Page 30 of Highland Guard
“Do you ken why they mean you harm?”
She shook her head, hoping he would not ask too many further questions because she also hated lying.
“Then tis best we be far away from here and off the roads before we come across anymore.”
Naomi had to admit Kieran’s idea held merit. They had only a few more hours of daylight before it became unsafe to travel. They needed to keep moving. She began seeing him in a different light. He was thorough and methodical. Constantly alert to his surroundings and not the bumbling fool she had taken him for earlier. In fact, Kieran MacKenzie surprised her.
“What about Dermid?” she asked.
“I’ll rouse him. As much as I dislike the pompous ass, I need him to help keep watch. But your safety and protection are my responsibility from now on. You will do as I say and not argue.” His eyes held hers with an intense stare.
Naomi was about to protest, but Kieran was already beside Dermid, waking him up. He had a determined look on his face that brooked no opposition and Naomi decided once again, his plan was a sound one. Although she would never admit it to his face, Naomi already felt somewhat calmer knowing that Kieran was taking charge, and he would escort her from here on.
But by the same token, she did not want him or Dermid to come to any harm because of the dangers she knew lay ahead of her. Naomi decided for now she would wait until they were in safer terrain before she escaped.
***
KIERAN WORKED HARDnot to lose his cool. He felt as if a thousand needles were pricking his skin. He was itching for a fight with the lass. Itching to take her over his knee and whack her curvaceous bottom for her reckless defiance. Instead, he clenched his jaw and remained focused on the task at hand. He felt like a caged lion, pacing and wanting to roar. The fear he had felt when he came upon her and the monk so close to maiming her was still palpable.
Kieran wanted to roar with anger that someone so precious almost came to harm. He vowed no matter how infuriating he found her independence and willful disdain for logic and common sense, he would protect her with his life and not leave her side until he saw her safely home.
Even now he kept his mind on the task at hand so he would not reach out for her and pull her to him, to feel her heartbeat and know that she was still alive and breathing. He clenched his fists tight so as not to do anything so stupid. She was practically a nun; he kept repeating to himself. He could not and would not overstep. The woman was an innocent in a vulnerable position, and he would protect her even from his own growing attraction.
The journey could not go quicker.
***
The Plan
“IF I HAD NOT TRIPPED, I would have easily taken care of all her attackers,” Dermid said defensively.
“Oh really? Was that before or after you woke from your wee slumber?” Kieran replied.
Dermid merely blushed.
“Leave him alone. It wasn’t his fault,” Naomi said.
“Itwashis fault he was not prepared,” Kieran replied.
“Kieran’s right, Naomi. It was my foolish pride that almost got you killed. You’d warned me about that naked man, and I ignored you.”
“What naked man?” Kieran scowled.
‘The one Naomi attacked.”
“Were you naked as well?” Kieran asked Naomi.
“No, I was fully clothed. I saw him hiding in the bushes.”
“If you see a naked man hiding in the bushes, you do not attack him. You run and get help.” Kieran said, feeling his hackles rise.
“By the saints! Why would I get help when I could do something about it?”
Kieran and Naomi then went into a silent, staring contest. It was broken when Dermid cleared his throat and said, “If we ride faster, we should be able to make it to the loch before the light fades.”
Kieran just grunted, then set his horse to a gallop.
***
