Page 18 of Defy the Highlander

She was starting to sit up, fearful they might be spotted, but he pulled her back down onto the hay, his hand on her face, thumb caressing her cheek.

“Not tae worry,” he said. “Angus is still inside the stable and no one can see us here. Unless ye dunna want me tae kiss ye anymore. I’m presuming a great deal that ye’re enjoying it as much as I am.”

His hand against her face was tender, like nothing she’d ever experienced. “No one has ever wanted tae kiss me before,” she whispered.

“Lucky me.”

She laughed softly, but quickly sobered. “Lady Currie doesna like her maids tae be associated with men. That’s what I meant when I said we must be careful.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “Tynan’s mam is a maid.”

“Aye, but her husband is dead.”

Brody nodded in understanding. “Will she punish ye, then?”

Lilia shrugged vaguely. “I dunna know,” she said. “I’ve never had an association with a man before, but I told ye that Lady Currie is the jealous kind. I dunna want tae end up in the kitchen scrubbing floors because I’ve upset her.”

Brody thought on his response. Though he knew why she lived at Hawkhill thanks to Tynan, she had yet to tell him. He felt the overwhelming need to know everything about her because he’d never felt this way about anyone in his life. It was true that Lilia had saved him from the streets, so it was natural that he felt an obligation towards her. But what he felt at the moment went beyond obligation.

She was quickly getting under his skin.

“Why do ye serve her?” he asked. “Is it a family tradition?”

He thought he was rather clever the way he had asked her and Lilia was none the wiser. “In a way,” she said hesitantly. “My da used tae serve Laird Currie before he married Lady Currie. He served him and his father for many years. When my da became ill, Laird Currie paid for the physic. My da died and couldna repay him, so I came tae work off the debt.”

It was a simple, straightforward answer. “How long have ye been here?”

“Nearly two years.”

“Then the debt should almost be paid, I would think.”

Lilia didn’t look too pleased. “Laird Currie told me two years,” she said. “But Lady Currie wants me tae remain with her beyond that, so Laird Currie told me once that being a servant is the best life I can hope for. He made it seem as if this is the best I’ll ever have in life, but I know it’s not true.”

“What else will ye do if ye dunna serve here?”

Her eyes took on a warm glow. “Brody, do ye not wish for something more in life? A home of yer own, a wife, mayhap children. I wish for those things, but I want more – I can make the most beautiful clothing ye’ve ever seen given the proper fabric. I want tae make clothing for fine ladies and sell them for a good price.”

He smiled faintly. “’Tis a noble goal,” he said. “Does Lady Currie know?”

Lilia nodded unhappily. “She has me make her a new garment every week,” she said. “She doesna pay me for it – I work hard for nothing. I had hoped that would help pay off my father’s debt faster, but it makes Lady Currie want tae keep me with her forever.”

“I can imagine so,” he said. “When I asked ye what ye did for her, ye told me almost anything. Ye never mentioned ye were her seamstress.”

Lilia sighed heavily. “What does it matter?” she said. “She’ll not let me leave. I’ve made myself too valuable tae her.”

He was looming over her, propped up on an elbow. She looked so unhappy that he reached out, gently stroking her cheek.

“Ye’re very valuable,” he said softly. “So valuable that ye dunna belong here. Ye deserve tae be a seamstress for fine ladies and get paid for it, and have yer freedom, too. An angel with clipped wings canna fly.”

She smiled at his insightful words. “I hope tae,” she said. “Someday.”

“Would ye come with me if ye could?”

Her smile faded. “Come with ye where?”

He shifted so he was laying on the straw beside her, looking up at the roof of the shelter. “I’ll find a proper position,” he said. “I’ll earn money for the both of us and ye can sew tae yer heart’s content.”

She turned her head, looking at him curiously. “What are ye talking about, Brody?”