Part 22 (1/2)

He dipped his head down to kiss the inside of her wrist as he quickened his strokes. This time there was no pain. All she could feel was his thickness pressing into her body and she wanted more of it. Biting her lip, she lifted her hips to help him.

He let out a sharp gasp before he lowered himself back down on top of her and cradled her against him.

And when he came, he cried out her name.

Cat held him close as she felt his heart hammering against her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. ”Are you all right?”

He laughed softly. ”I should be asking you that, la.s.s.”

”Aye, but I've never seen you so relaxed. 'Tis enough to frighten me.”

He kissed her cheek before he rolled over and pulled her across him. ”You are a treasure, Catarina. Forget whatever I said about restraint. I much prefer your wildness.”

She frowned at him. ”Have you b.u.mped your head?”

He brushed the hair back from her face. ”Nay. More like my eyes have been opened and for the first time I see things a bit more clearly.”

”Such as?”

”You. I thought they were going to kill you.”

It was strange how she'd gone from utter terror to the peace she felt now. ”That thought occurred to me, too. But I knew you'd find me.”

”Did you now?”

”Aye.”

His pale eyes teased her. ”And you had no doubt?”

She wrinkled her nose playfully. ”Perhaps a little.”

”Just a little?”

Cat nodded. ”It was quickly sliding into a lot, but just as it was veering over the cliff you came and saved me. Again. Thank you, Lochlan.”

He nibbled her chin. ”There's nothing to thank me for. Especially not after the gift you've given me tonight.”

”I'm not sure which of us received the better gift.” Sighing, she laid her head against his chest. ”I don't ever want to get up from here.”

”Neither do I, but unfortunately we must. Once Stryder returns with the MacKaids, Reginald will know I ran off with you. It won't take him long to figure out where we're heading. We needs beat his men to the harbor and be gone before they stop us again.”

Cat ground her teeth in frustration. ”Can't we ever have a moment to ourselves?”

He toyed with her hair between his fingers. ”You're a princess on the run from your father.

Unfortunately, la.s.s, such a thing will never allow you rest.”

It was true. But that didn't mean she had to like it. ”Very well.” Sighing, she pushed herself up and began righting her clothes.

Lochlan watched as she tucked herself back into her gown. He hated that they lacked the leisure of spending the night together completely naked. She'd deserved more than a quick tumble for her first time.

And as he fastened his pants, a fear raked him. ”If there should be a babe--”

She placed her hand over his lips to silence his words. ”I know, Lochlan. But let's not taint this moment with that fear. If it should come to pa.s.s, we will deal with it together. There are far worse things in life than being b.a.s.t.a.r.d born.”

And she would know, having been such herself. Even so, her strength amazed him. There weren't many women who felt that way. ”I will keep you safe, Catarina. Always.”

”I know and I shall endeavor to keep myself from harm so as not to cause you damage.”

Laughing, he pulled her against him so that he could kiss her. He kept her lips between his tongue and his teeth as he pulled back.

Cat trembled as she realized a hard truth about their relations.h.i.+p.

She loved him.

Part of her wanted to blurt it out, but the other was afraid of what he'd say. Not to mention the fact that they had no hope of a relations.h.i.+p. She couldn't marry without her father's approval and he would never allow an alliance between her and a simple Scottish laird.

He'd kill Lochlan in an instant and the Lord only knew what he'd do to Lochlan's people and family.

Nay. Tonight was all they would ever have and she would have to content herself with it.

Her heart heavy, she watched as he pulled his tunic over his head and laced it. As she started to mount her horse, Lochlan stopped her.

”Ride with me and you can sleep while we journey.”

And he would be holding her. That alone made her nod as she moved toward him. He swung her up on his horse before he took the reins of her mare and tied them to his saddle.

She let out a shaky breath as he swung himself up behind her. His arms surrounded her body.

Smiling, she leaned back against his chest so that she could stare up at him.

For once his stern features were relaxed and it made her smile all the more. There was nothing more incredible than the feel of him against her. Impulsively, she lifted her head so that she could nip at the stubble on his chin.

He hissed at her actions. ”You keep doing that, la.s.s, and we'll never make it to the port before Reginald's men overtake us.”

Laughing, she wrapped her arm around his neck. ”It might be worth it.”

His eyes seared her. ”You would be worth a beating or two I think.”

Her heart warm, Cat closed her eyes and just enjoyed the sensation of being in his arms. All her life she'd wondered what it would be like to feel this way about a man. Now she knew. It was frightening and wonderful.

If only it could last. She wanted to ask him to run away with her, but she knew the answer.

He had a clan and a family. People who relied on him. He'd never give those up for anything.

Not even her.