Page 66 of Wicked Kilted Highlander

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

Darragh burst through the door to the chamber where Lara was lying, his heart pounding with relief and love at the news she had finally awakened. Rushing to her bedside, he drank in the sight of her, eyes open, looking right at him.

Alive.

"Lara," he breathed, barely able to speak her name. He reached for her hand, clasping it between both of his own. Her skin felt warm.

She smiled weakly up at him. "Darragh."

His name on her lips nearly undid him. Hot tears stung his eyes, but he blinked them back, not wanting her to see his torment.

"How are ye feeling?" He kept his voice soft, gentle.

"Weak. Tired." She sighed. "What happened?"

Darragh tensed. He couldn't tell her the truth, not yet. "Ye fell ill," he hedged. "But ye're on the mend now."

She nodded, seeming to accept it. Darragh let out a quiet breath. As long as she was awake, as long as she was alive, nothing else mattered.

He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. She leaned into his touch ever so slightly, igniting a spark deep in his core. He wanted to cherish his moments with her.

Darragh pulled Lara into a tender embrace, wrapping his strong arms around her petite frame. He held her close, relishing the warmth of her body against his, the steady thump of her heartbeat. Gently, he pressed his lips to her forehead in a feather-light kiss.

Gil, Quinn, and Elsie – who were all keeping vigil – looked at each other. Seeing the intimate moment between Darragh and Lara, they exchanged knowing looks.

"We'll give ye some time alone," Gil said quietly.

Quinn nodded. "Glad ye’re awake, sister."

Elsie smiled at her sister. "We're right outside if ye need anything."

The three slipped out, shutting the door behind them.

Alone now, Darragh gazed down at Lara, his heart swelling. There was still so much he longed to tell her, so much he needed her to know. But for now, it was enough just to have her there, have her close. He tenderly brushed his thumb over her cheek.

"I'm so happy ye're awake," he murmured. "So very happy."

Lara gave him a tired but radiant smile. "Me too."

They stayed that way for a long moment, simply holding each other, hearts full. The rest of the world faded away until it was just the two of them. And for now, that was everything Darragh needed.

His heart ached as he looked into Lara's bright blue eyes. There was still so much weighing on him that he longed to tell her. Instead, he mustered a smile, trying to keep the storm of emotions inside him from showing through.

"I'm just so relieved tae see ye awake and recovering," he said, taking her small hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "We were all so worried about ye, lass. But ye're a fighter, always have been."

Lara tilted her head curiously. "What exactly happened? Why was I unconscious?"

Darragh tensed slightly. "Ye were poisoned. We still dinnae ken by whom or why. But ye're safe now, and we'll get to the bottom of it."

“What?” she gasped. “Who would do that to me and why?”

He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Dinnae ye worry, lass, we are working on it. Just focus on getting yer strength back. The rest can wait."

Lara nodded, though her brows furrowed with concern. Darragh could see the questions swirling in her mind. But true to form, she did not press or pry.

Instead, she simply said, "I'm glad ye’re here. I…" She paused, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I feel safe with ye near."

Darragh's heart swelled at her words. If only Harris would understand, he thought. The bittersweet knowledge that he would soon have to leave her side gnawed at him.