Forbidden Heart (Hearts of the Highlands #6) - Paula Quinn Page 0,86
it impossible for him to tie it back or braid it. So, he left it hanging around his face.
“Are ye sure ’tis not the way ye fought today that sickens ye, little lion?”
“I told ye I was no good at it,” Lionell argued.
“No one is good when they first begin a thing,” Galeren said, showing who was the wiser brother. “That is what practice is fer.”
When they all retired to the solar for a drink, Galeren took her hand and led her outside.
The weather was surprisingly warm but Galeren still put his arm around her while they walked.
“I have missed ye, my love,” he told her. “I dinna know why I thought ’twould be less hectic here.”
She smiled against his chest. “’Twill settle down soon. Your kin are happy for you. You have been chaste since you were ten and eight. Your mother thought you might be fulfilling your calling to be a priest.”
“A priest!” He laughed. “No. My callin’ was to be a soldier. I wanted to be the best and havin’ a lass in my life and couplin’ on my mind would have likely gotten me killed. I know by lovin’ ye that if I ever go into battle again, I will fear dyin’ and leavin’ ye.”
“I do not want you to fight anymore battles, Galeren!” she cried out. “Please!”
He didn’t answer. He was still a captain in King David’s army. He couldn’t just walk away from his duty.
“Galeren, will you always be a captain?”
“No, love, but I am still young. No doubt there will be more battles ahead fer our weary countrymen.”
“They will need you,” she guessed out loud.
“Aye, they might.”
“I will pray that they never need you again.”
She heard his heart accelerate, and his breath shorten. He kissed the top of her head.
She stopped walking and saw that they were in the stronghold’s gardens. They were alone.
She felt his fingers under her chin to tip her face to his.
“I canna wait to be yer husband,” he ground out huskily over her lips.
“I cannot wait to be your wife.” She pulled him in and parted her lips to welcome him.
She trembled against him as his arms came around her and encircled her in his strength.
His lips molded to hers with heat. His tongue plunged softly inside and moved over hers in a dance as ancient as time.
She never wanted to leave his arms again. His kiss sparked this flame inside her that burned all day and night.
“Has anyone seen Morgann?” she asked, knowing this would make them forget their desires.
“No. He may have gone through the woods.”
“Oh, Galeren,” she brought her hands to his chest. “He knew they were dangerous, did he not? Do you think he would be so foolish? I hope not.”
“He knew I could be deadly and that didna stop him from betrayin’ us.”
“But did he?” she put to him. “You and Mac have told me everything he said. He never told my uncle anything you or the others may or may not have said. And he claims he tried to talk the others out of killing me.”
“He was there when they shot at ye,” he brooded now. “He should have fought them.”
“Why? I have not been his friend for years. He has no allegiance to me. I barely know him.”
“Ye were in my care,” he said in a low voice.
She smiled softly at him. “So, ’tis you he betrayed.”
He looked heavenward and let out a long breath.
“I am not telling you to forget what he did, but I know there is room in your good heart for forgiveness.”
“Good heart?” He laughed and shook his head. “My heart isna always good, lass. As a matter of fact, when I fight and kill, I would say my heart goes black.”
She smiled as they walked back to the manor house. “We will work on that.”
“Anythin’” he promised her. “I will do anythin’ fer ye.”
She wanted to leap into his arms and let him carry her to her rooms. She would not invite him into the rooms and tempt him further.
“Until I see ye tomorrow?”
Perhaps it was best if they didn’t see each other. How could she tell him it was for his own good? How could she tell him anything when he brought her hand to his lips for a kiss?
“Until tomorrow, my love,” she whispered.
Was he going to kiss her? She’d prayed about it. She’d asked the Lord to let him kiss her again. It was so wonderful and thrilling.