“What?” she asked softly.
He cupped her face in his hands as he spoke, and seemed to be having a hard time keeping his eyes away from her lips. “You showed me that I do not have to be angry all the time,” he replied. “And that people can love me. I have no idea why, but Abi does. I am no longer angry, and I do not think I will ever be angry again. You tamed my beast, Leana. It stopped raging when you prevented me from killing those bandits. I can never thank you enough for that. I owe you everything.”
“I dinnae think so, M’Laird, but thank you.” She smiled at him, her clear green eyes shining.
He looked down at her for a moment, a little smile curved his lips, then, because he could hold back his feelings no longer, he kissed her softly and sweetly, his lips caressing hers, tongue just brushing her lips.
Leana had never felt anything so heavenly, and she responded instantly. She had been kissed before by fumbling boys, but this man was experienced in love, and she was becoming lost in the sensations he was awakening in her. She made an involuntary moan, and he pulled her even closer to him, so that she could feel his arousal against her stomach.
When they drew away from each other Leana was breathless, lost in wonder for a moment as she looked up into the brown eyes that were shining with love. “I love you,” he whispered, and that was Leana’s undoing.
It should have been one of the most wonderful moments of her life, but suddenly she burst into tears. The whole tumultuous, terrifying day began to catch up with her. She had run the gamut of too many emotions: anger, sadness, fear, and now joy, and it was all too much. She sobbed against Fraser’s shoulder and he held her till the storm had calmed, then she smiled tearfully.
“I am sorry,” she said, shaking her head. “Everythin’ jist came back tae me a’ at once. It has been a gey funny day.”
Fraser said solemnly, “I am so sorry, Leana. Are you sure it was not my kissing? Was it dreadful?”
She looked up and saw that he was smiling wickedly. “Weel, maybe ye dae need a wee bit practice!”
“I will be happy to practice any time you wish,” he said, and they both began to laugh.
She realized that she had not told him she loved him too, but she reasoned that it would do him no harm to wait.
They rode back to Leana’s cottage just as the sun was rising, and once more Leana felt the firm pressure of Fraser’s body behind her, but this time it was even better, since she knew how he really felt about her. She watched his big hands as the handled Annie’s reins with skill and confidence, and wondered how they would feel caressing her in the most tender parts of her body. She shivered with delight at the thought.
“Are you cold?” Fraser asked anxiously. “I have a blanket if you need to warm up.”
She shook her head. “Naw,” she replied. “No’ cold, Fraser.” There was a smile in her voice, and he knew exactly what she meant.
“You are a wicked woman,” he whispered against her neck, then he kissed it, sending a thrill to every nerve. She moaned with pleasure, put a hand on each of his powerful thighs near his body, and was rewarded with a deep sigh of satisfaction. “You are wicked. Desirable. Beautiful. Fascinating.” He punctuated each word with a tiny kiss and Leana shivered again, laughing softly.
“Thay are gaun’ tae see ye,” she told him.
“Why do you think we are riding at the back?” he asked mischievously.
“Paw!” Leana cried anxiously as she burst through the door of her cottage. He was lying on his bed with his eyes closed and Leana’s first thought was that he had died. She rushed over to him and felt for a pulse in his neck, then sighed with relief when she found that it was strong and regular.
“He is only sleepin’ thank God,” she breathed thankfully. “Paw, I thought ye were deid for a minute there.”
Fraser put an arm around her shoulders. “Shall we take him back with us?” he asked.
“Tae the castle?” She frowned. “I thought—”
“That I would leave you here?” Fraser asked in disbelief. “No, my love, I have no intention of doing that, but we can take him with us, or I can leave someone to guard him.”
“I will stay,” Lachie offered. “An’ tell him that he has a hero for a daughter.”
Leana laughed softly. “Stop haverin’* man,” she said, looking down at Joe’s face. He meant so much to her.
“I will leave a guard too,” Fraser offered, “and your father can join us later.”
Leana nodded and smiled at him. “Thank ye, Fraser,” she said gratefully.
They set out again, and when they arrived at Dubhgnall Brae castle Fraser lifted Leana from his horse, making sure that her body slid down the length of his as he did so.
Abi had seen them kissing at the robbers’ camp, and she hoped that it was the start of something. Now, seeing her father’s face glowing with happiness, she was certain of it.
*haverin’ - talking rubbish
