She shook her head fiercely, sending copper curls flying. “Soni only gave ye two days of mortality. I heard ye say so, and I’ve already cost ye one of them. I cannae steal another from ye. Ye must continue yer journey, Sean.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “Tell me it isnae too late.”
“Aww, Lass. Ye melt my heart with yer worries.” He leaned close, cradled her face in his hands and touched his lips to hers in a kiss far too brief to satisfy him. “I did say that, aye. And ’twas true when Soncerae was releasing one highlander at a time. But when she relinquished all her power in order tae free those of us still tied tae the moor—all at once—we were given full mortality. We cannae go back to the lives we once had, but we’re free tae live outthislife, however we wish.”
Kenna let out the breath she’d held and placed her hands over his. “Truly? Thank goodness. I never kenned I’d be grateful tae a witch, but I’m beginning tae think I owe yer Soni a great deal.”
Her smile was soft and sweet, and without warning, she leaned up and pressed her lips to his.
Surprised and captivated, Sean lifted her to her feet, pulled her into his arms and deepened the kiss. ’Twas no’ the light touch of their lips they’d had before, but the deep, sultry exploration Sean had craved.
Sliding her hands up his chest and around his neck, Kenna pressed closer.
This!Sean thought, as his muscles tensed, and his breath shredded.Thisis the way, and the woman, I wish tae kiss the rest of my life.
Kenna’s soft moan heightened the need curling deep inside him, and desperate to get closer, he encircled her with his arms and pulled her tighter, against him. He couldnae get enough of her taste, her scent, the feel of her wrapped in his embrace.
When finally, they parted, Kenna’a breath was as shattered as his own. Her lips trembled slightly when she smiled, soft and slow, and eased back a little, though still within his arms.
Sean couldnae take his eyes from her enchanting face. A light blush tinged her cheeks and her amazing emerald eyes sparkled with something he couldnae name, and couldnae wait to explore further.
But the sparkle faded to shadow, darkening her lovely eyes as she stepped away. “That was a mistake. I’m sorry. I’ve no right tae pull ye intae my problems, Sean. My world can never fit alongside yers. ’Twas selfish of me tae suppose otherwise. I dinnae ken what I was thinking. ’Twas a weak moment, I suppose. But it willnae happen again.”
Kenna looked down, picked at the bandages on her hands. “I dinnae want ye tae go with me, tomorrow. Ye’ve a journey of yer own, tae complete. Yewereheaded somewhere, when ye stopped at the kirk, aye?”
He could lie to her, deny his quest, but regardless of his affection for Kenna, and his desire to be with her, his oath still weighed heavy on his shoulders. “ ’Tis true, I was searchin’ for something. But I’ve no specific destination. Or time frame. ’Tis more a matter of Fate, leading me tae the right place.”
He moved closer, desperate to make her understand and change her mind. “As far as I’m concerned, ’tis Fate that brought me tae ye, Kenna. And even if ’twas no’, a few days spent here willnae matter. Besides, part of my pledge is tae help anyone I find in need.” He tipped his head and gave her his best cajoling smile. “I’m pretty sure ye qualify. But more than that,” he reached out and lightly brushed her hand, “there’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
Looking up at him, chin quivering, Kenna shook her head. “I’m not yer fate, Sean. Dinnae waste yer time on me. Follow the path ye were on before I disrupted yer journey. What ye’re searching for must have great importance or ye wouldnae have been looking for it, in the first place.”
Groaning, Sean rubbed his neck, searching for the right words to explain. “ ’Tis a deed I must do. A wrong I must right, frombefore.”
“Ye did something terribly wrong, before I met ye?”
“From my last life. And ’tis no’ what I did. ’Tis what I dinnae do, but shouldae.”
Kenna took a step closer, a curious look on her face. “ ’Tis possible tae right a wrong from another lifetime?”
A shiver shook Sean’s frame, like a shadow crossing his soul. “Nae. I dinnae ken ’tis possible, at least no’ in the literal sense.” His heart ached that he couldnae go back and save the woman he’d abandoned. “But I believe—hope—when actual recompense isnae possible, one can do other things tae help balance the scales, so tae speak.”
“Penance?That’swhat ye’re seeking?”
“Aye,” he nodded, grateful she understood. “Though I dinnae ken where or what ’twill be. ’Tis my hope Fate will lead me there. Just like it led me tae ye.”
He took a step forward, held out his hand. “I found ye for a purpose, Kenna. I felt it the moment I saw ye and I’m even more sure of it now. I want tae stay and help ye see yer problem through tae the end.”
“So I’m tae be yer penance?” Her voice was so low, so controlled, Sean wasnae sure if ’twas pain, anger, or confusion that filled it.
“Nae, lass! Of course no’!” He grasped her by the shoulders and stared, hard, into her eyes. “I’m helping ye because I want tae. Because I…carefor ye, Kenna. Ye are no’ a debt from my past. Ye are so much more than I ever imagined I’d be blessed enough tae find.” He searched for the right words. “My greatest wish is that yer were my—”
“Yer what?” she pressed.
“Future.” He spat out and wished immediately he could take it back.
She turned away, but not before Sean saw the pain on her face. “Please don’t, Sean. We both know ’tis impossible. Please dinnae make it harder. Dinnae say more.”
“Kenna.” He cringed, hearing the desperation, in his voice.
Her shoulders rose and fell with her deep sigh. “ ’Tis already past time tae help Owen. He’ll ken ye’re not coming. ’Tis been a long day, Sean. I’m sure I’ll be asleep when ye return. I’ll set some blankets on the sofa, for ye.”
