Page 27 of Claimed
“Why? Because I’m a lowly guard and ye are a high-born lady?”
Drew sucked in a sharp breath. “No, but I … d—don’t …,” she stuttered, before her voice choked off. Her chest ached and her heart fluttered. Did he really think her so shallow?
“Ye would make a poor nun,” he pressed on before she could continue, his face all taut angles now. “Ye can’t follow rules … ye will make an enemy of the prioress within days.”
Drew gave a sharp laugh. He was likely right, but she wasn’t going to admit that. “All my life I’ve been willful and selfish,” she said, recovering her equilibrium. She then folded her arms across her chest. “It’s time I learned to follow the rules.”
He stepped closer still, the male scent of his skin enveloping her. The sensation of dizziness increased, as did her ache for him. She needed him to move away, she needed some distance between them.
And yet she couldn’t move. Her feet felt as if they’d just grown roots.
“Coming away with me wouldn’t be selfish,” he said softly.
“It would,” she replied, stubbornness rising now. “I’ve already sent word ahead to the priory. Both the prioress and my mother are expecting me.”
“Then send word that ye have changed yer mind.”
“I can’t do that,” Drew shot back, frustration rising within her. Why wasn’t he listening to her?
“Look me in the eye, and tell me ye feel nothing for me.” He ground out the words as he stared deep into her eyes. “Tell me ye don’t care … and I will leave ye be.”
Drew went still. She really wished he hadn’t cornered her like this. She didn’t want to be cruel. Why would he make himself so vulnerable before her? He’d just handed her a dirk before baring his chest.
It was as if he wanted her to plunge the knife into his heart.
Reckless fool.
He knew who she was, that she could be ruthless if needed.
Pain lanced through Drew’s ears as she clenched her jaw. Her chest started to ache. Suddenly, she hated him for making her do this, for forcing her hand.
She didn’t want to part ways with him under a storm cloud, but he’d left her no choice. Why did her life always have to be so hard?
Drew breathed in sharply, her pulse thudding in her ears. Each word hurt her throat, yet she forced them out. “I feel nothing for ye, Broderick.”
Carr rode ahead of the company, his gaze scanning the road before him. The sun was shining, basking the pine-clad mountains in unexpected warmth. The wind had died to a brisk breeze that ruffled the horses’ manes. Wispy clouds flitted across the sky, and despite that winter was upon them, it seemed as if spring might come early this year.
And yet, Carr paid the sunshine and beautiful surroundings no mind at all. Inside, he felt hollow. His heart was so empty it ached.
He’d taken a great risk—he’d known it the moment he’d demanded the truth from her.
Drew MacKinnon didn’t like being pushed into a corner, but he’d done it all the same. He was sick of waiting in the shadows, tired of hiding how he felt.
But the moment he’d said those words, a chill had settled over him.
He’d seen how those expressive grey eyes had shadowed, how her features had tightened. And when she’d told him she felt nothing, that she didn’t care from him, it felt as if she’d just punched him in the belly.
At least she didn’t lie to ye, he told himself as he urged his courser into a brisk canter up a hill. The breeze whistled against his cheeks, bringing a welcoming sting.
But the thought was no consolation at all, not when it hurt to breathe, hurt to exist.
He’d been wanting to stretch this journey out so that he could savor every last moment he spent with Drew—but now he wished that their destination was in sight. They were making good time, especially while the weather was good. With any luck, they would reach Inishail before dusk the following day.
But that meant he and Drew would still have to spend another evening in each other’s company.
A heavy weight settled upon Carr’s chest at the thought. He wasn’t sure how he was going to endure it.
Drew picked the last piece of meat off the bone—grouse again—and ate it. She had little appetite tonight. Each mouthful was a trial, yet seated at the fire with her escort, she didn’t want any of them to fuss over her.
