Logan came to Finn’s side, his features weary. “We’ve seen them off. With no losses either. Gerard took a swipe but ‘tisnae deadly.”
“Aye, thank ye, Logan,” Finn replied distractedly, his gaze still firmly on her.
What she saw in that gaze, she could not be sure. Confusion, it seemed, for even though he smiled, a line flexed between his brows as if unable to make her out. What confused him about her? Had he figured the truth? Surely not for there was no telling her and her sister apart. With their dark hair and gentle faces, only those who knew them well had ever been able to say who was who.
“Come then.” He snapped his head away suddenly and laid a hand on Logan’s shoulder. “Tend to Gerard and we must be on our way. Who is to say they will no’ return with a larger force. It seems, my lady, that ye are a fine prize.” His gaze flicked over her. “Fine indeed.”
Catriona struggled to find a response. The way his voice lowered sent a curl of pleasure through her and her cheeks heated. Before any words came to her, he stomped off to check on his men. She regarded his back with a sigh. So broad and powerful. At least she knew she wasn’t in danger of falling for her kidnapper. Nay, now it seemed she might fall for her hero instead.
Chapter Three
With the fire lit and the men bedded down for the eve, Finn focused his attention on the lass. He tried not to question why he’d offered to take first watch again while knowing Katelyn did not yet sleep. The woman needed rest but she seemed unable to find it. She tossed and turned, the rustle of the furs the only sound for many miles. He plucked at the grass in front of him and lifted his head to the stars. No clouds followed them once again. The sky proved clear and pricks of light blanketed the heavens. He drew in a long breath and squeezed his hands together.
By God, he could not forget the feel of Katelyn’s body beneath his palms. The slight curve of her rear had taunted him—nay—begged him to splay his fingers across it. Her sweet curves flattened against him made his body ache. He intended to offer comfort and instead he had startled her, mayhap even worse. What man took a woman in his arms after such an ordeal and considered stripping her bare and parting her thighs? Ach, but he disgusted himself.
He tore another chunk of grass from the ground and flung it into the night. He did not need to be thinking of such things. If only his dream lass returned to him. He’d not thought of her since meeting Katelyn. The woman in his imaginings might not be real but that did not matter to Finn. At least he did not have to fear for her safety. Katelyn had come too close to death once again today. Obviously these past days had planted much fear in her mind for her to consider running from him. He had failed her too many times now.
She muttered something and tossed again. Even though his mind begged him not to, his heart reached out to her. Coming to his feet, he edged his way over and sank down beside her. What a fool he was. His duty was to get her safely to Kilcree. He had no other obligations. So why did it pain him to see her restless and weary?
His admiration for her grew too. She had insisted on walking many miles barefoot. He had tried to persuade her to wear his boots, but they were too big and cumbersome. For some of the way, she’d allowed him to carry her. He enjoyed that far too much. A strong attachment to a lass was dangerous. The connection was too easily broken. He’d learned that once from his wife and he did not wish to repeat the experience.
Shaking away the memories, Finn touched her arm. She rolled and gazed up at him. He had yet to decide on the colour of her eyes. In some lights they appeared green, in others, a darker shade more like that of a loch. He stared at her as if he could break through the night and study them once more. Why they had him so interested, he knew not. He surely had more important things to think on than her eyes.
“Ye cannae sleep?” he asked softly.
“Aye.”
“Are ye cold?”
She shrugged. “A little.”
“Shall I…” He coughed. “Shall I lie with ye for a wee while?”
Was it relief or disappointment that jabbed at him when she shook her head and pushed to sitting?
“Nay, but I would appreciate the company. I cannae seem to… my mind…”
“I understand.”
“Have we far to travel? I have never visited Kilcree.”
“Aye, some eighty miles. But our mounts await us at the next village. We shall travel the rest of the journey on horseback.”
“And what… what does Lady Lorna expect of me, when we arrive?”
“Ye clearly dinnae know my sister. She wants for naught, save to ensure yer safety until the marriage arrangements are settled.”