“It’s beautiful here,” Caitlin said softly, taking in the scene before her.
“Aye. It’s peaceful,” Kai murmured, turning to look at her. “Nobody can see us here.”
Caitlin didn’t dare let herself ponder what he meant by that.
Kai rose to his feet and started gathering bits of seaweed from the beach. He set to work weaving the shells together using the strips of seaweed, creating intricate patterns as he went. He worked quickly but carefully, barely glancing at what he was doing as though his hands knew what to do without him having to think about it.
When he finished, Kai held up a beautiful necklace made of brightly colored shells and sea glass—each one glinting in the sunshine like tiny gems. He presented it to Caitlin with a grin and a flourishing bow.
“For my lady.”
Caitlin tried to match Kai’s nonchalant grin. “It’s beautiful but how many of those have you made for your ladies before?”
“None,” Kai replied, his expression turning serious. “I wanted you to have something to remember our time here,” Kai said softly. “Something pleasant. Something other than the danger and violence.”
All trace of cockiness had gone from his demeanor and now he looked serious and earnest.
Caitlin marveled at how quickly this man had become important to her, even though they’d known each other for such a short time. Wordlessly, she looped the necklace around her neck, feeling the warmth radiating off it into her skin.
Kai’s eyes glittered as he watched her, taking in every detail of her reaction. He leaned in close, his breath hot against her face.
“I’m sorry if I seem forward,” he said, his voice low and husky. “I just canna help myself around ye.”
Caitlin’s heart pounded in her chest as she met his gaze. She didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to respond to the intensity of his words.
But before she could speak, Kai kissed her. His lips on hers were gentle at first, then more urgent as their passion built. Caitlin moaned into his mouth as his hands roamed over her body, pulling her to him.
She forgot about the necklace, forgot about the shoreline, forgot about everything else in the heat of wanting him. His kisses were sweet and salty at the same time, tasting of salt water and something else that made her feel alive.
Her hands swept up his back as their mouths moved in perfect harmony. His lips were hot, his tongue exploring every inch of her mouth. His hands moved beneath her shirt, caressing the soft skin of her back in an almost reverent touch. Everywhere his hands went he left a trail of fire that made Caitlin ache for more.
Oh, how she wanted him.
Kai’s hands moved further, exploring her body slowly as if he wanted to savor every tantalizing moment. His fingers traced circles on her hips before traveling down her thighs and underneath the hem of her dress to the ridged skin of her legs.
Caitlin gasped as his finger touched a scar that ran along the side of her calf. Instantly, reality crashed back in and she sat up abruptly, scooting away from him.
“I...I’m sorry.” She scrambled to her feet and fled along the beach.
Footsteps thumped behind her and Kai’s strong hands settled on her shoulders, spinning her around. “Caitlin, I’m sorry,” he said, his voice full of self-recrimination. “I shouldnae have done that. Forgive me.”
Forgive him? Was he serious? Forgive him for making her feel more alive than she ever had? For making her feel special, wanted, for the first time in... forever?
She shook her head. “There’s nothing to apologize for. It’s just that...just that...”
“There iseverythingto apologize for,” Kai replied, sternly. “I knew ye didnae want me ever since that morning after we fled the fair. I should have respected that.”
Is that what he thought? Is thatseriouslywhat he thought? That she didn’t want him?
“Kai, that’s not it. That’s not it at all. You don’t know how hard it’s been to resist—” She trailed off and looked away, struggling to find the words.
Kai’s grip on her shoulders tightened. “Then what is it?”
She bit her lip and looked up at him. “You might think you want me but you don’t. Or at least, you wouldn’t if you saw me. If you knew the truth.”
“What are you talking about? Of course I would. Caitlin, ye are the bravest, most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
“Brave? Beautiful? I’m neither of those things. If you only knew—”
