“So, are we leaving in the morning?” Chloe asked, intermittently glancing at the single bed after they returned to their room. They sat at the table, finishing their whisky. Her cheeks were rosy, and her demeanor more loosened up than usual, so he knew the alcohol was having an effect.
“Aye, we’ll leave in the morn,” he replied. “’Tis likely we’ll travel toward the front of the retinue this time, allowing us to keep a closer eye on wee David.”
“Not to mention, allowing the earl to keep a closer eye on you and your cousins,” she added, perceptive. “After all, he doesn’t want to lose his newfound prized warriors.”
“Nay.” He downed the rest of his whisky, seeing the pros and cons of such. “Whilst ‘tis good we’ll be in a position to better protect David, that only stands until the battling begins, and we’re ordered to the front.”
That is if history did not go as foretold. Because as it were, the ‘front’ of the upcoming battle wasn’t so well defined.
Chloe shivered, her serene expression suddenly troubled, and he knew why. He felt the same ever-growing anxiety about her well-being too.
“’Twill be all right, lass,” he assured, pulling off a boot, ready to lie down. He might be aroused to no end and not tired, but they would be up early and needed rest. “Dinnae doubt that.” He met her eyes and pulled off the other boot. “My battle skills have returned, and I have no intention of dying.”
Not now that I have found you.
“You better not,” she said softly, removing her boots as well.
Her hair had dried into big, soft shimmering curls, and her eyes brimmed with lustful curiosity as she wondered what to expect next. Would they put the single bed to good use? Would they pick up where they'd left off last night? He didn't blame her for wondering either. They might have found untouchable fulfillment in each other's arms, but it had only been the start of what he knew they would ultimately discover.
“We should get some rest,” he said, determined not to give into his desire again so soon. He would give her the courting period she deserved. “’Twill be a long day of traveling on the morrow.”
Though he’d thought of little else since, neither had mentioned the revealing thoughts she’d had earlier when he was battling. How she wanted to return to his castle and meet his kin. Learn about his clan.
Become his wife.
While it was safe to say he loved battling, he had never been so happy mid-fight then when he’d caught that thought. His heart had soared in a way it never had with Maeve.
That’s when he knew for certain what he shared with Chloe was very much one of a kind. These feelings were exciting and new yet familiar. Lasting. They wouldn't fade but grow and expand, becoming a connection he’d wonder how he ever lived without.
Truth be told, he already felt that way.
“I do too,” she said softly, still not commenting on marriage but most certainly clarifying something else when she stood and held out her hand. “As to this ‘courting period,’ you’re determined to give me?” Her gaze was quite serious. “I think you should know something about that.”
