Lathir archeda curious brow.
Stunned by his thoughts, Rónán cleared his throat. “Aye, thatshe is, lass.”
A blush swept Lathir’s face as she wrapped the blanket around herself and stood. “I didna expect tosleep so long.”
“I am surprised that you have woken up before the sun has risen high in the sky.” Tighearnán set his hand on his daughter’s shoulder. “Órlaith, don your traveling garb. ’Tis time to head to the market to sell our catch.”
“Aye, Father.” After one quick glance at Rónán, the girl scrambled up the ladder. The rustle of clothing sounded as she hurried to dress.
“You are a fisherman?” Rónán asked.
“Aye.” Tighearnán withdrew a loaf of bread wrapped within a cloth, cut a few thick slabs of cheese, and laid out several oatcakes. “To break your fast.” He gestured toward an aged wooden chest in the corner. “There should be enough food inside to tide you over until we return this eve. Your garb hanging near the hearthshould be dry.”
Lathir moved beside Rónán. “I didna realize a townwas so close.”
He secured his broadsword, then tugged on his cape as his daughter hurried down the ladder. “’Tis a distance away, but we are traveling on horseback. If my food stores werena low, I wouldna be going now.” He smiled. “If the fish fetch a good price, in addition to restocking the larder”—he winked at his daughter—“mayhap I will purchasea few sweets.”
The child’s eyes danced with excitement as she donned her cloak, trimmed on the inside with fur. “I am ready!”
“So you are. On with you, then. I shall be there in a trice. And”— he handed her a broken piece of a carrot—“give this to the stubborn beast so he will take us without a fuss.”
With eyes dancing in delight, carrot clutched tight, the child scamperedfrom the hut.
Tighearnán nodded to Rónán, then Lathir. “I despise having to leave, ’tispoor manners.”
“There is little to regret,” Rónán said. “’Tis we who thank you for your hospitality.”
Concern lined his brow as the fisherman opened the door. “I am not expecting any visitors, but I suggest keeping the door barred whilewe are away.”
Tension slid through Rónán. “Are you expecting trouble?”
“Nay, but with the English sailing about in their effort to seize control of Ireland, ’tis prudent to remain cautious.” He slid asgian dubhinside his boot, another into his belt, then stepped out. Wind-tossed snow swirled inside as he tuggedthe door shut.
His body stiff, Rónán walked over, dropped the bar into place, turned, then stilled as Lathir’s gaze rested on him. Beneath the edge of sleep lingering in her eyes, he caught awareness. Nor with how her blanket had slipped from her shoulders did he miss the slender curves of her body, the lush swell of her breasts, or how her nippleshad grown taut.
He hardened, and silently swore. Onboard theAodh, with their survival bound by working together and danger ripe at every turn, he had been kept too busy to think of her, of the need she inspired. With them safe and alone, the hours ahead were filled with naught but the other. Nor could he overlook that she’d tended to him while naked, lain beside him throughout the night.
Rónán drew in a steadying breath. Regardless his attraction, he was a knight with naught to offer but his sword. “I thank youfor saving me.”
She pulled up the blanket to drape around her shoulders. “’Tis naught to thank. You would have done the same if I were in danger. Had Tighearnán not arrived when he did, I dinna know if I could have…” A shudder swept her.
“But he did. Because of your efforts, I am alive.” He hesitated, deciding, given his attraction to her, the best way to broach a topic he’d rather avoid. “Tighearnán called you my woman, said that you cared for me and checked on me throughout the night.”
She gave a visible swallow, nodded. “As a stranger, I thought ’twas best to allow him to believe we were—”
“’Twas.” He cleared his throat. “Your body’s warmth gave me great comfort.”
A slight blush crept up her face.
He had to ask. “I didna do anything untoward, did I?”
Surprise widened her eyes before they twinkled with mirth. “Are you asking if you touched me inappropriatelyin your sleep?”
His jaw tightened. “If I did,” he ground out,“I apologize.”
“You did naught but sleep.”
He nodded. “Do you trust him?” Rónán asked, thankful to shift the attention to their task, not her, or the way she made him feel, or the things shemade him want.
