"Tell me about yer day," he said quietly, and she heard the genuine interest beneath his earlier irritation.
So she did, speaking of ledgers and herb gathering, of small conversations and smaller victories.And gradually, Connor began to share as well.Telling her about the challenges of training young warriors, the trouble with neighboring clans, the hundred small decisions that came with helping to run MacNeil lands.
When he finally kissed her, it was with a desperate intensity that spoke of needs beyond mere desire."Ye're becoming precious to me," he whispered against her lips."More precious than I ken how to handle."
What followed was a slow exploration that had become both familiar and ever-changing.Connor's hands knew her body now, knew how to make her gasp and arch beneath him.Tonight, he introduced her to the pleasure of her own touch guided by his, teaching her ways to bring him to the edge of madness with hands and mouth that left them both shaking.
When they finally made love, it was with a tenderness that brought tears to her eyes, followed by a passion that left them both breathless and clinging to each other.
Later, as they lay entwined in the firelight, Connor traced patterns on her bare shoulder."I never thought marriage could be like this," he admitted quietly.
"Like what?"
"Like coming home every day.Like having someone who sees me—truly sees me—and doesn't turn away."He paused, pressing a kiss to her temple."Ye're changing me, Fiona MacNeil.Making me want things I never thought I deserved."
She turned to face him fully, her hand coming up to cup his cheek."And ye're changing me too.Making me braver than I ever thought I could be."
They made love again then, slower and deeper, sealing something precious between them without needing to name it yet.
***
THE NEXT MORNING BROUGHTa return to routine, though everything felt different in the growing light of their deepening bond.Fiona went about her duties with lightness in her step, helping with the endless tasks that kept the keep running smoothly.
It was while carrying linens down the narrow stone stairs to the lower chambers that it happened.One moment she was climbing steadily, the next she felt a distinct pressure between her shoulder blades, as if someone had placed their hands there and pushed.Hard.
She stumbled forward, catching herself on the wall just before tumbling headlong down the steps.Heart pounding, she turned quickly, expecting to see someone behind her, perhaps carrying their own burden and having bumped into her accidentally.
The stairway was empty.
"Bloody hell," she murmured, looking around once more before continuing.But the feeling of unease followed her for the rest of the morning, along with the nagging sense that someone had watched her fall.
***
TWO DAYS LATER, FIONAwas gathering heather by the loch that bordered MacNeil lands.The purple blooms would make excellent additions to Morna's stores, and the walk provided a peaceful respite from the keep's constant activity.She had specifically chosen to come alone, needing time away from Horas's constant hovering presence.
She was humming softly to herself, basket nearly full, when the feeling struck her again.The distinct sensation of being watched, of unfriendly eyes following her every movement.She straightened slowly, scanning the tree line that bordered the water.
Nothing moved except the gentle sway of branches in the breeze.
But even as she told herself she was being foolish, a sound drifted across the water.It was laughter, high and mocking, echoing off the surrounding hills.The noise made her blood run cold, though she couldn't say why.
"Fiona!"Horas's voice made her jump, her heart hammering against her ribs.He emerged from the tree line, his own basket in hand and a look of concern on his weathered face."Ye shouldn't be out here alone.Yer leg—"
"My leg is perfectly fine," she snapped, her nerves frayed by the strange laughter and his sudden appearance."And I specifically told Connor I was coming alone."
"Did ye?"Horas moved closer, his eyes scanning the shoreline."How careless of ye.These lands can be dangerous for a woman alone, especially one with...limitations."
Something in his tone made her skin crawl, though she couldn't pinpoint why."I'm hardly helpless, Horas.I've been managing quite well."
"Have ye?"His smile didn't reach his eyes."Ye looked frightened just now.What scared ye?"
"Nothing.I thought I heard...it doesn't matter."She turned to leave, suddenly eager to be back within the keep's walls.
But Horas fell into step beside her, closer than was proper."Ye ken, I've always worried about that old injury of yers.Such a terrible thing, being shot like that.If only I'd been there to protect ye."
Fiona stopped walking, something cold settling in her stomach."Ye were there, Horas.Ye and my cousin searched for days afterward."
"Aye, but not when it happened.If I'd been with ye that day..."He trailed off, shaking his head."Well, perhaps things would be different now."
