Page 59 of The Secret of Drulea Cottage

“Surely you feel the connection between us,” he purred, his mouth returning to its former grin.

Briony opened her mouth to deny it, but she paused when she felt a shiver down her spine. She looked into the man’s eyes; within them, she saw hints of acceptance, passion, and a wild freedom that made her chest constrict with longing.

But is there love?

She drew her gaze away, angry at her thoughts. I should na be stupid. This man wants to marry me, and he’s telling me directly, which is far better than what Santiago has done. Despite my feelings fer Santiago, I know they can’ go anywhere. He will be going home soon; Lucia said it herself.

Why na give Niall a chance? Once my heart recovers from Santiago, perhaps what I feel fer Niall will turn into love.

Briony gave the man a shy smile. “I don’ deny that there’ssomethinghere.”

Niall stepped closer again. His lips were only a few inches away, starting their descent toward hers. He gingerly clasped her shoulder, making Briony’s pulse accelerate.

But Santiago… He wants to tell me something after the celebration. Don’ I need to hear him out first?

Briony blinked a few times, feeling an odd shudder pass through her as she fully realized what she was doing. What she was about to do.

“We better get going before the others start wondering why we’re na back yet.” Briony pulled away and hurried up the path, not waiting to see if Niall followed. She darted into her cottage and grabbed what she needed so fast that she was already back at the entrance before Niall had even gotten to the top of the hill.

“Take this, please.” She gave him a bag, staring at his hands rather than his eyes. She was sure her face was aflame with embarrassment.

“O’ course, my lady.” Niall bowed jovially as if there was nothing bizarre about Briony’s behavior.

Briony gulped and practically fled back to the inn without giving Niall the chance to say more.

“Ah, finally! That took longer than I thought ’twould. What were you two doing up there?” Adaira said as they arrived. Briony didn’t miss the suspicious gleam in her friend’s eyes, nor the way Adaira’s gaze cut over to Santiago to make sure he was listening.

Briony glared at her before casting nervous glances at Niall and Santiago. The first was practically beaming at Adaira’s innuendo, but the second was scowling.

Briony coughed and said, “Adaira, may I speak to you fer a moment?”

Adaira, who was only too happy to oblige, took Briony upstairs to her room. She plopped onto the bed and sat Briony down next to her. “Am I right, dearie? Did something happen?”

“Shh! This is more complicated than you realize.”

“Why? Something did happen, I knew it!”

“Aye, yer right. Niall, he—” Briony sighed and took the plunge. “He told me he wants to marry me.”

Adaira squealed.

“Pipe down over there! Some o’ us are trying to get some sleep!” shouted Mr. Stubbins from the next room.

Adaira covered her mouth, but a flurry of giggles still escaped. “I knew it! I knew it! What did you say?”

“I have na given him an answer yet.”

Adaira clapped her hands, but then she frowned. “But what about Mr. Mendes?”

Briony sighed. “Here’s where it gets complicated: the other day, he kissed me.”

Adaira’s eyes bulged. “HE DID WHAT?!”

“You good fer nothin’ daughter! If I hear you again, I’m about to—”

“Oh, be quiet! Otherwise, you’ll never go back to sleep!” Adaira yelled at the wall.

The two friends heard Mr. Stubbins grumble for a few seconds, but then everything got quiet.