A single tear slipped down her cheek and his chest tightened with an unbearable ache to gather her close. “That’s what happens to witches. If you die by drowning…” Brighid shrugged. “Oops, an honest mistake. But if you’re lucky enough to survive the test, they burn you at the stake.
“They murdered my aunt that way. She didn’t struggle.” Brighid stepped closer, her anger and pain vibrating in the air between them. “And do you know why? Because if she survived, my mother and I would have been next. One witch in the family, there might be more, right? They would have to be sure.”
Wyatt couldn’t bear to see her anguish and yanked her into his arms. Tension held her stiff for a moment, and he stroked her back until her body melted into his. He said nothing when she pulled back, ducking away from him, but not before he saw the tears.
It tore him apart that she cried without making a sound.
“This is my family. This is what you married.”
Wyatt gripped her shoulders to prevent her from taking another step away from him. “You’re my wife. Leaving won’t change the fact.”
Brighid laughed bitterly and shrugged off his hold. “Then you’re a fool. Do you know how my mother died? I was out with my cousins. It was late, so we headed home.” Brighid clenched and unclenched her hands, as if still feeling helpless to do anything after all these months. “I knew there was trouble. No matter how hard I ran, we were too late. They surrounded our school. They had barred the door and trapped her and a few others inside and burned the place to the ground. All because we weren’t home and they refused to turn us over.
“My cousins held me back while they murdered her.” She shook her head and swallowed convulsively. “I can still smell burned hair and charred flesh…”
His heart broke for the innocence that had been stolen from her, his arms aching to comfort her.
“Brighid—” He stopped when she raised her hand, and he clenched his fists to let her finish. She had to get it out, and he had to know what happened.
“You made me believe a different future awaited me.” She blinked away tears before they fell. “But my kind never has a happily ever after.”
“Don’t you dare lie to me or yourself that you’re leaving because of your gifts.” He marched toward her until he was right in her face, furious that she’d hide behind her past. “I don’t give a shit about what you can do.”
“And if my gifts are passed to our children?”
The question was only a breath of air and struck him with a devastating accuracy. Instead of terror, joy took root in his soul and expanded to his chest. The image of her swelling with his child made his semi-erect staff harden so fast he was dizzy. He couldn’t speak above a rough whisper, because everything he’d ever wanted was being dangled before him. “It would be one of the greatest joys of my life to father and raise a child with you. We can deal with any trials together when the time comes.”
“You don’t know what you’re saying.” But a painful spark of hope lit in her eyes. “Wyatt—”
“I love you.”
She stumbled away as if he’d struck her, shaking her head in denial, and he didn’t know how to break through the wall she’d built. When she took another step away from him, he scowled and hauled her close, imprisoning her against his body. He tipped her chin up, daring her to turn away from the truth.
“I love you. I’ve loved you since the moment I fell at your feet.”
“But the danger…you’ll never be able to relax, always looking over your shoulder.” The intensity in her green eyes made him harden further. She lifted a hand as if to touch him, then pulled back. The rejection stung, and he grabbed her hand, placing it over his heart.
“You wanted to know my secret.” He touched his forehead to hers. “Aaron and I did clandestine investigations for the Crown. I know how to protect myself, how to protect you.”
Her brows furrowed. “Why wouldn’t you tell me?”
His oath meant nothing to him if he lost her. She was right. Either he trusted her with his life or he didn’t. “We were ordered to retrieve information from unusual sources.”
Surprise widened her eyes. “A spy?”
“No, just a soldier. No one can know. Outside of England, we’re war criminals, subject to trial and execution. Men will kill to keep their secrets buried, so there will never be a day that I won’t need to be on my guard.” Because he couldn’t stop himself, he ran his fingers along her jaw, the need to stroke her silken skin like a physical ache. “So you see, I’m not such a prize, either.”
Her gaze bored into his until he thought he would go mad while waiting for her judgment.
Then her eyes softened to that incredible green. “We could keep each other safe.”
His heart lurched, and he ran his hand down her neck, forcing her head back until she was looking up at him. Less than an inch separated them. “I’ve waited a lifetime for you. I can’t go back to the way things were before I met you. If you ever try to leave, you had better look over your shoulder. I won’t let you go peacefully.”
His mouth crushed hers, possessive and demanding. Only when she met him caress for caress did he gentle the kiss. With a groan, he set her away from him, the separation physically painful. At ease with his nakedness, he retrieved a case from the nightstand.
“I had this made for you.” He lifted the lid and smiled at her gasp.
He turned her to face the mirror, then removed the necklace and placed the gold chain around her delicate throat. Unable to resist temptation, he kissed the nape of her neck, watching her in the mirror.
The golden Celtic knot settled between her breasts and shimmered in the firelight. “Beautiful.” A single finger traced the chain, lingering slightly as he adjusted the charm.
“You will not leave me.” He slipped his fingers lower, lazily caressing the top of her breasts. When she sucked in a startled breath, his hand slid lower until he boldly cupped her in his palm. “Promise me.”
He wrapped his other arm around her waist and pulled her tight against him. Agony and pleasure clashed together, and he closed his eyes, relishing the warmth of her curves against him. He trailed his lips down her neck. When she didn’t speak, he nipped her ear, tightening his hold when she jumped. “Promise.”
At her jerky nod, he slid his hand to her stomach, imagining a child there. He admired the reflection in the mirror, riveted by the picture they presented. His chest expanded at the pleasure etched on her face, knowing he could do that to her.
“Look in the mirror.”
Her lids fluttered open.
His tan complexion next to her pale skin brought out all his protective instincts, and he pulled her closer until her bottom was pressed tight against his arousal. “We were made for each other.”
He reached for her hands, guiding them to the dresser and placed them on top, then ran his fingers up her arms in a lingering caress. “Do not move.”
Her fingers flexed as if she would disobey, then her eyes locked on his hand while it ever so lightly skimmed along her shoulders. She trembled in his arms, but did as he’d commanded.
If she touched him, he would take her hard and fast and without finesse. He wanted to see her fall apart in his arms first.
While Brighid watched, Wyatt lifted the back of her skirt inch by slow, agonizing inch, and her nails scraped across the surface of the dresser. She panted in anticipation, her heart thundering almost painfully against her ribs. After nearly losing him, she wanted him too badly not to obey, for fear he would stop. She was mesmerized by the images in the mirror. Cool air caressed her thighs, quickly replaced by heat when Wyatt pressed closer and she instinctively arched back toward him in anticipation.
“You’re moving.”
Brighid gritted her teeth. With his declaration of love still ringing in her ears, it was all she could do not to turn in his arms and burrow closer. There was a darkness in his past that paralleled hers. She wasn’t alone anymore. His complete commitment to their ma
rriage made her believe they had a future together. Those callused hands cupped her bottom, scattering her thought. Laces gave way under his questing fingers, and she bit her lip so she wouldn’t beg him to go faster.
“The fair…” She lifted a hand but he instantly covered it with his own, forcing it back down on the smooth wooden surface.
“…can wait, this cannot.” He leaned closer, nibbling on her neck. “Watch. See what I see.” From behind, his hand encircled her throat. His other hand traced her bare, sensitive curve of her hip under her skirts. His husky voice sent a shiver down her spine, and she was riveted by his complete fascination with her body. Callused palms abraded her skin, every inch of her skin hyper-sensitive. Craving more, she found herself leaning into his touch.
“Beautiful.”
He made her feel beautiful.
She watched the mirror, but it was his handsome face that captured her attention. Her focus drifted to his lips, and she traced them with her gaze, wanting them on her body. His mouth hovered over her skin, his warm breath making her tremble. One hand slid down, and she gasped when he boldly cupped her breast again.
“Wyatt.”
“Watch.” He rolled the pebbled tip of her breast and let his lower body rock against her.
Unable to help herself, she pressed her backside against him, eager to feel more of him where she needed him most. The hand beneath her skirt slid lower, and her breath caught in her throat as anticipation curled through her. Her legs unconsciously opened, barely able to hold still as he reached for her where she needed him most.
Breathing stopped being important at the first light touch. Her hips jerked in an age-old demand for more. He deepened the caress, his body moving against hers with each brush of his fingers, until nothing mattered but having more.
Her eyes slid close in pleasure as sensation after sensation swamped her. His touch left her abruptly, and she bit back a cry of protest.
Her eyes popped open, and she met his devilish gaze in the mirror.
“Watch.”
Each time her eyes slid shut, he would stop until her world narrowed to just him.
The intimate connection was so deep, all she could feel was his passion for her, and she found herself falling for him all over again.
All she wanted was him—now—with an urgent need that would have frightened her had he been anyone else.
He leaned over, forcing her forward, the action placing his arousal against her intimately. She groaned when the tip of him entered her. Then he stopped and wove their fingers together until she felt surrounded by him.
It felt like coming home.
“Look in the mirror. We were made for each other.” When her eyes locked with his, he surged into her, and her hands tightened at the invasion. When he stilled, she wiggled against him, eager for more, then gasped at the wave of pleasure.
A kiss landed on her shoulder, and she glanced up in the mirror to find him watching her. “Let me teach you what we can be together.”
His body flexed and a low moan vibrated at the back of her throat. He slipped one hand from hers and touched her at the junction where they were joined. Stunning pleasure jolted through her. His teeth scraped her neck, and her euphoria increased, spreading heat through her system like a fever. Not a spot that he could reach and kiss remained untouched.
Emotions became unbearable, and she moaned both in pleasure and frustration.
She wanted more and cursed him for torturing her. “Wyatt, please.”
He grabbed her hips and took control, and she was helpless to do anything but surrender and watch as he propelled her to new heights. Desire spiraled through her system, increasing her pleasure with every thrust, until she crested in a soul-shattering release.
He tensed as he reached his own peak, his thrusts drawing her pleasure out almost unbearably. Her knees weakened, and he swept up her in his arms, gently laying her on the bed. Too tired and satisfied to rise from the bed, she was content to watch him walk naked across the room, enjoying the flex of his muscles as he dressed. The smooth way he moved fascinated her, and she shivered, remembering the way he’d moved in her not moments before.
He gave her a charming smile that melted her insides to mush. “Stand and allow me to be your maid, my lady.”
Brighid blushed, but rose to her feet, unable to resist the opportunity to be near him again. Although he tweaked the wrinkles from her dress and re-pinned her hair, those innocent touches were slow and wicked in their simplicity. He knelt at her feet to settle her skirts, then fingered the loose ribbon of her slipper. He picked up her foot, dragging his hand along the back of her calf, lingering at the sensitive bend in her knee, as if he couldn’t resist stealing another touch. He placed her foot on his thigh just inches from his growing arousal and retied the ribbon. She swayed toward the lips that were so close, but instead of obligating, he ran his fingers down her throat, along the chain, positioning the necklace until he was satisfied. “As much as I want to hoard you for myself, we need to join the fairgoers.”
That cooled her naughty thoughts, and she nodded, bracing herself to face a crowd that had once tried to kill her, and a murderer who wanted them both dead.
Determination hardened inside her.
She would do whatever it took to keep him safe.
“Stay within sight of me at all times. Aaron will be watching from the rooftop until nightfall.” He tipped her chin up to stress his point.
At her nod, he captured her hand, wove their fingers together, and gave a gentle squeeze. “When darkness falls, stay by my side.” He lifted their joined hands and kissed the back of her knuckles. The tender expression in his eyes made her heart flutter in her chest. “Tonight will be the beginning of the rest of our lives.”
Chapter 27
The weather for the fair cooperated, the air balmy for autumn. The gentle breeze brushed her face as she walked through the crowd. Wyatt had disappeared with a mysterious smile, and she hated that she felt abandoned. She greeted a few of the villagers, but didn’t linger, not wanting to intrude on their shaky truce.
Nervous laughter ran through the cluster of people nearby. She turned to investigate, and spied Wyatt ducking in and out of the crowd, pulling children in his wake.
What was the adorable fool doing?
She tiptoed closer to gain a better view, and smiled at his antics. He lined the children up in a neat little row, but as soon as he straightened, they fidgeted, ready to bolt. Wyatt exaggerated his gestures until his silliness infected the children.
The laughter spread, and the pall over the day dissolved. Her heart swelled as she watched her man work his magic. Soon everyone had a mug of ale and cheered on the kids.
Wyatt knelt in front of one of the younger children and tied their legs together for a race. In his guise of lord of the manor, he’d be the last person she would suspect as a spy.
But she remembered the man she met at the lodge.
That man was hard and determined and wouldn’t let anything stop him once he’d set his mind on something. She loved both sides of his soul, the dark and dangerous edge that would risk everything for her, as well as the gentle side that could seduce her with just one look.
And by some miracle, he wanted her.
Brighid thanked the goddess for her good fortune.
The starting gun belched, bringing her attention back to the race.
Wyatt and his tiny partner didn’t make it two steps before tripping over each other. Brighid pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Wyatt sprang to his feet, tucked the child under his arm and charged toward the finish line.
When he waved to her, her treacherous heart gave a lurch of happiness. Only Wyatt had that effect on her. The warmth of the sun soaked into her skin. Glancing around, she couldn’t imagine how anyone present might be capable of murder. When she turned back, she nearly bumped into Wyatt.
“Did you enjoy the race?” He panted to catch his breath, his chest heaving.
Brighid
couldn’t resist touching his arm and chiding him. “You cheated.”
“Did not.” Wyatt tugged on his vest, his face perfectly straight. “There were no rules saying I couldn’t carry my partner across the line. I should know…I made the rules.”
She snorted, lured closer by the humor dancing in his eyes. “Everyone is having a wonderful time.”
He wove his fingers together with hers. Instead of pulling her close as she expected, he tugged her toward the assembling group of people. A race for the adults. Brighid dug in her heels. The last thing she needed to do was bring attention to herself. “No. I—”
“Come now, you don’t want to disappoint the children, do you?” Even as he spoke, everyone cheered.
Heat scalded her cheeks. “Wyatt!”
“Brighid!” He kissed her before she had a chance to duck away. “Let yourself have fun.”
The plea battered against the sturdy walls she kept around her, walls she enforced to protect herself and others. She bit her lip at the temptation he presented. “I—”
“For me.”
With only a slight hesitation, she relented.
Like on his first race, Wyatt stumbled, no doubt on purpose, and they went tumbling to the ground. Wyatt twisted so she landed on top, plastered against all those delicious muscles. His arms were like bands of steel, holding her safe. As she gazed down at him, her laughter dried in her throat. His eyes darkened with passion, but he didn’t kiss her as she expected.
It only made her crave one all the more.
She leaned forward, brushing her lips against his. Then he took charge and drew her closer. What was supposed to be a quick brush of lips drew out into a passionate embrace, and she whimpered when he pulled away. Disarming light green eyes met hers, then she saw his rakish smile and became aware of the people whistling and calling out bawdy suggestions.
Druid Surrender (A Druid Quest Novel Book 1) Page 29