Page 21 of Highlander’s Evil Side

“Apologies, I-I saw yer door was open.” Fraser chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck before nodding towards the clutter in her room. “I see yer an avid reader.”

Beitris’s gaze narrowed, making Fraser’s insides twist with worry. He shouldn’t have come here. Why did he come to her quarters in the first place?

“Is that all, my laird?” Beitris jutted out her chin, her hand already pushing the door closed.

“Nae,” Fraser rushed out. Beitris’s hand on the door stilled, and she stared expectantly up at him, waiting for his reply. Fraser’s mouth hung open as he searched for anything to say. He wanted to know if she was feeling better—if she needed any assistance. His gaze peeked over her shoulder, seeing the books in their trunks staring back at him.

“Well, my laird?” Beitris asked, a hint of a smile taking hold of her lips. “I haven’t all day.”

“I wanted to know if yer feeling any better.” Fraser moved his hands behind him, grabbing them and trying desperately to calm the fluttering of his insides. He didn’t quite understand why, but her presence unnerved him, took hold of any confidence he had, and crushed it within her palm. “I know yer father’s absence has unsettled ye. I hope I may be of some help?” He craned his head towards her, watched as her lips parted in response.

Beitris took a step back, and Fraser worried she would close the door on him. Instead, she turned around, beckoning him to follow with a simple wave of her hand. “There is something ye could do,” she said softly, keeping her back to him.

Fraser took a tentative step forward, looking around at the large windows, a desk near one, and a large canopy bed resting across from it. He sidestepped a large trunk, followed by another. Her items created a small maze within her quarters, and he realized with disappointment she hardly had any shelves to place her things.

“I was hoping ye have somewhere to keep these,” Beitris said, her voice calling his attention. She gestured towards her books and heaved a heavy sigh. “Perhaps, yer study? Or maybe ye have a room for such things?”

Fraser shook his head. “Unfortunately, not.”

Beitris’s shoulders slumped, looking defeated as she stared down at her books. Fraser had never seen so many in one place before. Even his instructor, a gifted scholar who spent most of his time surrounded by books, would be impressed. Fraser mentally kicked himself for questioning her literacy, and a part of him wondered where she acquired so many volumes. His gaze wandered over the dusty, worn spines, finding a book of poetry by John Barbour and romances by Thomas Learmont.

“I suppose the trunks will have to do then,” Beitris said, keeping her gaze fixated to the floor.

“Nae, ‘tis better if ye keep them out.” Fraser closed the distance between them, reaching for her but stopping himself from proceeding any further. His hand lowered as Beitris’s gaze lifted to meet his, her eyes widening as he said, “I wouldn’t want the dust to ruin them. Perhaps, I can send for a carpenter to build ye a shelf.”

Beitris blinked, her eyes growing in surprise and alarm. “What?” she breathed.

“Aye.” Fraser nodded, feeling more comfortable when Beitris didn’t move away from him. “It might take a day or two. ‘Tis yer room,” he added quickly. “If ye don’t want for it then—”

“Nae,” Beitris rushed out. She smiled brightly up at him, and the slight movement of her lips made his insides melt. He smiled back at her, unable to control his body as he watched the joy permeate from her very being. “It’s a wonderful idea. Thank ye for yer kindness.”

Fraser nodded, turning away and nearly tripping over a trunk and a stack of books on his way towards the door. His heart felt full as if at any moment it would burst with joy. He paused in the doorway, glancing over his shoulder. His breath caught as he met her gaze, feeling as if he would get lost in those sea-blue eyes of hers.

“Good day, Beitris,” he said, his tongue feeling numb as the words tumbled out.

Beitris dipped into a quick curtsy. “Good day, Fraser.”

His heart fluttered once more at the sound of his name leaving her lips. He forced himself to look away, forced himself to leave her to her own devices. With that one smile, hope was born within him. Perhaps, they could go on an outing. He would just need to discuss with Scott if they could spare some men. His smile widened. Knowing Beitris, he suspected she would need an entire entourage to ensure her safety.