Page 53 of Desire of a Highlander

Elodie sucked in a breath. “Shit.”

“Aye. Shite. That’s an apt word.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? Is that what you and Faye were arguing about?”

He let out his breath in a long sigh. “Sort of. Not about the threat itself, but what she wants me to do about it. I’m sorry ye had to see us arguing.”

Elodie crossed her arms. “So am I. But it sounded like one you’ve had before.”

“Aye. It was. We disagree on the best way to keep our people safe. She wants me to do something that I have no intention of doing.”

Elodie waited, but Ronan didn’t elaborate. It seemed he had no intention of explaining to her either. “Do you think these people will find the Steading?”

His eyes flashed. “Not while I live and breathe they willnae.”

Why didn’t you tell me about this? she wanted to ask. And why didn’t you come back to the celebrations after our kiss?

But she didn’t ask either question. Instead, she decided on a safer subject. She gestured at the path ahead. “Where are you going?”

“I was headed to the northern watch post.”

“Fancy some company?”

He gave a wry smile. “Aye. I would.”

They set off walking, slower this time. The morning was cool and clear with a brisk wind that carried the scent of rain and helped to blow away the last of Elodie’s hangover. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable and Elodie found herself enjoying simply walking beside him.

Eventually she glanced at him sideways. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves yesterday.”

Ronan nodded. “They did. Ye were right: it was what everyone needed.”

“Haven’t you realized by now that I’m always right?”

He laughed lightly. “Aye, I think I’m beginning to figure that out.”

“Good! You’re learning.”

Neither of them mentioned the kiss they’d shared although it lurked beneath every word and gesture.

“How is the villagers’ training coming along?” she asked.

Ronan kicked at a pebble. “Better than I expected. They’re quick learners, especially Sarah and David. I think our newlyweds are in competition with each other. I’m glad ye talked me into training them all.”

“Actually, about that,” Elodie said, tapping her lip with one finger. “I’ve been thinking.”

Ronan raised an eyebrow at her. “Why am I suddenly worried?”

“If those Murdoch people—or anyone else for that matter—finds the valley we need more warning.”

His expression grew thoughtful. “Aye.”

“The guards are well placed.” She pointed in the direction of the two entrances to the valley. “But if we moved this position slightly and added another lookout here—”

She crouched and sketched markings in the dirt with a stick. Ronan crouched beside her close enough that their shoulders almost touched.

Elodie pointed at the rough map. “The first guard signals the second. The second signals the third. The third alerts the Steading.”

“Ye mean a relay.”