MacAlister's Hope by Laurin Wittig Read Free Book Online Page B

this manner, nor had he thought she had noticed his eyes. He swept her up in his arms and kissed her soundly, but did not allow either of them to get carried away by the attraction and joy that drew them together. For now they must concentrate on the chief. He could only hope there would be time afterward to explore the growing attraction he knew they shared.
     

     
    Two days later Kieron quietly pushed open the door to the chief’s chamber and slipped inside, anxious to see Fia. He knew his first concern should be the chief’s recovery, but in the privacy of his own thoughts, he knew he simply yearned to be in Fia’s company.
    The chief was lying on his back, snoring loudly, something he hadn’t slept deeply enough to do in at least a fortnight. Fia slept, too, but not on the pallet. She sat on a chair leaning forward, her head cradled in her arms on the edge of the chief’s bed. Kieron stood for a moment, allowing himself to just look at this petite woman who as a lass had taken her place in his affections long ago. In the space of a sennight he had come to know that she still held all the attributes of the girl he had met—a sunny disposition, a quick mind, and a smile that was as warm as the sun on a summer’s day. But he had also learned that she was kind, hard working, and passionate—about her work, and when she kissed him. He could not help but grin at the memory of her kiss. He wanted more of those and if the chief was truly on the mend, then perhaps Fia might have time for Kieron to steal another one or two.
    Carefully, he stepped back out into the corridor and instructed the lass who had been assigned to fetch things for Fia, to bring food for her, and broth for the chief, as well as fresh water. He crossed back to Fia and lifted her gently into his arms, then sat, cradling her in his lap. She snuggled her head under his chin and laid her hand over his heart, but did not wake.
    A peacefulness Kieron had never felt drifted over him and he knew this woman, his Fia of the azure eyes and tinkling laugh, his whip-smart Fia who never failed to make him smile just to be in her company, his Fia who made his blood heat and his heart yearn—she was his destiny. Just as Beira had told him the Winter Stone would bring him to his destiny, it had. The stone was responsible for Fia coming to Kilglashan.
    He did not know how long he sat there, imagining his future with Fia by his side, making a family together, growing old together as his parents never had the chance to, but when the lassie returned with a tray piled with enough food to feed three warriors after a battle, followed by a lad carrying a bucket of water, he knew ’twas time to wake her.
    “Fia-love,” he said, laying a kiss upon the crown of her head. Her soft hair tickled and made him smile. “You need to eat.” She snuggled deeper into his embrace and he could not help but hold her tighter. Perhaps he could let her sleep awhile longer. “Have a bath prepared for Mistress Fia in the next chamber,” he said to the lass. “Send word when ’tis ready.”
    The girl and boy left and in between the chief’s rhythmic snores, quiet once more settled in the chamber. Kieron allowed himself a little longer to enjoy the simple pleasure of having Fia in his arms. He knew, now that the chief was improving rapidly, that he must return Fia to Kilmartin soon, but not before he convinced her to wed with him. He’d had no choice but to part with her the first time they met. He’d not allow that to happen again.

Chapter Five
     
    Fia pressed herself into the warm embrace of her bed. A familiar spicy-fresh scent wrapped around her, though she could not remember where it came from. Someone whispered her name and ran a callused hand down her arm, but she was so comfortable, so tired, she refused to rouse. Fingers twined with hers then, drawing her hand up. The softest, feather-light kiss skimmed across her knuckles, sending tendrils of desire through her sleep-fogged