Page 86 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

She didn't protest this time, thank the saints. Instead, she put her arm around his neck and nuzzled her face against his shoulder. He tamped down the tumult inside him.

"Saunders!" Brodie yelled toward the guard tower.

Inside, hurried footsteps pounded down the stairs.

"Chief." Saunders unlocked the gate. "You're back already?"

Brodie strode in. "Aye. Wait here."

The rain and wind had doused the torches on the walls of the keep. Only the lantern in the guard tower provided a weak light.

He carried her to the base of the steps that led into the great hall and set her on her feet. "Go inside and warm yourself, lass."

"I thank you," she whispered. "And I pray you'll remain safe." Her head covered by the cloak's cowl, she hastened inside the keep.

He was thankful she didn't argue this time.

Returning to the gate where Saunders stood, Brodie said, "Do not allow her outside the walls again until I tell you to."

"Aye, m'laird." The guard bowed, then locked the gate behind him.

Brodie hurried back toward the cliff's edge and down. After disrobing in the cave and moving to the edge of the rough surf, he put on his sealskin and shifted into selkie form.

Using his hind flippers, he swam with all his might deep into the turbulent sea. It had not yet calmed from the storm. He must be careful, for the waves could easily slam him into the huge, craggy rocks.

***

THE GREAT HALL WAS almost empty when Elsea rushed through from outside. Had anyone noticed how long she'd been gone during the storm? Had Agatha? She hoped not.

Trying not to think about what she'd just experienced, Elsea hurried into her chamber, glad none of the maids were waiting for her. Although she liked her maid, Tilly, and missed her, Elsea was loving the freedom of not having someone prying into her whereabouts at every moment.

The fire had died down to glowing coals. She added a few pieces of driftwood.

She glanced down. Still wearing Brodie's cloak, she pressed her nose against the lining and drew in his scent—wood smoke and pine, the sea and clean soap.

She had confessed all and survived. Instead of throttling her, he had made one of her dreams come true. For a year and a half of nights, she'd fantasized about making love to him once more. He might never speak to her again, but she had this precious memory to keep her warm at night.

But she knew she would never be satisfied with just once. Nay, it only made her yearn for more. She couldn't control his feelings, his actions, or anything about him. He would do what he wished, but at least she had done her part in pushing him toward breaking the curse and getting him from beneath the witch's control.

Growing too warm, she removed the damp cloak and the arisaid. Her hands still jittery and unsteady, she hung them on the chair to dry.

What she had experienced with Brodie in the cave had surely been another of her fevered dreams.

Had it truly happened?

After removing her damp smock, she pulled on the borrowed night-rail and nestled under the covers. She still tingled all over from Brodie's touch, his kiss, his lovemaking. She smiled at the exhilaration.

Her heartbeat raced like a horse galloping across the moor. 'Twas the first time true happiness had sparkled within her since the curse began. If only they could defeat Wilona.

She didn't dare dream that she and Brodie could have a marriage, but she could still wallow in the memory of the perfection she'd experienced earlier.

Brodie was pure masculine power and dark seduction. He was lodged so deeply in her heart, he would never leave. And yet she had hurt him more than anyone.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. She would do whatever it took to make it up to him, even should she lose her life in the process.

She had abandoned him to the tragedy of the grim curse. At least, it had appeared that way. She had grieved for him every day, forcing herself to let him go. She couldn't go back... she couldn't change the decision she'd made in order to save his life.

But during his wild lovemaking... he hadn't hated her then.