The warmth of Killian's lips lingered on hers like a forgotten melody as she begrudgingly separated from him. Her heart skipped as the world materialized before her eyes. Killian's grin stretched across his face as he brushed the back of his hand over her cheeks.
"Ye’re lookin' a wee bit pale there," Killian whispered as Leah slowly became aware of the villagers and the town square encompassing them. She swallowed hard as Killian's frantically beating heart pulsed against her hand. It was clear he was just as thrilled and bowled over as she was.
"Do ye want me to fetch ye a healer? I think Elsie would be more than happy to ken what caused ye to become so flushed," Killian teased as Leah glanced around, catching the curious glances of the villagers. It was clear some were beyond amused by their laird's antics, others, however, flashed judgmental scowls. But no matter how they looked at them, one thing was clear: every villager there had their eyes on Leah and Killian.
"What are ye doin'?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Killian stepped closer, his presence commanding and steady.
"I'm just tryin' to make this seem plausible," he replied, his tone low and earnest. His eyes, usually so fierce and unyielding, softened for just a moment to reveal the man beneath the warrior facade.
"But they'll talk," she protested, though a part of her was thrilled at the thought of being the center of attention, however scandalous it might be. "This isnae a game to them."
"I ken, let them go waggin' their tongues. It'll only help our cause in the end," he said, his gaze unwavering.
"I thought we were to wait for the ceilidh?" Leah asked as she realized the heat she felt wasn't coming from her but from Killian as he pressed his body to hers.
"Now who is being a prude?" Killian asked as he flashed a daring smirk at her. Leah arched her eyebrow and pursed her lips into a tight warring line. Killian's hearty chuckle broke her. "We need them to believe we're committed—to see us as a couple. It's the only way to draw out the foes."
Leah's heart wavered. She could feel the weight of the villagers' stares, their expectations, and societal norms pressing down on her. Yet, as she stood there, faced with the reality of their situation, a flicker of longing ignited within her. What if this wasn't just a ruse? What if, beneath the surface, therewas something real growing between them? She glanced up at Killian, searching his eyes for a spark of interest in her.
But what if I want it to be real?
"Well then, if we are to give them a show," Leah said, snagging Killian by the wrist and dragging him to the source of the music. "Then dance with me."
"Leah, this isnae amusin'," Killian said as he stumbled over his feet, trying to keep up with her. The music filled the area the moment they turned the corner. Leah, beaming with delight, turned to Killian.
"Are ye ready?"
"I'm nae dancin' with ye, sorry, lass."
"Oh yes ye are," Leah insisted.
He stumbled slightly at her unexpected vigor, a mix of surprise and protest clouding his features. "Leah, I'm nae?—"
"Nae what? Nae a dancer? Ye daenae say, I never would have thought such a thin' with yer sort of reputation and all," she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now who is bein' uptight and doesnae want to play along?"
With a hard tug, Leah pulled him into the heart of the celebration. The moment they reached the dance floor, the band fell silent. The collective hush fell over the crowd. Leah couldn't help but notice the shock on everyone's faces. She gave Killian a nudge with her elbow. Killian cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"It's the mad laird," came the whispers of the unsuspecting villagers. It was clear they were not expecting the mad laird to be participating.
"What's he doin' here?" another hushed voice asked as Leah began to question her decision to stay at the fair. The tension mounted as Killian took a step forward.
"Daenae stop on me account. We came to hear music, so keep playin'," Killian said. The crowd cheered, throwing up their goblets in a rowdy toast as the band started once again. Soon, the air was thick with laughter and the sound of fiddles playing a lively tune. The villagers swirled around them, lost in the rhythm of their joy, but Leah couldn't help but notice Killian remained stiff.
"Surely ye learned to dance at some point in yer life," Leah laughed, her voice ringing above the music as she twirled around him. Her skirt flared around her like fallen leaves dancing with the wind. Flashing him an inviting smile, Leah batted her eyes, waiting for him to join her in the revelry.
"Nae everyone had time for such things," Killian answered coldly. Leah noticed his brows furrowing as if he was beingpulled into the past. Before she lost him to the memory, Leah stretched to the tips of her toes and planted a firm kiss on his nose. Killian blinked, stunned by the innocent act.
"I think I could use a drink," Leah said with an uneasy smirk.
"Aye, I think I could as well," Killian said. "Stay here, enjoy the music, I'll fetch us somethin' to wet our whistles."
Before she could respond, he pushed through the throng of villagers, determination in his stride as he made his way toward the thatched-roof tavern. Leah watched him enter the establishment as a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. But as soon as Killian disappeared into the tavern, she felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. Little tingles flowed over her body, causing her to shiver. Glancing over her shoulder, Leah's eyes landed on a surely sort of man with a wiry mustache and beady eyes.
"Well now, arenae ye a sight to behold?" the man said, his gravely voice slurred from drink.
"Thank ye," she replied cautiously, her guard instinctively rising as she glanced to the tavern, hoping Killian would emerge. "I'm just enjoyin' the festivities like everyone else. But thank ye for stoppin' by. I'll be sure to let the laird ken ye missed him."
"Was that the laird? I never would have thought he'd be out here. Nae unless ye’re both liars, in which case, I could be the laird too if that's what ye wanted me to be," the man said as he trailedhis fingers over her shoulder. Leah jumped at his touch as panic shot through her.
