Page 39 of Craved By the Cruel Highlander
“Ye wound me twice in one evening,” he replied, though his tone was warm. He poured in a measure of oats, letting them thicken the broth into a hearty stew.
He withdrew slabs of salted bacon from the bag and placed them on the hot stones. It sizzled instantly.
The flames crackled, and sparks leapt toward the darkening sky as the first stars began to prick through the fading blue. He crouched beside the pot and poured a bit of whisky into the fish stew. Then he tested it with the spoon before nodding to himself in satisfaction.
He unrolled a thick blanket and bedroll near the log.
“We'll sit on the ground and use the log as a table,” he said.
“Alright, let me…” she said as she shifted in an attempt to move.
But Ian was faster and lifted her up into his arms and placed her on the blanket before the log.
“Come then, Lady McGuire,” he said at last. “Yer supper awaits.”
He carried the pot carefully and ladled the steaming mixture into two wooden bowls set on top of the log, handing one to her. Then he set the slabs of bacon curled into the side of the bowl. He then sat himself once more at her side.
The scent was rich and savory, simple yet comforting, and it curled through the cool evening air like an invitation.
Arianna took a tentative bite, then another, and her eyes widened despite herself.
“Ian,” she said slowly, “this is nae half bad.”
He feigned outrage. “Nae half bad? I shall have ye know this stew has marched across the Highlands and back.”
She shook her head, smiling as she swallowed. “I tease. I am impressed, truly. I didnae ken ye had such skill. It is delicious.”
He ate with quiet contentment for a moment before answering. “I’ve cooked meals like this over many a battlefield,” he said. “When the men were cold and weary, a warm pot did more for their spirits than any rousing speech.”
Arianna studied him, the firelight dancing across her features. “Ye cared for them,” she said gently.
“Aye,” he admitted. “A laird must care for his men, else he is nae laird at all.” He glanced at her then, and something unspoken passed between them in the hush of the clearing. “And I care for those under me protection,” he added quietly.
She lowered her gaze to her bowl, though her smile lingered. “Then I am fortunate indeed, am I nae?”
He reached for the bread once more and tore off a piece, dipping it into his stew.
“Fortunate? Nay, it is I who am fortunate to have such a demanding Lady to serve.”
She laughed at that, the sound light and free beneath the darkening sky. “If this is the standard of yer service, I may keep ye on permanent duty.”
He leaned closer, lowering his voice in playful warning. “Careful, me Lady. A servant such as I may grow accustomed to such company.”
They finished their meal slowly, savoring both the food and the quiet companionship. The sun sank fully beyond the trees, leaving the clearing bathed in twilight and firelight. Crickets began their soft chorus, and the scent of woodsmoke clung to the air around them. Ian gathered the bowls and set them aside, his shoulder brushing hers once more as he did.
“Well?” he asked at last. “Have I pleased ye?”
Arianna met his gaze, her eyes reflecting the flames. “Aye, Ian,” she said softly. “Ye have.”
She’s happy to see me as a servant, but will she ever truly accept me as her husband and provide heirs?
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
An hour later, they lay upon the bedroll, side by side, the earth cool beneath the blankets and the heavens stretched endless above them. Arianna kept her hands folded upon her stomach, though she was keenly aware of Ian’s shoulder close to hers. The sky was a velvet black, scattered with stars so sharp and bright they seemed near enough to pluck from the air. The moon hung full and luminous, bathing the clearing in silver light, and she knew without asking that this was why he had brought her here.
“It’s bonnie,” she murmured at last, her voice hushed as though the night might hear. “I’ve never seen the stars so clear.”
Ian shifted slightly beside her, propping his head upon his arm. “Aye, the smoke of hearths cannae reach us here. ’Tis just us and the sky.”
