Page 42 of Secrets of a Kilted Seduction

Knox laughed as Alana looked at them both in puzzlement. “What fer?”

“Ach, I’ll let him explain it tae ye,” the laird replied. “I must be on me way tae the stables and tae get goin’.” He put out his hand to Tadhg and they shook heartily and clapped each other on the back in a manly fashion.

Then he turned and bowed gallantly to Alana and kissed her hand. “Goodbye tae ye, me friends. It’s been a real pleasure tae meet ye. Take care of yerselves, and make sure tae come and visit me when ye get the chance. I’d be delighted tae have ye as me guests.”

“Thank ye, Knox, I hope we can take ye up on that kind offer sometime soon,” Tadhg said.

“Aye, it’s been grand tae make yer acquaintance, Knox,” Alana added.

“All right. I’m off. Hope tae see ye soon again,” Knox called over his shoulder as he strolled off in the direction of the stables.

“Have ye got everythin’ ye need?” Tadgh asked her.

“Aye, here’s the medicines, and here’s a few of me things,” she replied, handing them over. He stowed them neatly in her saddlebag and then handed her up onto the mare’s back. He swung himself up onto his stallion.

“Are ye sure ye still want tae come with me?” Tadhg asked suddenly.

“Aye, of course. Did I nae say so?”

“I just wanted tae make sure ye hadnae changed yer mind.”

“Nay, I havenae.” She glanced uneasily around the courtyard, wondering if prying eyes were watching them. She could see nothing, but for some reason, she felt safer going scouting with Tadhg than she did staying at her father’s castle. “Come on, let’s get out of here before the whole place sees us leavin’.

“Aye, let’s go,” Tadhg agreed. They gently kicked up their mounts and trotted out of the castle gates side by side.

“How far is this place we’re suppose tae be headin’ fer?” she asked when they were underway.

“Over a day’s ride. We’ll have tae find somewhere tae camp overnight tonight and carry on tomorrow.”

She looked up at the sky. The sun had not long come up, but its warmth was being blocked by scudding clouds driven by a stiff breeze. “It looks like we might have some rain later, so I hope we can find somewhere tae shelter where we willnae get wet.”

“I’ll find us somewhere, dinnae worry yer head about that. I’ll nae let ye get wet,” he promised.

She had to smile. “I appreciate that ye always have me back, Tadhg, but even ye cannae control the weather.”

“I’m nae stupid enough tae think I can. I cannae stop the rain from fallin’, but I can find us somewhere dry and warm tae sleep.”

“I’m curious, what is this business with ye and Knox? How come ye said he owes ye?”

Tadgh laughed and then explained what had happened and the reason why he had not recognized Knox at first.

“So, ye really saved his bacon by the sound of it,” Alana observed when he had finished. “Ye’re a bit of a hero, eh?” she said teasingly, secretly impressed by his bravery.

“That’s me, the big hero,” he said, waggling his eyebrows and making her laugh. They rode in companiable silence for a while, and Alana was surprised to find she felt quite relaxed in his company.

“This reminds me of old times.” she said, feeling a little sad as she recalled their former happiness. “D’ye remember all the times we used tae go riding together?”

He glanced over at her. “D’ye really have tae ask? They’re engraved in me memory, Alana.”

That touched her deeply. “Aye, mine too. I tried tae forget them, but it seems they willnae go away,” she confessed.

“We could have them again if ye were nae so stubborn,” he said matter-of-factly.

“But I am,” she replied. “Very stubborn. And with good reason. I’ve nae wish tae get me heart trampled all over again by ye.”

“Aye, so ye’ve said a hundred times,” he replied, with sigh so heavy with regret, she could not help but feel a bit sorry for him. But she reminded herself of the pain he had once caused her. He’s a good man, and he takes care of ye, but he’s nae the same man ye used tae love.

“Let’s nae talk about past, it makes me feel said,” he said after a while. “Tell me what ye made of that business at the council meetin’ yesterday.”