"Did you two have children?" Rebbie asked.
Her breath halted and her heart thudded in her ears so loudly she could hear naught else for a few moments. "One son," she said, unable to bring herself to look intoRebbie'seyes. "He's staying with his aunt and uncle temporarily—his guardian. They dote on him. With the large debt Stanbury left, we had to sell the furniture and most everything… and release the household servants from employment on the Stanbury Estate. And, of course, I had to seek employment with my cousins." She snapped her mouth closed, perplexed as to why she'd blurted out so much.
"Damnation," Rebbie muttered. "All because of gambling."
"Aye." She ventured a glance at him, hoping—nay, praying—he wouldn't ask more about Jamie. She wasn't a talented liar when it came down to it. "Where are you from?" she asked, both curious and hoping to change the subject.
"Castle Rebbinglen is northwest of Aberdeen. I haven't been there in over a year."
She wondered why he rarely went home. "Do you travel a lot?"
"Aye."
"Where have you been most recently?"
He recounted some of the adventures he'd told Lachlan a week ago, when she'd been eavesdropping. But 'twas clear he tamed it down for a lady's ears.
Finally, the roasted rabbit finished cooking and they ate in the firelight while he told her more fascinating tales and adventures, usually involving Lachlan and Dirk. Because he'd mentioned Dirk had red hair, she figured he might have been the man who'd been sitting at the table with Rebbie that night inStirling. Regardless, she couldn't remember ever enjoying a meal more than the one she was now eating. How odd, considering where they were.'Twasbecause she had his company.
Rebbie was stunned to realize there were few things he liked more than Calla's smile. He'd even gotten one laugh out of her with one of his stories, which was doubly rewarding.
Their meal was finished and he craved lying with her upon the plaid blanket, but that would not be smart. He knew that as soon as his body touched hers, he would want her. He didn't wish her to think he would take advantage of her, just because he'd rescued her.
But if she decided to seduce him again, as she had years ago, he would be all for it. Excitement thundered through his heart at the mere thought of it.
"I'm sorry to say there are no feather beds in this grand castle to sleep upon," he said. "But I have two plaids we can roll up in and stay warm."
She nodded, giving him a shy smile. "Sounds good to me."
'Slud!He wanted to feel her in his arms so badly he ached. He shoved himself to his feet and spread out the other blanket so they formed an L shape near the fire.
"Lie down if you wish. I'll be right back."
Outside, he relieved himself, removed Devil's saddle, then led the horse to the small stream to drink in the moonlight. Upstream, he refilled the small flask.
When he returned inside, Calla lay on one blanket on her side, with it wrapped over her. Her head rested on her bent arm. She looked so fetching, he was tempted to lean down and kiss her. But he couldn’t do that.
He lay down on the other blanket and pulled the back portion of it over him. "Goodnight, fair and bonny lass."
Her gaze leapt to him, and she sent him a quirked smile. "Goodnight, rebel Highlander."
He snorted a laugh, wondering who she had been listening to.
There was so much more he wanted to say—lie here with me, sweet Calla. I'll keep you safe and warm.
But, nay, he'd become far more than warm. No doubt, his body would turn scorching if she snuggled up beside him.
***
The horse's wild neigh woke Rebbie. Devil sounded as if he'd gone mad. "What the hell?" He leapt up and ran to the door.'Twasso dark out, he could see little. "Devil, what is it?"
The horse blew harshly through his nostrils and snorted. He'd caught the scent of something.
"Shh, lad." Rebbie stroked his muzzle.
"What's wrong?" Calla asked, standing behind him.
"I know not." He returned to the fire and took up one of the thick sticks with one flaming end to use as a torch, then he pulled out a pistol. "Stay here," he told Calla. "Devil won't allow anything through that door. He'll kick the hell out of it and trample it to the ground, whether 'tis man or beast."
