She blinked hard, trying to hide the glaze of tears before she closed her eyes and tucked her face against his side.
Her sweet actions touched his heart. "Lass?"
"You make me happy too," she whispered.
Gladness beamed from within his soul. "'Tis a good thing, aye?"
She nodded.
"Why are you crying, then?"
"I'm not crying," she argued, her voice stern.
He tried to hide his grin. She was such a rebellious wee thing. And her admission of happiness thrilled him. They had a bright future; he could feel it in his bones. With such astonishing bedsport, and the profound bond forming between them, this union felt so right and true. How could it not work? How could the curse not be burned to ash after that?
Leaning forward, he kissed every inch of her precious face. Then, with much patience and seduction, he devoured her mouth. He slid his palms over her smooth skin, tracing his fingertips along her most tempting spots. Unable to resist, he gave his full attention to her breasts, relishing the sweet feminine scent and feel of her. She arched toward him, offering herself generously. Her hand caressing him near drove him mad. He loved her forthright nature and the way she made her desires known. Rolling between her thighs, he bided his time and teased her.
"Now," she urged.
As he took her, he forgot everything but her—the wee gasps of delight, the way she clung onto him, her nails scoring his flesh. Her soft female moans when the pleasure grew more intense. Somehow she had become the primary focus of his existence.
Though his own desire almost crested, he would not let go until she had experienced her own peak. He felt it approaching, closed his mouth over hers to catch her keening cry of bliss.
Closing his eyes, he relished the way her body caressed his, spurring on his climax in crashing waves of ecstasy.
Moments later, they rested in the soft, warm glow of firelight and satiation. Gavin's mind floated on clouds of enchantment as he held her close to his heart. He sensed her drifting off to sleep and savored this moment as the most peaceful he had ever experienced.
Everything had to be set to rights now, didn't it? The curse must be ground to dust after their extraordinary lovemaking.
How was his da? If his madness had vanished…
Gavin couldn't rest after the notion surfaced. He had to get up and check on his father. Not wanting to wake Dani, he slipped his arms from around her, arose, and dressed. He crept out the door.
Moments later, he entered his father's chamber.
The older man's stormy blue gaze darted to Gavin.
"How are you this night, Da?"
"William… I tried… help him. Trouble, lad, witch, Finch. Curse."
Sighing, Gavin frowned. Saints. Now, Da was talking to his dead brother, William, Alpin's father. Gavin slumped into the chair near the bed as this nonsensical one-sided conversation continued.
"Curse," his da growled, getting more agitated with each word. "William, help."
The spell persisted… 'twas a certainty. Gavin leaned forward. "Da, please remain calm."
His father stared at him for a long moment, frowning. "William?"
"William is nay here, Da."
"Gavin?"
"Aye, 'tis me. Rest and try to get some sleep."
His father closed his eyes, and all the tension eased from his body. But Gavin's tension only increased.
∞∞∞
