She hesitated. Even in the dimness he could see her blush as she averted her face. "You will need it in this weather." She started pulling off the plaid.
"Nay, keep it. I'm not cold." He wrapped it tight about her again. How had she known he'd been wearing it? Had she heard them talking outside the cave, even with the strong winds?
The lass was perceptive, even more so than those who could see. He would have to be more careful about what he said.
He would also have to guard his heart, lest she steal it away.
***
Kristina listened to the fearsome wind blowing outside the mouth of the cave, the pine limbs thrashing together, and the rain pouring down for a long while.
She wondered where Ralston was. Had he survived the battle? She hoped her sister was still safe inside the castle.
She snuggled down into Colin's plaid, his enticing masculine scent surrounding her. 'Twas both comforting and exciting.
The men's voices rumbled quietly in conversation within the cave. They were discussing who would head toward the castle after the storm, scouting to see if the enemies were gone. If 'twas still unsafe, a couple of them would take first watch. Ethan would go in search of more food once the wind and rain ceased.
A chilly mist blew into the cave and she once again felt cold, despite the plaid. 'Twas much cooler now than before the gale. Though it was October, it felt like winter.
After the winds quieted, some of the men exited the cave and all grew quiet. Footsteps moved toward her, leather boots against the packed earth, grit crunching.
"Are you still cold?" Colin's voice murmured right beside her. He must be crouching close.
Good heavens, she could drown in his deep voice. "Not terribly." But she couldn't stop the shiver that coursed through her at that moment.
"Aye, you are. Lie down."
His words surprised her, confused her, and she frowned. "Where?"
"Right where you are."
"Why?"
"I'll show you, if you but trust me."
Strangely, she did trust him, though she'd only known him for a few hours. He had saved her life and seemed an honest, forthright man. When she lay back on the hard floor, he stretched out beside her and spread the plaid over them both, shocking her. She gasped. "What are you—?"
"I don't mean any disrespect, but I have to get you warm now, lest you catch an ague. Turn toward me," he murmured.
Good heavens. His words were both commanding and caring, which gave her a warm tingle. When she faced him, he drew her against the hard wall of his chest and tucked her head beneath his chin. Though she was stunned speechless for a moment, his body was deliciously warm. She couldn't help but press herself tighter against him.
"Feels good," she whispered, basking in his heat. "You're like an oven."
"Aye." His deep voice now sounded gruffer. With his large hand on her back, he pulled her closer. "And you feel chilled to the bone."
"I get cold easily."
"I wish you had told me sooner."
Their murmured conversation seemed profoundly intimate and comforting to her. "I didn't want to bother you."
"You're not bothering me," he chided. "In addition to the cold, the past few days have been very demanding for you. Being taken hostage. Not enough food. Being attacked by a madman."
No man had ever held her like this and expressed concern for her well-being. His sentiments made the warm tenderness she felt toward him expand. He near overwhelmed her, both mentally and physically. She was amazed at how hard his body was. Her own was a mere soft feather in comparison. He felt like stone beneath her fingertips.
Colin blew out a breath. "What are you doing?"
Pausing, she realized she'd been stroking her fingers over the muscles of his back and exploring. "I was but…" She couldn't sayfeelingof you. "'Tis simply that you feel so hard, like a rock. I've never felt anything like it."
