Page 111 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

Ailis clung to him. She could feel his heart pounding beneath her cheek.

“I was so frightened.”

“I ken.” His hand moved slowly over her back. “I have ye.”

Her fingers tightened around his coat as she inhaled his scent and let it whoosh through her till she started to relax.

She had been angry with him and was still angry with him, but none of it mattered now.

I am more grateful that he is here.

Gordon’s hand moved to the back of her head, smoothing her tangled hair. “Ye are safe.”

Ailis closed her eyes. For one fleeting moment, she felt something warm brush the top of her head.

A kiss.

Or perhaps she only imagined it. She did not care.

When Gordon drew back, his hands remained on her shoulders.

“Are ye hurt?” His eyes searched hers as his hands moved down her arm.

“Nay.”

He looked at her scraped palms then glanced down at her feet.

His expression darkened as he rasped, “Ye are comin’ home.”

Before she could protest, he bent and lifted her into his arms. Ailis gasped softly then instinctively wrapped both arms around his neck.

Her exhaustion finally overcame her as she clung to him. Her eyes grew heavy as the darkness took her, and for the first time all evening, she was not afraid.

She simply let herself enjoy his warmth.

The next time Ailis opened her eyes again, she saw four worried faces staring down at her. Sorcha, Marion, Jane, and even Lileas, clutching Brochan against her chest, all stared at her with wide eyes.

Ailis blinked. “Where am I…?”

“Yer chamber,” Sorcha breathed.

Ailis tried to sit up, but Sorcha immediately pressed a hand against her shoulder.

“Slowly.”

Ailis looked around. Her own blankets surrounded her. The fire burned low in the hearth. Someone had changed her damp clothing, and a bowl of soup sat upon the table.

Lileas’ eyes were enormous and filled with tears. Ailis’ heart twisted at the sight. The little girl climbed carefully onto the edge of the bed.

“I thought ye were gone.”

Ailis reached for her.

“I daenae mean to frighten ye.”

Sorcha’s eyes filled with tears too as she whispered. “Ye frightened all of us.”

“I daenae mean to run. I merely wanted to clear me head, and then I lost me way, and the more I walked, the more lost I got, and I just…”