After a full day training hard with his army, Bridei could think only of Nessa. He was no longer worried about a woman distracting him from his duty, because he had never fought better than he had today. Perhaps it was knowing he could hold her at the end of the day, or perhaps it was just knowing that he needed to protect her with all that he was. Either way, even Domech had remarked on his new-found ferocity.
There she was, standing with some of the other women who had come to watch their men. His heart swelled at the sight of her, and he urged Lotex into a gallop, barely slowing when he lifted his woman from the ground and onto the horse’s back, settling her between his legs.His woman. Nothing had ever brought such joy to his heart.
“It’s a warm day”, he said near her ear. “Let’s go to the loch. I need to wash the sweat and dust from my skin.”
Nessa leaned back into him, acutely aware of how different this ride was from the last one to the Saxon lands and back again. The dramatic turn in her relationship with Bridei would take some getting used to. Right now, despite her strong feelings for him, and despite the powerful pull between them, it was all so new and strange. Especially in the light of a new day, after what they had shared the night before.
And aye, there was still grief and guilt in her heart that she would need time to get over. It had been such a short time since she had arrived here. Such a short time since she’d lost Angus. Since she’d known for certain she’d never go home again. And since she’d known she’d never have any closure with Nathan. All of that was all just gone.
The small loch lay nestled in a shallow valley, and Nessa was sure the dark water was every bit as cold as any other Highland loch, even in the warmest days of summer. Although the sun was still shining, there were thick, dark clouds beginning to roll over the horizon. It looked like the warmth of the day would end in rain, and soon.
Bridei slid from the horse’s back and then lifted her down, setting her lightly on her feet. He left Lotex to graze on the fresh green grass, and started pulling off his clothing.
“Are you coming in?” he asked her.
She shook her head. “No, it looks cold. I’m afraid you’ve spoiled me with hot baths.”
He laughed, standing before her completely naked. “Suit yourself.”
As she gazed at his warrior’s body, her heart sped up and she felt a sudden heat between her legs. Memories of the night before made her breathing suddenly shallow. It had, without a doubt, been the most passion andmagicshe had ever felt; far beyond what she had ever dreamed possible. She only wished her heart and mind were free to take it in completely and surrender to what could be.One day, Nessa. Just give yourself time. It will just take time…
She watched as Bridei dove into the chilly water and began to swim, as if it were not cold at all. He had just reached the middle of the loch and was turning back when the first bolt of lightning lit the dark clouds on the other side of the valley.
“Bridei!” Nessa shouted to him when he got close enough to hear. “Get out of there! Don’t you know you can get hit by lightning when you’re in the water?”
He grinned at her, standing up in the shallow water not far from shore. Water dripped from his smooth skin, and his long, silky hair was plastered against his back and shoulders. “If the gods wish to strike me down, they’ll do it whether or not I’m in the water, lass.”
“Still… get out! Please?”
“Aye, if it makes you happy.”She cared about him. His heart swelled even more. He could imagine riding home after battle, victorious, of course, and Nessa waiting there for him with open arms and tears of joy that he had made it home safe and sound. It was a heady thought. He would relish fighting for her. He would savor the return home even more.
As the first raindrops fell, she watched unabashedly as he walked up onto the shore. Her eyes never left him as he came closer, and he knew he wore a smug look as she gazed appreciatively at his naked body. “Do you like what you see?”
She swallowed, and the rain began to come down in earnest, soaking her hair and clothing. “I do.”
“I really want to kiss you, Ashta, but I know if I do, I won’t be able to stop with only a kiss.”
“Then don’t stop.”
That was what he wanted to hear.
“The more I have you, the more I think I will want. Come to me lass.”
This time, she stepped willingly into his arms.
He felt the tremble of her thighs against his own. Her bodywantedmuch more than his kiss. Her body wanted everything he could possibly give her. He could hear his own heart beating, could smell the desire that filled the air between them. This was perfect; everything he had waited for. His stomach clenched slightly with fear. He knew that if he lost her now, she would leave him forever empty and needing. She had become his only weakness…
But before he could think any more, he had her on the damp grass with her tunic shimmied up around her waist. He would take his time with her later in bed, but right now he needed her too badly. Soon enough, they would explore each and every way a man and woman could share their bodies, but in this moment, barely controlled lust was all he could manage. She was wet and ready for him as he slid into her. He groaned as he began to come after only a dozen thrusts, but he didn’t hold himself back. He knew that with this woman beneath him, he could spill his seed a thousand times and still want more.
Sometime later the rain had stopped, and they lay drenched but content on the soft grasses near the loch. Nessa was cradled against him, and he knew she was warm and sated, but she looked lost in thought, instead of here and now with him. Her gaze was much too distant as she looked up at the lingering clouds.
“What is it?” he asked, smoothing damp tendrils of hair from her face. “What bothers you?”
“Nothing”, she said, offering him a smile that was a little sad.
