The Highlander's Promise by Aileen Adams

Author:Aileen Adams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AilAd

8

ARRAN

When Arran had walked into the tavern earlier that night, without Myrnella, Sarah had been immediately on edge. But as he explained his plans for the evening, Sarah’s smile only grew wider before she got to work helping him pack. He had spent the day watching Myrnella take in the shops and people with a look in her eye, as if she was a newcomer. Arran was only too aware of how her shoulders had relaxed and her pace had slowed as the day went on, not from exhaustion but from relief. After watching her with Shadow, seeing how affectionate she had been with his horse, Arran decided she needed a night off from the tavern.

In the time he had been here, he had yet to see her take a little time for herself. If there was not a customer to serve, then she had found something else that needed doing—cleaning, organizing, bookkeeping. She had only taken time for herself to bathe and wash her clothes and even that felt hurried to Arran, like she did not want to sit still for too long and allow her mind and body to rest. But today was different.

She had spent the afternoon on his arm pointing out details and laughing, soaking in the sun. He had hoped his plans for their dinner would create space for her to unwind. He had also hoped that getting her out of the tavern would give them the chance to talk more about Duran and Drake. Arran could not shake the feeling that Myrnella knew more than she was saying. Arran had made a promise to Duran, to avenge his death and keep his widow safe. He intended to fulfill that vow.

As Shadow carried them out of town, the pair stayed quiet. In fact, it was the quietest they had been all day. Arran was not sure if it was the proximity that made him hold his breath or hoping she liked his surprise, but none of the words that started to form in his mouth felt right. So he said nothing.

The bright blue of the day faded into a gentle mix of yellows and oranges. The breeze that had kept them cool all day had turned into something brisk that made Myrnella shiver ever so slightly. Arran nudged closer to her, pulled her back into him, and wrapped his arms around her middle. A sigh almost slipped from him as he settled into her warm embrace. She was soft in all the right places, smelling of honey and something citrus. He could not remember a horse ride he enjoyed this much.

“Where are we going, Arran?” Myrnella’s voice was a whisper in the wind.

“Ye are nae the only one who has their favorite spots in this town.”

“Och, is that right?” Their conversation had quickly shifted from something tense to something playful.

“Aye, ‘tis. I lived here long enough to discover parts of these braes and lochs that no one else kens about.”

“No one? He did nae show even Duran these places of yers?”

“Not even him.

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