Page 21 of The Highlander’s Untamed Lady

Evander’s parents had loved one another, as well as him and Emilia. Their family had been a joyful one.

Now he had Diana, and the opportunity to teach love to a woman who had never had it. He was up for the challenge.

“If ye dinna know what ye want for us,” Evander said at long last, “I hope to help ye find yer answer.”

Chapter Eight

Time was slow going – even for one as patient as Evander. There had been rides through his land with Diana, introductions to his people, and freedom for her during the day while he was occupied with matters of his clan. She had been quiet at his side for most of it, always watching, always waiting for when she could be alone again.

He had the reports from his guards who kept a discreet distance – she ran through the woods with her wolves, she explored the land in solitude. And she always came back.

The first week had given him silent acquiescence.

The second week had given him skepticism.

The third week had produced small smiles and curious looks.

He’d not yet kissed her again, though he’d caught her watching his mouth when he spoke. Several times, she’d even pursed her lips or flicked her tongue between them. As if she wanted him to kiss her. And God knew how he’d wanted to oblige her. But not yet. He wanted her to crave it before he finally gave in.

Truth be told, he feared what one kiss might to do him, perhaps igniting his simmering passion to a point where stopping would be difficult.

He told her he would wait, and he would.

He crossed the courtyard where she waited for him at the stables with Zeus and Hera. She smiled when her eyes caught his. Was it his hopeful imagination, or had she blushed?

“Ye look bonny, wife.” And she did, with her golden curls and waves loose down her back like a gilded cape. The freedom he’d afforded her had settled a glow to her face and left her eyes alight with the most radiant blue.

Hera bumped at his legs until he knelt to receive his customary nuzzling over his face and head. He scratched the warm fur behind her ears and was rewarded with a deep groan of happiness from the large gray wolf. His attention went to Zeus and he pointed at the wolf. “I’m still watching ye, lad.”

The golden eyes watched back without blinking, without emotion.

Diana gave a soft laugh and smiled at Evander when he stood. “Hera has made a mess of your hair.” She lifted her hand and gently smoothed her palm over half of his head.

He shot the wolf a look and she bumped her head against his leg once more, nearly knocking him off balance. “She’s a bit aggressive with her love.”

“She’s quite affectionate with you.” Diana’s voice was quiet when she spoke, reverent.

When Evander turned his attention back to Diana, he found her staring at his mouth. Quickly, she flicked her attention back to his eyes. A stain of red washed over her cheeks, the blush unmistakable.

“Where are we going today?” Diana asked abruptly.

“It’s a surprise.” Evander led the way to their horses and swung onto his steed.

Diana followed suit. “Sounds enticing.”

He certainly hoped she would find it so. Together they sped over the land, rushing only for the sake of the wind whipping at their faces and the exhilaration of the race. By the time they arrived at the open field, Diana’s cheeks and nose were rosy from the cold. The wolves panted with their pink tongues lolling out of their open mouths.

Evander hopped first from his horse and held a hand to Diana. She didn’t need his assistance, of course, but she still placed her fingers to his palm before leaping gracefully to the ground. She looked out to the field and cupped a hand over her brow to ward off the shine of the waning sun overhead.

“What is it?” she asked.

“This is the field that will save our people.” Evander nodded out at the dirt before them and imagined it speckled with curling green shoots. “This is how you have helped to save our people.”

“Me?”

“The soil doesna take to oats and wheat as it once did.” Evander bent and took a lump of hard, frozen soil. “It’s been too cold. Our summers have been too short to do any good.” He balled the dirt in his fist, and it shattered into thousands of rich, black granules. “But potatoes, they are going to save us.”

“And these…potatoes – they can grow here?” Diana asked.