As they stepped back into the thickening wind, Selene nudged him with her elbow.
“What does that word g… mean?”
“It means ‘brave’, lass. And ye were doubly brave when ye consumed Nell’smarag dubh.”
“You’re going to tell me what that was made of, aren’t you?”
“Eventually.” He grinned. “But mayhap not today.”
Once they’d pulled on their discarded boots, he helped her into the saddle and mounted behind her, looking far too pleased for Selene’s liking.
And,hell and damnation… she found herself smiling.
CHAPTER TEN
Since old Nell had insisted on feeding them, by the time they finally emerged from her tiny cottage, Callum and Kenneth’s other men had already ridden off. They were left to make their own way back to Castle Duntulm.
Kenneth was quietly pleased with this, and as they set off. He was in no mind to hurry. He was enjoying the feel of Selene’s closeness as they made their deliberate way back up the rise and along the muddy path. Arvak’s every sway brought her soft curves closer and for a short time he was able to put everything from his mind, allow his aching body to loosen and enjoy those moments of indulgence.
But there was no evading the building clouds. It was not long before lightning was flashing around them. Reluctantly, he gee’d-up Arvak to increase his gait to a canter in an effort to outpace the gathering storm.
Selene’s grip on his arm tightened at the growing rumble of thunder somewhere in the distance. The clouds darkenedquickly, turning the sky into a dark bruise, and not half an hour into their ride the heavens split open.
The first crack of thunder caused Selene to startle and utter a frightened gasp. The second caused her to dig her fingers into Kenneth’s arm where she’d been holding on.
Rain needled down, hard, fierce and cold, blurring the hills into a wash of grey. Arvak gave a nervous snort, and it was soon almost impossible to see where they were. The big horse slowed, feeling his way.
Kenneth raised his voice over the storm. “I ken there’s an old cottage somewhere nearby. It may well be half-fallen in by now, but I daresay it will keep us dry.”
Selene raised no argument. He suspected this was likely because she could not unclench her jaw long enough to speak.
The abandoned cottage sat crooked and lonely at the edge of a copse, its thatch sagging in places, its door hanging on a single hinge. But it was shelter.
They dismounted quickly and hurried to the cover provided by what remained of the overhanging thatched roof. He unbuckled his leather saddlebag before tethering Arvak. Then, after kicking the door fully open, he guided Selene inside, shutting out the storm behind them.
Inside, the air smelled of dampness and old leaves and there was a faint rustling from the corner where some small creature had made a small nest. There was a wide timber plank and an old beam across the fireplace.
He hefted these out of the way and fashioned a place where Selene could rest.
“Sit lass. ‘Tis nae a plush armchair fer yer derriere, but it will keep ye dry.”
He waited while she settled herself then he wrapped one of the plaids from his saddle bag around her shoulders and moved to the hearth.
The light was dim, but he could make out enough through the gloom to build a fire with the few scraps of wood lying about. He took his flint and, in no time, sparks were lighting the dry leaves. It was not long before a sturdy flame rose up.
Within minutes, he’s coaxed a small fire to life in the stone hearth. It cast a warm, flickering glow across the room, making the place feel less like a ruin and more like something almost cozy.
Almost.
Selene sat near the fire, glancing into the dancing shadows as if she is half-anticipating the arrival of the ghost he’d teased her with in the kitchen.
The firelight softened her features and he gazed at her, charmed by her heart-shaped face, her pert nose and the elegant chin. She was a true beauty, and he took enjoyment in watching her. Her eyes met his, sparkling in the glow of the fire.
“Why, Laird Kenneth, I see ye are a more practical man than I’d ever imagined.”
He grunted. “I’m nae a useless manny like yer English lads, milady. I’ve been a soldier and learned how tae live rough and take comfort where I can.”
Thunder rolled again and Selene pulled the rough cloak around her knees.
