A Hellion at the Highland Court (The Highland Ladies #9) - Celeste Barclay Page 0,100

us and the horses, and I need to see if we can leave tomorrow. I’m the only one of us who knows where we are and what to look for.”

Laurel looked doubtful, but she nodded her head. She knew he was right, but her chest burned with anxiety. She forced her smile back into place, but she knew it was hardly convincing. Drawing in a fortifying breath, she nodded again. “What do you need me to do?”

Brodie cupped her cheek. “I love you something fierce, Laurie.”

“I love you.” Laurel’s smile was dazzling in the dim light. “But that doesn’t answer my question.”

“I ken. But I love you, nonetheless. This isn’t the first time you’ve asked what you can do to help rather than asking for aught for yourself or avoiding a challenge. It makes me so proud to be your husband.”

“I want you to be proud, Brodie. I’m so proud to be your wife.”

“You don’t have to try, Laurie. Being who you are is enough.”

“You’ve told me that before. It feels odd and right all at the same time. I don’t know how to describe it, but after so many years knowing I wasn’t, it—” Laurel shrugged. “Thank you.”

“You’ve always been just right, thistle. You just weren’t around the right people.”

“Mo mathan.” Laurel canted her head. “You looked angrier than a bear with a bee sting when you rode toward me. But you looked just as powerful.”

“I was angry,” Brodie frowned playfully, able to feel calmer about the morning’s events now that they were past them. “You and your horse. By God, lass. I thought my heart would beat out of my chest watching you leaning along Teine’s side. Then when he reared. By all the saints, I might have wet myself. I was certain Teine’s hooves would kill you. I never imagined the beastie would put an end to David Lamont. I’m rather jealous of your horse! I wanted to mete out justice, but your loyal steed did it for me.”

“He didn’t appreciate David cutting his ear or the bastard’s horse nipping his rump.”

“Remind me to stay on the right side of your horse’s temper.”

“He’s like his mistress,” Laurel purred. “A few treats and a few rubs and pats in the right place. That’s all it takes.” Laurel winked at Brodie.

“You shall get all of that and more once I get us home in one piece.”

“Aye.” Laurel sighed and got up. She reached out a hand to Brodie, pretending to tug unsuccessfully. “Come on, auld mon.”

Brodie was on his feet in one agile move, and Laurel stood blinking at her imposingly large husband. His muscles bunched and rippled as he moved, and she was hypnotized. “I’ll never make it out of this cave if you keep looking at me like that.”

Laurel nodded but didn’t look away. Instead, her tongue darted out to swipe across her lips before she grazed her teeth over her bottom lip.

“Lass.” The word came out as a strangled groan as Brodie gripped her hips and gave her a searing kiss. They pulled away, knowing that lingering would only lead to more. Brodie stepped away and opened a barrel of oats that he poured out for the horses. He showed Laurel the stash of dried beef and dried fruit before he woke Monty and Donnan. He took two buckets and the waterskins with him and slipped out of the cave.

“Did you sleep well?” Laurel looked at Monty and Donnan.

“Aye. And you?” Monty asked as he ran his hand over his hair, which stuck out in all directions.

“Better than I expected. I feel rested for the first time in days. I suppose it is the first time I really rested.” Laurel pulled out strips of meat and offered them to the men, who eagerly thanked her. They sat in silence as they chewed. There was little to talk about as they waited for Brodie to return. As the minutes ticked away, and the sun sank below the horizon, Laurel grew uneasy. Monty and Donnan assured her that Brodie was fine, but she didn’t believe them until she saw his hulking form enter the cave, a sloshing bucket in each hand. She hurried forward to take one to the horses, letting two drink at a time while Brodie handed back the waterskins.

Brodie took her hand when they finished their tasks and led her back to where Monty and Donnan waited. The four sat together as Brodie recounted what he saw.

“The closest band of Lamonts is aboot a mile