"Look out!" He bolted in her direction, grabbed her off her feet and kept going. The dead pine tree crashed to the ground behind them.
Calla screamed as did some of the other ladies.
Holding her tight, Rebbie turned and surveyed the damage. Short broken limbs had scattered everywhere. The other men had helped the women move back. "Is anyone hurt?" Rebbie called.
A few shook their heads and he could see no obvious injuries. He glanced down at Calla, still in his arms.
"Are you well?" he asked.
Eyes wide, she nodded, then glanced at the mangled tree. "Saints! I could've been killed." Her gaze returned to him. "I thank you, my laird."
"Rebbie," he said. "And you're welcome." He carried her back toward the others.
She stiffened. "I can walk."
"I ken it. I simply thought you might be a wee bit shaky after that." Indeed, she was still trembling in his arms. And he hated to realize how much he was enjoying carrying her. Though it had been years, his body remembered the feel of her slight weight and soft curves… which he appreciated far more than he could believe.
Near Elena and Angelique, he reluctantly lowered Calla to her feet. He would've much preferred carrying her to his horse and riding off with her to some private place, but that would be daft.
***
Calla stared back at Rebbie as he strode toward the other men. Angelique and Elena drew her into their arms. "Are you well, Calla?"
"Aye, thanks to Laird Rebbinglen."
"He is a true hero," Elena gushed.
"I can't imagine how terrified you must have been." Angelique shook her head.
"Indeed."
She had not known anything was amiss. Then, suddenly, someone yelled, grabbed her off her feet and ran with her. Her first thought was that she was being abducted. The loud crash of the tree had terrified her in truth.
But to find herself inRebbie'sarms had been most startling of all. He was indeed a strong and heroic warrior. Not like some of the thin-armed lairds she'd often seen in the Lowlands.
Thank the saints he hadn't revealed anything about their past connection. But she often felt his unfathomable midnight gaze upon her, and it made her hot and twitchy. What was he thinking?
Finally, her legs stopped trembling and she walked with the other women toward the horses.
As Rebbie approached them, her heartbeat tripled in speed. "Ready to mount, ladies?" he asked.
"Indeed, my laird," Elena said with excessive enthusiasm. "I'm ready to leave this wood before another tree falls. You see why I dislike the country?"
Nodding, he gave the lass a tight, impatient smile and helped her mount. Calla forced her gaze away. She did not like watching him touch Elena. But they were betrothed and might one day be married. Dark emotion flooded her veins.
He turned to Calla. "How are you feeling?"
"Much improved." She found it difficult to meet his concerned and perceptive gaze.
"I'm glad."
"I thank you again for saving my life. If you hadn't seized me from the ground…" Calla shook her head.
"No need tofashyourself over that now.'Tisover." His slight, reassuring smile appeared genuine.
When he came closer, her heart-rate sped up and she held her breath. His hands clasped her waist, and he easily lifted her into the saddle. Upon feeling his strength, her body tingled in ways it shouldn't have.
"I thank you."
