Page 13 of The Guardian

Hendry scanned the crowd, eyes narrowing as he swept the faces of the men first, instinct guiding him like a hound on a scent. Then he saw her.

Ailith.

She stood at a small herb stand, speaking to two women, her light brown hair catching sunlight like threads of shadowy silk. Her booth was simple yet charming, adorned with vines twisted into an arch over two slim poles made from young trees, freshly stripped of bark. Bundles of herbs hung in fragrant bunches from the greenery, dancing gently in the breeze like forest charms. On the makeshift counter, small sachets and embroidered squares lay in neat rows. He squinted.

Was that the fabric he’d sent her?

She wore a new dress, soft, simple, but clearly fashioned with care. A shift of pale blue, cinched at the waist, the stitching neat and deliberate. A curious warmth stirred in his chest. Was it pride? Satisfaction? Whatever it was, it settled like a balm easing some of the ache in his side. She’d taken what he gave and turned it into something beautiful. Something hers.

She turned suddenly, brows drawing together as if sensing eyes on her. Her gaze swept the market, searching.

Then their eyes met.

Her lips parted in surprise, just barely. The flicker of disbelief that crossed her face was quickly masked. But it was enough. She hadn’t expected to see him. Likely, she thought he was still abed, convalescing like a sensible man.

He supposed she’d agree with Rory: there was no good reason for him to be out riding so soon after being wounded.

And yet, here he was, drawn to her like a moth to the flame.

One foot in front of the other, he walked toward her.

Ailith did her best to ignore the man moving through the crowd toward her, unfortunately, her eyes refused to listen and often strayed up noting each movement. For a tall muscular man, he moved fluidly, like a wolf stalking its prey.

“Just these.” An elderly woman placed a coin in her palm, bringing Ailith back to the business at hand.

Another person, did the same, grabbing the last of the embroidered handkerchiefs. The income from the sale would be enough to buy leftover portions of fabric and thread to make more and then still have a few coins left.

Her last customer bought a bundle of herbs, inquired about when she’d bring more handkerchiefs, and to her chagrin, left just as Hendry neared.

His blue eyes met hers, and he nodded in greeting. The contrast of his dark hair, olive complexion, and bright blue eyes were what had first attracted her to him. The first time they’d met had actually been there in the village. She’d walked out of the bakery and bumped into him, dropping her basket. Despite her protests that her bread was unharmed, he’d purchased her another loaf. Afterwards, he’d walked with her about the square, asking question after question about her. It was the first time a man had shown such interest in her, actually holding a conversation rather than spending the time recalling his own exploits.

“Do ye walk here?” he asked, his gaze moving to the herbs and then to Teller, who sat behind her on a straw pallet.

“That is the only way to get here,” Ailith replied curtly. “Is it not too soon for ye to be out riding?”

He slid a glance past her, scanning the surroundings. “I am the only one who can recognize the men who attacked me. The sooner we find them, the better.” Hendry scratched the stubble on his jaw. “Ye should nae be walking here on yer own. It is dangerous right now.”

“How am I to live then? How will I make a living and purchase things I require? It is out of necessity that I come to the village.” For some reason the statement made her stomach clench. Hendry had never been in her situation. His family lived a comfortable life, and he’d gone from there to living at the keep, always having good meals and enough coin to purchase fine clothing.

“I understand, which is why I made sure that ye have enough provision to last until we capture the renegades. A woman alone is easy prey.”

Ailith turned away to greet a customer who purchased the last two bundles of herbs. The day was turning out to be a good one, she was sold out.

“I will take ye back,” Hendry announced, his stern expression leaving no room for argument.

“Ye will nae,” Ailith stated. “Teller and I will return on our own, when I decide to leave.”

Once again he scanned the surrounding, his sharp gaze hesitating every so often. Always a warrior, always aware of his surroundings.

He turned to look behind him, then back to her. “One of my men can take the dog. Ye will ride with me.”

The last thing she wanted was to be pressed against him, immediately being reminded of his body, how he’d remained toned and firm.

Rising to her tip toes, she leaned forward, lifting her face to glare up at him. “I said nae. I dinnae wish for more from ye. Ye have done more than enough to repay my caring for ye. If I am to be honest, the only reason I kept the lot was because I never received my widow’s portion. Still, I am undecided about keeping the coins.”

“Is that so?” His right brow rose. It was as if the infuriating man was amused. “What I sent is not enough for saving my life. I ken ye dinnae care for me in the least.”

“I never said that.” Ailith stated, cringing that she’d spoken the words. Refusing to be the first to look away, she narrowed her eyes. “Be on yer way warrior.”