Page 100 of Deception of a Highlander

Colin hunkered his shoulders down with Jack settled securely atop them and lumbered through the trees like a crazed beast.

She glanced at Kieran from beneath the veil of her lashes. Jack would not be saved were not for him. His lies to her brother had been so convincing that she had almost believed them herself.

But she knew better.

She studied his serious profile, and her heart turned to lead. He looked straight ahead, his jaw clenched.

He would never forgive her for what she had done. His silence following her confession that morning was answer enough to how he felt. Regardless of the love that would never be returned, she did not regret her words.

She shifted her focus to Jack. He would be happy on Skye.

Yet her joy was hampered by her impending fate. The life she had been so ready to sacrifice for Jack’s had increased in worth with his freedom. She would not see him thrive in his new home and never get to savor the victory of securing the bond time had loosened between them. Her throat tightened.

Kieran had upheld his end of the bargain for Jack’s safe return. Now she would follow through with her promise and willingly face the public death of a traitor.

CHAPTER 39

Mariel cupped clear, icy water in her hands and splashed her face. Her lips stung with the sweat and grime that trickled down her chin to the rushing creek below. The few hours they’d traveled had felt like an eternity.

She scanned the surrounding trees once more. Jack had said he needed to relieve himself, and though she had been hesitant to let him leave her side, she knew he required his privacy.

He had been gone too long. Perhaps she should have asked one of the men to accompany him.

A twig snapped behind her. “Jack, you certainly took your time. I was about to come—”

“Ye’re lucky I dinna drop from a tree.”

Mariel spun around and found Kieran standing several paces behind her. Her heart slammed in her chest.

He had cleaned up from battle and tied his hair back, away from his unshaven jaw. A familiar ache lanced through her as she stared at the man she could never have. The man she would never stop loving.

“Jack is with Colin.” His black gaze met hers, and a warmth fluttered to life in the pit of her stomach.

“We need to talk,” he said. “There is much to say.”

He stepped closer, but she held out a hand to stop him. She had to speak now while she had the courage. If she caught the slightest whisper of warmth from his skin or breathed his comforting scent, her resolve would falter.

His dark brow rose, but he did not speak.

“First, I want to say thank you for your help in rescuing Jack. You were right. Such a feat would have been impossible on my own. Whether you believed me or not, you risked your life and those of your best warriors to come here. Because of you, Jack is safe. I don’t think I could ever thank you enough for what you’ve done for me.” She swallowed thickly.

If she did not say it now, perhaps she would not ever have the strength to do so. “I want you to know that I am not afraid to uphold my end of our agreement. When we return to Skye, I will face my punishment without a fight.” Her voice lowered. “I do not pretend to think I will receive anything better than a traitor’s death, and I am prepared.”

Kieran closed the distance between them, standing so close that the top of his chin could rest atop her head.

He cupped her face, his fingers gentle and his palms cool against the heat of her cheeks. “I have no intention of having ye killed, lass.”

She stepped away from him, refusing to allow any hope. “I’m a traitor,” she said.

“Ye are nae a traitor. Ye dinna have a choice.” He studied her for a brief moment before continuing, “I dinna know everything about yer past, but I do know ye’ve lived a hard life. Yet still, ye persevered and stayed true to what is most important.” The corner of his lip lifted in a slow smile. “I’m proud of ye.”

Her pulse raced. Was he serious? He truly did not believe she was a traitor even after all she had done.

His eyes searched hers. “I meant what I said to Jack. My life is better for having known ye.” He stepped in front of her once more and caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “I’m a better man because of ye.”

“Kieran,” she breathed, torn between wanting him to stop and needing him to continue. There could be nothing between them, not when she’d already hurt him so much. His words gave her hope she did not deserve. A hope that would never flourish.

His thumb pressed against her lips, silencing her. “I dinna interrupt ye this morning when ye talked. Dinna interrupt me now, aye?” The pressure of his thumb brushed to a delicate caress. “I asked ye something once before, and ye said no. At the time, I dinna understand yer reasoning, but now I understand ye did what ye knew in yer heart was right.”