Shoulder the Skye (Skye Druids #2)(4)
Author: Donna Grant

 

It had been so long since she had experienced it. The dull memories of the past couldn’t compare to the spine-tingling intensity that found her now. She pulled her attention from his mouth and found herself caught by his gaze again. It was a mistake, but even as she realized it, she couldn’t stop herself from drowning in the incredible blue shade.

 

Time paused. The world ceased. It was only her.

 

And him.

 

The spell broke when someone bumped into him, causing him to look away. That allowed Bronwyn the opportunity to pull herself together. She hurried to finish her shopping in record time, refusing to let herself look for him, no matter how much she wanted to.

 

She was so intent on her list and ignoring the man who had made her forget, well, everything, that she forgot who else was in the store.

 

“I can’t believe you let her in here, Kirsi.”

 

“She shouldn’t be on Skye at all.”

 

“There’s no place for her around decent folks.”

 

Bronwyn instantly drew up short at the sound of the voices. Anger and embarrassment replaced the desire, causing her to shake. She felt the other customers’ eyes on her, their gazes accusing, probing. Sarah and her minions made sure to speak loudly enough for everyone in the small shop to hear.

 

There had been a time when Bronwyn would’ve gladly shown them exactly what they had to be afraid of, but she didn’t give in to that now. It would only make things worse. The only thing she could do was prove to everyone that their words didn’t wound her. She’d wait until she got home to cry.

 

Bronwyn got the last item on her list and made her way to the counter. Kirsi finished ringing up Sarah, and Bronwyn set her basket down, holding Kirsi’s gaze and waiting to see what she would do. When the woman began ringing up the items, Sarah huffed.

 

“You can’t be serious, Kirsi,” Sarah all but shouted. “Send her out.”

 

Bronwyn didn’t give Kirsi a chance to answer. She turned to Sarah and said in an even tone, “If you have a problem with me, we can settle it outside. Now.”

 

“I wouldn’t lower myself to that,” Sarah stated nastily as if picking shite off her shoe.

 

Bronwyn stood calmly, even when she felt something dark and nefarious coil within her. It would be so easy to strike out and retaliate for such ghastly behavior. Somehow, she kept herself in check. “Then I suggest you leave so the others can shop in peace. And if you can’t, then go to Rhona about your issue with me.”

 

After several tense moments, Sarah stormed out with her crew. Bronwyn turned back to Kirsi and handed her some money, then grabbed the bags and left, all with the store so silent you could hear a pin drop.

 

She didn’t put up the hood of her rain jacket as she made her way to the vehicle. Adrenaline raced through her, making her tremble as she hastily glanced around to see if Sarah or any of her gang waited for her. It was such a silly thought. Something school kids would do. But, sometimes, people didn’t grow up. And Sarah certainly fit into that category.

 

Bronwyn shoved the bag into the boot of the SUV and closed the hatch, taking a moment to look around. The rain had yet to let up as it pelted her and ran between her jacket and jumper. She didn’t see anyone. No doubt what’d happened would get back to Rhona. Which meant Bronwyn could expect a visit from the Druid leader.

 

“Just great,” she mumbled.

 

Sarah was right. Bronwyn didn’t belong on Skye. Though, did she really belong anywhere? The only place she felt safe was at her house, so that was where she would stay until she took care of her current problem. Hopefully, that would be soon. Until then, she would wait.

 

Bronwyn walked around to the driver’s side and unlocked the vehicle. She was prepared for the slight sticking of the door, but it was just another agitation in an already shite day. Inside, she buckled the seat belt and started the engine. Glancing up, her gaze landed on the co-op’s window, and the entire debacle replayed in her mind. Her eyes burned with unshed tears. The Druids of Skye had caused her enough pain. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of showing them how much they could cut her to the quick.

 

Bronwyn put the SUV in reverse and backed out of the space. The wipers shuddered across the glass, managing to clear away most of the water. She put the vehicle in drive and looked up in time to see the sexy man exiting the building. Even from a distance, she saw his blue eyes directed at her.

 

It caused her stomach to flip unexpectedly as she recalled how it had felt to be caught in his gaze. It had been so long since anyone had looked at her with anything but hatred, fear, or revulsion. She’d wanted to linger and bask in his attention. But that wouldn’t have been fair to whoever the man was. Something about him seemed familiar, but it was probably only her imagination. No doubt he was a tourist. She’d never see him again. Therefore, there was no use lingering over him.

 

Or the feelings he roused.

 

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER THREE

 

 

 

 

 

Elias watched the woman drive away. He’d gone after her to…well, he wasn’t sure what he’d wanted to do. It wasn’t as if he could do what he desired—kiss her. Even now, his balls tightened as he recalled the instant their eyes met. It’d felt as if lightning had struck him.

 

A frown suddenly formed as he thought about how badly she had been treated in the store. He waited until the woman with the most beautiful hazel eyes he’d ever seen drove out of sight, then returned to the co-op. By the time he reached the register, only one other person was shopping, the elderly gentleman seeming preoccupied with picking out the perfect toilet paper.

 

“Can I help you with anything?” the woman behind the counter asked.

 

She had a pretty smile. Her pale brown locks were tinted with red, and he bet she would appear more of a redhead in the sunlight.

 

Elias scratched the side of his nose as he leaned over the counter so he wouldn’t be overheard. “The woman that just drove off—”

 

“Bronwyn,” the cashier said with a nod, her smile gone, her eyes guarded. “What about her?”

 

“Why was she treated so?”

 

The cashier glanced down nervously. “Just local stuff.”

 

“How do you know I’m no’ local?”

 

“If you were, you’d know about her,” she said, her lips easing into another smile.

 

“Verra true,” he said with a nod, easing his lips into another grin. “Forgive my nosiness. It’s been some time since I’ve witnessed adults acting so…”