Page 23 of Wicked Kilted Highlander

CHAPTERNINE

Lara's cheeks burned with embarrassment and she fled the scene, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. All she wanted was a quiet place to hide, to collect her thoughts and comprehend why—oh, why—she had behaved so recklessly. Her breath came in ragged gasps, the cool summer air stinging her lungs, as she sought refuge among the towering trees. Finally finding a sturdy trunk to lean against, she closed her eyes and took deep, calming breaths. The damp moss beneath her feet and the scent of earth mingled with pine helped to ground her, but her mind still whirled.

What the hell was that? Why did she do it? These questions tormented her like a tempest, threatening to consume her entirely. She could still feel the heat of Darragh's body against hers, his strong arms wrapped around her in protection and his lips kissing hers.

But he hadn't just kissed her, she realized. She had kissed him, throwing her arms around his neck and pressing herself against him. She had done it too. The realization both shamed and excited her. She had never felt so alive.

"Lara?" Darragh called out into the forest, his footsteps crunching over the leaves and twigs. "Where are ye?"

Lara froze. She didn't know if she could face him after her reckless and brazen behavior. He must think her a wanton, or worse.

"Lara?" he called again, sounding closer this time. She held her breath, praying he wouldn't find her. She needed more time to compose herself.

The sound of his footsteps stopped, and Lara released a sigh of relief, thinking he had given up. But then, the leaves began to rustle, and she saw the branches of a nearby bush parting. Darragh's face appeared, looking both relieved and concerned.

"There ye are."

"Here I am," Lara said, feeling like an idiot.

Darragh studied her face for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Lara's heart began to race once more, but she held her ground, not knowing what else to do.

"Why did ye run off?" Darragh asked softly, his black eyes searching hers.

"I-I'm nae sure." Lara swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. "I'm sorry."

Darragh's hand reached up and cupped her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine. "Dae ye regret it?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Lara shook her head. She didn't know what she regretted, but she certainly didn't regret the kiss. His apologetic expression mirrored the sincerity in his voice when he spoke.

"Ye have me word, Lara," he said genuinely, locking eyes with hers. "I'll never subject ye tae such a situation again, unless ye want it."

A smile tugged at the corners of Lara's lips. She couldn't help it. He was so earnest.

"I'm sorry," Darragh added, his hand falling away from her face. "I didnae mean tae take advantage of ye."

"Ye-ye didnae, it's all right," Lara assured him, feeling a pang of disappointment at the loss of his touch.

He took another step closer, and she could feel the heat radiating off his body.

And then, like a complete lunatic, she turned her back to him and ran away. Darragh called after her, laughing, trailing her. A smile came unbidden to her lips. For the first time in her life, she was playing the role of a flirt.

As she ran, her heart swelled with joy, and she thought of the old adage about how a person should live life to the fullest. Maybe it was time she put it into practice. "I’ve been meaning to say tae ye," Darragh shouted, coming up behind her, "that launching yerself at those men in the cave, without kenning a thing about combat, was highly irresponsible, lass."

"Well, I only did the same as ye," Lara teased him. "Besides, I didnae ken what else tae dae!"

"Well, there's always the option of nae fighting at all," Darragh pointed out, the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Nae a very honorable choice," Lara shot back, grinning at him.

"Nae, but definitely the safest," Darragh countered, his expression turning serious as he drew nearer.

"I disagree, not if they would have captured me to sell me like some beast at a market, or worse. I’d rather be dead," she told him with an involuntary shiver.

When Darragh caught up to her with a few steps, he grabbed her hand. The two of them stared at each other for a long moment, neither of them saying anything. Finally, Darragh cleared his throat, "It's dangerous out here, Lara. Let's make sure ye can handle yerself better next time."

With a playful smile, he took a step closer and placed a hand on her shoulder, pulling her closer to him.

"Are ye ready for yer lesson, lass?"