Aileana’s heart raced. She should have known better than to walk alone, considering all the recent raids. Was the rider friend or foe? She recognized a small path across the road. If she could get around the giant beast before the rider saw her, she could slip through the trees undetected.
Within a split second, however, the rider dismounted and held out his large hand. His deep chuckle made her cheeks burn.
“I’m sorry, lass. I didn’t expect to see anyone out at this hour, nor this far from any dwelling.”
The tall man took in her appearance, his sweeping glance resting on the embroidered stitching of her low neckline. His gaze lingered there before travelling up her throat. She held her breath as his eyes trailed over her body.
“You can ride with me if you like.” His husky voice conjured images of silk sweeping across her flesh.
She was entranced by the sight of him. Thick muscles flexed beneath a dark leather jerkin which ended just above his knee and was secured at his waist with a broad belt. In his current position, she could see his thigh muscle tense and her face grew hotter. His plaid covered one shoulder and ran underneath his sword arm secured by a large silver brooch offset with rubies and centred with a wildcat.
MacIntosh.
They supported the king. It wasn’t well known, but Uncle had speculated to those he trusted. Anyone who supported a man who pawned his people like cattle for his personal gain was no friend of hers.
It was clear from his inappropriate suggestion, she was better off not knowing him. He was no gentleman, despite his expensive accessory and giant horse. No decent man would speak that way to a lady. Couldn’t he tell by the way she was dressed that she was no common wench? Then again, it would not matter to this base sort of man. Either way, without a chaperone, she was not about to remain in his company for one more second. His hand hung in mid-air, but she ignored it, hoisting herself instead off the cold ground.
She mustered the most authoritative voice she could. “No thank you.” Aileana lifted her chin and walked away.
“Wait lass. I’m sorry to have startled you. What are you called?”
Aileana turned on her heel intent to put this rogue in his place and ran into his chest. She gasped. The thick, rich scent of leather enveloped her, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. She stumbled, but he was quick enough to catch her by the arms before she fell. Her hands splayed flat against his chest. Bulging muscles underneath his jerkin begged her fingers to stroke their curve.
His bright green eyes bore into hers. While his long brown hair was tied at his nape, a few strands had broken free and fell loose across his face. She fought the irresistible urge to reach up and tuck them behind his ear.
“Who are you?”
His deep voice was warm honey on her flesh. He smelled of sweet ale and she was transfixed by his mouth which curved in all the right ways.
“Perhaps you’re a faerie come to steal me away.”
His raspy voice made her skin tingle.
“Good sir—”
“I bet you taste as delicious as you smell.”
Aileana pushed against his chest. He pushed back. The stranger pulled her forward, his mouth now no more than an inch from hers. His hard body pressed against hers, spreading heat to her very core.
His fingers brushed the side of her mouth and his lips parted. Her knees trembled. His intent was clear and their proximity was inappropriate.
Panic hit her hard.
She twisted free from his grasp and dashed through the brush. She didn’t look back until she was sure he wasn’t following. Scanning her surroundings, she spied a more defined trail that would lead her to Chattan Castle without having to cross the main road again.
Aileana slowed her pace and drew a steadying breath. Who was that man and why had she let him hold her? She should have backed off upon his approach. Had he really meant to kiss her? A few more deep breaths slowed her heartbeat enough so that when she turned towards the main lane, leading up to Chattan grounds, she was calmer. But only a little. Her home was a welcome sight.
Chapter Three
Chattan Castle was small, but many considered it one of the most beautiful in the shire and Aileana took great pride in overseeing its upkeep. The path to the castle’s entrance was bordered with beautiful flowers and shrubs of all sizes and colours. She bent low to inspect the budding azaleas and remembered the lost bounty of wild flowers still scattered along the road.
She should go back to collect them. Then again, she would not risk running into that rascal again.
“Damned MacIntosh.” Aileana was not one to mutter under her breath, but the man had unraveled her.
“M’lady? I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.” Hurst, her gardener, poked his head up from the brush.