Page 76 of Laird of Flint
He sat on the edge of the pallet and watched her spoon honey-butter onto an oatcake for him. Ordinarily, it was a task she did with ease. Today, however, she was as nervous as a kitchen lad on his first day.
Now she understood why Peris had been so anxious. It was unnerving to be suspected of a crime one hadn’t committed. Especially by a fierce warrior with a passion for justice and a menacing axe.
She offered him the oatcake.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
Was her worry so obvious? “Aye,” she lied. “But ye… How are ye feelin’?”
“My arms are better. But my head…” He grimaced.
“Ye’re probably cravin’ the opium,” she said, reaching for his cup.
When she peered down at the contents, she realized with horror she’d drunk three-quarters of it.
“Och.” It was all she could say, lowering the cup.
When he saw it was mostly gone, he glowered at her with feigned outrage. “Are you stealing my medicine as well?”
Her heart dropped. She was too panicked to even pretend to find humor in his words.
She’d never taken opium before. What would it do to her?
Would she lose her good judgment?
Her carefully constructed control over her emotions?
Would she embarrass her father?
Shame her clan?
Her worry must have show in her face, for Hew’s manner changed at once.
“Oh, sweetheart, what’s wrong?” His voice was tender. Earnest. Full of concern.
He should not have called her ‘sweetheart,’ of course. It was far too familiar a term. But the endearment touched her heart and brought tears to her eyes.
“I’ve ne’er taken…”
“Opium?”
She nodded.
“To be honest, neither have I…until now.”
“What if I make a fool o’ myself?”
“DidImake a fool of myself?” he asked.
She shook her head. He hadn’t. Not exactly. Hehad,however, grown rather loose-lipped. For him, it was of little consequence. He didn’t have the responsibilities or expectations that she had.
“I won’t let you do anything foolish. I promise,” he assured her. He took the cup from her and set it back on the table. “Do you trust me?”
That was a hard question. She’d known him such a short time. And he’d proved himself a capable liar. But he was aspiring to the church. Her heart and her instincts told her he was worthy of her trust.
“Aye.”
“Then you’ll stay here with me, and I’ll look after you.”
