Chapter Four
"The laird wishes to see you in the library," Tavia whispered to Anna as she got up from the table after breaking her fast the next morn. "I'll show you where 'tis."
Anna nodded, her stomach giving a wee flutter at the thought of seeing Neacal again. She had not slept well last night, despite the chamomile and willow bark tea Tavia supplied her with. Everything replayed in her mind, over and over, giving her nightmares—the attack and Neacal coming to her rescue.
Her sore muscles aching, she followed the healer down a short corridor off the great hall and into a room with a large oak table. Standing by the fireplace, Neacal glanced toward her when she entered. Why had he not eaten breakfast in the great hall? She'd certainly missed his sharp gaze upon her. His massive wolfhound sat beside him, panting happily.
She curtseyed as Tavia exited the room, leaving the door open.
"Mistress Douglas." He gave a deep nod.
"A good morn to you, Laird MacDonald," Anna said.
"Neacal," he reminded her. His husky voice only made her heart rate increase as did his rapt attention.
"Aye, Neacal. You must call me Anna." Although she felt a strong connection to him because of the ordeal in the shed last evening, she felt decadent calling him by his given name, especially since anyone could be listening from the corridor.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Sore all over from the struggle, but no pain other than that. And you?"
He shook his head. "I wasn't injured."
"Thank the saints." Even though he was the most skillful fighter she'd ever watched, when he'd been fighting Farquar, she'd feared the worse—that the hulking guard would cut him down. Besides that, Neacal had already been injured enough for two lifetimes. "I am most grateful for your help," she said. "And I thank God you arrived when you did. How did you know I was being attacked?"
"I was on the battlements with Dunn. He heard your screams first, then I did. We rushed down to help."
"Oh, I must thank you too, Dunn." She moved forward and stroked the coarse brown fur on the dog's head. He wiggled closer to her, sniffing, wagging his tail. "You're a good lad. Aye, you are." How she loved dogs or any friendly animals. She ruffled his fur.
When she glanced up, she found Neacal watching her hands with a profound intensity. Did he not wish her to pet his dog? She stepped back, clasping her hands in front of her. Neacal's gaze lifted to hers while Dunn followed her, placing his head beneath her hand again. She smiled, giving in to the sweet pup.
"Leave her be, Dunn," Neacal said.
"Nay, I like him."
"Spoiled rogue," Neacal muttered, maintaining his disapproving scowl, but the hint of amusement beneath was obvious.
Anna couldn't help that her smile widened. She was happy to see that, despite the dark and forbidding air that hung about Neacal, he had a hidden, dry sense of humor.
"What on earth were you doing out in that shed at gloaming?" he asked.
"Helping Mistress Pottenger by feeding her cat. Her knee was paining her and she didn't feel like walking that far." She shrugged. "Besides, I love animals."
He quirked a brow. "I thought cats caught their own prey. Plenty of rats and mice about, especially out where the grain and hay are stored."
"Aye, they do, but the wee black one has a litter of kittens. We wished her to have some extra food."
"I see." Neacal observed her closely. Her smile and her green eyes, dancing with humor, bewitched him. Not only did she sing like an angel, she was also kind to small animals and elderly cooks. 'Haps she was an angel in truth.
She lifted her warm, caressing gaze to his. "I didn't think there would be any danger. 'Twas late but not dark out."
"Regardless of the hour, you should always be safe within these walls. But, until I ken who is trustworthy among the guards and clansmen, 'tis best that you not go outside alone."
She sobered. "Very well."
The way she stroked Dunn's head distracted Neacal. Never had he envied a dog before now. How would her small, delicate hands feel caressing him? Smooth and cool?Don't be daft, man. She wouldn't want to touch your scarred face and body.
"Do you think more of your guards are untrustworthy?" she asked softly.
