How long had it been since she felt like this? How long had it been since a man kissed her as though she was something precious? Something to be cherished. Instead of something to be used and discarded when he was done with her.
The answer was she could not recall a moment in her life when she felt so light, so free, so adored. And she was powerless to resist.
It was a heady and wonderful sensation. She never wanted it to end.
But then she came to her senses and pushed out his arms, stepping away from him. She needed air and space betweenthem before she totally lost her head. It would be far too easy to fall into bed with Jamie MacLeod.
“Is there something wrong?” he asked. “Did ye no’ like my kisses?”
A weak laugh shuddered out of her. That kiss was everything and it would be hard to forget. “Oh, I liked it quite a lot.”
“Then why did ye move away?”
He took a step toward her. She took a step back, trying to maintain distance between them. She bent to pick up her coat from the floor.
“I think you know why. I’m tired and I’d really like to rest. I should find Evie.”
It was too soon to be kissing this young Highlander. Too soon for warming thoughts pounding through her.
“Why?” he asked.
“Well, she seems to run the place,” she said. “I figured she’d give me a place to sleep.”
His gaze never left her face, his compelling eyes riveting her to the spot. Then, that casual smile appeared.
“Ye can stay with me,” he said.
She lifted a brow. He was a bold one. She was not so naïve that she couldn’t read between the lines. She understood an invitation to bed when she heard one.
“With you?” Desire pounded through her. Oh, how she wanted to say yes.
“Aye.” His eyes twinkled with hope.
His charms were bold, enticing, and endearing, pulling at her in a desperate way. Part of her wanted to say yes, but she knew better. She knew what would happen if she climbed into bed with him and even though he was handsome and willing, she wasn’t ready for that type of intimacy. Besides, he was far too young for her.
She smiled slowly and reached a hand to him, brushing his cheek.
“I do appreciate the offer, but I think it would be best for me to sleep in my own room.” She glanced at the bed with the thick coverletand curtains on each post. “This will do.”
Disappointment flooded his features. “Are ye sure, then, lass?”
She nodded. “I am.”
It was for the best. She was in a weakened state and far too vulnerable. She needed to keep her distance, especially from the handsome Highlander.
He reached for her hand, took it in his, and kissed it. Her heart fluttered at the simple gesture.
“Good night, lass.”
“Good night.”
He left the room, pulling the door closed behind him, and sealing her inside the silence.
Chapter Nine
For a moment,Brianna remained in the room, her gaze fixed on the peculiar tapestries, which seemed to possess an almost lifelike quality, their intricate details captivating her attention. She watched them, mesmerized by their slow movements depicting the strange scenes. What an odd thing to have in the castle.
She didn’t know much about this prophecy. Only what Jamie had shared with her. In the morning, she would find Evie and Chloe and demand answers to all her questions. If she were stuck here in the past, representing the Future, she deserved to know why.
