Highland Defiance - By Sky Purington Page 0,44

exactly," he said. When she glanced over her shoulder it was to catch his eyes on her backside. He winked and nodded for her to continue up the steps.

Though she blushed, Mildred made conversation. "So who built these steps? You?"

"Nay. They were here long before me."

"Amazing." The walls slowly lowered, an optical illusion of course as they ascended the last few stairs.

When she arrived at the top, Mildred stopped in awe. "Ohhh."

Adlin's hand touched her lower back, his whispered words close to her ear. "Glad you like it."

"Like it? Who wouldn't!"

Wide and spacious, a meadow ignited in warm, bright sunlight in what appeared to be a valley tucked into a massive bowl of dark, proud, unrelenting Highland rock. But by far the most impressive element of their surroundings was a massive, familiar shape carved into the rock, creating a gigantic window that looked out over the sea. Waves crashed far below, the sound booming as though right in front of them.

"How is that possible?" she murmured.

Adlin took her hand and they began to walk. "You're wondering how the Highland Defiance can be here as well."

Mildred stared wide-eyed as they continued toward an exact replica of the window that was in their room, the Highland Defiance. Except this one was far larger, it's height easily over hundred and fifty feet tall. "Yes."

"Well, it's a doorway of sorts, this being the original."

"A doorway to where?"

"Several places. Wherever there's another doorway."

"You mean that this connects to the one in the keep?"

"Aye."

She frowned as they drew closer. "If this connects to the other, why didn't we use the doorway in the keep to get here?"

"Because I wanted you to appreciate the experience of getting to this location."

"Ah, you mean the stairs."

Adlin's intelligent eyes cut to her. "No, I mean the thoughts you had along the way."

Irritation flared. "You read my mind?"

"Not really. Sensed rather than read."

"Sounds the same to me."

"They were thoughts you'd been avoiding."

"My thoughts about my brother and the war are none of your business."

Ugh, she hadn’t meant to say that.

"No, but your pain is."

Frustrated, Mildred stopped and put her hands on her hips. "You go too far, Adlin."

Adlin's gaze flared. "You have no idea how far I can go, especially when it comes to you."

Mildred shook her head. "You're right, I don't." The words hurt before they even came out. "Quite frankly, I'm not sure I want to."

He stepped closer but didn't touch. "As discussed, this is a day for you to figure that out. But rest assured, my love, whether you want me or not is something you've already decided."

"Actually, I'm not so sure at the moment."

Adlin's brows shot up and a crooked grin crept onto his face. "Oh, you're sure."

Before she let him see her grin in return, she strode for the Highland Defiance. Adlin might drive her a little insane with his intensity and riddles, but she really did enjoy his arrogance.

Yet it wasn't just that. Happiness came easily when he was around.

A little too easily.

By the time she reached the bottom of the Defiance, Adlin had caught up. In a quick, breathless movement, he cupped her waist and hoisted her up so she sat on the ledge. Expression far more intense than it'd been moments ago; he came between her thighs and tilted back her chin. Slow, and so sweet it set her body to flame, his lips gently touched hers. Unable to do anything else, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Tilting his talented mouth over hers, he cupped her backside and pulled her tightly against him.

Fire roared through her blood and she groaned.

When his lips pulled away just a bit, he murmured. "We might not be in bed but that doesnae mean I willnae find a way to do this to you all day long."

With that deep voice and sexy brogue, she could only melt.

"Promise?" she murmured in return.

Quick, tempting, he kissed her one more time before he swung up next to her and helped her stand. "Careful now. I wouldnae want to fly after you if you fell."

Mildred grinned. "Funny, I almost believe that you believe you can fly."

"I can be quite convincing, lassie."

"Yes you can," she said softly, her jaw dropping as she allowed him to take her hand and walk closer to the oceanside part of the rock.

By instinct, she squeezed his hand and put her free hand on the rock beside her as she looked down and down. Much higher than where they'd stood earlier, the view was both remarkable