“Fool,” Raini hissed.
Kali stood slowly with Jenna in her arms and walked to one of the makeshift cots along the back of the cave, placing the child on the straw-stuffed mattress and covering her with a quilt. She paused and caressed the girl’s cheek, then placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Ye are a natural mother.”
“I have always wished for me own home and family. But I will likely be denied even those most basic dreams.”
“Not if ye marry Adam,” the seer said.
“What makes ye think he wishes to marry me?”
“Now ye are just being difficult.”
The sound of happy children returning forced Kali to end the conversation. “Another time,” she said, relieved Raini could not press her any further. Besides, the wee ones would be hungry and tired, and Kali didn’t wish to think about a life with Adam any longer.
Chapter Fourteen
Adam rode relentlessly to the cave where Raini often kept the children. A spot only a handful of Adam’s closest friends knew about in order to help keep the children safe. But today he cared little about being stealthy and quiet as he approached the hills. Nay, he wanted to shout so loud the whole world would hear him. He set his mare free to graze before following the footpath to the cave. Once he arrived, he called for Kali.
“Kali Bane!”
Only silence followed.
“Kali Bane,” he yelled again. “Come to me.”
Instead of the lovely woman he craved, Raini appeared. “Ye will raise the dead if ye keep screaming out here.”
Adam bowed to her but said, “I am a man on a mission, Mistress Raini. I have no time for riddles or worthless conversation.”
“Now me talks with ye are worthless, are they?”
He scrubbed his face in frustration, regretting the harsh words. “Not worthless, just ill-timed.”
“’Tis better, I suppose.”
“’Tis of no import. Please, Raini. I must keep me word to me sire. Kali is needed at the keep. Send her out.”
The old woman sighed dramatically. “Fine. I will send her out.”
She entered the cave, and a few minutes later, Kali joined him. She wore a blue woolen gown, and her hair had been parted down the middle, braided into two thick coils, and pinned attractively at the sides of her head. She looked every bit the fine Highland lady.
“Ye take me breath away, Kali.”
There was a shyness to her he had not noticed before. But then, they had been naked together, caressing and kissing, licking and sighing in each other’s arms. She would be worried about his feelings for her after such a night together. “I have missed ye,” he said.
She nodded, a delicate smile on her face. “Thank ye for everything ye have given me, Adam.”
He reached out and stroked her cheek. “I am the one who should thank ye, sweet one.”
“For what?”
Dinna she know how priceless she was? “For opening me eyes to the possibility of happiness. And to what I need to do to protect me people.”
Their hands seemed to naturally find each other, and Adam drew her in, holding her close. “Me sire demands to see ye in his solar.”
“Does he know…”
“Of course, not.” Adam gazed down at her. “I will take that secret treasure to me grave, Kali.”
