A flash of intrigue flickered in his eyes as his body tightened. The thought of watching her run through the corridors sent his fantasies flying.
"As enjoyin' as that would be, the dress just as tonight was all part of the plan."
"I see," Leah sighed. "Well, since we no longer have any witnesses, then I can take me leave."
"Please, daenae," Killian said as his hand shot across the table to grab her. His fingers curled around her wrists as his longing overwhelmed him.
"Killian…"
He rose from his seat, pulled to her by some unseen hand he wasn't willing to fight. The urge to keep her by his side naggedand poked at him. Leaning closer, he could taste the wine on her breath and wondered if he kissed her, would he still taste it?
Curious, he leaned closer and crushed his lips to hers. As much as Killian wanted to believe that he was doing this for the plan, the truth was that his lines were blurring. Leah had a way to help him forget all his troubles and worries. As long as she was by his side, it was as if he could take on the world.
"I should probably…" Leah whispered as her fingers burned his neck, and they trailed its length.
"Go," he answered for her, wishing he didn't have to let her.
"Aye. But if there was anyone else suspicious, well, I daenae think they will be any longer," Leah said, but all Killian could do was shake his head as the kiss clouded his thoughts.
"Ye never ken," Killian answered. "There always seems to be someone lingerin' in the shadows."
"Has anyone ever told ye that ye might be a bit paranoid?" Leah asked with a crooked grin.
"A time or two. Doesnae mean I'm wrong."
"Aye, but it doesnae mean ye’re right either."
13
Leah pressed her fingers against her temples, wishing the throbbing ache behind her eyes would subside. Morning light spilled through the narrow window of her modest chamber, illuminating the dust motes that floated on the beam of light. It should have been a new day, a fresh start, but the weight of last night's events bore down on her like a millstone around her neck.
She had tossed and turned, replaying every moment of her encounter with Killian in her mind—the way his dark eyes had locked onto hers, the heat of his breath on her skin, and the exhilaration that had surged through her when he had taken her hand. But the memory of their passionate exchange was marred by the gnawing fear of the consequences. Word traveled faster than the wind across the glens in the castle, and Leah could only imagine the things being slandered about her.
"What's the point?" she huffed, throwing the blankets off her. There was no way she was going to be able to go back to sleep. Her mind was spinning far too fast for her to keep up with it.
Leah rose from her bed, heart racing, and pulled on a simple dress, her fingers trembling as she laced it up. She stood before the mirror, taking a deep breath to steady herself. The reflection staring back was a mixture of defiance and uncertainty.
"Maybe it willnae be so bad. People might be kinder here than with the O'Malley's."
The fire that Killian had ignited within her clashed violently with the expectations placed upon her. But she couldn't remain in her chambers all day. Mason still needed to be looked after, and hopefully, word hadn't reached his ears yet.
As Leah descended the moaning staircase, the murmurs of the household began to seep into her ears. The kitchen was already alive with the sounds of clanging pots and the rich scent of porridge simmering over the hearth. She hesitated at the threshold, listening to the laughter and chatter, the warmth of it contrasting sharply with the chill settling in her stomach.
"Did you hear about Leah and the laird?" A voice rang out, sharp and clear, slicing through the air like a knife. Leah froze at the threshold, her heart racing as she ducked around the corner. With her ears ringing, she strained to hear the servants.
"I heard she came in to undermine Elsie," another voice rang out.
"Ye ken why Killian is so close to her daenae ye? He thinks she a spy."
"Nay," the collective women gasped in unison. Leah's heart plummeted. She peered around the corner, catching sight of a group of women huddled together, their heads bent low as they exchanged hushed whispers. Leah's breath quickened. She no longer had to imagine the tales they were spinning, each embellishment more salacious than the last. Leah clamped her hand over her mouth as their gossip made her stomach churn. The walls felt like they were closing in, and she knew she couldn't hide away any longer.
With a shaky resolve, she descended the stairs, each step heavier than the last. As she entered the bustling kitchen, the warmth of the fire did little to chase away the chill that coursed through her. Conversations hushed, and she could feel the weight of every gaze upon her, like a thousand invisible hands pressing down, urging her to retreat.
"Leah! Come join us!" Elsie called out from the table, her eyes bright with concern. She was sitting with a few other women, all wearing expressions ranging from pity to curiosity. "We saved ye a spot."
Leah forced a smile, but inside, she felt like a deer caught in the hunter's gaze. She had braced herself for the worst, but she never considered just how bad the words could be. As she studied the faces around her, she couldn't help but wonder how many of them truly were friends.
"I appreciate it, Elsie, but I'm nae hungry," Leah replied, her voice barely above a whisper. The truth was, she could hardly stomach the thought of food with the tension hanging in the airlike a thick fog. As she turned to leave, she heard the whispers resume, an unsettling blend of speculation and judgment.
