Page 69 of The Witch of Threadneedle Street

“’Twas luck,” she whispered into the blanket.

As she moved to stand, a strong arm caught her about the waist to lift her easily onto the bed. The strength of the man surrounded her, again, making her feel safe, despite the danger they were still, undoubtedly, in.

“Ye should rest,” Taran murmured, his brows drawn in a concerned line. “Ye look fair exhausted.”

“Here, Moll.” Charlotte patted the pillow by her side.

Gently, Taran guided Moll down on the bed by Charlotte’s side.

“You, too, Athair.” The little girl caught Taran’s sleeve with a smile.

“Aye,” he agreed readily enough.

He settled at Moll’s side, sliding an easy arm beneath her shoulders and pulling her head back so that she rested upon his shoulder. He was right. She was exhausted. She hadn’t slept a wink the night before, but now? Now, she felt warm. Safe. Loved. Surrounded by the family she’d never truly had.

Lips brushed softly over the top of her head and then sleep swept her away.

* * *

When Moll next opened her eyes, Charlotte lay, breathing easy, and at the foot of the bed, James, Jamie, and Wee Jack snored in a comfortable pile. The twins lay, mouths open, on their pallets in front of the door.

Moll smiled in relief.

Then, the solid warmth pressed against her back invaded her thoughts. Sweet Mary, she lay in Taran’s arms, but she didn’t want to move. Lord help her, ‘twas exactly where she wished to be. She held still, keenly aware of the rise and fall of his chest against her back and the heat of his thighs settled against hers. His hand rested so naturally on the curve of her hip, the pillow-bairn having long since slipped near to her knees.

Their future was a hopeless one, of course. They had none. Would that he was a simple peasant, or she a lady…he would be more than she’d ever dreamed possible in a man. She must have turned, though she didn’t remember doing so. Suddenly, she was on her back, staring up into his face as he leaned over her, propped on his elbow.

His lashes were so long and dark, the darkness making the blue of his even brighter. Mesmerized, she could only hold still as he lifted his hand and brushed her cheek with his thumb.

‘Twas a touch of fire.

Lord help her, but she wanted him and from the very depths of her soul. She wanted his lips on her skin, his fingers on her flesh. A wave of heat spiraled through her body. With him, she knew the act of bedding would be something pleasing—nay, ‘twould be near magical.

Her eyes snapped to his. The invisible weight of his gaze made it hard to breathe. As the corner of his eyes creased into a smile, her insides began to churn. What power did this man hold that a simple brush of his thumb made her feel so much more than ever before?

The chime of the morning bells rang through the air. About them, the children stirred.

Yet, strangely, the magic of the moment still held, even as Taran hefted his feet from the bed and stretched. She couldn’t drag her eyes away from his broad shoulders and the sensual drape of his kilt falling over his powerful thighs.

“Charlotte?” Francis asked, vaulting to his feet.

The little girl groaned, then snapped, “Hush,” before burrowing deeper into the pillows.

Francis grinned as Moll began shaking the younger children awake. “’Tis morning, poppets,” she said, so relieved to be with them safely again. “’Tis time to eat.”

‘Twas then she noticed Taran before the window, staring out with his lips drawn in a grim line.

Alarmed, she hurried to join him there. “What is it?”

He laced her fingers through his and brought them to his lips, then murmured, “I will return.”

Wordlessly, he strode out the door. As the latch clicked shut, Moll squinted through the diamond-paned glass.

“’Tis the guards,” George said from over her shoulder.

“Lord Haddon’s men are gone,” Francis added from the other side. “’Tis only the queen’s guard walking the walls now.”

‘Twas disturbing, though exactly why, she couldn’t say. “No matter.” She shrugged and then turned to the boys. “Fetch food for us all, will you? I’m of the mind we shouldn’t leave until Charlotte’s on her feet.”