Forbidden Heart (Hearts of the Highlands #6) - Paula Quinn Page 0,27

thought on it, trying to decide whether or not to tell him.

He waited patiently while she weighed everything.

“This will be the last time we will all eat together.” Perhaps she was mad for caring. “I do not know why I feel it so powerfully about some things and not others.” She tried to stop speaking but everything came pouring out. Why? Why tell him? “’Tis as strong as knowing I will never see St. Patrice’s again. I do not know if ’tis because I will die.”

She was surprised to find the captain’s face pale.

“You believe me?”

He nodded. The color still hadn’t returned to him. “Does this feelin’ tell ye that ye are goin’ to die?”

“Nay, Captain, but…Captain, are you feeling ill?”

“Aye. Aye. I am. It came upon me quickly. I must be hungry.”

Hunger. Aye. She nodded. “We should get back to the others.”

She turned to gain her saddle but his fingers on her wrist stopped her.

“I willna let ye die.”

She smiled at him. She wanted to tell him she believed him, but he was dangerous to be around. He made her question things—like if she was fit to be a nun.

“I will keep ye safe, Silene, and then I will take ye home.”

Her smile could do nothing but remain at his vow. “Thank you, Captain.”

“Ye are free to call me Galeren,” he told her, his green eyes steady on hers. His mouth was slow to smile but, finally, he did. “I would give up my life to keep ye alive.”

Her throat burned with emotion—this time, mostly for him. “I pray that you will never have to face such a decision.”

“Trust me, Silene.”

Why? Why should she? She barely knew him. Still, there was truth in his eyes. “I will try.”

Something made his eyes go smoky and deep. For a moment, she felt something—like when lightning strikes close by and she felt it in her blood.

It made her look away, guilty at the foot of her vows.

“Let us get back.”

Emptiness engulfed her when he rode away, a cold void that assaulted her and made her look toward him once again.

He made her weak and guilty.

When she reached the captain, she slowed her horse and then came to a complete stop.

He wasn’t alone. Three mounted men blocked their path. One of them eyed her curiously, trying to tell it she was a lass or lad. Finally, he grinned with naked male intent, coming to whatever conclusion he’d made.

“Take yer eyes off her or I will do it fer ye.”

Silene’s blood went cold in her veins at the captain’s threat. The foolish man laughed. He moved his mount forward. “I’m going to f—”

The captain’s blade slid from his sheath before the other two had time to release theirs.

Silene wanted to hide behind her hands. Three against one was terrible odds. She wished she could help. Do not let him die because of me.

His blade flashed against the low-hanging sun as it descended on the would-be thief. She watched as the captain’s blade smacked against the other and knocked it from the man’s hand.

With one fluid movement, he shifted his wrist and smashed the hilt into his opponent’s head. In the time it took to breathe another breath, he swung his sword at the next man. His movements were savage yet graceful and merciful. He could have killed the three attackers at any time, but he beat them all with his hands and knees.

Silene wasn’t sure how many of the three had any teeth left. But she was safe and unharmed once again.

They left the men where they’d fallen and rode away. She had never seen such violence as she’d seen in two days on the road. How did anyone who wasn’t skilled in battle get from place to place without getting robbed or killed?

“There is ugliness in all the beauty around us,” he said setting his gaze over the surrounding landscape.

She nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. But there is beauty also.”

He cut her a side glance and slanted his shapely lips.

What amused him? He didn’t say. Was it because they shared a thought or two? She did like him. Was she supposed to dislike the man who fought to keep her safe? How? Was he sent to test her? No! She was afraid she would fail.

“Silene.”

She closed her eyes. She liked how her name rolled off his tongue on his lyrical burr.

“I’m sorry ye are seein’ so much so soon. ’Tis a harsh world. ’Tis why yer uncle chose me to escort