn’t the basse danse, a courtly dance that only the high-born enjoyed, yet it was similar—a slow turning reel to the piper’s softer tune.

The couples moved around each other, one way and then the next, bodies close, hands touching.

Greig was limping quite heavily now, for it was late in the day and he was likely tiring. All the same, he was a better dancer than her. Even so, as she moved this way and then that with Greig, she felt almost … feminine.

It helped that he was a big man, clearing her by a good four inches. His hand under hers was large and strong, and despite that she didn’t need protecting, she enjoyed having him close.

And the music, although slow, was oddly exhilarating.

She noted then that many in the crowd now watched them, and one or two folk were whispering together.

A little of her joy sputtered and died then, her gait faltering.

Greig steadied her. “Don’t mind them.” He spun her around slowly and then drew her close, his hand splaying across her lower back. “People love to have something to gossip about.”

“I know,” she replied. “That’s why I’m nervous.”

“Don’t be. I’m not.”

And that surprised her. He didn’t seem to be bothered at all that everyone here was watching the heir to the clan dance with the Forge Maiden.

And more shockingly still, his gaze was riveted upon her—intense enough for any casual observer to see that there was something between them.

And there was.

Brìghde wasn’t sure what it was exactly, but when he’d visited her in the forge, there had been no denying it.

All the same, she’d thought he’d avoid her from now on.

Embarrassment prickled her skin, and yet she was secretly thrilled to know that he was challenging the order of things.

Yet, as the music died and they left the dancers, she grew increasingly aware of the stares and the whispers. Across the crowd, she noted that both Loch and Mairi were looking their way too, talking amongst themselves.

Suddenly, Brìghde started to sweat.