Page 30 of Cherished By A Highlander

“Dru!” Quint shouted and hurried to where she stopped just inside the forest.

Shade watched the two talk. They were such a contrast. Quint so tall and muscular and Dru petite and slim, yet she felt there was more to their strange friendship than either would say. And what was Dru doing roaming the Highlands on her own? She was curious to know, though doubted either would say a word if asked, which made her even more curious about what secret they might be keeping.

Quint approached the bed naked,and Shade saw that he was more than ready to couple, but her curiosity had her asking as she drew back the blanket, “How did you save Dru’s life?”

He stopped before climbing in. “That’s not something I want to discuss right now.”

Shade rose to kneel on the bed. “Will you ever want to discuss it with me?”

Quint snagged her around the waist and yanked her against him. “Wrap your legs around my waist.”

Shade did as he said, her arms going around his neck, and she reminded, “You haven’t answered me.”

He nuzzled her neck and felt the gooseflesh prickle her soft skin, then said, “You think Dru and I share a secret, don’t you?”

“You are preceptive,” she said and kissed him lightly.

“I’ve grown to know you.” He kissed her, but it was no light kiss, and he lowered them to the mattress, placing her on her back while he kneeled low over her.

She felt his manhood slipping into her. There would be no touching or teasing tonight, the size of his manhood let her know his need was too great for them to linger in play, and she felt the same. For some reason, her passion had ignited long beforeshe had gotten into bed and all she could think about was feeling him move inside her.

“I intend to bury myself deep inside you tonight,” he whispered near her ear.

“It is exactly where I want you.”

“Release your legs,” he ordered, and she did.

He rose up on his knees, grabbed her bottom, and yanked her forward, spearing her with his shaft. She cried out with pleasure and was soon lost in the pleasure of his mighty plunges.

Quint loved the feel of her hips rising and meeting his every thrust, hearing her moan, watching her face twist in pleasure and her hands grip the sheet not ready to let go yet. He had awakened the woman in her and she had had healed and awakened his shattered heart, and he intended to never let either go dormant again.

“I can’t wait any longer,” Shade moaned.

Her plea sent him over the edge, and they plunged together, his roar drowning out her cries of pleasure until both faded and he collapsed on top of her.

Much later, Quint lay awake, Shade burrowed naked against him, her leg resting over his, her arm over his chest as if she was trying to hold on to him, to never let him go. He never thought he would ever feel for another woman again after losing Amara, but bloody hell if he didn’t feel for Shade as strongly if not stronger than he had for Amara. Maybe it was because he understood love better now than he did when he had met Amara. She taught him about love, and it was the only reason he could recognize love again.

But he still had a mission to accomplish. He still had to avenge his wife’s brutal death, or he would never be able to fully love Shade as she deserved to be loved. But he also had to see Shade protected and he intended to see that done before he had to bid her goodbye… for now.

CHAPTER 10

In the last two days since Dru’s departure, the main talk of those who came by for healing was the news of Lord Torrance declaring that Chieftain Ryland must meet with him and talk to settle the dispute or meet on the battlefield. If he didn’t, Lord Torrance threatened to attack his clan and destroy it. Shade’s worry for her friend Ula and her husband Caleb grew ever stronger. She was glad she had sent a message with Dru so that Ula would know she was thinking of her and would not fail to contact her if necessary.

People were worried and rightfully so. Lord Torrance would not accept defeat easily and if he won, it would only quench his thirst for power and wealth for so long. He would want more. She wondered if that was what disturbed Quint. He seemed unsettled and distracted since Dru left, staring into the woods as if he expected someone. Or was he impatient for the brother of the two men he killed to arrive so he could be done with it and be on his way? She could not blame him. His mission had been delayed long enough. She didn’t want to think of him leaving, but she had a feeling it wouldn’t be long now.

He stood staring into the woods and her heart ached sensing he was anxious to go while she was anxious for him to stay.

“Go if you must,” she said, though she wished he wouldn’t, but she would not have him there if he truly wanted to leave.

He turned to look at her, a questioning scrunch to his brow. “Not until I make sure you are safe.”

He approached her and she thought of walking away from him, to put distance between them and protect her heart, already beginning to feel the pain of his departure. But she couldn’t. She wanted his arms around her as much as possible before he would hug her no more.

She fell into his embrace as she always did and cherished the way his strong arms wrapped around her tucking her close, holding her as if he never wanted to let her go.

He loved holding her in his arms, feeling her pressed against him, the sweet scent of her hair drifting up to tickle his nose. When he arrived here, he wanted only healing from her. Now that he had gotten that, he wanted so much more. He was about to reassure her when he heard a distant tinkle, a warning from one of the talismans he’d hung in the trees.

He pulled her along with him as he went for his sword near the cottage door. He was about to open the door when he thought differently.

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