Instead, all he could do was watch as Lorna pressed herself against him. He inhaled deeply, breathing in the sweet scent of jasmine that clung to her skin. Gently, she reached out and touched his hand. Kai felt electricity shoot through him as their skin made contact.
Oh, it would be so easy to give in. How many times had he dreamt of a moment like this? How many times as he lay alone or next to a woman whose name he could barely remember had he fantasized about Lorna coming back to him? How many women had he bedded, how much whisky had he drunk, all to forget the pain that ripped through him whenever he remembered the woman in front of him now? And here she was, offering herself to him as though the intervening years had never happened. Oh yes, it would be so easy to give in.
Except it wasn’t.
As she touched him, it was another face that suddenly flashed into his mind. A face with hair the color of bark and wide, honest eyes that seemed to look right into his soul.
He stumbled back. “This isnae happening,” he rasped. “I willnae dishonor us both. Ye are married and I am in love with another.”
He froze.
I am in love with another.
The words echoed like explosions in his head. It was the truth, he realized. He had tried to tell himself that his feelings for Caitlin were merely lust, that what had happened between them that afternoon was merely physical, a release that they both had so desperately needed. But now as he stood with Lorna’s scent clinging to his skin, it hit him like a runaway wagon: he loved Caitlin.
A warm feeling blossomed in his chest, something like a slow-burning fire, radiating from his heart and through every part of him.
Caitlin.
Lorna looked taken aback for a moment before her expression turned to one of anger. “Ye are in love with another? And who might that be?”
“It doesnae matter. What matters is that I canna betray my heart or my honor. Ye are married, Lorna. Ye shouldnae be here with me.”
Lorna narrowed her eyes, searching his face for something. “Why the sudden virtue, Kai?” she asked. “From what I hear, ye are not averse to bedding a married woman.”
Kai growled low in his throat. “Is that what ye hear? Then perhaps ye shouldnae listen to gossip.”
As far as he knew, Kai had never bedded a married woman. Although, he conceded, he made of point of never asking. His dalliances had been nothing more than light-hearted fun, a way to ease the hole in his heart left by the woman standing in front of him. None of those dalliances had come close to breaking down his walls, of healing that hole inside him.
Not until Caitlin.
“Who is she? Who is this woman that’s taken my place in yer heart?” Lorna demanded.
He had once thought Lorna the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Now though, with her expression twisted into one of petulance and jealousy, she did not look beautiful. How had he never seen it before? Lorna had always been spoiled, always so determined that she could have whatever she wanted. Once, he’d been only too happy to give it to her, only too happy to indulge her whims and desires. But now, he saw the ugliness of it all.
“It is nothing ye need to concern yerself with,” Kai replied, his tone firm. “And I think it’s best ye leave now.”
Lorna’s eyes flashed with anger but then she smiled. “It’sherisnae it? The woman who came with ye. Caitlin.”
Kai’s jaw tightened. “What if it is?”
Lorna laughed. “I knew it!” She shook her head in amazement. “Well, if yer heart is content with her then who am I to judge? I’m happy for ye, Kai.” She paused and stepped forward, pushing him gently on the shoulder. Then she smiled softly up at him. “At least join me in a toast. To new beginnings.”
Kai nodded and stepped away from her. Lorna turned to the small table and began to pour two glasses of wine, her back to him. She handed one of the glasses to Kai then lifted hers in a toast.
“To new beginnings,” she said softly.
Kai raised his glass, mesmerized by the glint of the ruby liquid and the promise of a new future. He was about to take a sip when the door suddenly burst open, revealing Magnus and Conall standing in the doorway. They pulled up short at the sight of Lorna in his room.
“What is it?” Kai demanded. For them to come barging in here unannounced must mean something serious had happened. A cold fist seemed to have clutched his heart. “Is it Snarlsson? Is he here?”
Conall faced Kai squarely. “Not Snarlsson,” he said. “The Order of the Osprey. They’ve arrived.”
The fist around Kai’s heart unclenched. Hope surged through him instead, as heady as nectar. He set down his drink.
“This is grand news indeed!” Lorna said quickly. She was still holding her goblet although she hadn’t taken a drink and she looked pale. “And seeing as I am the lady of the keep, I will go and greet our guests.” She arched an eyebrow at the three men. “Ye can accompany me if ye’d like.”
Kai nodded and strode out beside Lorna, Conall and Magnus following. Despite the late hour, the castle was awash with activity. Torches burned in sconces on the walls and servants and grooms rushed around.
