Page 89 of Deception of a Highlander

Mariel suppressed a shudder of unease. “It’s a warning. Aaron is displeased with the length of time I am taking and wants me to know.”

A groan sounded at her feet from Hamish’s crumpled form.

The young warrior struggled to a standing position. His ruddy cheeks were a darker red than usual, and his glare was focused on her. She had wounded the pride of a boy just turning into a man. The days of his indifference were over.

Kieran, however, did not seem to notice or care. “Hamish, go tell the lads to get the horses ready for a long trip and gather nine of my best warriors. We leave in two hours.”

The narrowed look of betrayal on Hamish’s face furrowed into confusion. “Ye’re helping her?”

Kieran gave him a stern look. “Ye have yer orders, now go.”

Hamish kept his angry stare fixed on Mariel and trudged out of her cell in compliance with orders he clearly did not agree with.

Kieran turned toward Mariel with a shuttered expression. “Let’s get ye some food before we ride out.” He strode toward the stairs. When she did not follow, he returned to her cell once more. “Are ye no’ hungry?”

Mariel cast him a wary look and took a slow step forward. “Are you saying I can leave?”

“Aye, ye need to eat a solid breakfast before we ride.” He paused and looked down at her. “I can trust ye?”

“You can,” she said with conviction. “You definitely can.”

* * *

Kieran leaned against the rough bark of a tree and gazed into the heart of the clearing spread before him. The figures of his men were outlined against the shadows cast by the setting sun where they trained. The mock fighting was arduous after a long day of travel but necessary. Witnessing Mariel’s unique attack style had made that evident.

Were it not for her instruction, Kieran’s men would have been at a disadvantage during the attack, at least for the first minutes. With an army of only ten, minutes made all the difference.

Soon, this would be over. The threat against his life would be removed, and once again, his family would be safe.

In the distance, Mariel’s lithe form arched backward in a neat flip, successfully avoiding Hamish’s blade. The lad still stung from the insult of being bested by a woman—a fact evident in the way he fought. His blade whipped in angry arcs toward her, powered by fury and the need to redeem himself. Lacking the finesse he’d been instructed to use.

Mariel avoided each swipe of the blade as though she were anticipating the movements. Inevitably, Hamish began to tire. His sword lowered for the slightest second, but that was all she needed. Her foot caught Hamish’s sword hand and sent the weapon to the ground. She wasted no time spinning behind him and then pressed her dagger against his neck. Her hand on his shoulder signaled his defeat.

Kieran had to admit he was impressed with her fighting skills. While unconventional, they were effective. The complicated rolls and tumbles she executed made her impossibly fast.

Not only was she a strong opponent, but she also handled the men incredibly well. She remained patient as she explained maneuvers and instructed without fear or hesitation. Her energy was as endless as her patience, and she performed the same moves over and over again when requested. Most impressive of all, though, was the way the men responded to her.

Initially, Kieran had thought the men would bristle under the direction of a woman, especially once they learned the reason for her presence and the goal of their mission. However, over the last two days, she had won over every man in the group.

He eyed Hamish stewing in the shade over his defeat. Almost every man.

Kieran himself had spoken little to Mariel outside of tactical discussions. Unfortunately, not talking did not mean he was unaware of her presence, particularly when she insisted on wearing the black men’s clothing while training.

She did not appear to realize the way the fabric hugged the rounded curve of her arse and accentuated her long limbs. Certainly, she had no idea the way her full breasts strained against the shirt or how evident her nipples were when they pebbled in the sharp spring air. Underneath, he knew, she was perfumed silk and creamy flesh. Despite all that had transpired between them, he could not stop his mind from the lustful thoughts or his cock from rising hard against his belly.

To calm his desire, he shifted his gaze to where Colin and Alec were locked in battle. Even from her position several paces away, Mariel offered praise and instruction to the two.

There had been a dark change in her since their departure. She joked with the men periodically and offered uplifting comments but was otherwise silent and kept to herself. The delicate features of her face were usually strained in a frown, and her brow furrowed while she stared into nothing, as though running through the battle plan in her head. She had the focus of a warrior.

No longer did he doubt anything she’d told him, yet it changed nothing. She was an assassin, and he was a laird protecting his family.

Mariel jogged to where Kieran stood and scooped a ladle of water from the pail beside him. Her chin tilted upward, and the milky expanse of her neck was exposed as she parted her lips and drank deeply. Her cheeks were flushed from the exertion of her training. A droplet of water clung to her lower lip, and her tongue flicked out unconsciously to catch it. Kieran’s groin tightened. The scent of roses caressed him and brought back a rush of memories he could not fight.

She was not looking at him, though. Like a good leader, she watched over the men as they fought.

“I have yet to train with you, Kieran.” Her voice was gentle, and her tone without malice.

He grunted. “Havena I already bested ye twice?”