felt the tension ease from him, and she suspected it was the first time Kyle ever gave himself permission to let down his guard. She stroked his back, crooning nonsense to him.
“Will you let me hold you?” Moira whispered.
“God, yes. Don’t let go, Moira,” Kyle shuddered before kissing Moira’s shoulder. “Moira, I’m yours for as long as you want me.” Kyle whispered his promise. The only time he’d given a pledge that carried more significance was when he and Keith were seven and swore they would kill before anyone separated them. He recalled the intensity of that feeling as if he were that child again. How he felt in Moira’s arms mirrored it.
How the fuck can I need a woman I’ve known for a sennight? Why am I so vulnerable to her? What the devil is happening to me? She could knife me in the back right this very moment. She could kill me in my sleep. My heart has been dead for years, yet it suddenly feels like it will beat out of my chest just to be near her. I’m a bluidy fool. I’d do well to keep my heart guarded before I go and do something stupid like give it to her. She will leave someday. Everyone does. And she’ll take my heart with her if I’m not careful. I’ll give her my body, my protection, and my trust, but I draw the line at my heart.
Kyle rolled onto his back, making sure he was on the edge of the bed before he drew Moira closer, draping her arm over his ribs as her head rested on his chest.
“Don’t break my heart,” Moira said as she drifted to sleep. Kyle held her as he closed his eyes.
I pray the same.
Seventeen
Moira sat in the dinghy beside Kyle as it drew closer to the shore. She still wanted to search for the pennyroyal, but Kyle warned her that the land where they would go looking was O’Malley land. She watched Snake Eye row while Tomas braced himself in the bow, a crossbow in his arms. Kyle had insisted that both men come ashore with them, initially suggesting he bring more of the crew. When she smiled at him as though to indulge his moodiness, he’d carried her back to the cabin and laid her over his lap. As she sat in the rowboat, she recalled what he’d said.
“Do not ever give me that patronizing smile as though my concern for you is ridiculous. I am not some child you must mollify or spoil. I will do whatever I think is needed to keep you safe. Never question me again about your protection, with your words or your mocking smile. Do you understand me?”
Moira shifted on the bench, her bottom still stinging. She’d been guilty of his accusation. She’d thought to just go along with him but hadn’t taken him seriously. She realized as his hand landed against her stinging flesh over and over that he’d been right. She didn’t know the dangers they might face on O’Malley land. She had treated him as a child, and her expression had been patronizing. When she went limp across his lap, Kyle had ceased the spanking. He’d leaned over and kissed her inflamed skin before massaging away some of the burn. She’d apologized throughout the spanking, but she was determined to show her contrition.
When he released her, Moira knelt between Kyle’s thighs, her hands behind her back, gazed lowered. She’d asked to show her remorse by offering her thanks for his thoughtfulness. She’d relished the feel of him in her mouth, each groan a symphony to her ears. When he pulled free, she kept her mouth open, accepting the spray as it landed on her tongue, against her chin, and across her chest. She’d remained kneeling until after Kyle wiped her clean. Their passionate kiss threatened to delay them further.
“I will ease your discomfort when we return to the cabin,” Kyle whispered. Moira glanced up at him and realized that he was earnest. There was no teasing or lust in his eyes.
“Thank you,” Moira responded. Kyle wrapped his arm around her shoulders, buffering the wind at their backs. She leaned against him and closed her eyes against the damp air.
Would that he always looked after me. No one since Mother has worried about me.
“When we reach the sand, stay near me at all times. If you see what you need, tell me, and we go together. Snake Eye will remain with the