In truth, it was funny at times.
But what she feared was that one of them might become enraged by the teasing and lash out as her brothers so often did. She couldn’t begin to count the number of suppers that had started out with just a good-natured jab or two that had ended in all out warfare as one of her brothers lost his temper and attacked the other.
Both Sin and Braden were large and dangerous enough to inflict serious damage on the poor hapless soul who angered them. She doubted if a quick dousing of water would calm them as it often did her brothers.
Most likely if she tried, they would turn on her. And that would be truly terrifying.
After they finished their modest supper of bread and cheese, Braden banked the fire while Sin took up watch on the edge of camp. Maggie dug her large, woolen green and yellow plaid out of her pack and settled down just before the fire.
To her instant chagrin, Braden laid down behind her.
Close behind her.
“What are you doing?” she asked, rolling over to look at him.
“Combining our warmth,” he said nonchalantly as he snuggled up to her spine.
“I’m quite warm enough.” Indeed, with him this close, her body felt as though it was on fire.
“What?” Braden asked with a teasing note in his voice. “Are you afraid of me?”
“Nay.” It was herself that scared her. As well as the strange emotions his presence evoked.
“I won’t hurt you, little blossom.” He smoothed back a lock of her shorn hair.
O mo chreach, his hand felt good in her hair. His strong fingers did the most wicked things to her scalp.
He gently rolled her back to her right side, facing the fire, and positioned his body right behind hers, not quite touching, yet so close she could feel the warmth radiating from him to her.
“Just close your eyes and go to sleep.” His breath stirred her hair.
As if she could really do such a thing while so much thrumming heat pounded through her body. She’d never felt so alive or alert.
Every tiny part of her body could feel Braden. The skin over her neck where his breath fell in a soft, rhythmic pattern. Her back where his body heat warmed her through and through.
But worst of all, she felt him in her heart. For it was there where he made her feel secure. There that she ached for a dream that could never come true. Her throat tightened at the thought.
And it was through her pain that she wanted to enjoy this night. To pretend that for one moment he was hers and they were lying here as lovers.
With the dream foremost on her mind, she tried to relax. But that was as impossible as sleeping.
Aggravated at herself and her foolish dreams, she propped her head on her arm and forcibly closed her eyes.
A few minutes later, her arm fell asleep. The rest of her remained painfully conscious. Unwilling to let Braden know how much his presence disturbed her, she tried to wad her plaid up into a small pillow.
Her shoulder began to ache.
Over and over, Maggie shifted her head and arms trying to get comfortable.
It was useless.
Just as she resigned herself to a sleepless night, Braden reached out and touched her arm.
“Here …” Braden pulled her back against his front. “Lean on me.”
She wanted to argue. Nay, she needed to argue, but she couldn’t. Not when he felt so good.
Reluctantly, she allowed him to cradle her against his chest.
