Page 32 of Loyally, Luke
“It’s fifty-fifty.”
They moved on a little farther and she filled in some of the amiable silence by pointing out various places here and there. Bratha’s Treasures, one of the most special places in Skymar for its handcrafted ornaments; Seelie Wight’s Bookshop; St.Peter’s of Crieff, one of the oldest churches in the North Country; and Bree’s Bakery, a newer addition.
He commented and asked questions in an unimposing sort of way, drawing out her conversation rather effortlessly.
“There is a shop you might enjoy.” She waved toward his chest. “Since you seem so fond of flannel.”
He followed her gaze to his shirt. “I never thought of the Scots as flannel lovers.”
“The Scots have worn flannel shirts for centuries. Not quite as longas the kilt, but some as long as your country has been... a country.” She gestured toward the nearest close, which wound between two narrow stone buildings. “There’s a fantastic shop for them just down this close.”
“Close?”
“Alleyway, I believe is the word with which you are more familiar. Some lead to pleasant little discoveries and others to rubbish bins.”
“Sounds like life.” His grin broadened and she almost laughed.
“I’d prefer the pleasant discoveries.”
He nodded. “Me too.”
And her gaze caught in his, or was it the way his lips tilted just the slightest bit to hint at his teasing?
She turned away, frustrated with herself, but her foot landed on one of the loose pavement stones. Her ankle made a little twist and she started to fall. In a second, Luke was by her side, taking her by the arm, but they both stumbled, the slightest cry rising from her throat as her ankle bent again.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, something dark blue rushed into view. Before she could prepare herself, Cameron was there, taking Luke by the arm and jerking him back toward the opposite wall of the close.
The motion sent Ellie off-balance again. “Cameron!” But her protest sounded strained as she attempted to right herself on the weakened ankle, stumbling as she did so. Concern flickered on Cameron’s face and he hurried forward as if to steady her.
Her gaze found his. “It’s not what you’re—”
Before Ellie could finish the statement, Luke dashed back to where she stood and, with Cameron distracted by her, succeeded in slamming a fist into the man’s jaw.
Chapter6
Text from Luke to Izzy:So... I punched a royal guard, or something, today. I’m not sharing the news with Penelope because I don’t care to go into the story, but I thought you’d appreciate my dual sense of power and humiliation.
Izzy:What on earth happened????
Luke:Evidently, he was in Crieff checking up on security for the people who are working for the royals, like... let me refer to one of my supervisors as Holt and the other... as much as I hate it... Grace Kelly. So since this project is important to the royals, and these people are working for the royals, he was sent in to check security. Or that’s how Grace Kelly (ugh, I hate writing that) explained it.
Izzy:So you decked him?
Luke:Only after he pushed me out of the way and then went for Grace, at which time I tried to protect HER from HIM, thus the punching. Evidently, he thought I was putting her in danger, when really I was just trying to catch her after she twisted her ankle. Her cry of pain was taken as a cry for help and he bounded to the rescue. It was a big misunderstanding.
Izzy:Which ended up with a royal security guard having a black eye and you...??
Luke:Busted lip, but my teeth are okay, so I take that as a win. I’m glad Grace stopped him because he is trained to protect, so I’m pretty sure he could have killed me quick.
Izzy:This is clearly what happens when you forget your Rambo knife.
Luke:Actually, the guard and I talked weapons after Grace smoothed things over and explained to him that she was giving me a tour of Crieff.
Izzy:Oh my word. I hate to sound like Penelope...
Luke:Don’t.
Izzy:But this sounds like a movie moment.
