He cradled her in his arms and she leaned against him, relishing being able to relax into his strength for a moment. "You need food but we have none at the moment," he said.
"Nay, I'm not hungry," she lied, for she didn't want him worrying about her so much. Besides, she had gone longer before without food. After they reached the castle, she would eat her fill.
"We're almost to the base of the mountain. Once there, we'll ride."
She nodded, hearing water splashing nearby. "I'll drink some water, then rest for a moment and I'll be fine."
He carried her to the narrow stream and set her onto her feet near a small waterfall.
"How beautiful," she said.
Dunn was already splashing through the water, downstream, and drinking.
Since her legs were too weak to crouch as Neacal did, and her skirts were already grimy from crawling through the tunnel, she knelt in the mud, washed her hands, then scooped clean water into her hand and drank it.
The water was icy and refreshing. Just what she needed. When she attempted to rise to her full height again, she tottered on weak legs and almost tumbled into the stream. Neacal caught her arm and pulled her against his hard chest.
"Careful, lass," he murmured then stroked a cool, damp hand along her cheek and jaw. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. His tongue was hot as it teased at her lips. She sank into this sensual dream. How could he so easily distract her from the danger at hand?
Dunn barked, startling Anna. She jumped away from Neacal and turned to find a sandy-haired stranger behind them.
"This is where you are, then!" The man grinned.
Shock and anxiety pounded through her.
"Colin! About time you showed up," Neacal said, smiling. He strode forward and gave the man a warrior handshake. "'Tis good to see you again."
A bit of relief flowed through Anna.
"Good to see you, too. It took me several days, but I finally managed to round up just over two dozen soldiers for you to add to your garrison. My men and I will stay a while and help, too."
"I thank you. Where are they?"
"Just beyond the trees." Colin motioned over his shoulder. "When we spotted you in the distance, I decided to slip up and see who was with you." He grinned at Anna.
Neacal turned to her. "Mistress Douglas, this is my friend and foster brother, Colin Cameron."
She forced herself to walk forward.
"A pleasure to meet you, mistress." The tall, handsome man took her hand and kissed the back.
"A pleasure, sir." Her face burning, Anna glanced to Neacal. She was still mortified that his friend had caught them kissing.
"How did you find us?" Neacal asked.
"'Twas not easy. We went to the castle first and learned you'd disappeared, so we came looking. Some of your clansmen are out searching for you elsewhere, too. What happened there?" Colin pointed at Neacal's sleeve where a bit of blood had stained it.
"A lead ball grazed my shoulder."
Colin frowned. "Who was shooting at you?"
"Mistress Douglas was attacked. 'Tis a long story. I'll tell you later. We need to get her back to Bearach as soon as possible. The ruffians will come back, certain sure."
Neacal lifted Anna to the pillion cushion behind his saddle, then mounted. He tugged her arms around his waist and they were off.
***
"I'm glad you're looking far more recovered than I expected," Colin said to Neacal when they stopped to water their horses an hour later. Eating the apple Colin had given her, Anna sat on a large rock a short distance away where Neacal could keep an eye on her.
