“They’re merely curious,”he told her quietly. “They rarely see me with a woman who isnae me maither or sister.”
Gabriella glanced backat him then, her blue eyes wide. “What will they think?”
“It doesnae matter what they think,”he replied bluntly. “Ye’re under me protection. That’s all they need to ken.”
They reached the village square,bustling with market day activity. Stalls displayed everything, from fresh bread to hand-forged tools. The crowd parted for them, whispers following in their wake.
Hector guidedhis mount toward the seamstress’s shop at the far end of the square—a tidy stone building with colorful fabrics displayed in its window.
Noah dismounted first,scanning the area with practiced efficiency before approaching to help Gabriella down. She hesitated, her body tensing again.
Something dark shotthrough Hector at the sight of another man reaching for her.
How dare he?
The thought was irrational,possessive, but it blazed through him nonetheless.
“I’ll take her,”he growled, his voice carrying a warning edge as he fixed Noah with a harsh glare.
The younger man’shands froze mid-reach, and he stepped back with a knowing look that only irritated Hector further.
Hector sliddown from the saddle in one fluid motion. He reached up and gripped her waist, lifting her easily down to the ground. His hands lingered a moment longer than necessary, his fingers spanning her narrow waist possessively, as if marking his territory for anyone who might be watching.
Gabriella steadiedherself by placing her palms against his chest. For a heartbeat, they stood frozen, their bodies nearly touching, her face tilted up to his. The memory of their kiss flared between them, hot and demanding.
A merchant’scall broke the moment. Gabriella stepped back quickly, smoothing her skirts with trembling hands.
“Noah,”Hector said, not taking his eyes off Gabriella’s flushed face, “remain with the horses. Keep watch.”
“Aye, Me Laird,”Noah replied, his expression neutral, though his eyes glinted with humor.
Hector placedhis hand on the small of Gabriella’s back, guiding her toward the seamstress’s shop. He noted how people bowed their heads respectfully as they passed, how conversations dieddown, how even the most boisterous merchants tempered their calls in the presence of their Laird.
Throughout it all,Gabriella walked beside him, her spine straight, her chin lifted. But he felt the slight tremors under his palm, saw how her eyes darted from face to face, reading their curious expressions.
“Ye’re safe with me, Gabriella,”he murmured in her ear. He studied her profile, his gaze steady and unwavering. “I give ye me word—nay harm will come to ye while ye’re under me protection.”
Her gaze met his then,something flickering in their blue depths that made his blood run hot. Understanding, perhaps. Or something deeper.
They reachedthe seamstress’s door, Noah taking up position outside with a vigilance that would have made any castle guard proud.
Hector opened the door,the bell above it tinkling softly.
“After ye, lass,”he said, gesturing for Gabriella to enter the world of fabrics and finery that awaited them.
The seamstress’sshop was unlike anything Gabriella had ever seen. Rolls of fabric lined the walls—rich wools in jewel tones,fine linens in soft pastels, and even bolts of silk that caught the light like water. The scent of lavender and beeswax filled the air.
A plump womanwith graying hair bustled forward. Her eyes widened at the sight of Hector, and she dropped into a hasty curtsy.
“Laird McCulloch!What an honor! How may I serve ye today?”
Hector’s presenceseemed to fill the small shop. He stood with his feet planted firmly on the floor, his shoulders squared—every inch the Laird. Gabriella found herself shrinking slightly in his shadow.
“Mistress Ross,”he greeted, his deep voice carrying the easy authority of one accustomed to command. “I require a complete wardrobe for Lady Gabriella. Everythin’ a lady might need.”
The seamstress’seyes lit up as she turned to assess Gabriella. “Everythin’, ye say?”
“Day dresses, ridin’habits, evenin’ gowns,” Hector listed. “Proper undergarments, nightclothes, cloaks for all seasons.”
