She smiled at him. “By the end of the year, one of the boys had grown so close to her, he adopted her as his nokomis. That’s the word for grandmother in my language. My father managed to kill two birds with one stone. The elder was no longer alone, and the boys got the attention they needed.”
“You miss him.”
“Every day.” She sighed. “He gave me my violin, and my mother was the first to teach me how to play. I think…” Suddenly feeling shy, she turned away from Malcolm to track the two boys.
“What is it, True?”
“I think my parents would have liked you.” She spotted Hunter and Tieren straying from their path. They put the bucket down and moved into the tall rushes growing near the lake. Hunter faced Tieren with his chest thrown out and his hands held up in fists. Tieren swung at him, and Hunter ducked the blow and sprang up to head-butt Tieren in the stomach. They both went down on the ground, rolling, kicking and punching. “Oh! They’re fighting.” She took a step, intending to rush to Hunter’s aid.
Malcolm’s arm came around her waist. “You canna fight the lad’s battles for him. No’ if he is to grow into the kind of man we would have him become.”
“Tieren is so much bigger.”
“Aye, but Hunter is twice as canny. ’Tis a fair fight. Watch.”
Hunter managed to free himself from Tieren’s grasp, and both boys were on their feet again. Hunter grinned at Tieren, who threw wild punches that never connected. Hunter darted in, met his mark and darted away before the bigger boy could catch him. He soon triumphed, and Tieren lay on the ground in defeat. Alethia’s heart swelled with pride as Hunter extended his hand to help Tieren up.
A rumble from deep in Malcolm’s chest reverberated through her as he chuckled behind her. “Hunter is a fine lad, and he will grow to be a good man. The two have much in common. Neither has a father to guide him.” He moved his hands to her shoulders. “I predict the two will become fast friends. ’Twould be good to include Tieren while you teach the signs to the men.”
Admiration for Malcolm’s skill as a leader filled her. Sure, he was domineering, but his actions revealed a deep caring for his people, thoughtfulness and an honorable character. The way he dealt with Hunter warmed her heart. No wonder she was falling for him.
Falling for him?
“Oh crap!” She pushed Malcolm’s hands from her shoulders and started to pace. She was a talented violinist with a bright future in the twenty-first century, not the Middle Ages. Only the best were accepted into Juilliard, and she was one of the best. Her plans didn’t include falling in love with a fifteenth-century, overbearing, controlling warrior. “This is all your fault, Malcolm,” she accused with a glare.
“What is my fault?”
She covered her burning cheeks with her hands. “What do I do now?”
“About what, lass?”
“How could I have let this happen?” she muttered under her breath.
“Cease your pacing, woman. ’Tis making me dizzy.” He stepped in front of her and took hold of her shoulders to keep her still. Lifting her chin until she had to look into his eyes, he studied her intently. Could he see what she was feeling?
“What ails you?”
Her heart skipped a beat, and she lost the ability to speak, or think. “I…I…”
“Aye?”
“The boys are doing my job. What should I do now?” So lame!
He gave her that wicked smile of his, the one that made her weak in the knees. Malcolm took her by the hand and pulled her behind a large oak. His hands encircled her waist as he pressed her up against the trunk of the tree and kissed her. A thrilling sensation flooded her body, and her heart raced. His kiss claimed her. He plundered her mouth with his tongue, inciting a rush of desire.
Did he feel the same, or was it only lust?
She tuned into him, opening herself to the truth his heart would reveal. What came back was a tangle she could not unravel. Lust, definitely, protectiveness and other feelings she didn’t know how to interpret. Alethia ran her fingers through his thick hair and melted into his strength with helpless abandon.
Several seconds passed before she recalled where they were. Flushed and breathless, she ended the kiss and tried to take a step away. He tightened his hold.
“I should help with supper.” She pushed at his chest.
“I must get back to my own task as well.” Malcolm released her, running his hands up and down her arms. As if he regretted letting her go, he drew her back and kissed her again. “A few more days and the harvest will be done,” he whispered against her lips, causing electricity to run straight through her. “I’ve a surprise for you, mo cridhe. ’Twill please you, I think.”