power through her, firing her desire beyond reason.
She shifted her body until it fit against his potent erection and then she rubbed against him until she was wet.
He grabbed her backside and yanked her skirt up. His fingers squeezed at her bottom then hurried forward to touch her wetness. She yelped at the shot of passion that hit her like a bolt of lightning, and she moaned as his fingers played with her.
“You’re mine,” he said, his free hand grabbing her around the neck and pulling her mouth to his. “Always mine.”
His words suddenly hit her like a splash of icy cold water to her face and she tore free of his grasp and flew off him to stand, nearly breathless, at the end of the bed.
“What is wrong?” His own breath was labored.
She shook her head and, realizing her breast hung free of her blouse, she slipped it in and with shaking hands tied the strings tightly.
Tarr sat up and Fiona backed away.
He remained still. “Tell me what is wrong.”
She continued to shake her head and fled the room, leaving him sitting on the bed stunned.
Fiona raced up the flight of stone steps, praying Aliss was in their room by now, but she found Anya sitting in the chair near the hearth instead. Her frantic entrance had Anya jumping up and once she saw the tears in her daughter’s eyes, she held her arms out to her. Fiona did not hesitate, she rushed into them and released her tears on her mother’s shoulder.
When Fiona’s tears were finally spent, mother and daughter sat on the bed together, Anya’s arm remaining firm around her daughter.
“The talk did not go well with Tarr?”
Fiona sniffled. “I am a fool.”
“We are all fools when it comes to love.”
“He does not love me.”
“Why do you think that?” Anya asked.
Fiona wiped at her red swollen eyes as she spoke. “He attempted to convince me with simple, thoughtful words then while he—”
Anya patted her hand, understanding what she could not say. “Intimacy is natural between those in love.”
Fiona sighed. “He said always mine, which meant he thought I belonged to him since first we met. He does not love me, I am but chattel to him, no more.”
“I can see why you doubt him.”
“You can?” Fiona asked with a breath of relief.
“Of course. You want to trust him completely, and how can you? He lies.”
Fiona’s eyes rounded. “He does not lie. He is a man of his word. A true warrior.”
“Is he now?”
“Aye, he protects his clan with pride and strength and provides well for them, which is why he sought a marriage with me.”
“Then you are his chattel.”
“A good marriage was necessary for his clan’s survival,” she defended
“He told you this?” Anya asked.
“Repeatedly. He was honest with me from the very beginning.”
Anya squeezed her daughter’s hand gently. “Then what makes you think he is not honest with you now?”
Fiona’s mouth fell open.
“Raynor spoke of Tarr in the message he sent informing us of finding you. They were few words, but those words painted a picture of a man who spoke the truth and honored his word. It is not Tarr you doubt, Fiona. It is yourself.”
Anya brushed back the hair in Fiona’s face. “I was like you, brash and outspoken.” She laughed. “Oleg would say I still am, but my nature was driven by fear. Fear of not being loved, since most young men showed little interest in me.”
“None showed interest in me.”
“That is because we are strong women, and it takes a man of great strength and patience to love such special women. I doubt Tarr understood you when first you met.”
“He did not even know who I was, Fiona or Aliss.” Fiona smiled. “He did tell me he admired my skills and courage, more than once.”
“He began to discover your true worth. Only a man of equal strength can do that, a man that does not fear the discovery but embraces it. I think Tarr has embraced all he has learned about you and is proud to love you.”
“I am a fool.” Fiona hung her head.
Anya lifted it. “Love is being foolish, foolish is being in love. All is forgiven when love is true. Do you love Tarr?”
“With all my heart.” Fiona near wept. “It frightens me how much I love him and I worry that—”
“He will not love you as much?”
Fiona nodded.
“Tarr is a man of his word, Fiona, if he tells you he loves you, believe him.”