His concern stole the air from my lungs, so that all I could do was nod and try not to focus on what his touch was doing to my body. Before I could get to my feet, Duncan reached out and scooped me into his arms. Instead of protesting, I sagged against him and listened to his heart beating away like a massive jackhammer.
Since arriving in Doon yesterday, he’d saved me from Gideon, the icky dungeons, and now violent death at the hands of a lynch mob. Rescuing me was fast becoming “our thing.” It would’ve been so much easier if “our thing” had been something normal and less life-threatening … like karaoke.
CHAPTER 14
Veronica
Feathers floated around my head, landing on my eyelashes and sticking to my lips, but I didn’t care. I hit the pillow again and again. Sure, Jamie’d pushed me out of the way and taken a club to the head in my place. But then the callous jerk had acted as if the attack were my fault. As if I’d begged for a bunch of drunk, tam-wearing thugs to jump us!
Why? Why did Jamie have to be such an incredible idiot? I pulled my arm back and punched with all my strength. My knuckles struck the solid wood of the headboard through the pillow. I leapt out of bed and danced in a tight circle, shaking out my aching hand.
“That’s cute, Vee. New dance move?”
I stopped spinning and put my knuckles in my mouth. Kenna stood in the bathroom doorway, swimming in a green velvet XXL robe, her damp hair piled on top of her head. Pulling my tender fingers out of my mouth, I said, “Ha, ha. Nice robe, but I think the circus elephant might want it back.”
Kenna giggled. Giggled? My best friend might hoot, snort, or even cackle with the best of them, but she never giggled. It must’ve been a delayed stress reaction or something.
“It was hanging in the linen closet, and I was cold after my bath,” Kenna said absently as she wandered around the room picking up random items and setting them back down, finally sinking into a chair in front of the fire with a heavy sigh. I watched her with narrowed eyes. She had the appearance of a girl who was completely smitten. And who could really blame her? Duncan was gallant and charming. Jamie, on the other hand, was a rude, egotistical pig!
Residual adrenaline coursed through my veins like a ricocheting pinball. Jamie’s harsh rejection of my help, and even my touch, had me ready to punch something other than my pillow. Preferably a broad cheekbone or dimpled chin or—I cut my thoughts short.
Taking several deep, calming breaths, I swept my damp hair up behind my head, tied it in a knot, and then moved into a Warrior pose. I should have told that conceited jackwagon to go stuff himself. Instead, I’d let Duncan lead me back to the castle without saying a word.
Closing my eyes, I held the position and continued to breathe. I focused on my muscles elongating as I pushed negative thoughts out and drew in the positive.
Desperate to regain my freedom of movement, I’d shed my heavy skirts in favor of knee-length cotton bloomers and a silk cami. My ensemble would be considered scandalous by most Doonians, but ironically covered more than my old cheer uniform.
“What are you doing?”
Without opening my eyes, I answered, “Yoga.” I brought my hands together and slowly arched back into a Half Moon.
“Well, when you’re done communing with Yoda or whatever, I need to ask you something.”
I returned to neutral and opened my eyes. “Yes, young one? Assist you how may I?”
A small cylindrical pillow hurtled across the room toward my face. I ducked at the last second, narrowly avoiding the projectile.
“I’m four months older than you, and don’t you forget it!” Kenna teased.
My equilibrium renewed, I skipped over and dropped down cross-legged on the hearthrug in front of Kenna’s chair. Sinking my fingers into the plush texture, I realized, with mild revulsion, that it was some kind of dead animal fur.
“Is that Duncan’s robe?”
“Where’s the journal?”
We spoke over each other, voicing our questions at exactly the same time.
“I asked first,” Kenna declared.
“Okay. It’s in the toilet.”