Page 24 of The Cruel Highlander's Healer
A breeze outside his window rifled through the trees, but it didn’t come through. Closing his eyes, he imagined it flicking over his skin, cooling his sweat-kissed body.
But no matter how much he tried to think cooling thoughts, he could not get his mind or his body to settle. In a huff, he tossed his legs over the side of the bed.
There is one place in this God forsaken castle where I may be able to find some respite.
Shrugging on a nightshirt, Conall stalked out of his room. The corridor beyond it had gone dark, the lanterns long since blown out. But he’d lived in that castle his entire life. He did not need to see to know his way around.
He’d always loved the castle growing up. And, especially after his father’s death, had found himself roaming the corridors long after the sun had set.
Tonight was no different. Despite his still overheated body, Conall found himself beginning to relax. By the time he reached the library, he was already less agitated than he’d been when he’d stormed out of his chambers.
The door to the library opened with a low, familiar creak. Stepping inside, his eyes immediately landed in the far corner.
He’d expected the massive room to be dark as it had been in the rest of the castle. But a soft, flickering light emanated from the far-right corner, closest to the massive window that overlooked the grounds.
Fueled by curiosity, Conall surged forward. He wound through the shelves, the light becoming brighter with each step that he took.
Finally, he moved out of the shadow of the shelves. There was a small seating area in that corner. Three high backed reading chairs, each with their own ottomans sat together. A low table in between them housed a beautifully carved wooden chess board that his grandfather had crafted with his own hands.
On nights like tonight, nights when Conall couldn’t sleep, this corner of the library was his haven. It was the only place besides his study where he could almost always guarantee that he could spend some time alone with his thoughts.
And, the windows next to the chairs opened up, allowing the air to flow freely and cool everything around them.
Tonight, however, it appeared that alone time was not something he’d be getting.
Eliza sat in the middle reading chair. Her head was bent, eyes moving rapidly as she devoured the book in her lap. There were lanterns on either side of her, causing her skin to glow in their gently flickering light.
She either hadn’t heard the door to the library creak open, or she was so lost in her book that she didn’t care. Because she seemed entirely oblivious to his presence.
I could go back to me room, and she’d never know anythin’ different. She’d never ken I was here.
But Conall knew he would not be returning to his rooms.
Clearing his throat, Conall stepped into the pool of light created by the lanterns. A small squeak of surprise filled the air, and Eliza’s eyes shot up to him.
“Ye frightened the life out of me,” she blurted, hand fluttering up to her chest. “What are ye doin’ here?”
The corner of Conall’s mouth ticked up in amusement.
“I could ask ye the same thing.”
He strode forward, crossing the space between them in a few confident steps before plopping down into one of the chairs next to her. Eliza’s eyes widened further, but she said nothing as she studied him.
The weight of her gaze settled over Conall, and he allowed the silence to settle over them for a few moments more.
He hadn’t seen her that entire day. Hadn’t set eyes on her since the night before when he’d pressed his lips to hers in the study. But he’d thought of her endlessly.
Once he’d settled, Conall leaned toward her, plucking the book the book she’d been reading from her lap. Conall’s eyebrows shot up.
“Robinson Crusoe?” he asked, intrigue coloring his words.
A flush rose into Eliza’s cheeks. “I saw it on yer shelves and took interest.”
Her tone seemed almost defensive, and Conall cocked his head to the side, studying her.
“I dinnae say readin’ it is a bad thing,” he mused. “Ye just daenae strike me as a lass that craves adventure.”
Eliza snorted. “Aye, because ye ken me so well. Ye’ve really taken the time to ask all sorts of questions about what I crave.”
