“You don’t know what our friendship is like,” she pouted . “You assume you know everything, but you don’t.”
“I might ken a wee bit more than ye, city lass,” he said somehow proudly, which only made her even more upset. Her eyes widened, her nostrils flared, and her lips… they were even more kissable now as he gazed at her. “I also ken that we need to get goin’ soon, lest it is too late.”
He took a step back, eyeing her from head to toe. She was like a marble statue, beautiful and pale. He wanted to imprint this image upon his memory and never forget the way she looked now. He then headed towards the door and, before exiting, said only a few carefully selected words.
“I will be waitin’ for ye, Milady. Dinnae take long.”
7
The group gathered in front of the ready carriage, the air charged with anticipation. Keira was still standing next to Joan and Avery. Jasper held his wife’s hand, but Keira could see his facial expression was extremely grave.
Her own hands were clammy, and no amount of wiping them on the soft fabric of her gown could have solved that problem. This was accompanied by that all too familiar knot in her stomach, which she knew would not go away until she was in Raphael’s home. And even then, it might not disappear at all but rather worsen.
“Well, I suppose that is it,” Raphael said as he watched the footman load the last of the suitcases onto his carriage.
Jasper was the first one to look at Raphael with a stern expression, his voice carrying a hint of warning. “Remember, Raphael, Keira’s safety and well-being are of the utmostimportance. If she is hurt or offended in any way, ye willnae just lose me support, but probably yer life as well.”
Keira gasped, while Avery smirked and Joan rolled her eyes at her husband’s threat. This must be normal in the Highlands, then.
Raphael, though teasingly, rolled his eyes, too, at Jasper’s seriousness. “Rest assured, dear friend. I have nae intention of causin’ any harm to our esteemed guest. Keira will be safe under me care.”
Keira couldn’t help but blush at Raphael’s confident response. She appreciated Jasper’s concern for her—and she was afraid his threat wasn’t an empty one, but she also sensed the underlying camaraderie between the two men.
Jasper held Raphael’s gaze, emphasizing his point. “See that ye do, Raphael. It’s nae a matter to be taken lightly.”
Raphael nodded, and instead of a reply, he offered his hand. Jasper shook it firmly while still eyeing him suspiciously.
Joan chimed in, trying to lighten the atmosphere, “Well, you’d best get going before nightfall.”
Keira gave both her friends one more hug, and she made a point of thanking Jasper warmly, then headed for the carriage. Momentarily, Raphael was there, extending his hand to assist her. His touch was gentle, sending a tingle through her, and shefelt a rush of warmth and admiration. She placed her hand in his, allowing him to help her up.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice soft, and her cheeks flushing with a delicate shade of pink.
“Ye’ve heard our friend,” he teased, glancing back at Jasper. “I am to ensure yer safety and yer comfort, or else.”
Keira chuckled as she paused and turned around, saying, “That’s why he’s my favorite among my friends’ husbands.”
She saw Jasper’s look soften, while Avery was quick to complain.
“Hey, Darragh would kill for your safety as well. He almost killed Jasper for Joan’s safety once.”
Everyone laughed at that, and Joan said, “We know, Avery. Darragh is a great man, too. You don’t need to remind us. The question is if Raphael is as great.” She winked at Keira, her own threat and suspicion evident in her words.
Keira laughed. “No blood will be spilled on my account,” she teased and turned to the carriage again.
As he helped her up, Raphael whispered in her ear, “Thank ye, Keira. Ye seem to be the only one who believes in me.”
A playful twinkle in his eyes showed he hadn’t taken offense at this conversation.
“Yes, well, do not get used to that,” she whispered back, biting her lip as she climbed into the carriage, peering out the window for a last wave goodbye.
Raphael settled opposite her, and within seconds, the carriage had set off. Keira waved to her friends, listening to the sound of the wind carrying off their laughter and well-wishes, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation.
The carriage rolled forward, leaving the castle and its surroundings behind, venturing into the open road. The Scottish landscapes painted a breathtaking backdrop, and Keira couldn’t help but be entranced by the beauty that surrounded them.
As the carriage carried them further from the castle, a strange silence settled between Keira and Raphael. The rhythmic sound of hooves against the road and the gentle sway of the carriage seemed to create a peaceful cocoon, but her mind was anything but peaceful.
Even when she wasn’t staring directly at the man at whose mercy she would be for the next two weeks, she could still feel his gaze linger on her. She would notice it from the corner of her eye.
