Page 88 of The Highlander Steals a Virgin
Eventually.
Sweat clung to his back and his knuckles were bruised from a dozen strikes that hadn’t needed to land as hard as they did.
He hadn’t meant to go at Finn so fiercely, but the truth was, he’d needed to hit something.
The crowd had started to thin, lads returning to drills and chores. William leaned against the gate, idly twirling a staff between his fingers like he hadn’t just watched Rhys put his own cousin into the dirt.
“Feel better?” he asked dryly.
Rhys gave him a look. “He’s tougher than he looks.”
“He’s also half-healed and still walked out of there smirkin’.”
Rhys grunted, wiping his brow. “Reckon I’ll find out what he’s hiding eventually, Billy.”
William shrugged. “Maybe. Or maybe he just wants to let it lie.”
“Then he’s the only Adams who ever did.”
William pushed off the gate. “The lass is waitin’. And the wee one’s already tryin’ to saddle her own damn pony.”
Rhys glanced toward the courtyard, where the horses were being brought around. He saw a flash of Daisy’s auburn braid first,then the soft green of Amara’s cloak, and his mouth curled in the smallest smile.
Something tightened in his chest.
William caught the look but said nothing. He just clapped Rhys on the shoulder and walked off.
“Try nae to terrify her off, aye?” he called over his shoulder.
Rhys shook his head and crossed the yard, every step dragging him closer to the very thing he couldn’t stop wanting.
Be on me best behavior.
23
Rhys stepped into the courtyard just as the ponies were being led out by a stable lad, their coats brushed to a shine and saddles freshly tightened.
Daisy was already bouncing in place, one foot in the stirrup, her face alight. “Papa! Papa, I did it meself this time almost!”
Rhys chuckled, striding toward her. “Aye? Shall I alert the council that a new stablemaster’s been found?”
She beamed and grabbed his hand, tugging him toward her saddle. He helped steady her as she climbed up, though he knew very well that she barely needed the help anymore.
Amara stood beside the second mare, her gloved hand stroking the creature’s neck gently.
She looked up at him, and for a moment, the whole bloody courtyard stilled.
“Good afternoon,” she said, a soft tease in her tone.
He smirked. “How are ye?”
“Well rested… though I cannae say that ye look like ye could say the same.” Her eyes raked over him, and he grinned as he wiped the sweat from his brow and shrugged.
“Had to show the lads a few things this mornin’. Nothin’ too strenuous. I slept like a babe.”
Rhys stepped closer, eyeing her cloak and the braid over her shoulder. “Ye look ready to ride.”
She tilted her chin. “I was promised a view.”
