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Terese pushed the worrisome thought from her head and found Rowena, secured a healing basket, and joined Piper with less worry of discovery since Lachlan had already taken his leave. His men paid her movements no heed, too busy scouting the perimeter of the convent.
It didn’t take long for Piper and her to reach the injured man and at first glance both of them knew that he would need more care than either Terese or Piper could give. And his formidable size would be a problem. Piper could stand behind him and not be seen.
Terese looked at Septimus. “We need to get him to Rowena. She is the only one skilled enough to stitch such a severe wound and tend him if he is to have any chance of surviving.”
Septimus didn’t argue. “Two of my men will get him there for you.”
Terese nodded and then did something she didn’t want to do but knew she had no choice. “Tell your leader that Lachlan of the clan Sinclare and two of his men are tracking your group. He intends to spy on you.”
Septimus nodded. “He was right. You are good to have as a friend rather than a foe.”
Terese felt like no friend betraying Lachlan, but her survival depended on it. And she didn’t fear for Lachlan’s safety, for she knew the leader would never hurt him or his men.
“Piper will keep you informed of your man’s condition,” Terese said.
“Your help is greatly appreciated,” Septimus acknowledged with a bow of his head.
“You don’t seem the kind to be a mercenary,” Terese couldn’t help but say.
“There was a time none of us were,” he said and with another bow of his head, turned and left.
It was late evening when quiet returned to Everagis. Everyone was settled and fed and the injured had been cared for and were resting comfortably. Rowena continued to tend Talon, the wounded mercenary. His leg injury had required thirty stitches and she now sat with him, worried that he would develop a fever. Though his size and rough features would have most fearing him, he was grateful and polite to Rowena. Once again Terese wondered over the origin of the mercenaries.
Terese lingered around the grounds later that evening in hope of Lachlan returning. When it grew late and exhaustion finally took hold, she gave up and, disappointed, went to bed. She woke with a start when it was still dark and anxiously threw on her skirt and blouse. With hurried though quiet steps she made her way up the narrow hall into the large room of the common house and rushed to the door. She halted, her hand on the metal latch, and took a deep breath.
She knew Lachlan had returned and waited. She sensed his presence. How? She could find no sensible answer. She only knew that he eagerly waited for her as eagerly as she wanted to go to him.
She opened the door slowly, for a moment thinking perhaps this was all a dream and then she saw him.
He stood with his arms folded across his chest, a slight pitch to his stance, and the half-moon spotlighted a charming smile on his handsome face.
She felt her breath catch, her heart flutter, and her flesh tingle. She wanted this man, needed him and so without further thought, guilt, or regret she ran to him.
His arms spread wide and she ran into them. They wrapped lovingly, protectively and strongly around her and for a sheer moment she felt as if she had arrived home. The thought near buckled her legs.
“I knew if I stood here long enough that my mere presence would wake you.”
She kept the tremble from her laughter, though it was no easy task, for it rippled through her entire body. “You did wake me.” She hesitated almost afraid to give voice to the truth. “I could feel you.”
“My magic worked,” he whispered. “For while I stood here, I envisioned touching you.”
“Where?” she dared ask.
His hand slipped slowly beneath her blouse and she knew he waited to see if she would stop him.
When she didn’t, he whispered, “Here.”
She startled when he gently scooped up her full breast in his cool hand and ran his thumb across her nipple until it hardened at his will. Her already weak knees almost gave way, especially when his lips and teeth began to nibble along her neck and up along her ear, sending a myriad of tingling sensations rushing over her flesh.
“That’s just the start of where I plan to touch you,” he murmured and continued nibbling.
This time her knees did waver, but his arm caught her firm around the waist.
“You’ll sleep with me tonight,” he said softly.
It wasn’t a question or a command. It was simply what they both wanted, and he knew it just as she did.
“I will be yours tonight,” she said willingly.
