Page 11 of Fearless Heart
“It was the night of the summer solstice celebration.”
He trained his ears again to notice any unusual sounds around them, and hearing none, motioned for her to sit next to him. “I don’t recall this night you speak of. I do remember you always followed me and your brothers.”
Lillia sat next to him and stretched out her legs. She took the hem of her skirt in hand and tossed it to ensure her legs modestly covered. “That’s because you never took me with you and I had to sneak around. This night reminds me of it for it was dusk and the night air warm. You kissed me when my brothers climbed the willows and chased out the fireflies. It was magical with all their wee lights around us. I shall never forget it.”
It was indeed a night to remember but Heath wouldn’t own to such triviality. It was best he refute her, because he didn’t want to cause her harm or hurt. Lillia Hunter wasn’t a lass he should consort with no matter how much his heart protested. He had too much respect for her father and brothers to woo her without their permission.
“Have you married?” His question both surprised him and caused her to gasp. “I only ask in case your husband is searching for you. Mayhap he was the man who followed us.”
“He wasn’t. What I mean to say is that I am not married. My da intends to betroth me and I shall soon leave. I won’t see you again.” Her tone suggested he’d wounded her which was not his intent.
“Likely not because I only planned to stay this day.”
“Why did you come?” She picked a piece of grass that found its way onto his tartan.
He shifted the material to cover his thigh and grinned. “I am searching for my missing squire and heard he came to … enjoy the festivities.”
“I fear there isn’t much fanfare for it appears the king hasn’t come.”
“How do you ken the king hasn’t come?” Heath was pleased to hear that because Gilroy was safe enough for now.
She folded her hands and kept her eyes faceted on him. “The gate’s men would have sounded the bells. They practiced days in advance to get the melody right. The bells didn’t toll and haven’t all day. He hasn’t come. My father will be disappointed for he’d spent a fortune in purchase of enough food and such for the king’s entourage.”
“It’s probably better he hasn’t come.” Heath felt eased talking with Lillia. It was as if they’ve never been separated. “Are you joyful of your betrothal?”
She moved closer and her long leg flanked his. He gritted his teeth against taking her in his arms and kissing the breath from her.
“I am not certain if joyful is an appropriate word. But I should obey my father and wed the man, shouldn’t I? I always thought … that is, I gave my heart to—”
Lest he be the one to give her ideas, he said, “We should all obey our das.”
Heath was gladdened he wasn’t a woman. The fairer sex had much more restrictions placed on them than men. Women moreover subjugated and had to follow a man’s dictate their entire lives, first their fathers and then their husbands. If he ever married, not that he planned to, he’d never force his wife to follow his directives.
Lillia turned and with her face an inch from his, she smiled. “I am disheartened you don’t remember our first kiss. Let me remind you.” She set her hands on his shoulders, tugged him forward, and her lips pressed against his.
Heath groaned in delight at the softness settled against his mouth. Everything told him to push her away, to invoke gallantry. Everything but his heart. He clasped her in his embrace and pulled her toward him until he felt the swell of her bosom pressing his chest. Their kiss continued in a mindless mix of sensual desire and extreme lust. Heath had never wanted a woman as much as he wanted her. His hand caressed her back and his breath harsh. If he wasn’t careful, he’d delve his hand beneath her skirts to see if she longed to have him there.
He surely wanted to join his body with hers and he was certain he’d die a little if he didn’t.
Lillia pressed her hands over his abdomen and kept up the torture until she reached his chest. His muscles flinched at the sensitive touches and before his desire got the better of him, he dislodged his mouth.
Taking a moment to compose himself, his breath slowed. She affected him far more than he should allow and yet … “I’m sorry, lass, I don’t remember our first kiss being so … intense.”
Lillia smoothed her thumb across his bottom lip. “I’m sorry I can never be yours.”
Heath wanted to tell her it wasn’t true, but he wouldn’t deceive them both. He could never be hers either. The noise of a breaking twig sounded a little ways off and he stood and forced Lillia against the tree.
“I hear someone. Stay there.” He pulled a dagger free of its scabbard strapped to his leg and set out to find the intruder. In a tight grip, he held the blade at the ready. With the lightest steps, he ambled toward the sound he’d caught.
But no one was there. When he turned back to Lillia, she yelled out. The intruder held her and tried to pull her back by yanking her with his arm tucked beneath her ribs. Before he could get to her, she bit the man’s forearm and gained her release. Heath took aim and hurled the dagger at the assailant with such force it entered to the hilt. The man gripped the dagger embedded in his midsection and took several steps before falling to the ground.
Heath reached Lillia and took her in his arms. He looked down to ensure the knave was dead. His aim true and struck the man’s torso. Considering the knave lay still and blood poured from his mouth, the attacker breathed no more.
“Are ye sure you aren’t married?” Heath held her close. She shook in his arms and fear darkened the depths of her eyes. “I’d say he was a jealous lover.” He tried to make light of the situation, but it didn’t seem to help. She held on to him with a death-grip.
“I never saw him before.”
“He wasn’t one of your suitors?”