The Witch and The Thief

21

Lachlan couldn't help but frown. Something had changed between them last night, but he could only wonder what the cause might be. Did Maera harbor unspoken resentment towards him for the altercation with Hamish after all? Or mayhap, she'd grown weary of his constant company and advances. His heart ached at the thought, and his stomach twisted into knots.

If Maera's rigidity in his arms was any indication, he was inclined to believe it was the latter. With each passing mile, her back stiffened further as though she couldn't stand the unavoidable contact brought on by Brutus's gait.

Shortly after midday, they stopped for a brief rest, and Maera seemed only too eager to be free of him. The instant Lachlan reined Brutus in, she all but leaped from the saddle and raced to a sheltering copse of trees. Lachlan watched her duck out of view for a moment before wandering off to relieve himself in a secluded spot of his own.

Several minutes later, they both emerged, stopping in their tracks as their gazes met and held in silent question neither seemed willing or capable of answering. Lachlan forced a swallow, adjusted his hood, and quietly walked to Brutus without making further eye contact.

He retrieved Haggis and set the cat down, allowing him to stretch his legs and see to business while they ate. With devoted attention, Lachlan watched Haggis scamper amid the tall grass, now and then flicking a glance at Maera to find her gazing at the cat with warm affection. She bent and picked Haggis up, cuddling him to her chest for a moment before placing him once more in the cozy security of the saddlebag.

Lachlan motioned with his chin to Brutus, "We'd best be off."

Brutus gently nudged her arm with his nose, seeking affection as he asked what had upset her.

Maera absently caressed his neck and reassured him she was well and not to worry. Then she allowed Lachlan to help her mount with only a mumbled word of gratitude, desperately trying to ignore the tingling thrill his touch caused when his hands settled at her waist to lift her into the saddle.

Lachlan took a fortifying breath before hauling himself up to sit behind her, resuming the rigid distance between her back and his chest she seemed so intent on maintaining.

With every passing hour towards the coastal town, the air grew thick with the pleasant briny scent of the ocean, musky earth, and fresh pine. If Lachlan closed his eyes, he could almost hear the faint crash of the ocean waves in the distance.

The sun was beginning its afternoon descent when Maera cleared her throat and quietly asked, "How much further till we reach Rivenburgh?"

"'Tis ahead, less than a quarter-mile or so around the bend," he murmured.

His eyes caressed Maera's fair skin, complete with a perfectly round freckle on her nape, marking the exact spot where her right shoulder met the graceful column of her neck. He couldn't help but wonder what she would do if he bent his head and kissed her there.

Judging by her current bristly mood, he'd most likely end up with a black eye. But lovesick fool that he was turning out to be, Lachlan was beginning to think t'would be worth it. Shaking his head at his idiocy, he forced his eyes to the road.

Maera turned and flicked a glance at him over her shoulder. "Have you an idea of where to find Rhys once we arrive?"

He swallowed and tried to calm the wild racing of his heart at almost getting caught. "Aye," Lachlan quietly answered, pausing before adding, "though 'tis possible we'll have already missed him."

She nodded but said nothing further, and for the first time that day, Lachlan was grateful for the silence. He didn't know what he would have said if she'd asked what he planned to do if such a thing proved to be the case. It was a question he hoped to the fates he wouldn't have to answer.