“Would you like to ride him with me?” Cian grinned. “I believe that’s why he headed this way.”
“I’ve never ridden a horse.” She nodded. “But yes, I would.”
“Good.”
Before she knew it, she was plunked on Tadhg, and Cian swung up behind her. She wasn’t sure which caught her more off guard. Being so high up or the feel of him wrapping his strong arm around her waist.
“This is familiar,” she murmured. “I’ve felt this before.”
“In your dream?”
She nodded and glanced over her shoulder, only to forget what she was going to say. He was so close. His mouth inches away. His pupils flared when she licked her lips and imagined kissing him yet again. Just once. Just to see what it would feel like.
“We should not,” he managed gruffly, following her thoughts with alarming ease. “’Twould be unwise.”
“It would.” Yet she couldn’t drag her eyes away. “I think this whole friend thing is going to be harder than we thought.”
“I think you’re right.” His gaze dropped to her lips. He leaned a smidge closer. “But we have to try.”
“We do.” Fire flared under her skin. A sharp throbbing ache blossomed between her thighs. “It’s for the best.”
“’Tis.” Closer still. His voice dropped to a whisper. “Very much for the best.”
Close. So close. A breath away.
“Welcome back, brother,” came a booming voice, breaking the intimate moment before they went too far.
She blinked and tried to gather herself when yet another gorgeous Irishman approached on horseback. Undoubtedly Cian’s brother, with his handsome features, large build, and broad shoulders, he had thick dark brown hair and deep-set pale green eyes.
“Madison, this is my brother, Liam, King of Meath.” He gestured from Liam to her. “Liam, my lass, Madison.”
“Yours already, then?” Clearly a flirtatious sort, Liam’s gaze raked over her with appreciation. He issued a wide smile complete with dimples. “’Tis good to meet you, lassie.” He rode his horse alongside them. His smile turned into a crooked grin. “Are you sure you’re Cian’s then? So quickly?”
While tempted to tell him she wasn’t anyone’s, when Cian tensed and his arm tightened possessively, she decided to put him at ease. Even if they were pretending. “Yes, I’m Cian’s.”
“If you insist.” Liam winked at her. “But if you change your mind, know that I’m here for you.”
“She won’t change her mind,” Cian replied tightly.
While she sensed Liam was only partially serious, truly just a flirt by nature, Cian’s response to his banter spoke volumes. Because she sensed it wasn’t something that usually bothered him. Yet it did when it came to her.
“What has happened in my absence?” Cian asked, obviously done with the conversation. “Has Raghnall made any moves? Better still, any word of Aodh or Declán?”
“All’s been relatively quiet.” Liam shook his head. “There have been a few skirmishes along your southern border, but besides that, there’s been very little activity since you left.”
“And what of Declán’s border?”
“Quiet too,” Liam assured. “I sent men to scout the area days ago. As requested, some remained to keep watch, but we made no further moves until you returned.”
Madison tried not to stare as they drew closer to the drawbridge and looming castle. Textbooks couldn’t possibly prepare someone for this. The air smelled not just of sea salt and wildflowers but of baked bread and sweat. Hay and manure. Cian was well-liked based on how many people smiled and nodded his way. Some smiled just as kindly at her while others stared in curiosity.
“We will have a bonfire tonight so that my people can meet you,” Cian informed. “’Twill put their minds at ease knowing the gods have sent who they promised.”
The idea that they thought the gods had sent her seemed far-fetched, but she nodded and continued taking everything in. From the portcullis when they rode beneath it to the sizable courtyard complete with stables, an armory, and numerous carts where people sold wares.
“Greetings, m’Lord,” a stocky man said as Cian swung off Tadhg, then helped her down. “Welcome home.”
“Many thanks.” Cian introduced her to him. “Madison, this is my second-in-command, Bécc.”
