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“When necessary.” He stood and drew her to him. “Do not fear me.”
“I do not fear you, Magnus, but the Legend?” She shivered. “He puts the fear of the devil in men and women alike, and the cold dark metal of his helmet does not help, for it makes him appear unapproachable, impenetrable and emotionless.”
“He is a warrior.”
“He is a man,” she reminded.
“Aye, that he is,” Magnus agreed and slowly brought his lips down on hers to capture a much wanted kiss. He savored the taste of her and while he wanted, very much wanted, to feel her against him, he kept a safe distance. He did not trust himself, and she had just mentioned how she trusted him. He would not betray that trust. When they made love—and he was certain they would—it would be her choice.
He did, however, allow his hand to roam down her back, along her slim waist and over her hips, narrow but with a curve of definition that appealed to his male senses and caused him to swell with desire.
When finally their lips parted, she sighed and rubbed her cheek to his. “I am confused.”
“Why?” The simple act of her placing her cheek to his soared his passion, but he kept tight rein on it. How could such a simple and innocent gesture bring him so much pleasure? He had shared the gesture time and time again with many women, but never had he felt the rush of warmth and the hasty beating of his heart that he did when Reena so casually put her cheek to his.
“I thought you perfect for Brigid, then you began to—” She stared up at him, almost reluctant to admit her thought.
“What did I do, Reena?” he encouraged softly.
Her hesitation was brief. “You touched me and then kissed me and—”
“Made you feel.” He finished what she could not.
She nodded, then shook her head. “I do not even know what I feel.”
He took her chin in his hand and held it firm so that she would have to look at him. “Let yourself feel. Do not fight it.”
“I cannot fight it. It is there more often than not.”
He cupped her face in his hands. “I am glad to hear that.”
“Why?” Her look remained confused.
He smiled. “For it could mean you are falling in love with me.”
Chapter 19
Reena was lost in her thoughts as she and Brigid sat at a table before the hearth in the great hall, a roaring fire keeping them warm. It was late afternoon, and Reena had not seen Magnus since early morning, when he’d left the keep to scout his borders with a troop of men.
His words from the night before echoed in her mind.
Could mean you are falling in love with me.
She had been considering the possibility since last night, the exciting and frightening prospect having haunted her before Magnus had made mention of it. Could it be true? Could she actually be falling in love with the Legend? But did he feel the same toward her? Was love nipping persistently at his heels?
Brigid sighed and sat in silence beside her friend, her hands hugging the goblet of hot cider in front of her, though she had not taken a sip, nor had she touched the small cakes on the platter in front of her.
Reena sensed something troubled her friend. She waited, but she remained silent. She raised her goblet and finished the last of her cider. When she reached for a small cake from the platter, Horace immediately raised his head from where he lay curled by her feet. He yawned, stretched and sat up to stare directly at her.
He had grown considerably in the last few months and would grow even more before the season’s end. He was already a good size, with large paws, a body to match, a big head, and loveable eyes and droopy ears. And he had grown more attentive and protective than anyone expected.
Reena, as was her way with him, gave him half of her cake. He took it and, satisfied with the one bite, returned to snuggle at her feet.
Brigid finally broke her silence. “He is a good dog.”
Reena shook her head and looked at her friend. “Are you going to tell me what troubles you? I have been waiting patiently since we sat down.”
Brigid sighed. “You know me too well.”
