Page 27 of Nyall

“Hi, there.” Caroline appeared at his side, a bundle of linen in her arms. “Looking for me?”

He stepped back from her. “Duncan sent some salve and bandages for your hand.”

“Duncan did, huh?” Her lips curved as she opened the door. “Come in.”

Nyall considered shoving the medical supplies at her and leaving, but he needed to see that her wound was healing first. Following her inside, he tried not to watch her as she placed the bundle on the bed. She had just bathed, judging by the dampness of her hair and sweet smell of her skin, and had dressed in a long tunic and trews that fit her better than the last set of garments she’d worn. His gaze shifted to the wet suit she’d hung on the drying rack by the window as he tried to distract himself, but then she gestured for him to follow her.

“It’s easier to do this over here,” she said, leading him to the bed, where she sat down and held out her hand in the lamp light.

Gathering himself, Nyall walked over and put down the supplies before he took hold of her wrist and inspected the cut. It had already scabbed over well, as if she had cut herself a week past instead of a day, and showed no signs of festering.

“It’s fine,” Caroline said, and eyed the crock of salve. “I don’t want that on it, either. I don’t know what’s in it, but it stinks like old sneakers.”

“Duncan makes salves that heal, no’ perfume. ’Tis due to the yarrow, which helps healing.” From her expression that wasn’t going to sway her, and the cut did appear almost healed. “At least permit me bandage you.”

“I’m going diving again tomorrow,” she warned as he began winding the linen around her finger. “Lark needs some abalone shells for button making. Brochan needs more shellfish. I need not to go crazy and climb the walls.”

Nyall knew only too well what she meant; he’d often experienced an overwhelming need to escape the stronghold just after Tiree’s death. It disturbed him how much he wished he could go with her. He’d never resented his duties until this moment, but his desires meant nothing. Serving the clan had to come before what he wished to do.

“You shouldnae go alone.” He took out his short knife to cut the bandage, and tucked the end under the edge to hold it. “I shall send a guard with you.”

“I don’t need guarding.” She deliberately ducked her head to look into his eyes. “I won’t bleed in the water, and if I see any sharks, I’ll come ashore.”

“’Tis likely you shallnae see the white-mouth until ’tis just upon you.” As she jerked her hand out of his grasp his temper shredded. “Mistress Parish, you claim you ken the nature of such creatures, and how they may attack without warning or reason. ’Tis one hunting in our waters that killed and devoured at least one man and a dozen new lambs. Dinnae behave like some fool maiden.”

Thunder resounded outside, as if warning him to remain calm.

“Right, because I’m a woman, and I can’t think for myself with my lady brain. You know where the door is, Captain.” She got off the bed, and when he caught her arm she looked down at his hand. “You really want to do this with me? I don’t fight fair. Ask Shaw.”

“Nor I.” Nyall slid his hand from her elbow to her shoulder. “I ken what ’tis burning inside you, Caroline. I’ve carried the same for all my life. Only ken that willfulness, ’twillnae protect you in the sea. Nor shall your anger.”

She bowed her head, her dark hair covering her face from his gaze, and then she leaned against him, her arms circling his waist. The wordless embrace startled him, and then sent a wave of lust through him so intense he thought he might drag her over to the bed, and tear off her garments. From the manner with which she pressed her hands against his back he suspected she wanted the same. Then she moved away from him, stiffly and slowly, as if it cost her to do so.

“I am angry, and stubborn, and I don’t like being told what to do, especially by men,” Caroline said, her voice dropping low. “Only I’m not stupid or reckless. I’ve been diving since I was a child, and I know how to take care of myself in the water. I’ve faced dozens of sharks over the years, and I know how to deal with them.”

She wanted his trust, Nyall realized, before she gave him hers.

“Look at me.” When she lifted her head he reached out to brush some dark strands from her cheek, and then pressed his fingers against the soft warmth of her skin. “’Tis my duty, telling others what they may or maynae do here. ’Tis but so I may protect the lives of all who dwell on the island. Dinnae take my words for more than such.”

“So, that’s it? You just want to keep me alive?” Her eyes widened as he bent his head and brushed a kiss on her mouth. “Captain.”

“’Tis more I wish, Caroline. You drag at me with a glance. You’re lovely beyond words.” He sifted his fingers through her dark locks, relishing the silken slide against his skin. “I imagine reasons so I may see you, and speak with you, and touch you. A woman I’ve ken but two days. ’Tisnae the time for such, my lady. I’ll wager you think the same.”

She pressed her lips together, but then nodded.

“Agree that you’ll no’ swim out beyond the shallows, and speak with no Selseus but the commander,” he suggested, releasing her and stepping back. “’Twill spare me much grief and great distraction.”

“Jamaran is asking his king if I can visit their settlement.” She folded her arms. “If Merrick gives me permission, I’m going. I don’t need yours.”

Nyall gave her a stiff nod. “He shall ever look after you well. Fair night.”

“Captain,” she said before he reached the door. “If this happens, I want you to come with us. I’m really only safe when I’m with both of you.”

She could not have said anything more pleasing, or maddening, to him. “Aye, my lady.”

From there Nyall went to the lists, drawing his sword as he stepped onto the hard-packed dirt. Three clansmen stood practicing throwing daggers at targets; all of them bowed, collected their blades and abruptly left.

As if I’m Shaw in a temper, Nyall thought as he marched toward the target posts.