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The memory sent a shiver through her and caused concern, and for a good reason. She was attracted to Reeve. That he was a handsome man was undeniable, but it wasn’t entirely his good features that attracted her. What appealed most was that he had called himself her friend. It had been so very long since she had had a friend.
Tears had threatened when he had told her that he was her friend, and she could count on him, but she wouldn’t embarrass herself and let them spill. She had fought to keep them at bay. It was at that moment he had stolen a piece of her heart, or she had simply given it to him ... her friend.
While she would love their friendship to continue, she knew it would be unwise. Her attraction to him and his obvious desire for her could only prove fatal. It was better that he leave her with the clan he felt best suited her situation and she never see him again.
A pang of regret stabbed at her heart, but she ignored it. Disappointment had been her constant companion. And she had grown accustomed to it. It would do no good to dwell when she knew her decision was for the best. She would make a new life for herself, solitary though it might be. At least she would finally be at peace.
It was late morning when they finally stopped and Reeve suggested she have a rest while he hunted for food. She quickly agreed, hoping the respite would help her throbbing ankle. She waited to examine it until he disappeared beyond a thicket of bushes, and she winced while struggling to get her boot off and cringed when she saw how it had swollen considerably.
She didn’t remove her wool stocking to have a peek. She immediately slipped her boot back on though with much discomfort; and there it would stay until the swelling went down.
A fire needed to be started to cook whatever game Reeve caught. She didn’t hesitate. She got to her feet and ignored the pain that rippled through her ankle. This was not going to be easy, but when had her life ever been easy. Just like so many other times, she had no choice. She would not cause them to linger, placing them in more peril. She hobbled around collecting sticks and fallen branches and went to work on starting a fire.
She was pleased with her efforts, Reeve returning to find a fire and spit ready to use.
“You did well,” he said, taking the already skinned and cleaned rabbit and placing it on the pit stick to cook. “You’ve saved us time. If we can keep a steady pace, we can reach my friend’s before nightfall. Then three more days, and we’ll reach our destination.”
That brought a smile to her face. Pain or no pain, she had to keep pace with Reeve. She could rest when they reached the croft; and hopefully the swelling would be down by morning and the pain diminished.
Excited at the thought of finally starting anew, she asked, “Can you tell me about the clan where I will make my new home?”
“It would be a good idea for us to discuss that now.”
“You are sure they will accept me?” Tara asked apprehensively.
“I haven’t a doubt,” he said.
“You know them well then?”
“Very much so,” he said with a nod.
“They are friends of your clan?”
Reeve grinned. “Actually, you’ll be making your home withmyclan.”
Shock and a spark of anger had Tara jumping to her feet. A stabbing-hot pain shot through her ankle, and her response was instinctive. She let out a yell and then sunk, like a stone thrown into a river, to the ground.
Reeve was at her side in an instant. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she said stubbornly through gritted teeth.
“You’re in pain,” he said. “You were hurt in the fall, weren’t you?”
“It’s nothing.”
“You’re lying.”
“How dare you—”
“Show me the injury,” he demanded.
“No,” Tara said, folding her arms tightly across her chest.
Reeve leaned his face so close to hers that their noses touched. “Tell me, or I will find it myself.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” she challenged.
“Do you truly believe that?”
