Page 8 of Wicked Kilted Highlander

"I’m willing tae take ye home, if ye wish it," he offered again. "But I will nae force ye."

Lara was quiet. He wondered if perhaps she was considering his offer, but he didn't dare push the matter. If she wished to return home, he would take her.

"I want tae return home as soon as possible," she finally told him.

"I understand." Darragh nodded.

Lara's voice was low, and she was clearly nervous. She wasn't able to meet his eyes as she spoke. "If ye could help me, I would be grateful. I dinnae have the means tae return home by meself, and I would like more than anything tae see me family again."

"Then ye need tae tell me where home is, lass. 'T'will be me pleasure tae return ye tae yer kin."

"'Tis… well… Lara hesitated. She sighed, running her hands over her face. "'Tis is a bit complicated."

"Aye, well, it seems that way. But I'll do what I can tae help ye."

Lara nodded. She hesitated before she spoke next.

"I'm… from MacLean lands."

Darragh stared at her thoughtfully. There was a beat of silence. "Why, then 'tis nae complicated at all. I ken it's a bit far from here but nae so much. We have the best horses and can be there in two days if the weather stays fine," he replied.

"Are ye sure?"

Darragh nodded. "Aye. Ye’ll be safe with me. I promise."

His mind began to turn, planning their trip ahead. It would not be such a diversion for him, for he was under no time pressure to sort out Aiden’s business at Castle MacNeil.

"I was leaving later today anyway. That’s why I had the kitchens pack up some provisions. I’ll see ye home safe first, though," he assured her. "But we should depart soon if we want to make up some miles afore sundown."

“That suits me, thank ye." She gave him a small smile and looked back to the window, watching the sun’s rays unfurling over the land. He saw the longing in her face and had an idea.

“Well, it’ll take a wee while to make ready, but we’ll leave as soon as we can. Perhaps ye’d like some fresh air and some time to yerself after being locked up for so long? Come on, I’ll show ye something."

Darragh led Lara out through the dimly lit hallways, their footsteps echoing softly as they navigated the stone passageways. He wanted to calm her obvious unease before they left, and he thought he knew a way to do it. The air began to change noticeably, growing fresher and lighter as they neared an exit. Pushing open a heavy wooden door, he stepped aside, revealing the secluded garden he had previously discovered hidden within the castle grounds.

"Here," he said, gesturing for her to enter. "I thought ye might like a moment of peace before we start our journey."

Lara glanced at him briefly before stepping outside. "Thank ye."

"If ye wish, we can wait until the morrow. I'd understand if ye'd rather nae travel immediately."

Lara paused, her back to him. She seemed to consider his words, but when she turned, her gaze was fierce.

"I would rather nae wait. I’ve waited enough already. If 'tis all right with ye, I’d love tae head home today."

Darragh gave her a solemn nod.

"Then we’ll depart as soon as our horses are prepared. We willnae make it all the way there in a day's ride, as I told you before, lass, mind ye," Darragh warned. "I ken of a small cottage we can stay in around halfway, if that would suit ye."

"Whatever ye think best."

He was glad to see her so composed. But he also noticed the way her hands shook ever so slightly and the dark shadows beneath her eyes. He couldn't blame her for feeling nervous. She had been through a lot.

"'T'will be just fer a night," he assured her. "And I’ll do everything I can tae keep ye safe."

Lara swallowed. "I… appreciate all this, Darragh. Ye're nae obligated tae dae anything fer me."

Darragh hesitated. A part of him wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but he resisted the urge.