Page 39 of The Highlander Steals a Virgin
Daisy seemed to be satisfied with that concession. “I’ve read it at least a hundred times.”
“Ye are very generous to bestow this upon me, thank ye, Miss Daisy.”
The young girl shrugged, already bored with the moment. She wandered toward Myles. “I’m hungry again.”
“Ye’realwayshungry,” he teased.
“Andye’realwayslazy!”
Amara watched them bicker fondly and allowed herself the smallest, most cautious sip of contentment.
Mayhap this place wasnae entirely too bad… mayhap it’ll get better.
The hairs on her neck stood up.
The doorway had gone silent, and so had Daisy and Myles.
Rhys was there. Amara didn’t even need to twist in her chair to look at the doorway behind her.
“Daisy,” he said, voice low, “Yer nurse has been searchin’ for ye.”
The girl frowned. “Aye, we’re playin’ hide 'n' find, da!”
“She’s waitin’ for ye. Go find her.”
Amara stood then, clutching the book in her hands as they hung in front of her.
“But Da! I’m winn—” the girl started, but Rhys interrupted.
“Daisy Adams…” his voice was stern, but he wore a grin across his face. “Now, me love.”
She slouched but obeyed, dragging her feet toward the door. Amara noted that, otherwise, Rhys stood there, expression unreadable. His gaze flicked between Daisy and Myles and Amara, then caught a glimpse of the book in her arms. Something flashed in his eyes. A question. A warning.
Myles cast a look between them and, for once, said nothing as he silently moved across the room, past Rhys, and out into the corridor.
Amara stood still, gripping the book like it might shield her, and Rhys stepped fully into the room, shutting the door behind him with a soft click.
The air grew heavier.
Neither spoke as he paced once toward the hearth, hands clasped behind his back, then turned to her fully.
“She gave ye that?” he asked.
Amara nodded. “Said it was her favorite.”
“It’s mine.”
“I reckoned as much.”
“I dinnae intend for ye to join her at any point today.”
“She invited me.”
His brows knit, and she continued.
“I wasnae goin’ to say nay to a child. Especially nae yers.”
He stepped closer… too close.
