“And he made a valiant effort to do so, Killian. You must not place fault on him for any part of this. He was unaware I took the horse.”
“But you have not told me why you needed it.”
“I went to see Mara.”
“Christ, Alainn! Was going to see the witch so cursedly important that you needed to steal a horse and suffer the punishment of a beating at the hands of my uncle?”
“I thought so at the time!” He raked his hand through his thick hair and continued pacing the floor. “Killian, you must give no further thought to this,” she warned. She slowly got off the bed, though still light-headed, removed slippers from her pocket, and put them on her feet.
“Where do you think you are going?”
“I am going to find a place to spend the night, for daylight dwindles and I doubt the coins I possess will be adequate for a room such as this.”
“You are going nowhere. I have made payment for the room, Alainn. You must stay and sleep. I have arranged for food and a warm bath for you. The physician tells me you are undernourished and in much need of rest.”
“A lot he knows. ’Tis a wonder he didn’t attempt to bleed me dry for ’tis their solution for everything. I possess herbs that will be far more beneficial than anything he might have suggested,” she groused. “You owe me nothing, Killian,” she said, holding onto the bed frame as her head swam, “and any mention of the unpleasantness between your uncle and me would cause more dissention between the two of you.”
“Aye well, there’s a good deal of dissention between us, and you can rest assured he will hear my opinion on how he handles women with so little regard. Sit back down, Alainn!”
“Please discuss this matter not with him, Killian. I beg you, leave well enough alone. Allow me to stay here in Galway.”
He stood beside her now, looking down into azure eyes that pleaded with him so desperately.
“You don’t believe what we share is worth fighting for?” he asked, his voice wavering with emotion.
“If there was a way to win the fight, aye, I would fight for our love and for the right to be together. But I see no way. His word is to be unchallenged. He means for you to be wed to the Scot, and so therefore it shall be so.”
“I am not without title or influence, Alainn. There are those that would stand by me. And there have been chieftains who marry commoners.”
“Aye, ’tis true enough, they may not be daughters of earls or chieftains, but even still, they have some wealth or position, at the very least a suitable dowry to offer. I have nothing. And I know well enough you possess much influence, Killian, and the respect of many. But you would surely lose your title and relinquish your right to be chieftain if you chose to wed me. Your uncle would perceive it as defiance or perhaps treason. He would think it a slight to him and your clan.”
“Perhaps, but ’twould be worth all of it if it meant I could live out my life with you.”
“So you say now. But one day, you would grow to resent me for it, Killian. And that would be a greater pain for me to bear.”
“I would never resent you, Alainn.” He stepped forward and took her hands before she could stop him. “Please say you will come back to the castle with me. Somehow we will find a means to be together. We must find a way. Perhaps your magic could be employed.”
“ ’Tis a dangerous consideration, for my powers steadily grow and I am not always able to control them as I once was. Killian, I truly fear them at times. Today when your Mary touched your arm, I wanted to harm her even though I do not dislike her. She seems most amiable, but I have a deep jealousy and possessiveness toward you.” She linked her fingers with his. “I am unsure if I would be able to control my rage toward her or toward your uncle should he choose to harm you. I have thought on this much, Killian. It is best for everyone if I simply stay here.”
“And you intended to do so without even alerting me? If we hadn’t met you today on the wharf, you would not have bid me farewell.” He stepped closer.
“I have sent a letter with Cookson. He was to give it to you upon your return to the castle. I thought it would be simpler for both of us if we didn’t see each other again. I explained all my reasons in the letter.”
“So you decided for the both of us what is best?” She did not respond but turned away from his accusing gaze. “Well, I will not have it, Alainn! This will not be the end of what we share.” He kissed her fingers and then reluctantly released them. “I must go now to meet with the McDonnels as I’ve given my word I would do so, but we will continue this discussion when I return.”
“I will not be here, Killian.”
“Aye, but you will!”
He pulled the large key from his pocket and headed toward the door.
“You intend to keep me prisoner?” she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“Aye, I will do whatever it takes to ensure I finish what I have to say on this matter.” She ran to the window and pulled back the thick coverings. There were bars upon the windows. “It is to ensure the patrons are kept safe, but I suppose they will serve my purpose as well.”
“I have abilities even you are not aware of, Killian. You cannot keep me here.”
“Then don’t make me resort to such drastic measures, Alainn. Stay until I return. Promise me you will do me that courtesy. Please! I shall beg you if you force me.”
She saw his determination had not dimmed, but there was also a profound desperation in his bold green eyes. It wrapped around her heart and squeezed until she felt unable to breathe.
“I will not leave, not until I have spoken further with you. I promise you, Killian. I will be here when you return. But, you will not sway me.”
A glimmer of hope filled his eyes, and he smiled sadly.
“We shall see, Lainna. We shall see.”
Chapter Five
She was soaking in a large wooden tub that had been brought to the bedchamber, enjoying the sensation of warm water against her bruised and weary body, when a key turned in the lock. She reached for the wrap beside the tub and held it in front of her, sinking lower into the deep water. Killian stood in the doorway.
“Is the bath to your liking, Alainn?” He smiled as he spoke, but Alainn noted how melancholy he appeared.
“Aye, ’tis lovely, Killian.”
Though he seemed drawn to gaze at her, he turned his back, and she stood, the wrap held tightly to her as she moved from the tub to dry herself. When she had cloaked herself in a blanket from the bed, he turned.
“Do you have any notion how much I want you, Alainn? I can think of nothing but for how much I want to carry you to that bed and love you ’til sunrise.”
She swallowed deeply and looked away from his captivating stare. He went to her and touched his hand to her cheek, tenderly running his fingers over her full lips.
“Killian, no. You must not. I...we—”
He stopped her words with a kiss. Her knees buckled, and he lifted her easily, and effortlessly carried her to the bed. The candles across the room flickered as he removed his overcoat, his sword, and its sheath, and lay down beside her. She felt his body harden as he pulled her to him. His hands slipped beneath the blanket that covered her, and her body arched at his touch. She gently removed his hands. With all the will she could find within her, she moved away from him, wrapping the blanket tighter around herself as she stood.
“No Killian. We cannot allow this to occur.”
“I need you, Alainn,” he said, his voice ragged with passion. “Surely more than ever before. I must be with you this night. Tell me your need is as great as mine.” He went to her and pressed against her, his lips gently caressing the bruises on her throat. She gasped.
“Killian, it will only prove to make our parting more difficult if we spend this night together.”
“Aye, well,” he whispered, “I do not intend to ever be parted from you, so it will only be the beginning of many.”
“And how will you explain that to Mary MacDonald,
and your uncle?” she asked, closing her eyes.
“I do not wish to speak of this at the moment.” He gently grabbed hold of her hips and tugged them forward.
“But we were simply to discuss matters further when you returned.”
“Alainn, I want to make love to you. This moment, there is need for lovemaking, not unpleasant discussion.”
She felt his heightening arousal through the thin fabric of her blanket. His mouth captured her lips again, and they responded of their own accord. Her hands betrayed her, slipping beneath his tunic to touch his broad, muscular chest. Her hips leaned in and wantonly moved against his trews.
He growled with passion at her waning resolve, and his kiss grew more demanding. She felt the blanket drop to the floor. Briefly ending the kiss, he stood back to gaze at her alluring loveliness. His strong hands reached out to caress her shoulders as his gaze consumed her body; it hummed with a great desire to be pleasured. He moved his hands softly up and down her arms until she ached to have him. She tugged at his tunic with clumsy hands, and he assisted her, pulling it roughly over his head and tossing it to the nearby chair. Their eyes met, and he chuckled.
His chest felt hot with fire where it brushed against her breasts, her nipples peaking instantly. She groaned as he rubbed their rose colored peaks. His mouth replaced his hands, and she pulled his head tighter to her breasts. His hand moved seductively down her thighs until he found her womanly treasure. She could scarcely contain her passion as he caressed her wetness.
Alainn stroked the rigid form beneath his trews and fought with the fastenings, impatiently pushing the trews down over his impressively muscular hips and thighs. Her womanly triangle brushed against him, and he grew larger and firmer. Their eyes locked. She placed her hand on his manhood.
“I need you, Alainn!” His voice was rough with passion. “I have missed you these long days.”
“And I, you, Killian.”
He sucked in his breath and moaned deeply as she continued stroking him. Then, he gently pushed her back onto the bed. Sensing his great need, she parted her knees, but he knelt by the bed and placed his mouth upon her. Her hips bucked and quivered as waves of pleasure pulsed through her. Killian continued until she cried out in ecstasy, then positioned himself atop her. He paused for a moment, lingered in completing the joining.
“Tell me you want me to love you, Alainn. Tell me your need matches mine.”
“And has my body not shown you such?”
“Aye,” he whispered raggedly, showing unparalleled restraint. “But I need to know your mind and your heart want me as well.” She caressed him, and he moaned.
“Aye, Killian O’Brien, every part of me from the top of my head to the tip of my toes wants you. Now!” she demanded and pulled him into her. The swiftness of the penetration startled them both. Her hips rose to meet his, and they rode the waves of passion together until she once more reached her crest, calling out his name. His lips claimed hers hungrily and with a guttural cry, his body became rigid with desire and slipped over the edge to fulfillment.
They lay trembling and breathless in each other’s arms until sleep claimed them.
When Killian awoke, he found himself alone in the bed. Alainn was gone. She had left behind the new gowns he had purchased for her, taking only the garments she had come with. His heart grieved as though pierced through.
After the night they had spent loving each other, holding each other, he thought she’d seen how right they were together. But still, she had gone. The room seemed unnaturally quiet and empty without her beauty and spirit.
He would not allow his uncle to keep them apart. No matter what the cost, he would find a way for them to be together. He could still smell the sweet scent of her on his pillow, could still feel the sensation of her hair on his chest, the warmth of her when they joined. He gathered his garments, strewn haphazardly about the floor, and dressed. He would speak with Rory and Riley and the others, explain that business would keep him longer in Galway, insist they go on without him. Then, he would begin his search for Alainn. Thanks to young Pierce, he thought he had a notion where she might be.
Hours later, he found her behind the counter in an alchemist’s shop. She did not seem surprised to see him, though not entirely pleased. A small, peculiar-looking old man stood beside Alainn, transfixed, watching her mix an elixir. He barely seemed to notice Killian.
“And you say it is a cure for the ague?”
“Aye, if you heat it before you add the final ingredient, I assure you, it will cure the highest fever.”
“If this proves to be true, you may begin employment in my shop straightaway.”
“Aye, ’twould be agreeable to me.”
Killian smacked his hand on the counter, and the alchemist started.
“I regret to inform you that our healer is needed back at Castle O’Brien.”
“You did not mention you are already employed by an earl?” the little man squeaked, noting the O’Brien pin on Killian’s overcoat.
“Because I no longer wish to be in said employ,” she snapped.
“My dear lass,” the old man said nervously backing away from the counter, “I suggest you and your lord discuss this matter, for I’d not want to cause discord between myself and Hugh O’Brien. He is a valued patron. But, get you back to me if you’ll be sharing any of your secret potions with me.” As he stared at Alainn, he licked his lips and rubbed his unusually small hands together.
Alainn slammed down the bowl and walked out the door, her lips pursed and chin held high. Killian followed close behind her.
“So last night meant nothing to you then!” he roared.
“Wait until we are clear of these people,” she hissed. They moved into the shadows of an alleyway, and she turned on him furiously. “Aye! It proved we continue to burn for each other, that our bodies still thrill at being together, that I am capable of no restraint when it comes to you.”
“And that displeases you!”
“It changes nothing, Killian!” She put her hand out to stop him from moving close. “And how did you know where to find me?”
“Pierce told me you had been to the alchemist’s yesterday. And to a brothel. Why did you visit a brothel yesterday?”
“I was curious.”
“And was your curiosity sated?” he asked grimly.
“I was offered shelter, and food...and employment.”
“Aye, I’m certain you were.”
“Killian...”
“Let us not quarrel. Come, break fast with me.”
“I have no appetite for food, Killian. And are you not to meet your Mary and her kin for the morning meal?”
“They have left for Castle O’Brien. I saw them off earlier.”
Her face registered surprise.
“And how did you explain your reason for staying on in Galway?”
“I said I had further business.”
“And do you suppose your Mary suspects your business is that of another woman?”
“She is not my Mary, Alainn, and I doubt she knows I have a lover.”
“She is most eager to begin such activities with you. I read her mind.” She looked down and studied her hands. “Though she is virginal, she finds you most appealing.”
“Alainn, it is surely most intrusive to read someone’s mind!”
“I can hardly stop thoughts from coming to me. You think I would choose to know how another woman anticipates becoming your lover, when she will soon be your wife and share your bed! Have you imagined what it will be like with her, to take her to your bed?”
“Alainn, of course I have not. I can’t keep thoughts of bedding you out of my head for more than minutes at a time. Why would that notion even enter my mind?”
“You are a man!” she snapped. “And she’s quite lovely. Tell me, how many virgins have you been with, Killian O’Brien?”
“Christ, Alainn. What is the purpose of this interrogation?”
“Do you prefer to be with
virtuous women or experienced harlots?”
“I prefer to be with no one, bar you, and if you’re intent on discussing this subject I’ll take you back to the inn straightaway and show you exactly what it is I prefer.”
“So it arouses you to discuss such subjects?”
“What are you about this day?”
“I am only about learning what might be valuable information should I decide to take the alternate offer of employment. The coin is entirely better than at the alchemist’s shop.”
“Are you attempting to make me jealous, as you did when you kissed Pierce?”
She smiled impishly.
“That was mostly to disturb that dreadful woman and her inconsiderate daughter. The younger, Brigid, seems salvageable if she’s separated from her mother and sister. I think she and Rory could be happy together, but Riley and his intended will be no heavenly match, I’ll tell you that straightaway. She is neither virginal nor eager to marry him, for she prefers older men.”
“You know all this from reading their minds?”
“Aye, I hear their thoughts.”
“Then why do you doubt me? If you can hear my thoughts why do you not know how deeply in love with you I am?” He gently clasped her hands.
“I cannot hear your thoughts often,” she said, wrinkling her brow. “It is so with some people. I could not always hear Morag’s thoughts, or Molly’s, or Lady Siobhan’s. Perhaps it is the people I care about the most whose thoughts escape me.”
Chapter Six
They reached an inn with many outdoor tables, and she was thankful she would not have to smell food being prepared. The herbs in her apron pocket were helping with the putrid stomach, but she still was prone to dizziness. The odor of meat would most certainly cause her stomach to heave.
Killian pulled out a chair for her and signaled to the serving boy, scowling when the young man could scarcely keep his eyes off Alainn. He looked around, glaring, until the other men near them found something else to interest them.
“What is it you are thinking about, Killian?”
“You really can’t hear my thoughts?” he asked, grumpily. She shook her head, and a half-smile crossed her rosy lips.
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