Chapter 16
Drust didn’t want to let Willa out of his sight.
He had sent someone to find a new gown for her to wear, and now he nervously helped her tie the laces in the back.
It dawned on him that his was the first time he had ever helped a woman dress, and it seemed a far more intimate act than helping one undress.
He supposed that in the past, he had always left the woman he had been with still in the bed, usually right after they’d had sex.
Staying long enough for her to get dressed again would have somehow implied that there was more to the relationship than just fulfilling a basic, physical need.
He had never wanted a relationship beyond sex… until now.
There was a knock at the door, and Bren came in before either of them could answer. He gave Willa a smile before turning a serious face to Drust.
“Listen brother, I leave tonight for Creagmor, but ye should stay here for a few days and help these people resettle and put up stronger wards.
Until we find out where Mored is and who else is involved, we must be extremely vigilant.
Then… I want ye home. I need ye by my side at Creagmor.
“ He turned his fierce gaze to Willa. “Lass, ye will be welcome in my home, should ye chose to return with my brother. I think ye would find it to yer liking, and my wife would be thrilled to have another woman at the castle. I’m afraid the women there are fairly outnumbered by the men, and though she hasna been there long, Faith is already trying to civilize us all.”
Willa smiled at the way Bren’s eyes turned soft and dreamy at the mention of his wife.
“I will certainly consider visiting Creagmor with Drust, thank you.” She wanted so much more than to just visit, but what could she say?
She and Drust had not yet spoken of what the next step would be between them.
Bren gave his brother a meaningful stare. “See that she does.”
Drust nodded and grasped Bren’s arm. “Aye, I’ll be home as soon as I can. And Bren… thank ye.”
***
In the bailey, people were everywhere, cleaning up and setting things to rights again as quickly as possible.
In the castle, there was more of the same.
Maura happily directed troops of servants and villagers alike as they all worked together, a palpable air of relief and happiness surrounding them.
Willa, clean and rested after her ordeal and short-lived marriage, restlessly moved from one project to another.
She just couldn’t keep her mind on any one thing, and she knew exactly why.
She had barely seen Drust all day, since both of them had been hard at work.
As twilight fell, that reason for her restlessness finally came into the hall.
He caught her gaze and smiled. She smiled back as he came toward her.
He took her hand and kissed her palm, making her stomach flutter and her knees a little weak.
“Lass, will ye walk with me in the gardens?”
“Of course.”
She slid her arm through Drust’s and together they walked out into the falling twilight.
James had seen them leave and started to go after them, but Maura stopped him with a firm hand on his arm. “Just where are ye going, husband?”
“That Mac Coinnach is leaving unescorted with my sister, that’s where I’m going!”
“Och, James, leave them be, they’re in no danger. Willa is safer with him than with anyone. Besides… she’s a widow.”
James gave her a quelling look. “Dinna remind me! But… as a man myself I am quite sure of what he has in mind, and…”
“Hush! I suppose that ye were perfectly patient and waited till yer wedding night to bed me?
“Well, no”, he admitted after a moment. “But she’s my sister, and I have to look out for her honor.”
“No’ tonight ye dinna.”
Drust led Willa away from the castle and into the stillness of the gardens.
He had been out earlier in the day scouting the area and setting up new wards, and had found the perfect place to bring her, to be alone.
When they stopped, Willa leaned into his arm and sighed.
In front of them was the sea ledge, and the water spreading far out to the horizon where the last of the sunlight was sinking out of sight.
Behind them was a hedge of wild roses, and the sweet smell drifted thickly on the balmy breeze.
And between the sea and the roses was a soft carpet of fresh green grass.
Willa sank down onto it and pulled Drust gently down after her.
He frowned at her, trying to look stern. “Do ye even ken how much ye frightened me, lass? I was near out of my mind when I came back and ye werena in the cottage! I could kill ye for making me worry like that!”