Tears shined in her eyes but this time joy shined bright as dawn’s light. She knew. His heart was hers now and always. Her fingers raised up, covering his while his heartbeat thumped wildly.
She lifted her calf up his backside as her thighs opened wide. There her garden awaited him, right there. One thrust she would be his once again. No! She was hurt.
Move or all control was sure to vanish! Spinning them back around, he cupped her left buttock as she straddled his thigh. Her head fell under his neck with her brow pressing his throat. Their breathing was hoarse from want and wish and will to claim one another. She nodded slightly against his skin as if saying at him,Aye, Callum, ’tis the best choice to wait.
Wait they shall. Someway he would find a path for them if Nella’s fears were a reality. He clutched her close and they both shook slightly from desires unquenched before sleep finally took hold as a means to escape what could not be tasted. Same as one who sleeps from hunger gnawing and no feast abounded.
***
Callum yanked the scabbard tight around his hips. Perhaps it would ease the ache below the strap.No!Still suffering from not claiming all of Nella.
The innkeeper had been true to his word and arrived before dawn, rousing them. Rustling by Nella was behind while he stood studying the flicker in the candles on the table. It was better this way.If he watched her dress his control would have flown quicker than a hawk diving for game.
“Callum.” Her voice was a whisper. “You may turn. However, I beg your pardon, the gown is rather wee for me.”
He spun on his heel then inwardly groaned. It was tight with a low neckline. It must have been one for the lassies who served here. Her breasts were fighting against the fabric’s tightness and crested with a taste spilling over the neckline.
She murmured, astonished, “How unique to discover I have breasts at long last.” Cloak. Where was the damn cloak? There – on the chair.He leapt like a stag for the dark garment, throwing the find over her shoulders.
“Callum?”
His meek tone matched hers. “Best not harbor a chill, my lady.” It was partially true.
“Is the wimple straight?”
This had to have been a tavern lassie’s also. The fresh thin veil didn’t cover but skimmed over her tawny red waves in a shimmery way; most beguiling. Even with her tiny pillows still situated over her ears with the wimple strap covering them. He yanked the hood on her cloak up.
“Aye, Nella.” She gave her temple a rub. The desire cooled in his veins as fear took its place. “Nella, the pain?” He held his breath.
“On the mend. Low tones should reign but by mid mornin’ the cost of measure will have passed,” she assured, her eyes clear. “This was me simply straightening a stray hair offering a wee tickle on my temple.”
He exhaled again. “Nella, before we go forth there is an urgent matter we must converse upon.” She raised a brow. “I must have your word you shall not wander recklessly into any action and will obey my every command.”
The brow rose higher. “Shall I baa or moo as you herd me?”
He didn’t hide his smile.Therewas his feisty lady once again. “This is not what I seek.”
“Then pray tell, what do you seek, Sir Callum?” Oh, hell, she used the title; never a good sign.
Ahem.“We are charging forth into battle, are we not?”
“Aye.”
He pointed at the closed door. “Soon as we step over this threshold again where you are nae longer Lady Fawnella MacHearin. You must be the same as one of the knights or warriors or mercenaries under my command. For one very simple reason.” She leaned closer as he continued. “When one marches into battle, the commander must know those about him shall follow the orders lest chaos reigns and all may be lost. Even for the commander himself.”
Studying him a long moment, she murmured, “By not listening to all you say this may place you at chance?”
“Aye, and you as well.ThisI cannot have, Nella.”Neverwould she be chanced. “Promise me you shall not take matters into your own hands once again. If I were to lead a siege and Sir Brayden bolted his horse ahead all others, does this not place those ‘others’ at risk?”
She chewed her lip a moment. He clamped his tongue between his teeth as he stared at the action. They would never leave this chamber if he kissed her.
“You are a most clever one, Callum MacCade, all you state is logical.” She stuck her hand out same as warrior sealing an accord. “My vow is yours.”
They shook soundly. He could kiss one part of her. Raising her soft knuckles to his lips, he brushed a soft press across them. Her breath caught at the action. “Thank you, my lady,” he replied in a lover’s tone, “’Twas a grand ask, I know. The comfort you have bestowed is immeasurable.” His gaze strayed again toward her lips.
Knock. Knock.“Time to take your leave!” the innkeeper announced through the shuttered oak. “Your charger is by the forest, move!” the voice crackled through the split wood.
***
