He gripped her hand. “Do you still want me to take you away from here?”
His question startled her, for she didn’t know if it was possible, given his position within the Norman forces. “Would your commander allow this? I thought you had to return to them.”
He regarded her, and the intensity of his gaze made her look away. “No. He would not allow it. But if they believe I was held prisoner and could not return...”
She understood what he was implying. If he claimed that the MacEgans had held him captive here, the Normans would know the truth of it. “It will not take long,” she said. “If we ride swiftly, we can be there within a few days.”
The thought of journeying with Raine brought about a rush of eagerness. Yet she felt a slight worry about his reasons. Although he had offered once before, she hadn’t wanted to accept his help, after learning what he wanted.
“Why do you want to travel with me?” she asked. “Is it because you want information? I have said already, there is nothing I can tell you.”
“That isn’t the reason why.” His thumb slid over the pulse point upon her wrist. The simple touch undid her senses, and she pushed back the rush of longing.
“Then is it gold or silver that you want?” Her uncle, who dwelled on the Dingle Peninsula, would give a reward for her sake, she was certain. It would not be much, but enough for his trouble.
“No.” The chains rattled slightly as his hands moved to her waist. “That’s not what I want.”
Her heart thundered within her chest, and she didn’t know if she was imagining the interest in his voice. “Then what is it?”
He paused a moment before his hands fell away. “There were...people I wanted to protect once. I failed in that. But I can protect you.”
She started to protest, “It’s dangerous. And I don’t think—”
“Does there have to be a reason?” he prompted. When she said nothing, he added, “We both know the MacEgans will not want to cause trouble between your people and theirs. It is easier if you allow me to be your escort.”
He was right, but she still wasn’t certain about the answer he had given. There was something missing, something he wasn’ttelling her. She took a step backwards and was startled when the world seemed to tip. Raine caught her before she fell.
“You look pale. Are you still unwell?”
She took a moment to steady herself. There truly wasn’t a good way to answer his question, for she was always unwell. Instead, she responded, “There are good moments and bad. I’ve learned to live what’s left of my life from hour to hour.”
He didn’t appear pleased to hear that. “You should go back to your chamber and rest.”
Aye, he was right. “I will. Give me a few hours, and I will try to arrange your release.” If that was even possible. She didn’t know how King Patrick would agree to free him. “But what shall I say to the king? He wants answers from you.”
“Tell him I will break my silence.”
Carice moved in and removed her cloak, placing it around his shoulders. “Try to stay warm until then.” She tucked the wool against him, and he caught her wrists with his chained hands. In the freezing darkness, a sudden heat rose up within her skin. She was conscious of every breath between them, and her breasts tightened against her gown.
It was a foolish response, but one she could not suppress. Raine took the edges of the cloak and drew them around her, cocooning both of them in the wool. Her heartbeat stuttered within her chest, while her body yearned to move even closer. On impulse, she hugged him, hiding her burning cheeks against his chest.
God help her, she was wanting far too much. Her feelings were shifting past the brink of friendship into something more. And it was dangerous to both her wayward heart and her mind.
Don’t, she warned herself.He is going to leave.
She knew that, but she also knew that every fragile moment of life was to be treasured. In a matter of hours, she could be curled up in a ball once more, her stomach raging with pain. Moments like these were rare, and she wanted to savor the feeling.
An aching caught inside her, while her emotions weakened beneath the weight of yearning. She knew there was no future with this man or any other. If she dared to let herself dream, it would only break her heart when he left her. And hewouldleave. He had to return to his duties, and she was fleeing a marriage from the most powerful man in Éireann.
Not to mention, she was dying.
Raine’s palms moved up her spine, and her fingers tightened around him in response. She had no right to reach out to this man.
But when he caught her mouth in a kiss, all her resistance melted. The heat beneath her skin transformed into a shocking fire that burned within her. She felt her body melting against him, like candle wax beneath a flame. She wanted to be closer, and when his tongue slid inside her mouth, she felt the echo within her womb.
He spoke against her lips. “The guard is watching us.”
“Is he?” She kissed him back, welcoming the invasion of his tongue. He threaded his hands into her hair, claiming her mouth with a raw power that consumed her. Never in her life had she ever been kissed like this.
