A shiver swept through Aiden. Wrapped within the tangles of erotic dreams, he reached for the covers. His arm brushed warm flesh.
Through the groggy haze, he forcedhis eyes open.
Gwendolyn lay against him, her gentle breath feathering his chest.
The muffled roar of the falls sounded in the distance as he struggled against the rightness of this moment, of how natural it felt having her cradled in his arms. Contentment settled in his chest, a peaceful serenity he’d never experienced before. ’Twas like coming home, finding peace, and being wrapped within the miracle of such, of belonging.
He sucked in a deep breath. ’Twas wrong to think of her in any regard other than that of duty. God’s sword, last night hadn’t he weighed every reason why allowing her close, in anyway, was wrong?
On a soft exhale, she shifted and rested her cheek in the crook of his neck.
Heat shot straight to his loins. Her moan of ecstasy as he’d taken her over the edge last night stormed his mind. ’Twould be effortless to awaken her with a kiss, touch her until she arched against him, and then bury himself deep inside her.
On a hard swallow, Aiden eased her head onto the blanket. However tempted, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to tread down that dangerous, sensual path.
Last night’s teasing her had left a heavy price. For hours he’d feigned sleep, each one enticing him to awaken her to make love.
Within the shimmer of firelight, her thick lashes flickered and then stilled.
An ache built in his chest as he watched her, savoring this unguarded moment before she awoke.
On a quiet sigh, Gwendolyn’s lids lifted. Gray sleep-laden eyes met his. Confusion, then a slow smile curved her lips. “Good morning, Bróccín.”
Bróccín.Aiden’s gut wrenched. “Good morning.” With a scowl, he shoved to his feet, dragged on his garb, and then crossed the cavern. He tossed several pieces of wood atop the waning fire, damning his foolish thoughts. “While you break your fast,” he growled, “I will look to see if the duke’s menhave departed.”
Silence.
He glanced back.
Confusion and hurt darkened her gaze.
Aiden took a step toward her. On a muttered curse, he turned and strode into the tunnel. Several paces down the passageway, he leaned against the damp, timeworn stone. He dragged in a deep breath, the cool scent of water and earth far from smothering theburn of desire.
God’s teeth, they couldn’t remain here. Last night had been torment, pure and simple. Wanting her, yet not succumbing to her seduction was tearing him apart.
Aiden pushed from the wall and headed toward the exit. Sunlight drenched him as he pushed aside the disguised entry and then crawled to where he had a clear sight to the side of the falls. He scoured the surroundings.
Naught.
Far from convinced that the entire English force had departed, he crept to the other sideof the hillock.
A movement at his side had him glancing over. Gwendolyn. A muscle worked in his jaw as she halted beside him.
“I see nay one,” she mouthed.
He worked his way to a higher position, her on his heels, the rumble of water softer now. He paused. “Nor I, but I suspect the duke has left a few of his knights behind to continue their search. Before we go, I need to locate the positions of the remaining guards.”
“I willaccompany you.”
He shook his head. “’Tis too dangerous. Stay inside the cave until I return.”
Gray eyes narrowed. “And you decidethis because…”
“As your husband ’tis my right,” he stated, finding her outrage preferable to the tenderness thatmade him want.
Her brows narrowed. “When you go, I will beby your side.”
Blast her! “You willna defy me.”
