Page 63 of Keeping Kate

“You may both stay at the inn as long as you like. I will go on my way alone.”

“You are as stubborn a lass as ever existed.” He shook his head. “I should be quit of you myself and have done with this.”

“But you cannot. I am your responsibility.”

“True.”

“You do not find me very charming, do you,” she remarked, tilting her head.

“Charming, aye, but I refuse to be one of your fools, lass.”

“I know it. Though I may yet try.”

“Try away. How did you get out tonight? Did you bedevil poor Davey? Did he adore you so much he did all your will?”

“He was glad to help me.”

“Poor lad. Do I do that too?”

“Help me? Sometimes.”

“I mean adore you like a besotted fool,” he said in a low growl. His heart pounded. He had thought his closed-up heart was softening, but just now, he wanted to indulge in the familiar edge and annoyance he used to keep others away.

She lifted her chin in that manner she had, not haughty but proud, confident, knowing her worth, the manner of a queen. “You may do so if you like,” she said. “Adore me, I mean.”

“And if I already do?” His heart thumped hard, and a feeling turned within, that same whirligig set to motion.

“If you did, I would know.”

“Would you?” He did, he was already lost. He wanted to know if she noticed.

She met his gaze. “If you did, you would not drag me about in chains.”

He touched the crystal dangling at her throat. “You are wearing this wee chain and no other, just now.”

She touched it, her fingers brushing his. Then she looked away. He loved the clean grace of her profile. Adored it.

“Kate,” he said suddenly. He touched her arm lightly. He was not sure what he wanted to say or do. He only knew he needed to touch her, connect his heart to hers. Felt the pull like a storm within.

But they rode into the inn-yard, and the chaise rumbled past them, and Davey came running out to see to the horses and help Jack with the vehicle. Dismounting, Alec reached up to lift Kate to the ground.

Slowly he lowered her, holding her a little too long, while she rested her hands on his shoulders, her body curving sweetly against his, as if only they two existed.

“If I set you on your feet and let you go, what would you do?”

“Run,” she said.

“She is an honest lass.” As she touched toes to the earth, he took her firmly by the waist, turning as Jack approached.

“I want to go inside and see my lady,” Jack said.

“As you should. And I will go in with mine. We will meet later and decide what is next, aye?”

“Aye then,” Jack said.

Alec saw Kate look up at him, silent, thoughtful.

“So you havea strong urge to be free, hey,” Jack murmured. Much later that evening, he sat with Kate in the small rented room. Alec slept on the bed, his back turned to the wall, snoring softly. Jack had offered to keep watch while he slept, seeing how tired his friend seemed. Kate, while begrudging any sort of guarding, saw how tired Alec seemed—truly, he had not slept much, watching out for her—and she was grateful to Jack for appreciating it too.