Part 27 (2/2)
”As a Brotherhood member, he's an exception and not a real priest, I might add.”
”Well, there is that,” Kestrel said. ”But it doesn't usually stop him from wearing the robes.”
Ignoring that, Raziel took them down the hall to a large bedchamber. When Lochlan started to withdraw and leave it for Catarina, Raziel took his arm. ”No one here will judge you. We know how fragile and fleeting life is. Find your comfort where and when you can and trust we'll never breathe a word of it.”
Lochlan knew he should leave, but honestly it was the last thing he wanted to do and he was grateful that Raziel understood that. ”Thank you.”
Raziel inclined his head to him before he shut the door and walked off with Kestrel by his side.
Cat watched Lochlan's uncertainty as he turned toward her and couldn't help smiling over it. Only he would be worried over her reputation after all they'd shared. It was endearing and sweet.
”We'll find that priest, Lochlan. Have no fear.”
He nodded as he unbuckled his sword and set it aside. His silence concerned her. He was hurting.
Going to him, she wrapped her arms about his waist. ”Your brother loved you.”
She saw the tears return to his eyes and yet somehow he managed to keep them in check.
”I keep seeing him as a child,” he said in a quiet tone. ”He used to be the devil of a prankster.
Putting burrs under my saddle or in my boots. One time he woke me in the middle of the night by telling me the castle was on fire. I went running outside completely naked only to have him laugh and wake half the castle to witness my horror.”
Cat tried not laugh, but it was hard. ”And still you loved him.”
”More than my life. G.o.d, Catarina, we were to grow old together with me having to look under my saddle even in my winter years. How can he have died on foreign soil with strangers around him?”
”He had Duncan.”
The anguish in his eyes stole her breath. ”He should have had me. I was the older brother. 'Twas my job always to look after him. How could I have failed him so badly?”
”You didn't fail him, Lochlan. You loved him. There was nothing more you could have done.”
Lochlan nodded. In his heart, he knew she was right, but the ache inside him denied it. It wanted his brother back and no amount of reason would make the pain or the guilt go away.
His heart breaking, he pulled her to his lips and kissed her with every part of himself. Right now, he needed her in a way he'd never needed anything. She kept the pain away. Made him glad he was still alive.
Wanting the salvation only she could give him, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to bed.
Cat closed her eyes at the sensation of him holding her. Nothing felt better than being in Lochlan's arms. Nothing. The way he carried her, protective yet gentle, reminded her of how much he loved her. And she loved him with every part of her being. She wanted to kiss away every ounce of pain he'd ever endured. To satisfy him in a way no woman ever had.
He'd done everything he could for Kieren, she knew that. Deep down, Lochlan did, too. Sooner or later, he would forgive himself.
She hoped.
Gently, he placed her on the bed. Lochlan's gaze met hers, intense and vulnerable in a way she'd never seen before. She could tell this was more to him than just coupling. He needed her and that touched her in a way nothing ever had before.
Lochlan wanted to forget all he'd just learned and she wanted to make him forget. He deserved so much more than the burdens he'd shouldered all these years. He deserved happiness, laughter, and love beyond his imagination. And she planned on giving that to him starting right now. Wearing an inviting smile, Catarina lifted his tunic over his head and allowed it to drop to the floor.
Her fingers itched to touch that hard, corded chest. He was a powerful man and a gentle, caring person all rolled into one. G.o.d, how she loved him.
”Kiss me.” His tone was ragged with need.
She complied as his lips teased hers open. The way his lips moved over hers, it was as if they were the only two people in the world and she felt more love than she knew existed.
He stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb. Without his uttering a single word, she knew.
The pain was gone for a moment and she'd done that for him. Right now, he wasn't thinking of his brother.
He was only thinking of them.
Cat lifted a finger to his cheek so that she could scratch the stubble playfully with her nails. How she loved that sensation. His skin was so different from hers. So rugged and masculine.
Her mouth watered for a taste of it.
”You know, my lord, what with all that has happened, it seems you've forgotten to shave. 'Tis getting a little long for my priggish lord.”
He leaned in and nuzzled her neck so that his stubble teased her skin, making chills run the length of her. ”Is it? I thought you preferred me as wild and untamed as you are.”
She couldn't help but laugh. ”It isn't without its charms, but there is so much more I find charming about you, Lochlan MacAllister.”
He nuzzled again and leaned in, pausing just shy of her ear. ”And I find many, many more things about you irresistible.”
”Such as?”
His eyes twinkled as he stared down at her. ”Your earlobes.”
She frowned at his response. What could he possibly find endearing about that? ”My earlobes?”
”Aye, they're so tiny and delicate.” He kissed her earlobe, the warmth of his breath sending a shudder down her spine.
”So you love me for my earlobes?”
He smiled. ”Among other things.”
”Other things?”
He traced the curve of her neck with his forefinger just before his lips followed. ”Here.” He sprinkled kisses down her neck, tender and loving. ”I adore the way your neck curves. 'Tis most inviting.”
”Mmm,” she breathed. ”And is there anything else you find inviting?”
Lochlan savored her playfulness now more than ever. She was trying to distract him and G.o.d love her, it was working. He was lost to her charm. Lost to the feel of her softness. ”Aye, love, I do have a favorite.”
Cat arched a brow at him. ”Is that so?” She had an idea where his hand would travel next.
At least that was what she thought until it went somewhere else.
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