Of course, as she had told him, there was always the exchange of a few words that could end their marriage. But it was not as simple as reciting a few words. There had to be meaning behind them; they had to renounce their love for each other. And where at first she had believed it would be no problem, now it was different.
She loved Trey, and she could not in all honesty stand before him and renounce her love for him. It wasn’t possible.
She shook her head to clear it. She couldn’t think on this now. Now she needed to focus and heal herself. She tried for several minutes and grew frustrated. All she could think about was Trey’s joining her in bed tonight and what a mess she was, covered with sweat and dirt.
Careful to ease herself off the bed, Bliss gathered clean garments and a towel, then grabbed her white cloak off the peg by the door and draped it around her. She would heal herself while bathing in the water hole she was so fond of using.
Few used it but her, for they believed it magical and were afraid of its powers. There was a similar thought about her abilities. While her people respected her skills and accepted her, there was also an inkling of fear many harbored, and so that was why her cottage sat removed from the others. It brought her people peace, and she didn’t mind the solitude at times.
It had grown colder since their arrival, and with the sky a dull gray, they could very well see a few snow flurries tonight. She hurried along and made her way inside the cave. She was thrilled upon reaching the luminescent pond. She discarded her clothes and boots, grabbed one of the soap chips she always kept stashed in a crevice in one of the large rocks that bordered a section of the pond, and stepped into the water.
She sighed, the water warm and welcoming. She walked farther in and sunk down until the water reached her neck. She would focus on some healing first, then wash herself thoroughly and heal herself some more. Then, if she was feeling well enough, she would swim. She loved to swim here. Her grandmum had taught her when she was young, and it had always helped ease her worries.
She got to work, scrubbing her hair first.
Trey sat across the table from Dolca in a small cottage. He was impressed with the woman. Though older with signs of age, she appeared young and vibrant, her bright green eyes more like those of a young, inquisitive lassie. Petite and slim though regal in stature, she gave more the appearance of nobility than peasant. And her mass of pure white curls refused to stay contained on top of her head, several stubborn ones falling loose around her face and neck.
She had graciously welcomed him when he had knocked on her door and introduced himself. She had invited him to join her for a hot brew, and he eagerly accepted, anxious to speak with her.
He had asked as to her health, not wanting to bother her if she wasn’t feeling well, but she had assured him she was recovering nicely and feeling quite fit.
She asked with tender concern about Bliss, and Trey explained what had happened and how Bliss was at this moment healing herself.
“She’ll go to the cave,” Dolca said. “The water is good for her there and will aid in her healing.”
“The cave?”
Dolca explained to him where it was and how it was strictly for Bliss’s use though sometimes she would take people there and let them make use of it. “A good place for her to be now,” Dolca said.
Trey nodded, glad he had learned of it.
“You have many questions for me,” she said with a smile. “But I am not sure if I have the answers you seek.”
Trey’s first question was obvious. “You are Mercy’s grandmother?”
She smiled and nodded. “I see that Bliss has told you. She realizes it is time for the truth.”
“What is the truth?”
“While I would love to share it with you, I believe it is for my granddaughter to hear first.”
“I can understand that,” Trey said, “but perhaps there is a question in regard to the true king that you can answer now.”
“I will do my best.”
“Why would your daughter, Mercy’s mother, have been in possession of a scrap of hide that pertains to the true king?”
Dolca didn’t answer directly. She seemed to pause in thought before she finally spoke. “The truth is best left for those who need to know it.”
“You know more about the true king than you share,” he said, his own revelation surprising him. “How?”
“It is safer for the true king that I do not answer that.”
Though bursting with questions and curiosity, Trey knew that the older woman would say no more, and while he wished she would, he understood that she did so to protect the true king. And he could not argue with that.
“I think it is time I met my granddaughter,” Dolca said with a smile. “May I accompany you and Bliss when you return home?”
“I would be honored to have you travel with us.”
“It will be good to see Mara again.”
“You know my mum?” Trey asked.
“We are old friends. She visits me from time to time.”
That bit of news surprised him and for some reason nagged at him, as if somehow it should connect something, but he didn’t know what. Though it did bring a question to mind, and so he asked, “Does my mum know that Mercy is your granddaughter?”
“She knew only that I had a granddaughter.”
“You’ve never met Mercy?”
“Briefly, when she and Duncan happened by my home one day,” she said. “I knew who she was right away. She resembles her mother though I also saw some of her father in her.”
“But you said nothing?”
She shook her head, and her face saddened. “It wasn’t time yet.” She reached out and rested her slim hand on his arm. “I know you are anxious to hear more, but let it be for now. As I’ve advised, it is best for the true king.”
Trey nodded. He had been taught the importance of keeping information private until the time was right, and so he would honor her request no matter how curious he was.
“We have spent much time conversing. Surely, Bliss must wonder where you are?” Dolca said.
He liked how wisely she had brought their time together to an end, by giving him a strong reason to leave.
He stood. “Thank you for your gracious hospitality, and we shall talk again.”
Dolca gave him a nod, and he left.
His thoughts were heavy as he walked to Bliss’s cottage. While he didn’t learn as much as he would have liked to, he had learned something. His mum knew Dolca. Why that surprised him, he couldn’t say. She had many friends, and sometimes would be gone a few days visiting with them. But for some reason the knowledge nagged at him.
It hit him just as his hand settled on the door latch. Just because Dolca had never met her granddaughter didn’t mean that her daughter hadn’t visited. And if his mum visited Dolca . . .
He shook his head. How could he think that his mum would be the one who had stolen the scrap of hide that was kept hidden in the solar and passed it on to Mercy’s mum? It was a crazy thought that made no sense, yet he knew that it would continue to nag at him.
He entered the cottage, hoping that Bliss had woken. He was eager to see how she was feeling and to talk with her.
The cottage was empty, and, in a heartbeat, a chill of fear raced through him. Then he recalled what Dolca had told him about the cave and the directions. He smiled and left the cottage, thinking he could use a good swim.
He found the place easily enough and made his way to the belly of the cave though he stopped as soon as he saw Bliss. She stood waist high in the water, her hands stretched upward, her breast perfectly round, the nipples hard, and a slight bruise marring the creamy flesh just above her breasts.
His fists clenched, recalling how she had gotten the bruise, but the image soon vanished when she brought her arms down, her hands going to her mouth
as in prayer, her eyes closing as she then pressed her hands to the bruise and healed herself.
Quietly as possible so as not to disturb her, but with every intention of joining her, he made his way to where she had discarded her clothes. His garments soon joined hers.
He stood completely naked at the water’s edge. He wanted to join her, but he didn’t wish to disturb her healing. He wanted her healed, and right now, since he didn’t want to wait another minute to make love to her. He had waited long enough as it was, and this secluded cave was the perfect setting to consummate their vows.
“You are welcome to join me,” she said, her eyes opening and her arms spread in invitation.
He didn’t hesitate. He walked in and dunked himself to rid himself of some of the dirt before he reached her. His body glistened along with his long auburn hair as he rose out of the water and went straight to her.
His hand went directly to the bruise that looked to have faded even more than when he had seen it from a distance. He rested his hand upon it ever so gently. “Does it still pain you?”
“It is healing fast, and I have no doubt it will be gone by morning.”
He frowned, not wanting to touch her until she was well, but aching to do so anyway.
She settled his dilemma, saying, “But the pain is mostly gone, a twinge now and then. I am well enough to resume my work.”
He smiled and slipped an arm lightly around her waist before kissing her, a tender kiss that tempted. “Well enough for me to make love to you?” he asked, and kissed her again before she could answer though he truly didn’t expect a response.
She responded, though not with words, her arms going around his neck and her body pressing against his.
Damn, if she didn’t feel good naked against him, and damn if he didn’t like the feel of her hard nipples poking at his chest. And damn if he didn’t want to feel more. His hand ran down over her round backside, and he eased her closer to him, settling her right against his hardness.
“You and I were meant to be,” he whispered in her ear.
“Aye,” she murmured. “Fate decreed it.”
“No,” he said firmly, and kissed along the column of her neck and smiling when he felt gooseflesh rise over her backside. “It wasn’t fate.” He moved to tease her nipple with his tongue but only for a moment. He brought his lips to hers once again and after a quick kiss, he took hold of her chin, and said, “It was love that brought us together. I love you, dear wife, and I intend to keep you.”
Chapter 19
Bliss smiled and was about to tell him the same when a vision hit her.
Leora screamed frantically for Trey. “Bring him to me. Hurry and bring him home.” Her screams turned to pleas until she sunk to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
It was difficult not to share in the woman’s suffering, and even though the vision was brief, the pain lingered though something about it troubled her. Bliss’s eyes finally fluttered open, and she was never so grateful to see Trey and realize that she was in the safety of his arms.
He had carried her closer to the water’s edge though he had kept them partially submerged as he cradled her in his arms.
“Are you all right?” he asked anxiously, and held her even tighter against him.
“Being in your arms always makes everything all right though I am sorry.”
“Why?”
“My vision intruded upon a very special moment for us.”
“Through no fault of yours,” he said. “Do you wish to talk about your vision?”
Now was not the time to discuss Leora’s begging for Trey to come home. She shook her head. “Not now.”
“Is there some reason you don’t wish to discuss certain visions with me?” he asked. “Could they possibly have something to do with me? Something you don’t want me to know?”
She would much prefer to discuss their love for each other though it would be much wiser and made more sense to discuss Leora now, before things turned intimate between them.
“I believe Leora is coming to me in visions.”
His whole body grew taut, and Bliss thought it best to ease herself out of his arms. She sunk lower in the water, suddenly feeling more vulnerable than naked in front of him, and casually moved to deeper water.
He followed, and she was glad she could sense that he did so thinking she needed the cover of the warm water to chase away her sudden chill. She didn’t want him to think that she was pulling away from him . . . or was she? Had the vision reminded her that there were things Trey still needed to settle?
“What does she want from you?” he asked.
She truly didn’t want to tell him that Leora wants his help, wants him to return to her. It would only add to the guilt he already felt over her death. But she couldn’t lie to him, either.
“It’s as if she searches for you, calling out your name.”
“She should haunt me, not you. I was the one who failed her.”
“I don’t get the sense that she feels you failed her.”
“Then why torment you?” he asked.
Bliss shook her head. “It is she who is tormented though I’m not sure why. I wish I could make sense of it, but I can’t.”
“And so she continues to come to you.”
“It is odd that she comes to me in visions,” Bliss said. “The dead have always come to me in dreams, not visions. My visions are usually of things to come.”
“Have you seen me helping Leora?”
Bliss hesitated, not wanting to tell him but having no choice. “I have seen her run into your arms.”
“That would take a miracle, or perhaps I die and reunite with her.”
“Do not speak such nonsense,” Bliss snapped. “I have not seen your death.”
“Perhaps you aren’t meant to.”
“Do you wish to die and be reunited with her?”
Trey reached beneath the water and slipped his arm around her waist as he moved closer to her. “At one time, aye, I would have. Now?” He shook his head slowly and gave her lips a gentle kiss. “I have found love, not merely again, but a far stronger love than I even knew existed. And I’m not giving it up.”
Her arms went around his neck, and she kissed him, not gently but with an aching demand. When it ended, she went to speak but Trey pressed a finger to her lips.
“The only thing I want to hear you say is, ‘it’s time we make love.’ ”
She moved his finger away, and, with a teasing grin, said, “I need to tell you?”
He gave her a wicked smile and lowered his mouth to hers.
It was a kiss meant not simply to spark passion but to ignite a fire that would take hours to finish burning.
Their mouths fed hungrily on each other, the thirst so desperate it was not easy to quench. And while they tried to fill themselves, their hands began to explore. Her nipples hardened even more to his teasing touch, and he flared even larger when her hand settled on him and began to stroke.
They were not shy in their actions, each feeling familiar with the other. And though it was their first time together, it didn’t feel that way. It felt as if they were long-lost lovers finally reuniting.
Bliss relished the feel of him, so thick and large in her hand, and was disappointed when he brushed her hand away.
“Your touch makes me want to explode, and I much prefer to explore first.” He scooped her up then and carried her out of the water.
He stood her on her feet for only a moment and went to retrieve his cloak. He quickly spread it out near the water’s edge and reached for her hand to ease her down before he stretched out beside her.
“I want to know every inch of you.” And his mouth and hands did as they itched to do . . . explore.
She shivered at the gentleness of his touch and the strength of his taste. His lips nipped with a fierce
love, and she had no doubt that he was laying claim to her. She belonged to him, and he belonged to her, and that knowledge fired the passion already racing through her.
He lavished kisses over every part of her, and just when she thought him finished, he found a new spot to explore intimately.
His tongue did absolutely wicked things to her and made her move with pleasure against his every touch and taste. It was as if he commanded her body, and she didn’t at all mind surrendering to his tantalizing touch.
He knew exactly where to kiss, where to touch, where to linger. And when he finally slipped over her and into her, she wanted to scream with joy at the feel of him burrowing deep inside her.
“I am not hurting you, am I?” he stopped to ask.
“Aye, you are,” she whispered.
He went to pull away.
She held tight to his arms. “You halted the exquisite pleasure you were bringing me by stopping.”
He rested his brow to hers. “I would never hurt you.”
An overwhelming sense of sorrow washed over her, and tears suddenly filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.
“What’s wrong?” he demanded, and tried to move off her.
“No!” she cried. “Love me. Love me now.”
He hesitated.
“Please, Trey, I love you.”
He brought his lips to hers and, before he kissed her, he said, “And I love you.”
They moved slowly at first, both in no hurry, both lingering in the moment that would seal their fate forever. Then their bodies began to require more, and they obliged, their tempo turning stronger, more demanding.
Bliss raised her legs and wrapped them around him and groaned as his rapid, strong thrusts grew even stronger.
She held tighter to the muscles that contorted in his arms, braced on either side of her, when, suddenly she felt propelled to the edge of some unknown precipice. Soon she would take that step, had to take that step, couldn’t stop herself, and . . .
She screamed as she plunged into pleasure so exquisite that she never wanted to stop falling. She felt the exact moment that Trey joined her, and she tightened around him, wanting to fall along with him . . . and she did.
Wed to a Highland Warrior Page 15