"Alright," she said, the word escaping her lips as a whisper, laden with all the unspoken emotions swirling inside her. "I'll join ye."
Killian's smile widened, a triumphant spark lighting up his features. He extended his arm to her without saying a word. Leah felt a flutter of nervous excitement in her stomach as she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, allowing him to guide her through the throng of clan members to the terrace.
As they walked, Leah could feel the weight of the hall's curious gazes, but she tried to push those thoughts aside. Instead, she focused on the warmth radiating from Killian's arm, the way his presence felt both comforting and thrilling.
"Do ye ken," he said, glancing down at her, "that this dress suits ye perfectly? It brings out the color of yer eyes."
Leah's heart skipped a beat at the compliment as his words lured a smile out of her. Tucking her loose hair behind her ear, Leah couldn't help but steal glimpses of Killian. Although she enjoyed his attention, something unsettling was shifting within her. It was as if she were on a ship lost at sea with no provisions.
"Alright, what is with the compliments and the dress, and well, everythin'?" Leah asked the second they were out of earshot. She didn't like feeling like she was being put up to something, but she just couldn't figure out what.
"Can a man nae give ye a complement when and where one is due?" he insisted, his tone earnest.
"Aye, as long as it is given in kindness, but for some reason, I get the impression that this is all for show," Leah said.
"How observant of ye," Killian said, his tone clipped and a tad too icy for Leah's liking. How could one man be so hot one minute and icy the next? "But ye can rest assured kennin' that I mean it. There's a fire in ye, Leah that I find truly captivatin'."
Her breath caught in her throat again, and for a moment, the world around them became crystal clear, but her head began to fog. Was this all part of his plan? Or was he really giving her a compliment?
Turning the corner, Leah let out a gasp as she spotted the elegantly set table draped in white linen. The flickering candles cast a warm glow over the exquisite silver dishes laid out like a feast for the gods. The aroma of roasted lamb mingled with fresh herbs, while delicate flowers adorned each place setting. It was a scene pulled straight from a dream, yet the reality of it sent a shiver down her spine.
"What is all this about, Killian?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as she took in the enchanting atmosphere he had crafted.
He turned to her. A dark shadow passed over his rugged features as she noticed his gaze shifting to the large bay windows. Leah's gaze followed his as little tingles raced from the nap of her neck down her arm as Killian's hot breath caressed her skin. "Daenae be fooled. This is all part of the plan."
His words were like a jagged blade cutting through the illusion. She let out a heavy sigh as he gestured subtly toward the window where a few familiar faces lingered about, watching them with keen interest. The weight of their gaze pressed against her, making her feel dizzy. It was bad enough that Killian affected her the way he did, but to have an audience watch how she fumbled around him only added to her frazzled nerves.
"We're still in the spotlight," Leah grumbled as she pulled the napkin from her plate and sat. She knew she had no right to complain, but still, seeing the lengths Killian was willing to go for someone he cared for made her wish he cared for her.
"Aye, and we will be for a while still," Killian said, taking his seat across from her. "But, I thought we might as well put on a show for all to see."
Leah bobbed her head as the disappointment settled in her bones. A part of her wished for the fairytale—the stolen moments, the secret glances, the intimacy of two souls entwined away from prying eyes. And for the first time in her life,she realized that was precisely what she wanted. The fact she couldn't have it stung more than she was ready for.
"Why are ye doin' this?" she asked, frustration bubbling up. "Ye said ye'd be flauntin' over me after the ceilidh, nae before."
"Must keep up appearances," Killian answered as he took a bite of his lamb. "Right now I have ye bring me reports of me brother. They'll see us together and when the time comes for the proposal, it'll all look far more believable."
"A little warnin' would be nice," Leah grumbled. "I daenae like findin' strange packages in me room."
"Nae even ones that bring out the color of yer eyes?"
"See," Leah snapped as she put her napkin back on the table. "It's things like that. Ye say such things that make me…"
"What?" Killian asked as he leaned in closer.
"Confused," Leah answered. "Ye confuse me and I daenae like it."
"Why does it nae surprise me?" Killian chuckled darkly as he leaned back in his seat. From what Leah could tell, hardly any emotions were lingering behind his steadfast gaze. "Ye’re used to bein' the one in control, arenae ye?"
"Ye learn fast when ye have nay to depend on," Leah answered.
"I cannae say I'm sorry life has dealt ye the hand it did," Killian said, his tone a bit softer, but the words stung nonetheless.
"If ye’re tryin' to cheer me up, tis nae workin'," Leah said as she found herself looking at everything but Killian. She couldn't stand the idea of him seeing her so fragile, with tears pooling in her eyes.
"Wasnae tryin' to," he answered. "But if the path ye were on didnae go down the way it did, we would have never met. And despite the circumstances we find ourselves in… I'm glad that ye’re here with me."
12
