Highland Heather - Highland Heather Part 65
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Highland Heather Part 65

"Now tell me."

He propped one hand beneath his head, while his other arm cradled her against his chest. She felt so good there. So right.

"I did not admit it to myself until you had retired for the night. And I realized what I had just done to you." His fingers idly played with her hair. He felt the desire begin anew. God in heaven. How was it possible that he wanted her again so soon?

"I feared that I had just dashed any hope of winning your heart."

"So, my lord." She ran a finger across his chest. Feeling his quivering response to her simple touch, she grew bolder.

"What were you going to do about this sudden knowledge of your love for me?"

He recognized the gleam in her eye.

"Are you teasing me, little one?"

"Nay, my lord. I simply wish to know if you would have ever told me of your love."

His tone grew serious.

"I knew I had already caused you enough pain, Brenna. I took you from your home, from all you love, and thrust you among the vultures at court.

"Twas my intention to comply with the queen's wishes and wed you, then return you to your people, where you could live in peace."

She pressed her hands against his chest and stared into his eyes.

"Are you saying that you love me so much you would live without me?"

"I love you so much I would set you free."

She surprised him by brushing her lips lightly over his. The heat of desire rose swiftly.

"Then we would never have shared this wondrous act, my lord."

"Aye."

Her hands moved lower, causing his stomach muscles to jump.

"Now what are you up to, little one?"

Her eyes danced with a mischievous light.

"It is my intention to store up as many wondrous acts as possible, my lord. In case you decide to send me away soon."

He threw back his head and roared with laughter. But a moment later, as her hand moved even lower, the laughter died on his lips. With a moan of pleasure he pulled her down on top of him and covered her mouth in a searing kiss.

She sighed and wriggled and moved over him until he felt himself once again slipping over the edge of sanity. Never, never had he known a woman like this one. Some time soon, when he had his wits about him, he would sort out all the changes she had wrought in his life. But not now. Right now he was beyond thought.

With sighs and kisses and little moans of pleasure, they lost themselves in that wonderful place reserved only for lovers.

The steady drumming of rain on the roof of the portico roused him.

Morgan awoke slowly. There was a heaviness on his arm, making it impossible to lift it. He opened his eyes to study the beautiful creature who lay facing him. His leg was thrown carelessly across her, pinning her to the length of him. Her eyes were closed, her breathing slow and even. What a delightful surprise she was. All night they had loved, slept, then awakened each other to love again.

He studied the wide, unlined brow, the lips, so right for kissing. How had he ever thought her cool and haughty? His little ice maiden. She was so generous, so open in her loving. No woman had ever made him ache with such desire. He would never have enough of her. Even a lifetime together would not be enough. His spirit would follow hers even into the hereafter.

He saw the way her lids nickered. Any moment now she would awaken. He was suddenly plagued with a terrible thought. What if, in the cold light of morning, she regretted their night of passion? What if she had given in to her loneliness in a moment of weakness? Or worse, what if she had confused gratitude with love? As her lids opened, he forgot to breathe. His heart missed a beat. Though he had fought hundreds of enemies on the field of battle, this little woman had him terrified.

Brenna lay a moment, feeling the weight of Morgan's leg on her. His breath was warm against her cheek. Even with her eyes closed she knew this man who lay beside her. She knew the touch of him. He had left his imprint on her body. And on her heart. The dark, mysterious taste of him still lingered on her tongue.

She opened her eyes to find him watching her intently. His brow was wrinkled with concern.

"Good morrow," she whispered, reaching a hand to his cheek. Before he could respond she pulled his face close and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

"Are you having unhappy thoughts, my lord?"

He felt his breath come out in a slow sigh of relief. She had not blushed nor tried to hide herself. Instead she'd greeted him as if they had always awakened together after a night of loving.

"I was afraid you would awake with regrets, my love."

"I do have one regret."

His heart stopped beating.

Seeing the look on his face she leaned close, pressing her body to his.

"I regret that you have a house filled with guests who will expect to be entertained from sunrise to sunset."

His mouth dropped open. Then he roared with laughter. She joined him, a gay, lilting sound that washed away the last of his fears.

"I suppose we shall have to dress and greet our guests."

She brushed her lips across his shoulder and began to slip out of bed.

He felt the familiar tingle at her touch and lay very still, allowing the fire to build. As she brushed past him he caught her, forcing her down. His hands tangled in her hair, drawing her face toward his.

"The queen will sleep for at least another hour." He nibbled the corner of her mouth until she gave a little moan and clutched at his waist.

"And how is it that you can be so certain?"

"At this moment, my love, I am certain of but one thing." He rolled over, pulling her beneath him. Already the fire in his loins was raging out of control.

"If the queen awakes early, she shall have to find her own entertainment. I have already found mine. Until we can return to this bed tonight, this day promises to be the longest one of my life," he murmured against her lips.

Her laughter died in her throat as he began to work the magic that would tumble them both into a world apart. A world of whispered sighs and endless delights.

Chapter Nineteen

Tvosamunde and the servants giggled and chattered among themselves as they prepared a bath for Lord Grey and the Lady Brenna.