Page 12 of Fearless Heart
“No. Hold me, Heath. I’m still shaking.”
Heath did so and calmed her by pressing his large hand on the small of her back. “The danger has passed. You should be well enough now.”
“Can I not enjoy being held by you for a few more minutes as I am wont?” She lifted her chin and smiled up at him, but then pouted.
He moved his knuckles to the softness of her cheek and leaned forward. Heath found himself grinning at her jest even though he wanted to shout in conflict at the attack. His Lillia was as blunt as ever and he set a chaste kiss on her lips. Her fearfulness was but a ruse. “If I had my way, I’d never let you go.”
“But you must, mustn’t you?”
“I serve the Bruce and Scotland. I have to uphold my duty to the king. There are duties that keep me away for long periods … I won’t allow unreasonable thoughts of a wife …”
“You need not explain. My father intends to betroth me, remember. This night in fact, to a faraway clan.”
He held her face between his rough palms, peering at the softest brown eyes he ever beheld. “I explain because if things were different, I would surely make you mine.”
Lillia reached down and plucked his dagger from the assailant’s stomach. “I believe this is yours. I should get back before my father sends out a search. We should go.”
“You need to tell your father about this attack. I don’t like that the knave was after you, Sweetness. Promise me, you’ll tell him of it so he can send out more sentries and ensure no other threats are intended.” He held her face and gazed into the honey-colored eyes that always mesmerized him.
“If it will please you, then I shall tell my father. But I’m certain it was just a ruffian set out for a kiss or some silly nonsense. You worry too much, Heath.”
Worry which was warranted, he surmised. As fearful as she pretended a moment ago, a courageous spirit overtook her. Their return to the keep enmeshed in silence. There were many things he wanted to say to her, but it was best he keep the words behind his teeth. He wasn’t wrong in his reasoning. His life did not have room for a wife no matter how fetching and winsome she was. Near the keep, he forced her to release his hand. “Be well, fairest Lillia. Make sure your husband treats you well.”
“If he doesn’t, I shall come and find you.”
“And what would you have me do, Sweetness?” Heath chuckled at the silliness of her tone.
“Why, kill him of course.” She laughed and leaned against him. “I jest. Be safe, Heath. It was pleasant seeing you again. I hope many years don’t go by before you visit again.” She kissed his cheek, turned and hastened into the keep.
Heath watched the entrance until she disappeared. The lass hadn’t changed much since he’d last seen her. She caused a chaos of emotions to riddle him senseless. It was always the case with Lillia, for he supposed he’d been besotted by her since the day he’d met her.
He shook off the encounter and glanced around at those still meandering around the courtyard. Many revelers departed for the tents and such. Little moon offered light, and he’d never find Gilroy in such darkness. He hoped his comrades made better progress.