“Do you?”
“That is different. I’m a man. It would be remiss of me if I depended on others.”
“And it would be remiss of me to burden another for my welfare. I have always stood on my own, and I will continue to do so.”
Braden stared aghast at her. “You’re a strange lass, Maggie ingen Blar.”
“You forget headstrong and unreasonable.”
“That had to come from Anghus.”
“Actually, it comes from your brother Lochlan most recently. But also from anyone who has ever had to deal with me.”
He laughed.
Before he could speak, Sin stepped out of the woods in front of them. “There’s a small clearing up a bit, if you’re interested. I’m going after dinner now.”
“You need any help?” Braden asked.
Sin shook his head. “You’d best stay with Maggie in case one of our friends returns.”
“Good idea.”
Braden picked up their packs from the damp peat and handed Maggie hers before he started off in the direction Sin had indicated. “Let’s go find our camp.”
Maggie stared at his back as they walked, longing for the impossible. Too easily, she could imagine having such a kind and wonderful man to call hers. If only he could be trusted with her heart.
But she knew better. And she had cried enough tears over him. She would content herself with his friendship and try to protect her heart as best she could.
When they found the place where Sin had left his pack, Braden made a small fire.
Maggie sat down and took her pack off her arm. She groaned a bit at the ache in her shoulder from the weight of it.
“Here.” Braden knelt behind her. “Let me help.”
Before she could protest, he placed his warm hands on her shoulders and gently massaged her aching muscles.
Och, now that felt good. Really, really good.
Closing her eyes, Maggie enjoyed the sensation of his hands sliding along her collarbone and upper arm where his hands clenched and unclenched in a soothing, seductive rhythm. His touch was both light, yet firm, hot and masterful. And when he pressed his thumbs beneath her shoulder blade and wiggled them about, she gave an involuntary moan.
Oh, his firm, hot touch was heaven, pure and complete heaven.
He leaned so close to her that she could smell the raw, earthy scent of him. Could smell the elderberries in his hair.
“Better?” he asked, his voice thick and deep.
“Aye,” she breathed, her body melting.
Braden reached his right hand around her and gently cupped her face in his hand, angling her chin until she looked up at him. Maggie stared in awe of his handsomeness. At those beautiful greenish brown eyes darkening as he watched her expectantly.
And then he kissed her.
Maggie moaned at the contact of his lips on hers as molten heat tore through her, pooling itself at the center of her body where it throbbed and ached in a primal need she barely understood. Braden’s touch was both gentle and demanding. Fierce, yet tender.
Maggie wanted him closer. Needed him closer.
She wrapped her arms about him and Braden willingly obliged her unspoken request, moving his body until nothing but clothing separated them.
