The weak little girl watched as her dad opened drawers, removing gloves, Q-tips, gauze, and bandages. With his hands full, he moved them to the upper cabinet in the corner, carelessly shoving them in. He then grabbed the hospital gowns, booties, paper hats, and masks that were in that cabinet, and hid them in the other cabinet under the stainless steel cart at the center of the room. She looked on, laughing weakly, her body shaking with the effort. “Daddy, what are you doing?”
“Idle minds are the devil’s playground. Serves them right for making my baby girl wait so long! The doctor will think he's gone mad.” He sounded devilish as he laughed at his own joke. “Jack Pot.” He pulled out the stethoscope, thermometer, and the blood pressure cuff, then threw them under the sink cabinet as they heard footsteps approaching their room outside. Dad quickly skipped across the room and sat on the bench next to his daughter, his poker face firmly in place. Ellora struggled to wipe the smile off hers as the doctor walked in.
It was hilarious watching the doctor fumble around, confused and flustered, as he went about opening and closing the drawers and cabinets, trying to find all his equipment, and shocked when he found another misplaced item. Her dad kept a straight face the whole time, even egging him on. “Are you new or something? It looks like you haven't a clue as to what you're doing.” The doctor adamantly denied it, of course, but her father just cut him off. “Then what exactly is your problem?”
If she hadn't been so weak, she would've doubled over with violent laughter. Only her dad! That afternoon, he stayed with her, never leaving her side as she was stuck in bed. They watched movies together, and Ellora leaned on her daddy's shoulder, nuzzling into his safe arms. She tried to wrap her little arms all the way around him, fidgeting to get closer still. Kissing the top of her head, he'd asked, “You comfortable, Lor?”
Snapping back to reality was painful. The memory was so real she could still smell the Old Spice scent of his aftershave and feel the bristly prickles of his beard as it caught on her hair. Tears filled to the brim, pooling in her eyes, until her lids released them when she blinked. Behr looked down when he heard her sniffling.
“I dinnae think my singin’ was that bad, love.” He thumbed away Ellora’s tears. His strong hands lightly stroked her cheek. Brushing her hair out of her face, he tucked it behind Ellora’s ear, shushing her. “It’s okay, love. I'm here.”
Looking up, she hiccupped, trying to answer him. “I miss them... so much. I wish I could have just one more day with them.”
Understanding came to him. He kissed the top of her head, resting his chin there. Holding the woman he treasured, the woman who held his heart, he tucked her in tightly to his side. Ellora reveled in the feeling of his hot breath on her crown. “I know, love. I know. Just let it out.”
After that, Behr rarely left her side. Ellora’s nights were spent snuggled under his arm, relaxing comfortably on the bed, watching movies. For the most part, Behr was a complete gentleman. He did steal some kisses along her neck, but would regain some control just as Ellora would turn to kiss him back. She thought he was holding back because he didn't want to hurt her if things went further, but she wasn’t so sure. He seemed hot and bothered one moment, then all guards would go up the next, leaving him detached. She hoped that was the reason, because if she was being honest with herself, Ellora was falling for him... HARD.
As she was contemplating this, Behr ran his other hand down the length of her arm, lacing his fingers through hers. She squeezed his gently and turned to face him. He was already facing her direction with a tranquil, inquisitive look on his face.
“So Lachlan tells me your stitches can come out tomorrow, yeah?” His suspicious grin made her think he was up to something.
Nodding warily, she answered, “Yes, they do. Lachlan says my skin was just as stubborn as I am and healed itself up pretty fast. Why? What are you up to, Mr. Buchanan?” Ellora’s eyebrow rose in curiosity.
“Well, you've been stuck in ’ere long enough, so I thought I'd take you on my boat in the morn' and give you a private tour around the Isle. The views are breathtaking. I arranged to bring lunch with us. The fresh air would do you well, Lor. While we are out, I've arranged for some guys to come help seal and polish the floors for you. Perfect timing, eh, love?”
The giant man sitting next to her lifted her delicate hand, softly kissing her palm. For such a large man, he was always so gentle and attentive with Ellora. Looking into her eyes, he winked maliciously and nibbled her palm, then ran his tongue lightly across its seem. Ellora’s stomach grew hot, watching him do to her hand what she wished he’d do to her lips. He looked up at her through his thick lashes. “What say you, Ellora? Do we ’ave a date?”
The stitches came out without any problems. Lachlan said everything looked as it should, and Ellora was cleared to go on Behr's little water adventure. He seemed as happy as Adelle was that they were going out. It warmed her heart to see how much people cared about each other here.
When she got back to Grady's, Ellora ran upstairs to change into a fitted tank with a pullover and her favorite skinny jeans. After she came down, she sat at one of the bar stools, savoring her cup of rich dark roast coffee -- her necessity in a mug. Two strong arms wrapped around her stomach, and the muscular ridges of abs pressed against her back, enclosing Ellora in a warm embrace. Her body already knew who it was the moment he walked in. His head came down next to her ear. “Ready to go then, love?”
Her smile stretched from ear to ear. “I've been looking forward to this since you told me you had a boat. I've just been waiting for an invite,” she whispered softly back in his ear, letting her lips brush his lobe softly and loving the way he tensed up the moment her lips made contact with his skin.
He kissed her neck tenderly then backed up a step. Behr laced his fingers through hers, guiding Ellora off the stool. They shouted their goodbyes as he led the way out the door.
They walked down the pier sidewalk hand in hand. It was a remarkably clear, sunny day. A slight salty breeze blew Ellora’s hair around her shoulders. The outdoors relaxed her. She was drawn to it. She took in a deep cleansing breath, loving the smell of the fresh sea air and the sun shining on her face. Behr slowed his pace so he walked in step beside his dark haired beauty. His large frame cast an impressive shadow on her side. He couldn’t resist catching glimpses of his angel’s reactions to the unrivaled beauty of the sun rising on the harbor. Her eyes were alight with an uplifting spirit that had them sparkling with perfection. They enjoyed their walk in a comfortable silence, the connection they shared through their joined hands the only communication either of them needed.
They made their way past Beaumont Crescent and onto Quay Street toward the boat terminal. Ellora felt excitement rise up inside her for the first time in a long time. She was going to have so much fun today... on the boat, and with Behr.
“See that one there, love?” Behr pointed to a large, white two-story ferry with an open wide rear section that could take in at least four good-sized vehicles. “She’s mine.” It wasn't a newer model, but her clean, sleek design was timeless and classy.
“She is beautiful, Behr.” His chest puffed up with pride as he turned his dazzling perfect smile on her. He was obviously very proud of his boat, and it showed.
When they made it to the terminal, Behr opened up the door for Ellora to enter first. He nodded his greetings to his fellow boat and fishermen as they walked in. Behind the front desk sat Gavin.
“Hey there, lass. Glad to see you join the living! And it's good to see you out n’ about, too, ya ol’ grizzly bear. I was startin’ to think you were in hibernation after all this time.” Gavin punched Behr in the arm playfully, not even remotely effecting Behr. “Where are the two of you off to, eh?” Gavin came around the desk to grasp Behr’s forearm, and shook it while patting him on the back in a brotherly fashion.
“Toss me the keys, lad. I'm takin’ Miss Ellora Belle Sutherland ’ere on a grand tour of the Isle.”
Gavin
tossed an old set of keys overhand. Behr caught them with one hand in mid-air. “Aye, she's sure to love that. It's a grand day for it, that's for certain. Will you be needin’ a chaperone, Miss Ellora? Or do you trust this Behr to keep his paws to himself, do ya?!” Gavin roared out a throaty high-pitched laugh, ducking Behr as he swung at him.
“It's best you keep that fool’s mouth o’ yours shut, or I will shut it for ya… permanently.” Behr's threat sounded scarier than he meant it to be, but his crooked smirk gave him away. “We will see you in a bit, Gavin. Check in at Grady's, a’right. They’re sealing the floors today.”
“Aye, brother, o’ that you can be sure. I will see you both later. Go easy on her, Behr, will ya!” he shouted and winked as Behr cursed him under his breath.
Behr lightly grasped Ellora’s elbow, while his other hand lowered to the small of her back, gently guiding her out the side door that lead to the docked boats. He helped her step up onto the impressive boat and onto a side cushioned bench. Then he started the process of untying and raising the anchors, prepping to start up the engines, and carefully backed out of the dock.
In no time at all, they were cruising at a relaxing speed, turning left out of Portree Harbor, heading north of the Isle of Skye. With the cool sea breeze blowing her hair back, Ellora took in the gorgeous view. The breathtaking cold looking water was a striking vivid blue, and the mountains of the Trotternish Ridge were a deep emerald green. The land was so spectacularly beautiful that they looked like the work of an imaginative painter envisioning a fairytale land come to life.
Behr was stationed behind the wheel, driving one handed, confident and completely at ease. It was an amazing sight to see him. She noticed right away that Behr's overall demeanor changed almost immediately once they were on the water. He was the most carefree and relaxed she’d seen him, since meeting him months ago. He smiled more, his eyes seemed brighter, and his laugh was carefree. It was safe to say Ellora loved this version of Behr. He was definitely a man of the sea. He belonged on water.
Behr caught Ellora staring at him. She was sure she blushed scarlet, since she could feel her face heating up. Ellora quickly looked down at her boots for a few seconds. When she thought it was safe, she peeked up at him through her eyelashes. His head was tilted to the side with a devilish grin, one hand lazily draped over the wheel and the other motioning with his finger for her to come over.
Ellora stood up and made her way over to him, much too quickly and a little too enthusiastically, but without tripping and falling, so that was a plus. Behr slowed the boat down and had it idling. He grabbed her hand and walked with her over to the rail on the side of the ferry.
“All right, love, how much of Skye's folklore ’ave you heard, huh?” Behr kissed the knuckles of the hand he was holding and stood behind Ellora. Wrapping one arm around her waist, he ran the other up and down the length of her arm. His roughened hands sent shivers down her spine. She loved how masculine he was. She leaned back into his muscular front, loving the safety his embrace promised when she was wrapped securely in his arms.
“Nope. You will be the very first to tell me Skye's stories!”
Behr looked down at Ellora as she looked up. His eyes seemed to darken as he searched her face. “Well, love, I feel honored to be your first.” The deep timber in his voice vibrated through his chest and into Ellora’s back, making her stomach do little summersaults. He broke eye contact first, lacing his fingers through hers and lifting both their arms, pointing toward a steep ridge climbing up the side of the mountain. “You see that tall rock there? The one that looks like a sitting king on a throne carved out of rock?” She nodded, looking at the majestic looking pinnacle.
“There were actually two of these pinnacles, and they are the preserved remains of an old married couple.”
Ellora smiled up at him. She knew she’d like this story.
“Legend tells us of O'Sheen. One day, a local farmer heard cries for help while climbing up the ridge. He came upon a pair of legs sticking out o’ the dirt. It was a Brùnaidh that had gotten trapped after an enormous landslide.”
“A Brùna what??” Ellora giggled, looking up at him. Funny things happened inside her when she heard his thick accent use the ancient language. Behr smiled sweetly at her and kissed the tip of her nose.
“It means hobgoblin or a Fairy, love.” Ellora’s eyebrows flew up. This story was going to be jam-packed with folklore. She listened intently as he continued. “O'Sheen dug him out, saving his life. He was very grateful and vowed to repay O'Sheen for his kindness with a wish. O'Sheen was a very happy man, though, and wanted for nothing. So they struck a deal that they would meet in one year’s time, and perhaps by then, O'Sheen would want something. They met once a year for many years after and became great friends.”
Behr leaned down, kissing a path up the side of her neck, whispering suggestively, “O'Sheen met a beautiful woman in town and fell madly in love with her. They hastily married soon after, for they couldn’t be apart, not even for one day. The Brùnaidh even played music at their wedding. Every year, still, O'Sheen walked up the ridge to meet his old friend, walking hand in hand with his love, enjoying the view of their Scotland.” Ellora’s heart swelled from the love this legendary couple had for one another. She listened to Behr as she watched the enormous rock that towered proudly high above the ridge.
“But, many years later, right after their last visit, O'Sheen's wife passed away unexpectedly. O'Sheen was so devastated and heartbroken after losing his soul mate that he soon after died of a broken heart, eager to reunite with her where they could be together forever. A year later, right on schedule, the Brùnaidh sat waiting at their ridge for his good friend and his wife. He became very worried when his friend never showed. He eventually got word that O'Sheen died of a broken heart, and he became consumed with guilt and sadness that he was not there when his friend needed him.
“He decided to honor O'Sheen by memorializing their love forever. With a small hammer, he chiseled away at an enormous rock, forming the shape of his aged friend and then one of his wife in the rock behind him. There they sat in rock form, perched high on the ridge, looking out at the Isle of Skye. The Brùnaidh named the mountain Storr, which is of Norse origin meaning Great Man. Over the centuries, his wife's rock formation has crumbled due to terrible weather conditions and the harsh forces of nature. Now, The Old Man of Storr sits alone, forever mournful.”
Tears streamed down Ellora’s cheeks as Behr finished the story and the boat slowly sailed past. She tried to hold them back, but there was no use. The heartfelt way Behr told this story had her feeling choked up. “That was a beautifully sad story,” she managed to say in between hiccups.
Behr squeezed her tight and nuzzled his face in her neck. “I will take you up there someday, love. There are hiking trails that lead all the way up the mountain.” He trailed little kisses down her neck to where it met her shoulder, his day old scruff dragging and tickling her.
Ellora tilted her head to give him better access. Though she tried hard to keep her wits about her, she failed miserably as each tender kiss had her further and further away from control. “I'm glad you told it. I'd love to hear another one.”
He continued to kiss up and down the side of her neck, and softly nibbled on her earlobe as she watched the Mournful Old Man of Storr fade away in the distance. The moment seemed to stretch on peacefully like this, with just the sounds of the waves breaking against the boat and the occasional gulls squawking overhead. The boat bobbed up and down in a sensual rhythm that made her blood pressure rise with it.
This quiet solitary moment with Behr was so intimate, she was almost frightened to turn around. As if reading Ellora’s mind, he stopped and slowly turned her to face him. He cupped her chin and tilted her face up to meet his eyes, which were dark and hooded with passion. His breaths were coming in and out rapidly, his chest rising and falling deeply. Ellora put her hands on his chest, hoping to calm him, but he held his breath for a beat and s
tepped closer to her. They were now standing chest to chest, stomach to stomach, and thigh to thigh. The full body contact had Ellora’s whole being shuddering in anticipation.
His hands moved softly up her back. One hand ran through her hair at the nape of her neck. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck. They just stood there like that, staring into each other’s eyes, moving their gazes to their lips and back again. The boat had them swaying back and forth like a slow dance. His eyes took her in one last time, before he slowly dipped his mouth down to hers. There was no one there to burst in and interrupt. It was just Behr and her.
Ellora started to feel nervous jitters, knowing they were going to kiss again. And this time, it wasn't just to make an ex jealous. She took a couple of deep breaths and sighed, letting her eyes close as he pulled her in closer. His soft, full, strong lips landed on hers. He was gentle at first, lightly pecking and nipping at her lower lip. Then gradually, he deepened the kiss, taking Ellora’s lip into his mouth and sucking on it. He ran his tongue over her lips, silently begging her to open up to him, then delved in deeper when she obeyed.
Their tongues massaged and twirled together. Behr groaned in what almost sounded like agony as he pulled Ellora impossibly closer to him. This. Right here. Ellora thought. It was heaven on Earth to her! Right here, she was safe in Behr's arms, without a worry in the world. His kisses were expertly given. He gave so much passion in each kiss, touch, and embrace. He held nothing back, and she didn't want him to. Little moans and sighs started to escape her own lips as he stroked her back with his hands and stroked her tongue with his. Just before Ellora lost her mind and almost ripped both their clothes off in a frenzy, Behr slowed the kiss and pulled back a little, resting his forehead on hers.
Forever Marked (Marked Series Book 1) Page 16