Step. Step.
She was happy when she sighted the doors; she was almost free! But her happiness was short-lived when she collided with something hard.
The impact forced the air from her lungs as she stumbled back. She had to take a second to regain her balance. Just then, she became aware of the presence before her.
Tall. Broad. Unmoving. Andthatscent. Leather and clean air and something uniquely his.
Her chin lifted slowly, reluctantly, until her eyes met a familiar pair of brown ones. Those deep brown orbs that were impossible to read.
William.
Her heart stuttered.
“Me Laird,” she greeted, her voice softer than she had intended. She took another step back.
William didn’t speak. Instead, he stepped closer. Then again. As though he wanted to close the distance that had just been caused by the collision. As though her proximity belonged to him.
His gaze roamed over her from head to toe, making her skin pickle. He was not even touching her, yet she could feel it. Could feel it in his look.
Her lips parted when the silence grew suffocating. She needed to say something.
Unable to bear it, she finally spoke. “What is it that ye want?”
William tilted his head, just enough to assert his authority. When he spoke, his voice was smooth and casual, almost nonchalant.
“Wonderin’ if ye are still possessed by spirits,” he said. “Was just checking.”
Her eyes snapped back to him.
For a heartbeat, she simply stared. Then she saw it, the smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. It was too deliberate, entirely aware of the effect it had.
He was making fun of her.
Instantly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. And perhaps something far more dangerous.
Drawing in a slow breath, she jutted her chin. “I was told about… last night,” she said carefully.
His eyebrow rose slightly.
“And I’m grateful,” she forced out, “for yer assistance.”
That was all. That was all she would give him.
Without waiting for a response, Sorcha turned on her heel and walked away. Away from the hall. Away from him.
She stepped outside, where the cool morning air brushed her face. It made her smile despite herself.
Well, until firm fingers wrapped around her wrist, pulling her to a halt.
Her breath hitched as she slowly turned back.
William was standing behind her, closer than before, his tall frame casting a huge shadow over her. His deep brown eyes held hers, even darker in the sunlight.
The sight made her pulse quicken.
William…?
Why had he followed her out?
