Highlander's Trials of Fire

In the end, he took her to the stables. They could not leave, but it might be fine to take the horses out on a few walks around the Castle grounds, just to clear her head. Jonet had been gnawing on her bottom lip ever since they had left the scullery, clearly deep in thought.

“Ye should trust the Laird,” he assured her, not knowing how many times he would have to repeat himself.

As many times as it takes, he promised himself.

She paused and glanced up at him, her eyes distracted. They caught the sunlight in that moment, shining a caramel brown that had him stepping closer to her. He did not care who might be watching them. He grasped her by the waist, watching her brows lift in surprise.

“I daenae like to see ye worry,” he murmured to her. They were standing by the entrance of the stables, the smell of used hay wafting around them.

“I’m nae worryin’,” she sighed. She wrapped her arms around him, a movement that seemed as natural as breathing now. He masked his pleasure. “And I do trust him. But… if I can do somethin’ meself to help, then shouldnae I…?”

“What ye should be doin’ is relaxin’ and stayin’ out of trouble.” Matthew shook his head.

“Ye make it sound as if I’m always findin’ meself in trouble in the first place,” she mumbled.

“If I take me eyes off ye, I have a feelin’ ye’ll be off tryin’ to find answers yerself. That cannae be anythin’ good.”

Jonet tilted her head to the side as she lifted a brow. “So, is that why ye’ve been trailin’ me? Because ye think that I’ll run off on me own?”

“That’s part of it,” he nodded. He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, listening to her giggle. “The other part is that ye are so irresistible that I cannae help meself.”

“Watch it, Matthew,” Jonet warned. “If ye continue like that, ye’ll make it seem as if ye wanted this all along.”

“To follow ye night and day? It’s a dream come true.”

Lifting his head, he pecked her on the lips, earning a bright smile. He took her by the hand and pulled her into the stables. There were not many stable hands around, but that did not matter. He was looking for only one person, and he was standing by the stall farthest to the back.

Georgie perked up when they approached. He dropped his shovel and raced over to them. His sweet face was awash with apprehension. “Miss Jonet,” he whispered frantically. “Are ye all right?”

Jonet frowned in confusion.

“I forgot to mention to ye that Georgie was there with me when I found the letter,” Matthew explained. “I told him nae to say a word to anyone.”

Georgie took Jonet’s hands. “Ye tell me if ye see anythin’ amiss, Miss Jonet and I’ll come runnin’.”

Jonet laughed. It served to ease some of the fear on the boy’s face. “Aye, if I’m ever in any danger, I will come to ye first.”

“Great.” Georgie seemed satisfied by that. He let go of her hand, picking back up his shovel and resting his arm on it. He flashed his usual bright smile. “What brings ye two by today? Ye arenae thinkin’ of leavin’ the Castle, are ye?”

“Unfortunately,” Jonet grimaced, “we’ve been told to stay here. It’s dangerous to leave with that threat hangin’ in the air.”

“Aye,” Matthew agreed. He could not take his hands off her. He had his hand resting on the small of her back, her lovely scent masking the stench of the stables. “I thought it would take Jonet’s mind off things if she saw Fenella. Maybe walked her around the grounds. Relax her a bit.”

Jonet looked up at him with a happy smile. Matthew returned it, his chest warming. There was a note of surprise in her eyes that he wanted to be rid of. He wanted her to know that he was willing to do whatever to make sure she was well.

“A great idea, Matthew,” Georgie tossed aside his shovel again. He began to lead the way to the horse in question. Fenella lifted her head when they approached, seeming pleased by Jonet’s presence.

Matthew stood back and watched as Jonet petted Fenella on the head and brought her out the stall.

“I’ll just walk her around a few times,” Jonet said. “I think ye might be right, Matthew. It might clear me head a bit.”

“I shall come along with ye,” Georgie claimed.

“The more, the merrier,” Jonet smiled happily and began leading the way out the stables. She seemed to be in a much better mood, which was all Matthew wanted. To take her mind off everything that was happening. He knew that if she did not, the concentration would wear away to reveal the burning fear hidden underneath.

Georgie hung back behind Fenella, walking alongside Matthew. They both watched Jonet as she murmured to the horse, sparking up a conversation with the creature as if she could respond.

“Is all well with Miss Jonet?” Georgie asked, his tone worried.