Page 8 of Tempted By a Highland Beast
She tried to piece together clues from the landscape, the smell in the air, and the way the sun sat in the sky, but nothing came to her.
“What village is closest to this loch? I’m certain ye’ll have an idea, seeing ye frequently seem tae visit it.” Constantine seemed to understand her urgency to find out where she was and raised a brow at her. Rowena tried to maintain her composure, an air of innocence, offering him a polite smile.
“Naething fer miles. The closest village is within the borders of MacLean lands.”
“Oh. I see.”
“Why? Where dae ye plan tae go after this?”
“Well, I was hopin’ tae find me way back home.”
“Those lads dae nae seem like the type tae let this go. I reckon they may try tae find ye.” Rowena said nothing, so Constantine continued. “Dae ye have a plan on how tae avoid them?”
Rowena shook her head. “Naethin’ yet. But I’m sure I’ll figure something out now that ye’ve given me an edge.”
“It seems tae me ye need a safe place tae go. Ye’re injured and ye may be infected,” he said. “Ye can come with me tae me stronghold. The healer will take a look at ye.”
Rowena glanced at him. The offer of shelter, even protection, was tempting. But going blindly to a stranger’s keep was its own kind of danger. Whatever safety it promised came with too many unknowns. And regardless, she couldn’t possibly impose. “Oh, nay. Ye have already saved me life, and I will forever be in yer debt fer that.”
“Ach, nay need tae be so modest. ‘Twould just be fer a short time.” His tone was calm, imposing. “And I would like tae identify who sent those bastards after ye.”
“I told ye, they were nae set upon me by anyone.”
“Alright. Say I believe ye. Dae ye have any idea how tae return tae yer kin from here?”
“I will find me way, I am certain of it. Truly, I wouldnae want tae be a burden tae ye and yer wife.”
Constantine barked a laugh. “If ye wanted tae ken if I have a wife, all ye had tae dae was ask, lass,” he said, grinning. “I have nay wife tae me name. Nae feminine sensibilities ye would offend by coming with me.”
“A convenient thing for ye tae claim. Especially when nae wife is present tae contradict ye.”
“Keeping a wife is the last thing I’d trouble meself with. Wedlock slows a man, blunts his edge, and I’ve never had the luxury of being slow. Though perhaps I’ve simply never met a woman sharp enough tae keep me edge keen instead of dulling it.” Rowena lifted her chin. “And what makes ye think such a woman exists?”
“Perhaps she daesnae,” he continued, ignoring her barb. “Besides, who goes tae a romantic loch without his lass by his side?”
“I imagine some unfortunate wives would be grateful fer the peace,” she said, though her pulse quickened.
“A fair point,” he conceded, chuckling. Rowena’s amusement faltered, chased by caution. “Even so… I’ve nay wish tae intrude. I dinnae ken ye, and?—”
He cut her off. “Ye will come tae Duart Castle under me protection,” he said. “And if ye dinnae feel safe, ye can leave.”
Rowena narrowed her eyes. His tone was almost soothing. A smooth voice that, despite its comforting tone, carried dangerous undertones, warning and enticing her at once. And while it was a generous offer, surely there was more to it? He had saved her life, and now he was offering to do some more saving.
What daes he stand tae gain?
She decided that it wasn’t that important. She may not have trusted that his offer was anything but a trap, but she knew that she was utterly out of options. The thought of returning to the forest, of facing her step-uncle’s men again with no protection, no food, and no idea where she was, was far more terrifying than the unknown dangers of Duart Castle.
A few days behind the protective walls of a stronghold, even one belonging to a dangerous stranger, could give her time to recover from the chase and get herself together.
Plan me way back tae the keep.
She would have time to gather information about the place and its inhabitants. Then, she could decide her next move, mainly how to disappear before her uncle’s men caught her trail again. She needed time to plan how to keep Alpin away from the Lairdship he had so easily decided would be his own.
“I accept yer offer, and I thank ye.” Rowena realized she didn’t know if he had a title. She didn’t want to offend her savior, though some part of her sensed he wouldn’t take such things to heart. “How shall I refer tae ye?”
“‘Me handsome savior’ will dae very nicely.”
“Ye must think ye’re very funny.”
