Page 6 of The Lass and the Laird

While the laird lingered with the horses, a bored expression on his face, the other man bent to talk to a young lad and petted a dog, obviously the boy's pride and joy.

Meredith's lips curved. Now to find a way to get the darker man alone, away from people and to ensure one of her brother's men, who now barely paid her any mind, find them alone and in a compromising position. The guards had grown bored with her and Lily's wanderings and stood under a tree looking at the goings-on in the square.

With careful steps, she went closer.

Her maid caught up with her. "Milady, we should go. Your brother will be cross at you being gone so late."

"My brother barely notices my comings and goings. Give me a few moments, I have a plan." She pulled the maid to stand beside a cart. "Remain here and once you see me head to the side of the inn, get one of my brother's guards and come to find me."

Lily's eyes darted from her to different places around the square as if she were trying to decide whether to run or remain. "Whatever you plan, it can't be good. You should wait until yer brother meets the Gordon. You may change your mind."

"I will not.” Meredith let out an impatient huff. "I see with my own eyes, although he is indeed handsome, he is a lusty sort who will not settle anytime soon. He will be an unfaithful husband. Now, Lily, wait here. Do as I say.”

The maid let out a long sigh and hunched her shoulders in defeat. "Very well then.

The dark-haired stranger stopped and spoke to a vendor, who presented him with a wrapped bundle. He placed it in a sack slung across his body.

It was time. Meredith hurried from her maid who said something along the lines of "oh no” and continued forward until she bumped, none to gently, into the tall, dark-haired man.

Meredith didn't bother to look up. Instead, she leaned toward him and swayed. "Kind sir, can you help me. I feel faint."

"Of course." His voice was deep and refined. She attempted to turn her face to get a better look, but he was looking away as if trying to decide where to guide her.

"To the inn, the second doorway there...yes, that's it. It will be shaded and cool so I can regain my balance. The innkeeper keeps a bench there." She took slow steps and prayed the guards didn't notice her yet. She snuck a peek from beneath her lashes and saw they were turned away, both ogling a woman passing by. Perfect.

Once she and the stranger arrived at the inn, she staggered to the side of the building and went slack, her legs giving out. The man lifted her easily and carried her further into the dimness.

He held her against him and turned this way and that. "There is nowhere to lay you down. I don't see a bench. Perhaps the inn would be a better choice. "

"J...just need a moment." She inhaled dramatically and held on to his neck. "I feel better already."

"Milady!" Lily cried and Meredith caught a glance of her wide-eyed maid and approaching guards. Before the stranger could put her down, she grabbed the man's face, turned it toward her and took his mouth with hers.

Chapter Three

Confused, Declan allowed the woman to kiss him. The sloppy attempt at seduction failed. It became apparent she wasn't experienced, but giving it her best effort, turning her face this way and that, her lips pressed hard against his. Why would she think a kiss would make her feel better?

A trio rounded the corner and now blocked the opening. Two men glared and drew swords while a plump maid jumped up and down attempting to see over their shoulders while calling out. "Milady, get down."

The lass had yet to release his face so he pulled back and looked at her. She was beautiful, beyond words actually. Her long-lashed green eyes took him in, while her rosebud, pink mouth formed a perfect “O”. She looked as surprised by his appearance as he was at hers.

The sword-wielding men stopped in their tracks and seemed unsure as to how to proceed. Obviously they'd not attack while he held their mistress, so he ignored them.

"I've never been told kissing brings one around from fainting." He smiled at his burden. "Did it work?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. "Yes, I feel much better, thank you."

"What happens here? Unhand the lady, sir." One of the men pointed his sword first at him then at the woman ensconced in his arms. "You will answer for this mistreatment to our laird."

Unsure if the woman would fall, he held her still. "Allow me to draw my own sword to defend myself." Declan attempted to pull the woman away, but she remained latched to him, arms around his neck. "I would hand her over to you, but she seems attached to me at the moment."

The second man, an older, burly sort stepped forward. "Mistress Meredith, release the man so we may fight."

The lass looked to them. "I will not allow you to hurt him." She finally released his neck and he lowered her feet to the ground, finding she was quite stable. His new protector held an arm in front of him. "He merely rescued me from fainting."

"By kissing ye?" The younger man once again emphasized his words with the sword.

"Your brother will have much to say about this." The older man pushed the younger aside and looked at Declan. "You will be brought before the new laird of Moriag for your actions.” He then gave the lass a patient look. "Come along, milady. We must go now."