by Mary Morgan
“Why didn’t you wait until the morning? Maeve was heading to Arbroath. All you had to do was give a call.”
Rose turned and took a sip of her coffee. The burning liquid mirrored the heat from her sister’s eyes. “Does it really matter? I’m home.”
“And Aidan?”
Rose moved to the table, wishing to halt any conversation pertaining to the man. “What about him? We’re finished. I’ll compare the notes I have and your pictures when you get them developed.”
Her sister blew out a frustrated sigh and went to the sink. She remained quiet as she took to cleaning up the morning dishes. Rose pulled out a stool by the work island in the middle and perused the many cookbooks strewn about the counter. “Anything special you’re preparing for us tonight?”
“I haven’t decided. Maybe I’ll go to the market and pick up some lamb chops.”
Rose scowled. “Now you’re being cruel.”
“Just because you don’t eat animals does not mean the rest of us have to abstain from all meat.”
“Then I’ll be content with the side dish of vegetables or potatoes,” declared Rose, tapping her fingers against the side of her mug.
Her sister shrugged and continued with her chore.
“Who is at the dig here?” asked Rose, attempting to bring her sister into a normal discussion. She understood her rigid stance and clipped sentences. Lily was not satisfied with her answer about Aidan Kerrigan.
“Colleen,” she responded, smacking the rag down.
“This is her day to be at the library,” protested Rose, taking another sip of her coffee.
“Regardless, one of us had to be there or someone from the university would conclude our work was finished. Maeve is in Arbroath, which I stated, and Katie works at the pub on Tuesdays.”
“Why is your tongue as sharp as stinging nettles?”
Lily gestured her hand outward. “Because as usual, when it’s too personal for you to talk about, you hide like a turtle.”
“Aidan kissed me,” confessed Rose.
Her sister whirled around. “What the heck?” She darted across the kitchen and pulled out a stool. “Tell me everything.”
Rose didn’t intend on blurting out her next admission. The words tumbled free, unable to contain within her box of protection. “He took me to dinner at Balleycove—”
“You got to see inside his castle? What was the meal like? Does he have servants? Any display of armory?”
Rose held up her hand, dizzy from the onslaught of questions. “Let me finish.”
“Sorry,” mumbled Lily, placing a finger against her lips to symbolize complete silence.
Staring into the inky murkiness of her coffee mug, Rose continued. “His kitchens are spectacular. He prefers to use the great hearth to cook his meals.” She raised her head. “Did you know he’s a vegetarian, too?”
Lily rolled her eyes, but waved her hand to continue.
“He made pea soup and—”
“Oh for the love of Brigid and all the Goddesses, tell me about the kiss,” interrupted Lily.
Rose took a gulp of the coffee, letting the burning liquid be the reason for her heated face. “It was mind-blowing, intoxicating. He kisses with passion.”
“Kisses?” echoed Lily.
Rose merely nodded.
“And?” squeaked her sister.
“Everything became heated and I offered myself to him. Suggested he take me to his bed.” Rose refused to tell her sister about the intimate details of what Aidan did to her body. It was exquisite—a memory she would cherish and bury.
“And…”
“He rejected me.”
Her sister blinked once and sat back. Cupping a hand over her mouth, Lily tried to suppress the laughter and failed miserably.
Nudging her sister’s leg with her foot, Rose lashed out, “You find this humorous?”
Lily nodded and then blurted out, “No, but parts, yes.” Flipping her braid over her shoulder, she added, “You are really blind, my dear, sweet sister. You have found your chivalrous knight.”
“I was humiliated! Totally embarrassed. One moment I’m tracing a pattern with my finger carved into his table in the Great Hall, and the next, he is…is plundering me on his lap.”
“Ooo…I like the word plunder. And in the Great Hall? Fascinating…”
Rose longed to fling the mug across the kitchen. “Regardless, I was mortified and wanted to leave. He drove me back to the hotel in complete silence. I had no wish to set eyes on him in the morning, so I took a cab to the bus station. Fortunately, I was able to book the last one leaving.” Standing, she added, “I never want to see the man again.”
Lily gave her a skeptical look and went back to the sink. Retrieving the rag, she folded it and placed it in the dish drainer. “In all of your life, Rose, I’ve never seen you so rattled over a man. You should have stayed. If you don’t take the leap, how will you ever experience the journey?”
Her sister’s words rang true, but Rose would not make the admission to her. Not yet. Perhaps in ten years, or when they were old and gray. She didn’t like not being in control of her emotions. They skidded and slid off into an unknown abyss whenever she was around the mysterious man. Besides, she behaved like a brazen hussy, letting him touch her in the most wonderful way.
“Well, I won’t have to worry about him anymore.” A twinge of sadness filled her, and she swiftly sealed the irritating emotion.
“Tsk, tsk,” stated Lily, peering out the kitchen window. “Be careful the words you spout.”
“I’m confident our paths will never cross again.” I’ll make bloody sure they don’t.
“Really,” drawled Lily. “Your chivalrous knight, Aidan Kerrigan just drove into the car park.”
Rose dropped her mug, coffee splattering everywhere. “Blast! Hide me. Tell him I’m not here.” She glanced in all directions, looking for the best escape route.
Her sister snickered and wandered slowly out of the kitchen. “Not on your life, Rose MacLaren. And don’t you dare go running to your room, or I’ll bring the man to your door.”
Rose ran out into the hallway. “You’re a horrid sister!”
“You’ll thank me later.”
Chapter Thirteen
“There is one emotion a warrior strives to avoid. The beauty of love.”
~Edicts of a Fenian Warrior
Admiring the view of the front exterior of the Society of the Thistle, Aidan almost didn’t see the mutt terrier until he responded with a loud bark. He bent and ruffled the fur on the animal’s head, and then returned his gaze to the expanse of ivy and roses trailing a path around the entrance. His recollection of the Society was based on knowledge from a druid. The structure was given to five women in the year 1210 by a local chieftain. He believed in the old ways and sought to appease the Goddess. Yet, the new religion swept through with a mighty hammer, and he succumbed on his deathbed before he had a chance to see the dedication.
Thankfully, his sons sought to continue with the healing work the women were doing and expanded the building to include stables and other outbuildings. The Society thrived during religious battles, various kings, and wars. Never once did the women seek the assistance from the Fae. They honored the old and the new, and flourished. And their descendants continued with their work here today.
“What name have they given you, my friend?”
The animal gave a sharp yap.
“His name is Thor,” responded Lily, stepping outside the entrance.
Aidan coughed in his hand to hide the mirth. “A fierce name for the wee animal.”
“Don’t let his size fool you. He’s been known to chase larger dogs off the property.”
Glancing down at the mangy mutt, Aidan smiled. “I shall endeavor not to cross paths with you.”
The dog gave a low growl in understanding. And this time, Aidan laughed fully. “Splendid.”
“Please come inside,” suggested Lily, motioning him forward.
&nb
sp; He nodded and proceeded to follow her. Stepping inside the dwelling, his attention was drawn to the large bouquet of flowers and herbs on a table in the entryway. The beautiful arrangement welcomed him with their light floral fragrance.
“Would you care for coffee? Tea?” asked Lily, standing before the sitting room to the left.
“Coffee…black. Please.”
The woman’s features betrayed an outward calm, but Aidan detected something else in her demeanor. “What brings you to the Society?”
“We have unfinished business. I am here to escort Rose to the Standing Stones of Bran,” he replied.
“Our business is concluded,” proclaimed Rose, coming down the staircase. She halted on the last step. “You can return to Corridon.”
As their eyes met, a shock of delight shot through him.
“I’ll get you that cup of coffee,” replied Lily, hastily making her way down the corridor.
Words failed Aidan at the moment. He stood transfixed, staring at Rose. Her beauty filled him as surely as flowers on a spring day. Except Rose’s scent was not only floral, but contained a fragrance of spices as well. Recalling his mission to her home, he clasped his hands behind his back, banishing the images of her in his arms last evening. “Do you not wish to inspect the stones further? And without others there?” Say yes, lass.
She angled her head at him. “What good would it do? No one takes me seriously. I sought to seek answers on the stones for my personal reasons. I regret not informing you of this fact from the beginning.”
Aidan took a step near her. “Can you share your reasons?”
“This is a futile conversation. Please go back home, Aidan.”
He was losing the battle of restraint.
Lily emerged with a tray. “I have coffee for both of you and food.” She hurried into the sitting room and set the items down on a table.
“I’m not hungry or thirsty,” announced Rose and then turned around to ascend the stairway.
“Don’t be rude,” scolded Lily. “At least you can make pleasant conversation with the man while I attend to some business calls. He did come all this way to see you.”
Aidan watched in fascination the heated glances between the two women and determined it might be best to leave. The mission appeared to be in control, and no damage had been done with the connection to the Fae and the Picts. However, he found he wasn’t completely convinced and crossed into the sitting room.
“Smells delicious,” he stated, taking a seat on the sofa.
“Cinnamon rolls. Freshly made this morning,” announced Lily, smiling.
Rose slowly made her way inside the room and sat in a chair opposite him.
Lily touched her sister’s arm in passing. “Consider his offer,” she uttered in a low tone.
When the doors closed, Rose reached for the pot of coffee and poured a hefty amount into each cup. Returning to her chair, she watched him over the rim of her cup, remaining silent.
Aidan snatched one of the cinnamon rolls off the tray. Taking a huge bite, he waited for her first question. Patience was not a quality he noted in the lovely emerald-eyed lass.
He devoured the tasty morsel in two bites. Licking his fingers, he reached for his cup of coffee and sipped the hot liquid.
Rose set her cup down abruptly and stood. “Now that you’ve finished your roll and had some coffee, you can leave.”
By the hounds, he ached to trace his tongue over her pouty lips.
Carefully setting his cup down, Aidan stood. “Cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves.”
She snorted. “Lily only puts cinnamon in her rolls”
Rubbing a hand over his chin, he stepped around the table, standing mere inches in front of her. “I meant you. Your scent is one filled with all of those spices.”
Rose took a step backward, and Aidan advanced again.
“Why are you here?” she demanded.
Aidan thought he knew the reason when he ventured forth to her home. His mind was set. The plan indeed firm, and he was in control. Yet, emotion clashed with his rational, warrior instinct the instant he saw her descend the stairs.
Did he want to tame the luring call of the siren? Or did Aidan long for surrender?
Grasping her firmly around the waist, he cupped her chin and slammed the door on the shouting within his mind.
Aidan sought to have more kisses from the bewitching beauty.
Her luminous eyes widened in astonishment, and she gasped. Aidan did the unthinkable. He lowered his head and kissed her passionately. She stiffened and placed her hands against his chest in an attempt to push him away.
Breaking free from her mouth, he brushed a feather-like kiss over her cheek. “I have no regrets about last night, save one.”
Her chest rose and fell with each breath. “Which is?”
His hand slid down to her bottom. “That I did not consider your offer fully and take you to my bed.”
“Damn you,” she muttered. “I’ve rescinded my offer.” Though the lust in her eyes betrayed her words.
“Then I will have to convince you of the endless possibilities.” His fingers gradually traveled back up along her spine. She trembled in his arms.
“Maybe we should take our time in getting to know each other,” she suggested.
He arched a brow in amusement. “How much time do you believe it will take?”
“Unsure. I might become bored with your kisses.”
Aidan nipped her lower lip. “Brazen lass.”
“Only when I’m around you,” she confessed.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Rose reclaimed his mouth, igniting a firestorm within his blood with her powerful possession. Her tongue teased inside, and he groaned deep inside her. The warrior fled and the Fae man emerged, taking what she had to offer. The heady sensation of her lips on his had Aidan spiraling out of control.
Rose slowly withdrew her arms and lowered her head against his chest. “Did you really come back to take me to the stones?”
“Yes.”
“Why?” she asked softly.
Aidan gazed out the window. Uncertainty clouded his thoughts. It remained a constant battle when he was with Rose. “You have not finished your research. This gives me another opportunity to see you.”
She lifted her head and smiled. “Then let me go grab my items and change.”
Taking in her appearance, he asked, “Why? I favor the dress.”
“Coffee stains. Need to change.” Giving him a kiss on his chin, she hurried out of the room.
Exhaling softly, Aidan wandered over to the large window. He rubbed a shaky hand down the back of his neck, hearing Liam’s words once again within his mind.
Rose MacLaren is a temptation.
Never had anyone tempted him beyond his principles. She left him shaking, without words, and desperate to fill a void he never gave a damn about.
To claim her—totally.
The mere thought was blasphemy. Inconceivable. “Forbidden,” he hissed out.
The door to the sitting room closed quietly, and Aidan turned around.
He stared at the diminutive Fae woman leaning against the door. “Aelish.”
Sparks of fury glittered in her eyes like diamonds. “Fenian Warrior.”
“Apparently you have forgotten my name, Master Apothecary.”
“I know exactly who you are. Nevertheless, what I fail to understand is why you have entered into a dalliance with this human.”
Did the walls have ears? “Are you her guardian?”
Wariness flickered over her features. “No. Another. Her sister. And you?”
“On a mission to thwart a connection to the work the Society is researching.”
“Regardless, everyone within this home is under my protection.”
“No, Aelish. Your reach extends to supervision and mentoring,” Aidan corrected. “Does the Fae council know you are here supervising the Society?”
She looked aghast at him. Snapping her fingers, the door sealed
magically shut. “I am not bound by their laws and rules. I take my orders from the King and High Seer.”
“This mission was given to me personally by the High Seer,” he admitted. “Knowledge of your presence should have been made privy to me.” Aidan fought the urge to clench his hands and retained his calm façade. “Is there a reason you have sealed us inside this room?”
The Fae woman wandered to his side and glanced out the window. “I have no wish for Rose to know we are acquainted. Do you?”
“No.”
“Good. She’ll be some time upstairs trying to choose the right garment to impress you. This shall give us time to have a conversation.”
Aidan rolled his eyes and leaned against the desk.
“In truth, the High Seer has probably forgotten I’m here. I had orders for one year. When the time elapsed, I stayed on. The women are wonderful students and quick studies. Moreover, each possesses a unique inner gift—from healing, prophecy, and the ability to see into the past.”
“Then you can understand why I am here,” he countered.
Aelish tapped her fingers along the window ledge. “Rose’s focus drifts to ancient writings, instead of concentrating on herbal lore. Her gifts are strong.”
“You cannot direct their abilities,” warned Aidan. “If the path beckons a human, you must step aside, or present another alternative.”
The Fae turned her attention to him. “As I am aware, and Fenian Warriors are not supposed to have liaisons with their charges.”
Aidan smiled slowly. “She is not my charge. Are you satisfied?”
“You have already broken a part of her spirit, Aidan.”
Impossible! Though concern filled him. “How did you come upon this knowledge?”
“She told me earlier this morning, believing your paths wouldn’t cross again. You are the leader of the Fenian Warriors and beyond these temptations and flirtations. I care for her—”
“What if my intentions were honorable?” Aidan admitted, stunned he spoke the declaration out loud.
Aelish smacked the wood. “For what possible purpose? To quench your sexual desires? Those are not honorable. Seek out the Pleasure Gardens and then return to complete your mission.”