‘A day.Possibly less.’
He rested his hand against one of the wooden beams and regarded her.His gaze was intense, flooding her with memories of his touch.She was suddenly aware that their time together would draw to a close.More than anything, she wanted it to last as long as possible.
‘I don’t want this time with you to end,’ she said.‘Even if it’s wrong for me to feel that way.’
He palmed her spine, and she closed her eyes.His touch was searing, making her resolve crumble.She knew it was such a terrible idea, but she couldn’t stop herself from resting her hands on his chest.
‘Is that what you think?’He took a step closer, and the heat of his body seemed to warm her.‘That what we have together is wrong?’
She didn’t.Not at all.But she also knew that she was putting him in an impossible situation, the same as Diarmud.And selfishly, she wanted him anyway.
‘I don’t want you to face any consequences for my decision,’ Mairead answered softly.‘Especially punishment because I forced you to come with me.’
‘You didn’t force me to do anything,a mhuirnín.’
* * *
Balor moved his hand to her face, caressing the line of her jaw.Then he reached back to unbind her braid.Gently, he loosened the strands until waves of dark silk surrounded her shoulders, falling down her back.He sank his fingers into her hair, savouring this moment with gratitude that she was here with him this night.
He traced her hair and the outline of her face with his hands before he rested them on her shoulders.Mairead kindled a hunger in him that he could never satiate.She was the feast he wanted to devour…but he was willing to take any crumbs she would offer.
‘No matter what happens in the next few days, I need you to stay alive,’ Mairead whispered.‘I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.’
In the faint light, she began unfastening her garments until she wore only a shift.‘And I want to share this night with you.No matter what lies ahead.’
He was well aware that it could be their last night together.And although he had already trespassed beyond the boundaries that belonged to a husband, he no longer cared.He craved Mairead MacEgan more than life itself.
He kissed her roughly, pressing her back against the wattle and daub wall.‘And what is it you’re wanting from me,a mhuirnín?’
She answered his kiss, threading her tongue with his.Then she took his hands and guided them to her breasts.‘I want everything I’m not supposed to have.And more.’
He cupped her generous curves, brushing his thumbs over the erect nipples as his mouth devoured her.Instinct claimed him, and he lowered her shift to her waist, baring her skin.His body was rigid with need, but he was determined not to waste this gift of her innocence.And that meant exploring her, learning more about what she liked or didn’t like.
Balor traced her bare skin, noting the way it pebbled with the chilly night air.Her breathing grew unsteady, and he found himself wanting to explore that silken skin with his mouth once again.
And he told her so.
‘I want to kiss you everywhere.’He bent to slide his mouth over the column of her throat, noting the way her hands gripped his nape.He inhaled sharply when she pressed too close to him.His body responded with a ferocity that was nearly visceral.
‘Are you all right?’she asked.
He gripped her waist and nodded.‘Just on edge.’
She rested her forehead against his.‘You were the man I wanted to choose for my betrothal.Not Lord Lowell.Not anyone else.Only you.’
The words washed over him like a benediction.‘And I would have fought to claim you as my bride.’He lifted her up and brought her down to the pallet of furs, gently laying her beneath him.The fallenléinehung at her waist, exposing her breasts and the swell of her hips.
She reached out to stroke his bristled face.‘If we cannot stay together, then will you give me a memory to keep for the rest of my life?’
His heartbeat thundered even more.And when she lifted herléineaway, the sight of her naked body silenced every word he wanted to speak.
* * *
It was everything she could do not to tremble.This was the greatest risk Mairead had ever taken, for she was so afraid that Balor would turn her away, despite how badly she wanted him.His gaze was piercing as he studied her.Her heart was pounding so hard, she wondered if she dared reach for the man she craved so desperately.
She wanted him to know how much she cared, how much she needed him.
And so she was reaching for the last weapon she had.The only question was whether he would fight for a life together.
