No?For the first time since he’d met her, he realized she never said nae as most Scots did. There you go, convict her, lad, without knowing the full truth. The reasons could be many, including her time spent along the border.
She’d never mentioned the location of the orphanage or where she had lived with her husband.
“Lie with me.”
She cast a nervous glance at the entry. “Patrik, ’tis indecent.”
“Aye.” Desire filled his voice. He did not have to feign that. “It is.” And, might very well be the last time they spent together.
She hesitated. “But you are hurt and—”
He tugged her hand. “Come, I will do naught but hold you.”
She eyed him, far from convinced.
“Well, mayhap a wee bit more.” Instead of a smile, sadness touched her gaze, and his heart squeezed tight.
Cristina again glanced toward the door, then with care, lay by his side. “I feel foolish.”
He ran his hand over her face, down the curve of her neck wanting more, wanting it all. “You feel bonny to me.”
She shivered beneath his touch as desire darkened her gaze. “You are healing.”
“I am a better man already.” He claimed her mouth, took it with intensity. As her body relaxed against his, he softened the kiss. On a groan, he pulled back, smiled. “Look at this, I have you in my bed.”
“’Tis not a joke.”
A chill swept through him. “Nay, ’tis anything but.” He searched her face as his mind clamored in turmoil. At least for this moment, regardless of where this day should end, she was here with him. And loving her, aware she was in love with him, he wanted her in every way. Patrik leaned forward and nuzzled her neck.
She sighed. “You will open your wounds.”
He pushed away her gown, drew her breast into his mouth. “Tell me you do not want this.”
Cristina held his gaze, the desire within her eyes tempered with regret. “I cannot.”
He ignored the latter and sat up. “Wait here.”
“Why? Patrik, you should not be about.”
He shot her a wink. “I will be doing more than that in a moment. Stay.”
Wincing at the pull of skin, slightly dizzy from moving, he walked with care to the entry and barred the door. Though he knew no one would enter, he would take no chance. And ’twould ease her mind. He walked to the window, pushed the shudders wide.
Sunlight poured into the chamber, a warm silk that flooded the room within its golden glow.
He turned, stunned at how she lay upon his bed, her chestnut hair disheveled, half exposed. She had never looked so amazing. “I want you.”
Cristina sat, her gown still splayed open from his touch, looking like every man’s dream. “I will be yours, always.”
His body hardened to a ferocious ache. With slow steps, he walked over, knelt before her. “I have dreamt of seeing you in the light, of having time to make love to you, of lying beside you after you fall apart.” He pressed a finger over her lips as she made to speak. “Nae words.” He caught her hand, pressed it over his heart. “This moment it is only you, only I, and what we have together.”
Tears again filled her eyes.
His heart trembled. “Are you happy here with me?”
A tear rolled down her cheek. Cristina nodded.
Patrik leaned forward, caught her mouth, tasted her essence, a sweetness uniquely hers. On a moan, he took the kiss deeper as he slowly peeled away her gown, inched off each wisp until she sat before him with her clothes rumpled around her in a delicate puddle.
