Page 49 of The Archer’s Wish

“And ye are not,” she replied without looking at him.

His low chuckle brushed over her like warm air. “Fair enough.”

The path curved, leading into the woods and up a gentle rise. And then the trees broke open into a clearing she didn’t entirely recognize. But nestled just past a line of trees, stood a beautiful cottage.

Beitris blinked, surprised. The structure was simple but sturdy. Its fresh wood bathed in the sunlight. Smoke curled lazily from a stone chimney. The faint scent of pine, earth, and newly cut timber filled the air.

“What is this place?” she asked softly.

“My home,” Liam said, hopping down before offering her a hand.

She ignored the offered hand, no need to make her heart’s job any harder, and climbed down on her own. He didn’t appear offended. If anything, he looked amused.

“Two men and I have been building it for the past fortnight or so,” he informed her, pride warming his voice. “It’s nearly done.”

She walked closer, fingertips drifting over the smooth timber frame. “It’s lovely,” she admitted.

“Aye, well, it’ll be better once the thatching is done,” he said lightly. “And once I’ve proper furnishings.”

Her lips twitched despite herself.

“And that’s not all,” he added.

He gestured toward the far end of the clearing, where young saplings had been cleared and marked posts staked into the earth in a long, wide formation.

“Come,” he said, leading her by the elbow to stand near the area.

Beitris frowned. “What is that?”

“My next task,” Liam said, voice quiet but brimming with something she rarely heard from him, excitement. “I’m building an archery training field.”

Her breath caught. “For what purpose?”

“For the laird,” he said. “Alexander and I spoke. He wants me to train the younger men, or any men willing, to serve as archers for the guard force.” His gaze lifted to hers, earnest and steady. “I’ll not be riding with the mounted warriors again. But that does nae mean I will nae serve. This way I can still be of use.”

Emotion wrenched at her chest. Pride for him. Relief that he’d found purpose. And an ache she didn’t want but couldn’t banish.

“That is…” she paused and swallowed hard. “That is wonderful news, Liam. Truly.”

For a moment, he looked at her the way he had the day they’d found themselves alone by the river. As though he’d found her to be the most beautiful woman in the world.

Trying to regain her composure, she looked away, then it struck her, he was barely limping. She turned back and scanned him from his hip to his boot. “Ye are walking better.”

His eyes shifted nervously. “Aye. I find myself feeling much better. I believe it is that I have a true purpose now.” He studied her for a long time. “Two purposes.”

She looked away quickly, forcing her voice into steadier lines. “Why bring me here?”

“Because I wanted ye to see what I am building and what my life will be now.”

“I am truly happy for ye,” Beitris said, wishing she meant it. Aye, she was glad for him, but at the same time, it meant he would be closer and a temptation, a mistake she couldn’t afford to make. The last thing she wanted was to be another conquest in the list of many.

“Ye can be here, with me, anytime ye please.” Liam’s words startled her. The gall of the man.

She crossed her arms, trying to stiffen her spine. “Liam McRay, ye think ye can simply pull me onto a wagon, bring me to a pretty cottage, and I will fall into bed with ye? Forget how easily ye walked away? I am nae a conquest to be had.” Despite the ire in her voice, the last word trembled. Tears burned her eyes and she turned away, not wanting him to see it.

He lifted a brow. “Is that what ye think I’m trying to do?”

“I dinnae ken what ye’re trying to do,” she snapped.