Page 14 of Wicked Kilted Highlander

"Goodnight, Lara," Darragh whispered, his warm breath ghosting across her chilled skin.

"Goodnight, Darragh." She closed her eyes, allowing herself to be lulled by the steady rhythm of his breathing. But she continued to shiver, trying to ignore the frigid air that nipped at her exposed skin.

Darragh teased, his deep voice rumbling in the darkness. "Ye sound like ye’re freezin’ lass. Maybe ye'll be begging me for a cuddle soon, eh?"

His words were clearly meant in jest, but they struck a nerve within Lara. She felt her cheeks heat up with embarrassment and indignation, and she quickly scooted further away from him. Would he expect something more from her? Surely not. Hadn't he just promised he wouldn't do anything she didn't want him to?

Darragh's laughter echoed through the cave, oblivious to the turmoil raging inside Lara. "I was only jesting," he said, his tone light and carefree. "Dinnae take it so serious."

Lara bit her lip, wishing she could simply disappear into the shadows. She couldn't bring herself to respond, her thoughts consumed by the twisted knot of unease in her stomach.

As the night wore on however, the cold continued to gnaw at her bones, making her shiver uncontrollably. She found herself longing for some warmth. But the memory of Darragh’s teasing still stung, and she stubbornly refused to move any closer to him.

"Are ye all right, Lara?" Darragh asked softly, his concern evident in his voice. He was still awake too. "Ye're trembling something fierce."

"It’s just the cold," she replied, her teeth chattering as she spoke. "I'll manage."

Darragh sighed, and she could picture the furrow that would be appearing just about then between his brows, worry etched across his scarred, handsome features. She knew he meant well. Perhaps she was taking his jest too seriously. But still, she couldn't give in.

"Please let me ken if ye need anything, lass," Darragh murmured, the warmth in his voice providing some measure of comfort despite the distance she maintained between them.

Eventually, her pride crumbled under the weight of her suffering, and with a hesitant breath, she began to crawl closer to Darragh, seeking his warmth.

"Ye're finally giving in, lass?" he asked softly, his voice tinged with amusement and concern. She glanced at him quickly, wondering if he would tease her again; but his eyes held only warmth and understanding.

"It’s too cold," she admitted weakly, her teeth chattering despite her best efforts. "I cannae bear it any longer."

"Come, then," Darragh said, his tone gentle as he shifted to make room for her. "We both need the warmth."

As she inched closer, Lara realized the unease she had felt earlier about being close to him was slowly dissipating, to be replaced by a growing trust in this man who had shown her nothing but kindness since their paths had crossed. His large, scarred hand reached out to pull her closer, and Lara found herself willingly accepting his touch, the heat from his body seeping into her own.

"Is this better?" he asked, his breath warm against her forehead as he adjusted their position so they could share what little comfort the cave provided.

"Much better.”

Lara’s heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and fear. She hesitated for a moment, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing, before fully closing the distance between them. The heat emanating from his body was like a beacon in the cold darkness.

Her breath hitched as she snuggled against him, their bodies now pressed together. She had never felt safer than she did in that moment, nestled within the protective circle of Darragh's powerful arms.

"Try tae sleep, Lara," he encouraged, his breath warm against her hair. "I'll be here when ye wake."

And so, surrounded by the warmth of Darragh's embrace and the assurance of his presence, Lara finally surrendered herself to slumber.