With his life as a Templar, he’d never considered a woman in his life, but as of late, thoughts of Elspet invaded his mind and made him wonder what life would be like for them together as husband and wife. As now, with her body a hand’s breadth from his, her emerald eyes watching him with a mixture of confusion and desire.
He wondered if she realized how much he wanted her, how tempted he was to skim his hand along the soft column of her neck, to pause upon the erratic pulse beating at the base.
“Cailin, I—”
His intent to keep her at a distance faded beneath memories of the silky slide of her taste, and he claimed her mouth, her soft gasp, then acceptance, emboldening him further.
Beneath his heated kiss, she took, gave,demanded more.
Blood pounding hot, Cailin drew back, cupped her face in his, the tenderness there, the desire, almost dropping himto his knees.
Her lips swollen from his kiss, confusion flickered inElspet’s eyes.
Though he wanted her, ’twas wrong. He released her. “Sleep. We have a hard day of travel tomorrow.”
Her hand caught his. “When I confessed that I loved you, I meant what I said. Though ’tis wrong to admit such,” she breathed, “I want you as well.”
His body hardened, her soft scent of woman and earth luring him to accept what she offered. Through sheer will, he withdrew from her touch, wanting only to stay. “I canna give youwhat you seek.”
Hurt streaked across her face, and he damned that he’d caused it. “Then why do you kiss me as ifyou want more?”
He should walk away, leave her alone, but however dangerous, finding he needed to share what she made him feel. “Because I want you more than ’tis right. Nor had I expected to find someone like you. Someone who makes me care more than I hadever imagined.”
Hope ignited in her eyes. “I know you must leave once you have reclaimed your home to fight for King Robert, but once the battles are over, you will return.”
Warmth seeped through him at the hope in her voice. Until recently, he’d never allowed himself to consider a future of more than the next conflict. After spending time with her, he found himself wanting a family, a child toleave a legacy.
Coldness invaded his heart. Too well he knew that naught could be guaranteed in battle, but blast it, he wanted her in his life.
Torn, he took her hand, a storm of feelings swamping him until his chest tightened against his struggles. “Though I must leave once Tiran Castle is mine, I ask that you wait for me.”
Warmth filled her eyes. “And I ask that you wait for me. That you invite no otherinto your bed.”
The audacity of her entreaty caught him off guard. He arched a brow. “Few women would dare to make such abold request.”
A smile touched her mouth. “Few women would dare rob a knight of his sword, then seek him out to ask forgiveness or to help her with her cause.”
The tension pouring through him eased. He chuckled. “Indeed.”
“Nor have you repliedto my request.”
“I havena.” He pressed a soft kiss upon her lips. “Until I return, there will be nay oneelse but you.”
She nodded. “I swear the same.”
Cailin drew her against him, and for the first time in his lifefelt complete.
Why?
He didna love her.
She intrigued him, made him want. With her beauty, intelligence, and a body that would make any man ache for her, ’twas expected. But love?
Unsure how to explain the needs she inspired, the sense of destiny, he shoved aside his musings and focused on her, on this moment. He brushed away a swath of hair from her cheek, paused on the finely braided strip of leather around her neck. Though he’d noticed this before, with his mind focused on the mayhem, he’d dismissed any further thought. Now, a sense of familiaritynagged at him.
He slid his finger beneath the cord, lifted. A silver-forged Celtic cross hung before him, a ruby embedded at the center. Heart pounding, he stared in disbelief, lifted his gaze. “Where did you get this?” he demanded.
Confused eyes searched his. “My mother found the necklace in the woods when she and my stepfather were traveling and she gave it to me.” She frowned. “Why do you ask?”
