Page 35 of The Irresistible Warrior
Declan gave a short nod. “They as much as admitted it when they realized they’d failed.” He extended his hand to his wife.
Aura reached for it, squeezing gently, his warmth and strength comforting. “It is puzzling why anyone would have any interest in me.”
“You are far more interesting than most women,” Declan said with a touch of pride in his eyes.
“Aye, he’s right about that,” Hamish agreed.
Declan’s boot caught on something as he went to walk and he stumbled, catching himself quickly, though Aura’s hand tightened in his.
“Loose stone,” Declan said, though the ground was firm. He looked at Hamish. “We will talk later. Right now, I want to speak with my wife alone.”
Hamish nodded and wandered off to join his wife, Freyda, just stepping out of her healing cottage.
Aura watched as they stood close talking and from the concern on Hamish’s face, she knew he was talking about Declan.
They went no more than a few steps when his foot appeared to catch on something, and he lurched forward. Aura helped steady him with a firm grip. Her touch lingered, along with a worried gaze in her eyes.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” she asked softly. “You have had far too many missteps today.”
His smile was meant to reassure, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Aye. Do not worry about me. We have more important things to discuss.”
She stopped, forcing him to do the same. “You are more important to me than anything else.”
He smiled. “Your words touch my heart, wife.” He kissed her gently. “And I am eager to be alone with you.”
“With all we have to worry about you?—”
“Want nothing more than to share some private time with you. The worry can wait.” He squeezed Aura’s hand and led her to the keep, making sure to watch his step.
Their chamber was quiet,save for the faint crackle of the hearth. Aura set her cloak aside and crossed to the small table, where a simple meal had been left—bread, cheese, and a crock of honey.
Declan shut the door behind them, leaning his shoulder against it for a moment. She caught the way his eyes lingered on her, concern and passion blending.
“You’ve been watching me all the way back,” she said gently.
“And I’ll keep on watching,” he replied, his voice firm as if he dared anyone to argue with him. “Those two weren’t hunting coin. They were hunting you.”
She turned slightly, the flicker of the fire catching in her dark hair, highlighting her silky strands and all he could think was how he’d like to run his hands through them, capture her head in his hands and plant a serious kiss on her lips.
“You said they were sent. Do you think they’ll try again?” she asked.
“Not them in particular,” he said, forcing himself to focus on the incident. “I doubt they will even return to the one who hired them with how fearful they were of him. And from the ones this culprit sent so far, I’d say he chooses those with nothing to lose. No one who would have the courage to defy him, or maybe those who owe him something.”
He went to her, reaching out to catch her fingers and lifting them to brush a kiss across her knuckles but… in stepping toward her, his boot caught on the edge of the hearth rug. He nearly lost his balance, catching himself against the wall.
Aura’s brows knit. “Declan…”
“It’s nothing,” he said quickly, straightening. “I’ve been careless with my footing today, that’s all.”
“Three times since we left the woods isn’t ‘careless,’” she murmured, searching his face.
He reached for her, drawing her close until her hands rested against his chest. “We gave our word to be truthful with each other. My mind is busy, my footsteps clumsy because of it. It is nothing to be concerned about.”
“So, you say, but we will keep an eye on it,” she insisted.
“Worry not, it is nothing,” he assured her with a wicked look in his eye that drifted to the bed. “I have a relentless hunger for you, wife.”
Her slow smile tempted. “Not as much hunger as I have for you.”
