“Take me,” she pleaded. “Make me forget what happened.” She was lifting her skirt and when she raised her leg over his hip, all rational thought left him.
It had been so damned long. Too many months had passed since he’d been with her intimately. And on the rare times they’d shared sex, it had been calm and quiet. Nothing at all like the desperate way she was clinging to him now. Her mouth was all over his, her tongue seeking him.
He led her back to the wall of the cavern, pressing her shoulders against the stone. He tried to gentle his kiss, to slow her down, but the next thing he knew, her hand was guiding him inside her.
At the feeling of her wet heat surrounding him, he cast aside any attempts to take her gently. She was panting, struggling with their height difference while she tried to make love to him.
Alex lifted her up, bringing her legs around his waist, still buried deep inside. She leaned down to kiss him and he thrust against her, hearing her moan. It took his willpower apart, and he gave himself up to the moment, penetrating her, letting the rhythm sweep over him. Her panting rose to a fever pitch and he reached for her breast with one hand, teasing the hardened tip as he lifted her, sheathing himself deep within.
She went liquid against him, her body squeezing his shaft, and he surrendered to the heady sensations pounding through him. When she cried out at the friction, he felt himself growing thicker, trembling close to the edge. He pumped harder, marking her, until at last she slumped against him, spent in her own fulfilment. He felt his own release coming and emptied himself inside her, his body slick with sweat.
For a time, he kept her propped against the wall, cupping her bare bottom. She shivered and leaned in to kiss him again.
There were no words between them now. She’d needed him and, though he’d taken her physical offering, he didn’t know what to say.
In the end, he lowered her down, straightening her gown and his trews.
And he felt utterly confused by what had just happened.
WhentheyreachedGlenArrin, Walter stood outside his home and raised his hand, beckoning for them to come near. The older man had taken in Callum and Dougal, as well as a few others when they’d lost their homes.
“What is it?” Laren asked.
Walter’s face shifted with worry. “I found the lad outside. Ramsay asked me to tell you he was sorry he couldn’t come.”
“He’s with you now?” Relief filled her to know that Ramsay wasn’t at home with his father. “Is everything all right?”
“His eyes are swollen shut,” he admitted. “His father had beaten him. I found the boy near the loch, putting ice against his eyes. He was talking about some fires and begged me to find you.” The old man shook his head and sighed. “I brought him back here and made him sleep.”
“He’s not going back to his father,” Laren insisted. “Alex, promise me. Ramsay’s been hurt enough.”
Her husband’s expression had turned grim. But although she knew he was distracted by the attack tonight, her apprentice couldn’t defend himself from a grown man.
“The boy can stay with me,” Walter offered. “He won’t be needing much space.”
“For now,” Alex agreed. “Laren, before I speak to Ramsay’s father, we need to find the man who attacked you.” They took their leave from Walter, and Alex led her forward until they saw Bram and Ross approaching.
“He’s gone,” Bram said. “We’ll have to continue the search in the morning.”
“He’s like a spirit,” Ross added. “Disappeared without a trace.”
“He’s not a spirit.” Laren shivered, remembering the man’s strong grip. Alex drew her to his side and after agreeing to search again in the morning, Ross and Bram returned to their homes.
Her husband was staring at her and Laren flushed, remembering the way she’d thrown herself at him earlier. She didn’t know what had come over her, but she didn’t regret touching her husband. He’d made her feel alive again, and she didn’t regret seducing him.
But there was trouble brewing in his eyes. “I don’t want you returning to the cavern,” he said. “Not after what happened tonight.”
She frowned, not understanding. “Alex, I have to finish the commission. I have to return to the furnaces because I can’t make the glass here.”
He pulled her into a tight embrace. “The commission be damned. You were nearly kidnapped tonight. I almost lost you because you left the fortress.”
“I won’t be alone,” she argued. “Ramsay will be there and—“
“You’re not going back,” he repeated. “We don’t need the silver. Your life is more important than glass.”
She’d never seen him like this, and it startled her to see him so adamant. She started to speak again, but he cut her off. “I’m not leaving you alone again. You’ll stay here at Glen Arrin and you and Nairna can organize the women with the rebuilding. There are some tasks that both of you can do and it will keep you protected if you’re here.”
She grew cold, suddenly realizing what he was saying. “You’re asking me to give up the glassmaking.”
