For a moment, they were still, their hearts pounding in sync, their breaths ragged and uneven. The water around them had stilled, as if the loch itself held its breath. Then, slowly, he lifted his head, his lips finding hers in a kiss that was soft, almost reverent.
“That’s just the beginning, lass,”he murmured against her lips, his voice a promise. She could only nod, her body still humming with the aftershocks of pleasure, her mind racing with the possibilities of what else this man might have in store for her.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
The herb garden had become Liliane's sanctuary over the previous few days. While Tòrr and his men trained relentlessly for the coming ambush, she'd found peace there among the lavender and rosemary, the thyme and chamomile. The scents grounded her, reminded her of simpler times with her mother.
She knelt now beside a row of feverfew, her fingers gentle as she examined the small white flowers. The plant was hardy, resilient, it had to be, to survive Highland winters. Rather like herself, she supposed.
"Ye're miles away."
Tòrr's voice made her look up, shading her eyes against the afternoon sun. He stood at the garden's edge, still dusty from training, his shirt clinging to his shoulders with sweat. Even after days of watching him drill with his men, the sight of him made her breath catch.
"Just thinkin'," she said, rising to her feet and brushing dirt from her skirts. "The feverfew's doin' well. Should be ready fer harvest within the week."
"That's nae what had ye lookin' so serious." He moved closer, his eyes searching her face. "What's troublin' ye?"
She hesitated, then decided there was no point in pretending. "The ambush."
"Aye." His expression grew guarded.
"I want tae come with ye."
The words hung between them like a thrown gauntlet. Tòrr's jaw tightened, and she could see him marshaling arguments, building walls of logic against her request.
"Absolutely nae," he said flatly.
"Tòrr, listen…"
"I said nay. It's too dangerous. Ye've nay trainin’ and nay experience."
"She's me sister!" The words burst from her with more force than she'd intended. "Dae ye really think I can just sit here, safe and comfortable, while ye risk yer life tae bring her taeme? Kenning she's frightened and alone, wonderin' if anyone's comin' fer her?"
"Ye'll nae be sittin' comfortable. Ye'll be worried sick, I ken that." His voice softened slightly. "But at least ye'll be alive tae worry. If somethin' goes wrong, if the ambush is discovered…"
"Then I want tae be there. I need tae be there." She moved closer, looking up into his face. "Please, Tòrr. I cannae just wait and wonder. I cannae sit by the fire and pretend I'm nae imaginin' every terrible thing that might happen. I need tae see her with me own eyes. Need tae ken she's truly safe… and ye."
"And if seein' her means puttin' yerself in danger? If yer presence compromises the entire operation?" His hands came up to grip her shoulders. "I cannae risk that, Liliane. I cannae risk ye. Or the operation."
"Ye willnae be riskin' me. I'll stay back, hidden, dae exactly as ye say." Her own hands came up to rest on his chest. "But please. Let me come. Let me be there when we bring her out."
He stared down at her for a long moment, conflict warring in his expression. She could see him weighing risks, calculating possibilities, trying to find a way to keep her safe while also understanding what she needed.
She pressed closer. "Nessa needs tae see a familiar face. Needs tae ken that her sister came fer her, that she wasnae abandoned. Can ye understand that?"
"Aye." The word came out rough. "I understand it better than ye might think."
She waited, hope and fear tangled tight in her chest.
"If I agree tae this," he said slowly, "and I'm nae sayin' I am, but if I dae, it would be under strict conditions."
"What conditions?"
"First, ye'd need tae be disguised, as one of the men." His eyes traveled over her face, her hair, her frame.
She nodded. "I can dae that."
"Second, ye'd need some basic trainin’. Nae enough tae make ye a warrior, but enough that if somethin' goes wrong, ye can defend yerself." His grip on her shoulders tightened slightly. "I willnae have ye completely helpless if things turn bad."
