Page 48 of The Highlander's Illicit Bride
They shared a laugh together, beating back the darkness that had been descending over the chamber. The air was lighter, but Isolde could still see the fear for her brother behind Mairi’s eyes. She wished she could take it all away.
“Struan will get Finlay back,” she said firmly.
Mairi nodded. “Aye. I’m sure he will.”
There was a slight quiver in her voice, as if she did not believe what she was saying, but before Isolde could speak further, there was a knock on her chamber door. A moment later, it swung open, and Struan strode in.
“I see Mairi’s plyin’ ye with sweets,” he said, his deep, resonant voice filling the air.
“Aye. She’s been very kind,” Isolde said.
“Dinnae let her make ye think ‘tis altruistic. She’s got a wicked sweet tooth and uses any excuse tae indulge it,” he said, favoring his sister with a warm, fond smile.
“Well, altruistic or nae, I’ve enjoyed every moment I’ve spent with yer sister,” Isolde said. “As well as this bounty of treats.”
Mairi got to her feet, a laugh upon her lips. “I’ll let the two of ye talk.”
“Thank ye, Mairi,” Struan said.
She started to leave but paused and put a hand on her brother’s arm. She cast a glance back at Isolde, that mischievous glint returning to her eyes. Isolde’s stomach clenched.
“She’s a good one,” Mairi said. “We should keep her.”
“She’s nae a puppy, little sister.”
They all shared a laugh, but Isolde’s cheeks burned. After Mairi exited the chamber, closing the door behind her, Struan took the seat she’d just vacated. He sat across the table from her, their gazes locked in silence for a long moment. His eyes lingered on her form appreciatively and Isolde could practically feel his gaze sliding up and down her body, admiring the way the dress clung to her curves almost like a second skin.
Isolde gnawed on her lower lip and shifted in her seat, trying to control the thundering of her heart and wild churning in her belly. The way he made her feel with nothing more than a glance was confounding. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled and sat forward, plucking one of the apple cinnamon cakes from the tray and popping it into his mouth.
“These are good,” he said, sounding surprised.
“They’re amazing,” she replied. “Everybody’s treated me so kindly. Thank ye fer that.”
“Welcome tae Achnacarry lass,” he said. “Ye’re welcome tae stay as long as ye’d like.”
“Thank ye. But… I dinnae want tae be an imposition.”
Struan winced as if her words had hurt him. “Ye’re nae an imposition. Ye’re me guest and ye’re welcome tae be here as long as ye wish. Ye’re free tae take yer ease here and nae have tae worry about anythin’.”
“Thank ye, Struan.”
“Ye’re welcome,” he said.
He spoke confidently and seemed to genuinely want her to stick around, but there was something behind his eyes that set a worried flutter in her heart. There was some worry she could see that he was not giving voice to. It sent a wave of goosebumps washing across her skin.
“What is it then?” she asked. “What has ye so concerned?”
“Naethin’,” he replied. “I’m nae concerned. I just wanted tae see how ye were settlin’ in,” he said and got to his feet. “Is there anythin’ else I can get fer ye?”
She shook her head and stood up. “Nay. I’m fine. Thank ye.”
He nodded. “Of course.”
Isolde’s heart hammered inside her chest so hard, she feared it would leave bruises. There was so much uncertainty in the air, she was being buffeted by waves of fear that threatened to pull her under. Isolde had questions, but there were so many rifling through her head at the same time, she wasn’t sure where to start.
“Well, I still have much tae dae. I’ve got tae talk tae me Council, so I’ll check back on ye later. Get some rest,” he said.
With a final smile, Struan turned and headed for the door. Snapping herself out of her stupor, Isolde gave herself a shake and darted over to him, putting her hand on his shoulder. Struan stopped and turned around, cocking his head curiously. Their eyes met and for a moment, the air between them crackled with tension and a sense of anticipation. Isolde, for a moment, thought Struan was going to lean forward and kiss her. Part of her wanted him to. But when he didn’t and the silence lingered, that feeling faded.
