Page 64 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

“Be careful, Creagan,” she warned.

“I haven't said anything.”

“You don't need to. That ridiculous smile says enough.”

“I rather like my smile.”

“I imagine you do.”

“Women seem to like it as well.”

“Then perhaps you should go find one of them.”

“Is that a command?” he challenged.

“Nay,” she was quick to say.

“A pity.” He chuckled. “That one I would have enjoyed obeying.”

She shook her head again and walked toward the window.

Creagan watched her go, but his amusement slowly faded. The exchange had distracted him for a moment from what he had seen in her eyes.

Concern.

Whatever she wanted from him was troubling her deeply.

“Torden warned me not to underestimate you.”

“He was wise to do so.”

“He also said there was more to whatever you command than what you say.”

Eudora turned sharply. “Torden was told not to discuss his task.”

“He didn't. He simply told me what he observed.” Creagan paused. “And I observe far more than Torden does.”

“I somehow doubt that.”

“You shouldn't,” he cautioned and moved closer again, stopping a few feet from her. “Tell me what you need.”

Instead of answering, she surprised him with a question of her own.

“What do you need, Creagan?”

The answer should have come easily. Wine. A comfortable bed. A willing woman. All things he had enjoyed and would happily enjoy again. Instead, he thought of Fay and Tate. Their farm. Their children running to greet him. He remembered holding Peter and Jennie when they were newborns, their tiny bodies fitting easily in arms strong enough to wield a sword.

And with the memory came the same realization he'd tried not to dwell upon since leaving them. He wanted that. A home that was his. A woman who waited for him there. Bairns who ran to him because he was their father and not merely a welcome visitor passing through.

The longing struck harder than it had before. Maybe because he did not want to admit that those things were not meant to be for him in this life.

Creagan glanced at Eudora and found her watching him, too closely.

He smiled. “I need very little.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I think you avoid the question.”

“I learned from you.”