Shoulder the Skye (Skye Druids #2)(20)
Author: Donna Grant

 

“Why?”

 

He contemplated whether to tell her everything. Then he decided that was the only way he would get the same in return. “You’re right. I help people. I have for years. Sometimes, I’m hired to do it. Other times, I stumble upon the opportunity. After your clash with the group, I suspected they might try something.”

 

“Did I give you any indication that I couldn’t take care of myself?”

 

He blinked and paused. Shite. “Nay, lass. I’m used to spotting trouble, is all.”

 

“And I suppose the fact that I’m a drough now never crossed your mind?” she bit out.

 

Her anger was barely leashed. Someone who held in that much emotion did it for a reason. Elias had learned that point himself. There were times the past still intruded, dredging up excruciating memories and a tsunami of fury. He had faced it with the help of the Knights. Who did Bronwyn have?

 

“It isna my place to judge. I shouldna have been spying. I apologize for that. I should’ve come straight to you, and I would have. I didna have time when the group showed up. I did what needed to be done.”

 

She held his gaze without replying.

 

Elias didn’t want to leave her. He didn’t know why he felt such a strong need to be by her side, but there was no denying it. He needed to make up for mucking things up so epically as he had. “I’m verra sorry to hear about your father.”

 

“Thank you,” she said softly, her eyes lowering.

 

“I hope you accept my apology for snooping around,” he said, watching her intently. “I was here because I was worried about what those goons would do. It had nothing to do with your change of magic.”

 

Her hazel gaze slid to him before she chewed and swallowed a bite of toast. “How long have you been watching me?”

 

Elias hesitated. He’d made headway, and he just might lose all the ground he’d made up. “Two nights.”

 

“So…you…?”

 

“Saw the mist fly around you?” he asked, his brows raised. “Aye.”

 

She stopped chewing for a heartbeat, and a frown quickly flashed over her face. “I’ve seen it before, but it was the first time it came near me like that. I didn’t like it.” She shivered. “At all.”

 

“Do you know who controls it?”

 

“Just because I’m drough doesn’t mean I’m privy to such things,” she snapped. Then she briefly closed her eyes and sighed. “If I did, I’d let Rhona know. I appreciate your help last night, but it’s best if you leave now. This isn’t your fight.”

 

Elias kept his expression blank as pain shot through him as he shifted and set aside his cup. He’d made his decision, and nothing could change his mind. He would eventually convince Bronwyn to let him help her. Until then, he’d give her what she wished. “You couldna walk last night. You were unconscious for hours.” He motioned to the fire with his head. “I’ll stay until my clothes are dry and I know you can get about without help.”

 

She eyed him for a long moment. “You haven’t asked about it.”

 

“About what?” But he knew exactly what she referred to. He’d been waiting on her.

 

“The blood magic.”

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER ELEVEN

 

 

 

 

 

Bronwyn might be able to think clearly if Elias put on a shirt. She couldn’t stop staring at his upper body. The light dusting of hair, the broad shoulders, the muscular arms, the thick chest, the washboard stomach. And the V of muscles that disappeared into the waistband of his jeans.

 

Though she also saw the massive bruise on his right side.

 

The sight of that amazing chest, combined with the pounding of her head, made it nearly impossible to keep her thoughts focused on their discussion. Her stomach roiled. She needed to fill it. The toast stuck in her mouth, but she managed to keep a couple of tiny bites down.

 

Bronwyn was surprised that Elias had agreed to leave. She’d been sure that he would try to poke around and ask a million questions she didn’t intend to answer. She took another nibble of toast before sipping the tea. Then, she made the mistake of bending her right knee. Her skin stretched, and the kneecap throbbed. She hissed in a breath. Elias was at her side in an instant.

 

He set aside the tray and started to lift the blankets. She slapped her hand over his and met his gaze. Blue eyes, clear and bright like a sunny day, met hers. She noted the band of navy that encircled his irises and the flecks of silver mixed with the blue.

 

“The cut on your knee was severe,” he told her. “I just want to see if you’re bleeding again.”

 

Bronwyn felt a bead of blood run down the side of her knee. She was so used to doing everything herself that she wasn’t sure how to allow someone to tend to her. It was a show of weakness that she couldn’t afford. But with her head and the pain in her side that had taken her breath when she sat up, she wasn’t sure she could do anything at the moment.

 

“There’s nothing wrong with accepting help,” Elias told her in a soft voice.

 

A gravelly, sexy voice.

 

That, along with his stunning eyes, was a combination she didn’t stand a chance against. Her gaze dropped to his chest again. He was so near she could feel his warmth. Desire unfurled low in her belly, pushing aside her pain. She had the urge to move her hand up his arm to his shoulder and then over his chest.

 

It had been so long since she had touched someone—or had anyone touch her. He could shove her hand aside and do what he wanted, but he didn’t. He waited for her. All the while holding her eyes. Her nipples hardened, reminding her that all that stood between them was blankets and her underwear. He had stripped her out of her clothes last night. She had missed out on feeling his hands, but if she’d been awake, she never would’ve let him come near her.

 

Would it really be so bad to accept this small touch? To allow someone to help her? To admit that she wanted to feel his skin against hers, however briefly?

 

The past few months had been the loneliest of Bronwyn’s life. If the night before was any indication of what was to come, she should take what compassion was offered. And it was kindness. It might have been decades since she had seen Elias MacLean, but he was still the same gentle, caring lad who had come to her defense all those years ago. But he was all grown now.

 

Into a ruggedly handsome man who made her wish she’d made different choices.