“Nay, I want a swim and I’ve no wish to wait.” She snatched the fluttering ribbons of her golden gown as she ducked into the forest. Racing, she bounded over snaking tree roots and sent fallen leaves whisking about, the pool she adored so very close. “I can look after myself and you know it, Ronan Matheson.”
“Got you.” He swung her up into his arms. “I’m aware you can now look after yourself, but you’re still mine to protect.”
“Put me down.” She slapped his chest. “And you are far too fast for your own good. How on earth did you spy me leaving the keep? You were supposed to be running an errand out by the stables, not training with the men.”
“My battle skill has never been stronger since Muirin has aided me in extending my senses. Her knowledge is vast, more so than I could have ever conceived. I might also have misled you a little about my errand. It wasnae at the stables.” Grinning, he strode along the trail then emerged from the trees before the pool she completely adored.
“Tell me about your errand.” She slapped his chest again for good measure. “Lying is unacceptable.”
“My errand brought me right here to this pool.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I caught sight of you trying to escape right after preparing my surprise for you.”
“What surprise?” Her heartbeat fluttered within her chest. She adored his surprises and they’d been plenty this past month, all within their chamber and each ensuring they both found such intense pleasure.
“Look ahead.” He tipped his head in the direction he meant.
Across the far side of the pool, a fire burned within a small pit of stones and the smoky aroma of cooking meat wafted toward her. “We’re to eat out here?”
“I caught a goose, skinned and cleaned it, then set it to cook over the fire. I thought you might enjoy some time outside under the stars with me. We can eat then swim.” Overhead, the sun began its descent and sent a blaze of red into the darkening blue, the fiery color turning his golden eyes a smoldering hue.
“I love being outside with you.”
“Good.” He set her down on his tartan spread before the fire, eased in behind her and rested his chin on the top of her head. “If you wish for more freedom, I can grant it. Your skill is far stronger than ever afore and I’m a little less on edge now because of it.”
“More freedom would be perfect.” Skirts tucked under her legs, she leaned back against him and embraced his warmth as the skies darkened even further and the moon rose within the heavenly blanket of black above.
“No more sneaking out though. You’ll tell me where you wish to go, or if I’m no’ about then a guard, although you cannae wander any farther than this pool. Do we have an agreement?”
“We do.” She rubbed her back against his chest and surrounded herself in his heat. “Have you received any word from my parents yet?” The day they’d returned from Rhue, he’d sent a messenger with a missive detailing all that had occurred and she’d written a letter as well which had gone with his note. If only she could cross the distance separating her from her parents and connect to their minds with her skill. She itched to be able to do so, hoped it would be possible soon. Muirin had said ’twas only a matter of time should she continue with her training, of which she’d been determined to master.
“No additional word, other than their original reply. They know you live, that you’ve spoken vows with me and that I’ll remain right here at your side guarding you. The moment they can travel safely to Carron’s shores for a visit, they shall.”
“Now that I know I might be able to see them soon, I can barely stand the wait.”
“So I’ve noticed. Here, the meat looks cooked.” He leaned past her, set the skewered meat to one side of the fire to cool, slid her hair over her shoulder and nuzzled her neck. “While it cools, I’ll distract you.”
“Oh, I do love a good distraction.” More than loved it and as he eased back and took her with him to lie flat on the ground, his form of distraction turned into a slow and sensual seduction that soon sent her flying from her body and soaring amongst the brilliance of the stars as they came out to play.
’Twas the most enchanting night, his surprise the best she’d ever had.
A week later and on the tips of her toes, Kyla tried to shove past Ronan’s broad back as they waited at Carron’s sea-gate landing after she’d successfully reconnected with Mama after Muirin had aided her in extending her skill’s range. Their long-awaited conversation had lasted right through the night, both of them talking over the other with all the news they’d wished to share, a lifetime of such, then after speaking to Mama, she’d connected with Papa and tears of giddy excitement and joy had streamed down her cheeks.
Now, with a sudden break in the warring across their lands and the isles, her parents had been able to board a galley Duncan had captained to their village. They were here, really here.