Page 16 of Cherished By A Highlander

“From whom?”

“The Monk,” she said, resting her head on his chest. “Don’t let him get me. Please don’t ever let him get me.”

“He’s already got you and he will never let you go,” Quint said.

“Wake up, Shade. It’s a nightmare, nothing more than a nightmare.”

This time Shade’s eyes opened, and she did find herself in Quint’s arms, his hold tight around her and she stared at him speechless. It was a nightmare. It meant nothing. Quint wasn’t The Monk. He had no scars, wore no scowl, but there was a rage in his eyes, but it wasn’t anger… it was passion.

CHAPTER 6

“You had a nightmare,” he said, fighting the urge to kiss her and fighting with himself to let her go. He hadn’t felt such a powerful desire for a woman since his wife. There were a few women, not many, since her death but he couldn’t recall their names or their faces. It was almost a year after her passing before his need returned. He regretted it once the deed was done and much time passed before he felt the need again. That time, however, he prepared himself. He thought of nothing but quenching his need and the outcome at least satisfied him.

Shade was different. Something more than just satisfying a need stirred in him when he looked at her, touched her, kissed her, and while he wanted to pursue it, it also troubled him.

He kept hold of her, having no intention of letting her go just yet. “Tell me about it.”

Shade was too lost in the passion that swirled in his blue eyes. It was potent and seductive. So much so that she actually felt that he desired her, which sparked her own desire. Or was it her own passion that laid dormant for so long that had her thinking that way? She was far from knowledgeable about intimacy and passion. Was finding him appealing enough toflare her desire? Or had her body been so deprived of such knowledge that since it was finally awakened, she ached for it?

She watched the passion in his eyes fade, replaced by concern and that only fired her own desire more that he cared enough to be concerned about her.

He ran his fingers faintly across her brow and down along the side of her face. “Was the nightmare so upsetting that you continue to linger in it?”

“I saw them,” she said softly, recalling how her grandmother would urge her to voice her nightmares so they could be released and disturb her no more.

“Who?” he asked, settling himself in the bed and pulling her along with him to rest comfortably in his arms.

She cuddled against him, his warm, muscled body offering protection and strength if only for a bit. “The dead monks.”

“Tell me more,” he encouraged.

Shade didn’t hesitate, anxious to be free of the nightmare. “They were all dead from several stab wounds as if one would not suffice, except for Brother Emmett. He was still alive though lingered near death. He warned me it was too late and that I should hurry and go. I ran and the shadow of a man appeared. He raised his sword and was about to strike me when I woke.” She shook her head. “I woke in your arms but not really. I was still in the nightmare. I told you that you saved me from The Monk.”

“I would never let him hurt you, Shade,” he said, hugging her closely.

“That’s not what you said to me. You told me he already had me and that he would never let me go.” She shivered.

He pulled a blanket over them. “All the talk we did about The Monk and your friend Brother Emmett was enough to give you a nightmare. None of it is real.”

Shade kept herself tucked against him. “Someone blessed them. I saw a cross inscribed on each of their brows. It was made with a mixture of ash and blood.”

“Perhaps the men blessed the monks before burying them. Did your step-da mention it?”

“Nay, he never said a word about it. I wonder if it is true and that The Monk blessed them, but if he did that, if he wanted to save their souls, why kill them in the first place? Unless he is nothing more than a madman.”

“Tell me more about Brother Emmett and what you taught him,” Quint said to ease her thoughts away from the nightmare.

Shade smiled softly and it lit her heart as she spoke about the wonderful memories of the times she spent with Brother Emmett. With the nightmare fading and pleasant memories filling her, sleep easily crept over her and she was soon asleep.

Until Quint was certain Shade slept soundly, he remained in bed with her. Sleep, however, had a different idea.

Shade stretchedherself awake like she usually did each morning, and her eyes flew open when her hand grazed something. She gasped when she saw that she had slept in Quint’s arms and that her hand had grazed his face.

He stared at her, the look of surprise on his face mirrored her own.

“I meant to leave your bed once I was sure you slept soundly, but sleep got hold of me before I had the chance.”

The thought of leaving his arms did not even cross her mind. She was far too comfortable there. “I am grateful for your help with my nightmare.”

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