by Diane Darcy
“Ye did all this?” he pointed at the colorful screen.
She nodded. “Anyway, my next idea for an app is a game I’ve been thinking about for years. I finally decided to just go for it. If it didn’t work out, oh well, right?” Her lips twisted slightly. “Although, I’m still putting the finishing touches on it.” She shrugged again.
“Ye’re brilliant, lass.”
She glanced up at him, smiled, and then dropped her gaze and blushed. “Well, I don’t know about that, but I do seem to have a natural knack for computers and programming.”
The way he was looking at her, like she really was brilliant, was certainly affecting her.
She felt like she needed to get out of there, before she did something silly, like throw herself at the man and kiss him senseless.
She wondered if perhaps he could read minds, because he moved closer, as if he was thinking the same.
This wasn’t a good idea.
Was it?
No, it wasn’t. Not while they were alone in the same room. She disentangled herself and stood. “Thank you for tonight. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been with me.”
He nodded, still looking at her like he’d like to kiss her senseless.
“Um … I guess I’d better get ready for bed.”
He looked at her lips once more and she hurried and turned away.
If she was going to leave, she’d better do so immediately if not sooner!
As Ashley showered and got ready for bed, Ronan checked the windows in her bedroom to make sure they were locked, and drew the curtains.
He did the same with the windows in the main room and checked the locks on the door once more.
He prowled into her room again feeling dangerous and fidgety.
He should have broken the man’s neck while he’d had the chance.
He knew he only had perhaps one more day here, knew his job was to see her safe, and yet under her gaze, he’d hesitated.
Fool!
When she came out of the bathroom, he was on the couch, his feet upon the small table in front of it, trying his best to look relaxed. Though how he was supposed to remain so when she was warm and rosy from her shower and dressed in a robe that revealed her smooth calves, he’d no idea.
Did she think him a saint, then?
Blood heating, he glanced away, trying to remember the sums the monks had tried to ingrain in his thick skull, but his gaze didn’t stay away for long and he found himself staring once more.
“Is there anything I can get you?” Ashley asked.
He swallowed, shook his head. “Go to bed now, and I’ll see ye in the morn, safe and well.”
“We can watch television if you’d like?”
Sit upon the couch side by side? He thought not. “Nae, lass, ye need yer rest.”
“Is that your way of telling me that you need to get some sleep?”
“Ye’ve found me out. I am tired, indeed.”
Still, she hesitated in the doorway. “All right,” she tapped her fingernail on the wooden door frame, and worried at the wood for a moment. “You’ll still be here, when I wake up in the morning, won’t you?”
“Ye’re not to fash, I will be here, and I’ll see you protected.”
“All right.” She tucked a dark strand of damp hair behind one ear, a very feminine gesture that completely caught his attention. “Good night, then.”
“Good night, lass. Dream well.”
She smiled. “Sweet dreams.”
He lay back on the couch, on the pillow she’d provided earlier, wide-awake, alert, and listening for any noise that seemed out of place.
Other than Ashley turning in her bed upon occasion, all was quiet.
After about an hour, he checked on Ashley and found her to be sound asleep. As he listened to her deep even breaths, satisfaction welled within him that she had not locked the door against him. The light from the other room revealed how young she looked. So beautiful, delicate, fascinating. He stood there far longer than he ought and finally turned to leave.
He quietly shut her door and, taking the strange, flat, room- key, he let himself out, tested the lock to assure himself he could get back in again, and then waited for it to lock once more.
He prowled around their floor, looking for anything amiss, then went down the stairs and nodded to the innkeeper behind the desk. An elderly gentleman with a bald head, and red ears, he was watching a small screen as the guards used to do at Culloden Moor. “All is well? Have there been any disturbances?”
The man looked a bit surprised at the question, but answered readily enough. “Everything is right as rain, I assure you.”
“I’ll just have a look about, and be back momentarily.”
The man raised a brow, nodded, and went back to watching his device.
Ronan stepped away from the building, crossed the narrow street, turned and looked up at the building to assure himself that no intruders tried to climb the wall.
There was no one.
He took the time to walk around the entire building, four of them connected, to the other side, and checked out the back as well.
All looked secure.
He passed a drunk, curled up with a bottle, a stray cat ran by, and he crossed himself against it in case it was doing the devil’s work.
When he assured himself naught was amiss, he went back inside, nodded at the innkeeper, and jogged up the stairs.
Letting himself into their room, he immediately checked on Ashley, but as before, she slept deeply.
Satisfaction filled him as he quietly closed her door once more. She trusted him, else her sleep would be filled with fits and starts. She’d not let her guard down if she feared a strange male in her midst.
He took the cushions off the couch and threw them next to the door.
He lay down, set his dagger at his side, and assured himself he wouldn’t sleep. But on the off chance that he did, no one would get by him.
The next time he awoke it was morning.
“Hey, sleepyhead. What are you doing?”
Ronan sat up swiftly, instantly alert, startling Ashley into moving back a few steps, before laughing. “Were you too long for the couch?”
His gazed raked her, up and down, took in her modest capri-pajamas, and his gaze heated.
In the next moment he scrubbed his hands over his face, then bounded up and away from her. He glanced over to the couch. “Somethin’ like that.”
It almost looked like he’d been guarding her, the way he was blocking the main door as he was, and dang, that did something to her heart!
“You know I’m going to want to take you home with me, don’t you?”
He stilled at that, and stared down at her. “Lass …” his voice was deep and rumbly, his accent thick.
She waved a hand in the air. “I know, I know. You’re my bodyguard for the length of the tour. All I’m saying is that you’re a sweetheart.”
He was still watching her, hopefully thinking about what she’d said, as she went into the kitchen to get a drink. She filled a cup for him as well, and handed it to him.
Their fingers brushed, and, okay, maybe she’d made sure that happened on purpose. She grinned at him, clinked her plastic cup against his, and took a drink.
He was watching her, seeming to take every inch of her in as his gaze roamed her body before meeting her eyes once more.
She drew in a breath. Whew. She had to remind herself she’d only known the guy for twenty-four hours. “I’m going to get dressed, and it looks like you already are, so let’s get this show on the road. Shall we?”
She headed back into her bedroom, shut the door, and leaned back against it as her heart thudded in her chest. The way he’d been looking at her was like a starving man looks at dinner. She drew in another breath.
Maybe she shouldn’t have said that, about taking him home, but she’d at least wanted to plant the seed in his head. She really liked him. And the attraction wasn’t just one side
d. Perhaps this could turn into something more than just a vacation romance? Maybe, just maybe, it could be so much more.
She hurried and dressed as fast as she could, simply because she wanted to see him again. She picked up her thumb drive and slipped it in her bra again. Just in case.
It was a new day, new possibilities, and she’d still have Ronan at her side.
She had every intention of making the most of it.
Chapter 10
She was to be the death of him, and as he was dead already, that was saying something.
He was supposed to be her protector, not a male who gawked at her whenever he came upon the chance.
Unfortunately, while he was looking at her, she looked right back at him, her interest palpable, and he’d experienced a rush of dazed pleasure expanding his heart.
She wanted to keep him?
The thought of it slayed him, weakened his will. Nothing could come from a romantic attachment, and he would not hurt her in such a way. Not when he had to leave.
He’d have to protect her without looking at her overmuch, and if that was the cost, he’d do it. Somehow.
As she chattered, seeming very happy this morn, he replaced the cushions, pulled the curtains and looked out the window at the pale morning sky, and waited.
“All right, I’m just about ready. According to the itinerary they are handing out breakfast burritos and muffins and juice on the bus for breakfast. Apparently, we have something of a drive, about an hour and a half according to the map, until we reach Stirling Castle. Have you ever been there before?”
“Of course, I have.”
She grinned at him. “Did you know that Scotland is actually about the size of South Carolina?”
He didn’t know where South Carolina was, and didn’t want to appear ignorant, so he shook his head, still not looking at her, still gazing out the window at the dawning light in the distance.
“I was surprised too. So, I guess if you lived in a place the size of South Carolina your whole life, you’d have pretty much visited all of the sights.”
Again, he simply nodded.
“Do you know that the national animal of Scotland is a unicorn?” Her voice was full of happiness, and when he did chance to turn and meet her gaze, it was warm, friendly, and he felt another arrow pierce his heart, another part of him claimed.
“Nae, lass, I didnae.”
“It is! I find that fascinating. But your country is so filled with history, myths, and legends that it shouldn’t be a surprise. But I just love that!”
Another joy-filled smile, and she was in her room putting her things in her suitcase. Her purple one. Yet another thing to like about her.
He groaned, and looked out the window again.
He wasn’t sure, but he thought he’d dreamed of her last night. Dreamed that she was his, mayhap?
Not in his lifetime, and not in this one either.
As he waited, he contemplated his role in last night’s events. Had the witch thought to send him here to kill the thief and keep Ashley safe?
Had he failed in his duty?
He thought perhaps he had, and it made his fists curl, and his teeth clench.
Why had she followed him? Interfered? He should have simply killed the man and been done with it. If another chance came, the next time he’d not hesitate.
But the thought of Ashley, seeing him in a murderous rage, had checked his impulses. Melted the rage away.
He’d not wanted to disappoint her.
He’d have to think on it some more.
She came out of her room and headed into the bathroom to fuss with her face painting and hair curling. The last thing he needed was for her to look prettier.
“Lass, ye need not fuss about in such a manner, ye’re quite comely without the extras. Addin’ such things seems quite unnecessary.”
She leaned out the door to grin at him. “You charmer, you. I have to say, that’s nice to hear, but I like make-up. You should see me when I’m cosplaying.”
“Cosplayin’?”
“Yes, you know, costume and play equals cosplay?”
Ronan moved to watch as she looked in the mirror and brushed something black on her eyelashes, making them longer and thicker instantly. “I’ve dressed up as Tinkerbell, Batgirl, Wonder Woman, Arielle and a few others. Last year I was Harley Quinn. And then of course the Star Trek conventions are their own thing entirely.”
She paused to look at herself in the mirror and he realized he was staring again, fascinated against his will.
“This year I’m planning to go as an Orion slave girl. I already have the costume and can’t wait to paint my skin green.”
“Mmm.” Again, he’d no idea what she was talking about — green skin? — but all the same, he felt he could listen to her forever.
As she chattered, he could feel himself sinking deeper and deeper into, what? Infatuation? Mayhap even love? And after a moment, realized, why should he fight it?
As long as she was not hurt by his feelings, what harm was there? He could feel them, and keep them to himself. And why should one such as she, filled with joy and self-confidence, pay him any mind anyway?
As soon as she finished, he carried her bag, her pack, and they headed out the room and down the stairs and joined the crowd gathering below.
“Did everyone have a good night?” Logan asked.
Monica and Garth joined her at that moment, and Monica gave her a nudge in her side. “Well? Did you?”
Ashley rolled her eyes. “I slept like a baby.”
At Monica’s knowing look, she nudged her friend back. “Alone.”
Monica sighed. “And I had such high hopes for you.”
Ronan heard the entire exchange, and could feel heat rushing to his face. Surely, her friends knew he was her protector? That he’d not dishonor her in any way?
Hoping to distract himself, he glanced around the crowd, scanning for the familiar face of the thief, but saw no one.
His hand tightened around Ashley’s pack, and he smiled grimly at the thought of anyone trying to take it from him.
He should like to see them try.
Once they’d settled on the bus, and the driver started down the narrow street, Logan pulled a box on wheels down the aisle, and encouraged them all to take some of the food from within.
Boxes of muffins were also passed down from one seat to the next, and Ashley got napkins and a muffin for each of them before passing the box on.
“Is blueberry okay?”
“Just fine, lass.”
Next, Logan came down the aisle with juice boxes, and Ashley again took one for them both, stuck a straw in his, then handed it over.
He was going to miss food again when all this was over.
“Good?”
He nodded.
“Better than what you had to eat in your last life?”
“Some aye, some nae.”
“What was your favorite food back then?”
“Meat pies. Nothin’ like a hot meat pie with a tankard of good Scottish ale.”
“Sounds good, but I’m not sure about that for breakfast.” That teasing look was back in her honey-colored eyes again, pulling him in, drowning him.
Once everyone had eaten, and the garbage had been dealt with, Ashley took his hand as she leaned forward to question her friends about Mary King’s Close.
He noted she did not tell them of the thief.
Contentment and satisfaction descended upon him — emotions that at one time seemed unfathomable to one such as he.
Occasionally, Logan pointed something out as they passed through small villages, keeping them well-entertained and content. They took a short restroom break at Falkirk before moving on to Stirling Castle.
They arrived at the town, full of tall stone buildings, a clock tower, and mountains lying in foggy mist in the distance. The parish church was still there, the tower seemingly unchanged by time.
And why not? He was here as well, was he not?
“Oh, look at the castle! It’s beautiful.”
The bus turned a corner, giving them an unhindered view of the castle, atop a hill, the steep cliffs plunging down on three sides.
Ronan made a grumbling noise deep in his throat. “Try layin’ siege to it in the cold month of January.”
Ashley laughed. “Is that historically accurate, or did you make that up?”
“Oh, tis accurate enough.”
The bus climbed the hill and parked outside the castle.
Logan stood and faced them. “Welcome to Stirling! Has anyone here heard of time travel? Yes? And you thought it wasn’t real, didn’t you? Well, today we’re going to prove it is. So, follow me everyone! We’re going back in time!”
Logan gathered everyone near a short wall that overlooked an impressive church and cemetery below.
Ashley looked down at the ornate headstones, and even from the distance she could see they were old, many of them elaborate statues standing out here and there.
Two days was not going to be enough time in Scotland. Her gaze drifted to the man beside her. For more reasons than one.
“All right,” Logan clapped his hands together twice. “Tis said there are many a ghost that roam the grounds of Stirling Castle. Strangely, most of them are female, and most known by the color of their gowns. The one we’ll be discussin’ now has no name, other than The Green Lady, as she’s been spotted by the emerald gown that trails throughout the corridors of the castle and beyond.”
Logan flashed a knowing look. “A brave highland lass, she was, and known to have the second sight. She was given as a servant girl to Mary, Queen of Scots, and Mary’s kindness to her assured her complete loyalty.”
He drew a deep breath. “One day the servant girl came to Mary, flustered, crying. She told the queen she’d seen her die that very night. The only way to keep it from happening, was if the girl herself watched over the queen as she slept, and saved her from whatever impending doom was to follow.”