Page 10 of The Highlander’s Gypsy Temptation

“Lady Katherine? Do ye speak o’ Lady Katherine Morgan?” Bran asked in confusion.

Idalia nodded. “I do. She is my cousin.”

“How?”

“She is the daughter of my uncle. No one knew about her until Katarina saw the mark. We knew that my uncle had had an affair with a married woman and that the affair had produced a daughter. We did not know who. It was not an easy thing for Lady Katherine to discover, but she has accepted it now and found great happiness with Dunn’s brother Tor.”

“Tor wed Lady Katherine?”

“He did as per the king’s command. Fortunately for them both, they found love and happiness in each other. They both now live at Strathnaver, with Tor as laird.”

Bran sat and thought about this new revelation. “And Alistair Morgan? What came o’ him?”

Idalia shook her head. “We do not know. He could be dead, for he was stabbed attempting to kill Lady Katherine, but there is no body. No one knows where he is.”

“He tried to kill his own daughter? Much has transpired in my absence. My brother Andrew, is he wed?”

Idalia shook her head. “He is not. He never fully recovered from losing you. He has devoted himself heart and soul to the safety of my sister Katarina and her son.”

“My namesake,” Bran murmured softly.

“Indeed.” Idalia’s tone told him that she was not without sympathy for his plight, but that she was also still angry with him.

“And Adamina”

“Well and happy to be an aunt. She had not yet wedded.”

Bran smiled. “Ewan?”

“Ewan is fine. Serious and helpful as always. He has also not married yet.”

“I’m glad to hear he is well”.

Bran realized that his hand was still on her bare skin, and he released her, moving to tighten the rope around his own waist. His body reacted to her in ways he would rather it did not. His body wanted her, while his mind wanted nothing more than to forget her. Lying down beside her, he was careful not to touch her. They lay there in silence for a time, until Idalia began to shiver, her teeth chattering loud enough to keep Bran from sleep.

Pulling a blanket out from his bag, he laid it over her and pulled her into his arms. When she began to protest, he silenced her with a soft hand to her lips. “My heat will keep ye warm, lass, it is nae more than that. I will nae touch ye in any way that ye dinnae wish. I may be a monster, but upon this ye may depend.”

Sighing, Idalia stopped fighting and allowed him to give her his heat. Soon, her teeth stopped chattering, and her skin warmed beneath his touch. They lay together cocooned under the blanket, each keeping the other warm. Lulled to sleep by the sound of her breathing and the sea beyond, Bran closed his eyes and surrendered to the darkness. His last thought was of how right she felt in his arms, and how he would never be allowed to have her as his own. Yet, it does nae matter... Upon the morrow, she will belong tae August Raymond and her life will be nae more.

CHAPTER FIVE

Idalia awoke to Bran gently shaking her. “What is it?” she asked drowsily, her vision blurred with sleep.

“We have arrived,” he murmured softly.

Idalia instantly came awake, her muscles stiffening, her heart racing in terror. “Is he here?”

Bran shook his head. “Nae, we still have a ways tae ride on horseback ’afore we reach the encampment.”

“Please, Bran,” she whispered, tears springing to her eyes. “Is there no way that you could let me go and we could return to Orkney together? Please.”

Bran shook his head. “There is nae way, lass. I am truly sorry.”

Sobbing, Idalia turned away from him but after a second, Bran pulled her into his arms and lifted her up onto his lap. She tried to escape at first, but the warmth of his body soothed her in a way she couldn’t understand. She gave up and laid her head on his shoulder, weeping all of the tears she had been holding back. She wept until she had no more tears to shed, then she laid in silence, unable to move for fear of what would come next. She was angry with herself for seeking comfort in the arms of the man who had taken her prisoner and was about to turn her over to her mortal enemy. But in spite of all he was doing, deep inside of her heart he was still the man who had risked everything to save her and her sister.

“Why did ye seek out the seer?” Bran was the first to break the silence.

“I wanted to know if August Raymond was dead or if he still posed a danger to me and my family.” The irony was not lost on Idalia, and she inwardly chastised herself for her foolish actions.