Highland Sanctuary by Jennifer Hudson Taylor Read Free Book Online Page B

laughed. "I suppose Mither got her way. So I'll have company on my walk after all."
     
Serena frowned, remembering what Gavin had said about Phelan's injury. One of his men had hit him in the head with a stick.
     
The dog's yellow eyes blinked, begging for affection. "Are ye all right, laddie?" She rubbed him between the ears. His tail wagged in happy satisfaction. Her fingers graced a raised knot. "Looks like we've both been recovering."
     
They walked in silence through the forest. As she left the woods, Serena took a deep breath smelling the salty sea. She climbed down the twelve-foot drop to where Braigh Castle was situated. Her head only hurt once and the pain soon went away.
     
Seagulls flew about and squeaked above her. Waves pounded the rocky cliffs below. White clouds drifted over the bright sun until it burst through again.
     
Phelan followed her to the castle gate. She turned and patted him on the head. "Thank ye for keeping me company and watching over me. Go back to yer master."
     
The black iron gate rolled up. The turning wheel squealed as the ropes wound around the pulleys. Serena stepped into the courtyard and waved at Philip, the gatekeeper. "Good morning!" The gate crashed to the ground behind her and rattled.
     
He secured the thick rope and hobbled over. A huge grin brightened his weather-worn face, bearing yellow-stained teeth. A full gray beard peaked to his chest. "Serena, I'm glad to see ye, lass." His warm brown eyes sparkled. "The laird was askin' 'bout ye a short while ago."
     
"Oh dear. Is he angry? I didn't intend to oversleep." She swallowed the rising concern. "I'd better get inside, posthaste."
     
"He didn't appear to be."
     
"I'd better hurry just the same." Serena waved a hand in the air.
     
She lifted the hem of her dress and ran to the side entrance. A quick search of the library, drawing room, and art room showed no recent trace of the laird. She paused, her hands on her hips, trying to imagine where he might be. Mayhap she would encounter him later.
     
Serena decided to begin her chores in the kitchen. She would check the inventory and determine if a trip to the market was needed.
     
As she walked down the servant staircase, she hummed a melody her mother used to sing to her. The winding steps narrowed toward the bottom, preventing her from viewing around the curve. She slid her hand along the stone wall, wishing for a rail.
     
At a long arched window, she couldn't help glancing out to view the glorious sea. Continuing on to the next step, Serena
     
gasped as she landed on a moving object. She lost her balance and would have tumbled forward if sturdy hands hadn't grabbed her shoulders and held her upright.
     
"Steady, lass. 'Tis only me."
     
She glanced up to see Gavin grinning down at her. She realized her palms pressed against his chest where his fastbeating heart now pumped under her fingertips. Serena breathed in the scent of pine and heather as she struggled to gain her wits.
     
Heat flamed her neck and face until even the top of her head tingled with shame. Serena didn't want to look up and see his reaction to her blundering mishap, but how could she avoid it?
     
"Ye always seem to be rescuing me." She attempted a halfhearted laugh as she leaned back. Brilliant blue eyes stared at her. He tilted his head, attempting to see her better. An expression of concern lingered in his eyes.
     
Not wishing to be studied, Serena tried to wrench free of his hold, but he held her tight. He swayed on his heels and reached for the stone wall with one hand, while maintaining a grip on her with the other.
     
"Uh, lass, I canna move. Ye're standing on my feet."
     
"Oh!" Serena's hands flew to her mouth in horror. She tried to back up, but the previous step dug into her calf. Careful not to tip him, she stepped to the side, feeling quite awkward. She leaned back against the opposite stone wall. "I'm sorry. Why didn't ye say somethin' sooner? I feel mortified." No sense in trying