And he knew how true that was when he seized her mouth for a kiss.
Taryn couldn’t grasp any thoughts at all when Killian’s mouth came on top of hers. She had never been kissed before, and the sensation was like fire rippling over ice, melting her resistance. His warm mouth coaxed her to open, and she surrendered to him, curious about what it was like to kiss a man.
The kiss soothed her, his mouth taking possession. A warmth poured over her, through her sensitive skin and down to her toes. Her body sought to get even closer to him, and she was well aware of his arousal pressed between them.
He was forbidden, a temptation she couldn’t have. And though she suspected that he truly didn’t want to kiss a woman as ugly as she was, she wasn’t going to push him away. This might be her only kiss, and she wanted to know what kissing felt like.
He licked at the seam of her lips, and she opened slightly, before his tongue probed her mouth. The sensation startled her, and she murmured, “What are you doing?”
He didn’t answer but entered her mouth with his tongue, stroking her. From deep within, she grew wet, restless in a yearning she didn’t understand.
The kiss was growing hotter, and she took his face between her hands, kissing him harder. He was stealing not only her breath, but her common sense as well. Never in her life had she ever imagined a kiss would be like this.
He nipped at her lower lip. Then he pulled her hair over the sides of her face, shielding the scars, before he stepped away. Almost as if he didn’t want to look upon her again.
She didn’t know why he’d done it, but it upset her in a way she’d never expected. During the kiss, it was as if he didn’t care at all what she looked like. And now...now she worried that he’d suddenly realized just how terrible it was to kiss such a disfigured woman.
She forced herself to walk away from him, blinking back the hurt feelings. It was what she deserved, letting herself get caught up in imaginings that weren’t real. He was afuidir, while she was a king’s daughter.
“We should go,” he told her.
And with those words, she understood that the kiss was a lesson to be learned. He didn’t want to be her friend or her ally. If she tried to bring down the walls between them, he would only freeze her out.
Chapter Six
They reached the MacEgan holdings at Laochre a few hours past nightfall. Killian led the horse for the last mile, because after riding so close to Taryn, his body ached for her.
He pushed away the needs he didn’t want to acknowledge. The kiss had been intended to silence her, to warn her not to befriend him. Instead, it had shaken his senses, making him want to lay her down and touch her for hours. Never in his life had any woman responded to him like that, and it had affected him deeply.
It had stirred her senses as well, and he recognized, too well, the danger. If he didn’t shut down the unexpected desire, it would only heighten during the days spent alone with her. He knew better than to court disaster.
And so he’d drawn her hair over her scars, utterly slicing apart her feelings. He knew the scars bothered her, though he thought nothing of them. But it was a means of protecting her. Better that she should hate him than desire him.
The open land stretched out before them, illuminated by silvery moonlight. Torches lined the stone walls in the distance, flares that reminded outsiders of the numerous soldiers who guarded Laochre Castle. It was one of the greatest strongholds near the southern coast, and Lochlannach settlers had their own presence within a few miles. To MacEgan allies, Laochre represented a sanctuary amid the upheaval of the past few years. To enemies, it was a fortress that could never be captured.
When they were within half a mile of the gates, an adolescent boy ran forward to welcome them. He was dressed little better than a slave, but Killian recognized Ewan MacEgan immediately. He was the youngest brother of the King, and he rarely followed any rules, save those that suited him. The moment Ewan neared them, Taryn pulled her hair forward, lowering her face from view.
“Killian MacDubh,” Ewan greeted him, a smile breaking over his face. “I haven’t seen you since last summer. Can you still swing two swords at the same time? I’ve been wanting to learn that.”
He gave a nod to the young man. “I can. And one day you will do the same.” He was about to explain why they had come, but Ewan was already chattering.
“You’ve brought a lady with you. Is she your wife, then?” His voice cracked slightly, but he didn’t seem at all embarrassed by it.
“No,” Taryn interrupted. “He is my escort, nothing more.”
Indeed. It seemed that she had recognized his silent warning and now understood it. Killian hadn’t wanted to upset her, but better that than to kindle unwanted feelings.
Before Taryn could say another word, the boy bowed. “Welcome to Laochre, my lady.” The young man’s face lit up with interest, and he added, “I am King Patrick’s brother. Ewan MacEgan is my name.”
Taryn’s face softened into a smile. “I thank you for your hospitality. I am Taryn Connelly of Ossoria.”
“The King’s daughter,” Killian clarified. He didn’t want Ewan believing that she was an ordinary lady.
“I have come to visit with your kinsmen,” Taryn explained. “I am on my way to Tara, and I am seeking warriors to accompany me.”
At that, an eager grin spread over Ewan’s face, as if he was more than willing to go with her. “My brothers and I would be glad to be of service.” His voice deepened, and he began boasting of how many fighters the MacEgans had and how they were renowned throughout Éireann. Killian risked a glance at Taryn and saw the bewildered look on her face. The lad had barely stopped to breathe as he’d continued talking.
“Has Lady Carice arrived yet?” he interrupted. If she had, Ewan would already be aware of it.
