His grip tightened and his throat worked, as though he was struggling to find words. “When did this happen?”
“When ye came to the kitchens, around that time.”
Caelan clamped his lips, anger flashing across his features. “Did Logan dae this?”
“What? Nae! He took care of me,” she lied in part.
He dropped her arm like it was hot coal. “Ye should have the healer see it,” he said, then his lips quirked. “Or is yer Logan good at that too?”
“MeLogan?” Eilidh repeated, irked at his teasing. He appeared offended that another man had taken care of her.
“Well, ye seem quite comfortable with this man ye’ve just met.”
“He’s nice. I like nice people.”
“I’m nice. Are ye accusing me of being cruel?”
She made a face, squinting at him. “I dinnae ken—are ye feelin’ guilty?”
Eilidh's lips curled as his deep chuckle washed over her. He patted the top of her head. He'd done it before, but now every nerve in her body sang with delight at his touch. Eilidh looked up when he didn't retract his hand. Caelan's face darkened beneath an impassioned shroud. He slipped his hand behind her head, his fingers twirling through her curls. He drew her closer. His quick, short breaths awoke a deep yearning within her, and she couldn't help but move into him.
Gently, he stroked her cheek, and her insides swirled. He was so close that she could feel his breath on her mouth. She wanted to stroke his face too, but she knew it wouldn’t stop there. Not with the way her heart leapt in her chest. An undeniable heat misted over his eyes. Not once had Caelan gazed upon her in that manner. Eilidh’s heart hammered a wild beat. If he just leaned in a little closer, those soft lips would be on hers.
“It should have been me, Eilidh,” he muttered, a breath away from her lips.
A moment later, she felt his lips brush against hers. All of her previous resolutions began to crumble. He leaned back, a question in his eyes. And in that moment, the words he had spoken penetrated the haze of passion clouding her senses. She forced her feet back, ignoring the insistent protest of her body.
“Ye cannae feel bad about Logan,” she said. “Ye cannae.”
“Why?” he asked huskily.
Eilidh averted her eyes when all she wanted was to wail. “Logan kens a good, respectable person when he sees one.”
Pleased at his confusion, Eilidh walked away. Inside, she berated herself for allowing her feelings to override her senses, even for a moment. How much weaker could she get? She had let a man who thought nothing of her touch her.
She returned to her bed, exhausted in a different way than she had been expecting. All she craved was one minute of reprieve from all the emotions assailing her.
Her foolish heart was loudest of all. Caelan hadfeelingsfor her.
With that thought, she drifted off to a dreamless sleep.
CHAPTERSEVEN
The sun took its precious time to rise. Caelan was on the edge of his bed, fully dressed. He watched the sun drag itself over the hills before he jumped to his feet.
When he emerged from his chambers, there were already people around. He took a quick stroll around the keep's perimeter,countingto ensure that the day guard was fully staffed and alert. He warned them not to slack off, and instructed them to report any suspicious activity to him directly. Caelan refused to explain or apologize for his instructions when the men looked at him as if he'd gone mad. He didn’t care if they thought he was insulting their abilities. It was all he could do for the clan at the moment.
Next, he reached the gates. He double-checked the drawbridge mechanism. The giant wooden bars and chains all seemed to be recently sharpened and oiled. Again, he counted the guards and asked that two more men join their ranks. He instructed another to spread word that they were to be fully armored. By the time he reached the armory, people were whispering behind his back.
He took stock of the rusted weapons and dropped them in a pile. While he waited for the blacksmith to join him, Arran strolled in.
“I hear ye’ve gone mad!” his brother said.
“Mornin’, Arran.”
“What are ye doin’ with those?” He nodded toward his pile.
“They require polishing and sharpening.”