Page 8 of Married to the Highland Devil
The next sound out of her lips as her heels hit a stone was a yelp. Amelia stumbled backward and cried out even before her back touched the hard ground.
Strong arms swooped around her waist to hold her steady, and the intruder pulled her back to her feet as if she weighed nothing. A gasp tore out of Amelia, and her hand moved to his chest.
“My Laird?”
She was so sure it was him. The feel of his arms around her provided warmth and safety. Amelia had never felt that way before.
“It is you, is it not? Duncan Russell?”
“Aye, My Lady,” he answered in his usual gruff tone.
His hand stayed on her, and Amelia began to feel the beat of his heart. Her fingers scrunched up his shirt, and she licked her lips, suddenly nervous.
Her insides tingled. Warmth spread through her and lit up every nerve, stirring it awake like she was feeling for the first time in her life.
“Why are you out here, My Lady?” he questioned as he gently released her.
“I… Uh… I was… I need… Walking,” she stuttered. “I was walking. I love to stroll at night.”
“It’s so dark. Isn’t it better to enjoy nature during the day?”
“I know,” she answered then rubbed her arms. “But I enjoy what I can at night because it is easier.”
They both fell silent for a while, and Amelia was shocked at what he said next. “My Lady, are ye….” he trailed off and sighed. “I should not ask.”
Amelia sensed he was going to ask about her sight, so she made it easy for him. “Are you going to ask me if I can see, My Laird? I know you must have noticed something about my sight.”
“Only that yer eyes are…” He paused then said, “Only that yer eyes are bonnie, My Lady.”
“Oh,” she gasped then felt the warmth heat up her cheeks.
She was still standing with him when she heard Lily call out for her.
“My Lady! My Lady!” Lily got to where they stood and quickly touched her. “Are you all right? I heard you scream. The entire household heard you scream.”
While Lily spoke, more of the servants rushed out and so did Amelia’s father.
“Amelia, my dear.” He got to her and touched her hands. “Are you all right? Is she hurt?”
“I am all right, Father. Lily, Father, there is nothing to worry about, really,” Amelia said to calm them. “I was with the Laird. He saved me from a fall, but I am all right.”
She heard her father’s deep sigh of relief and also Lily’s. “I am all right, everyone,” she repeated, louder this time, so that the rest of the servants could hear her. “We can all return to our chambers for the night.”
Lily took her hand, and Amelia let her guide her away.
“Goodnight, My Lady,” she heard the Laird say just before she walked into the house.
Goodnight, Duncan Russell.
That night, Amelia did not get much sleep. She could not stop thinking of Laird McLennan or his comment about her eyes.
She always wondered what they looked like.
Were they the same pale blue they once were? Or were they ruined?
She had never said these words out loud, but now, she thought of them as she thought of him.
In fact, Laird McLennan was all she could think and dream about.
