Page 61 of Kilted Seduction
I never want tae let this go.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Thora shuddered as she climaxed with pleasure in Aedan’s arms. She’d never imagined doing anything like this, or feeling this way, not about any man.
Even now, his softening shaft inside her threatened to sweep her away on a renewed tide of sensation, carrying her to another peak of passion. Just the thought made her breathless, sure her body would go up in flames, like a phoenix, if that were to happen.
For a time, she was content to lay against Aedan’s broad chest, her body singing with the aftermath of her pleasure, and bask in the sensation of his warmth, and his body, and the passion that was shared between them.
Eventually, however, reality intruded, and with it, the awareness that, once again, she had surrendered to the passion she ought not have given in to. It had been hard to resist Aedan’s obvious desire and need, especially knowing how his loss earlier in the day had distressed him. Still, she ought not to have done so. Thecontinued entangling of their lives would only lead to disaster. Nothing would change that, not until and unless she told him the secret of her identity.
She wanted so much to tell him, and yet, it wasn’t those words which escaped her. “Me first really important vision… I told ye, I didnae always understand them.”
“Aye. Ye did.” His voice was quiet, and it gave her some strength to go on.
“The first that I failed… I saw my parents. ‘Twas nay clear vision, but I could sense the danger tae them. But I didnae ken what it meant. What the vision meant. It was too complicated tae realize what it was trying tae say. But the fear didnae fade, and the dream stayed sharp in me mind. Finally, I realized what my Sight was tryin’ tae show but… ‘twas too late. I was too late.”
“What happened?”
“Me parents were killed in an attack. English soldiers. They attacked our clan. I saw it, but there were so many possible scenarios that I didnae understand what was about tae happen. Me faither died fighting at the front gates o’ the laird’s castle, and me maither died shielding my sister, older brother, and me….” She shuddered.
“That’s what ye meant when ye said ye’ve regretted nae heeding yer premonitions ever since.” There was understanding in Aedan’s voice.
“Aye. And why I didnae hesitate tae come tae ye, even resort tae extreme measures tae secure yer agreement. ‘Tis why I’ll dae everything I can tae turn the course o’ fate away from harm tae those I care fer, or toward their joy, if it comes tae that.”
“But why come tae me, if that’s the case?”
“Because… I dinnae ken fer certain. Yer fate was intertwined with that o’ me clan. That was all I kent at first. But now… yer fate is intertwined with mine, I think.”
“I ken.” His arm wrapped around her. “Our fates are intertwined now, Thora, and ye’ll nae find them easy tae disentangle if I’ve aught tae say about it.”
Thora swallowed hard, tears pricking her eyes at the thought of how he would respond if he knew the truth. She doubted he’d be so determined to hold on to her if he knew which clan she belonged to.
She still had to tell him, but it wasn’t going to be in the library, with their release cooling between their bodies, and herself half-naked. She sighed and pushed herself free of his embrace. “There’s more I need tae tell ye. But nae here. ‘Tis nae private enough.”
Aedan snorted, but didn’t stop her from clambering carefully down from his lap. “Private enough fer this, but nae fer words?”
“Aye.” There was a faint warning tingle in the back of her mind, the lightest shadow of unease in her thoughts. She didn’t know what she felt, or why, but she had the urge to leave. She straightened her mussed skirts as best she could, and slipped on her shoes, while Aedan cleaned himself and straightened his kilt. There wasn’t much either of them could do to tame the sweat dampened hair that clung to their faces, but Thora did her best. Once she felt she would be presentable, she picked up the book she’d been reading and returned it to the shelves.
“Shall we return tae our room?” Aedan suggested. Thora nodded and took his arm. The two of them moved toward the door, and Aedan was just lifting his hand to open it when a sound reached Thora’s ears that made her reach out and stop Aedan in mid motion.
Voices in the corridor. And not just any voices, but those of Lachlan Ross and one of his advisors. The same advisor who’s arm she’d broken, if she recalled correctly.
“...ken why ye find it difficult tae kidnap one woman. Especially with the drugged wine…”
“Me laird, they didnae drink enough. The bottle had scarcely been touched.”
“Because of the lass’s uncanny gift? Or are ye just incompetent at hiding the signs o’ a potion in the wine.” Lachlan scoffed. “And after the effort I went tae, tae discover that Aedan Cameron has a weakness tae valerian.”
Thora felt her stomach go cold. Beside her, Aedan stiffened as if he’d been stabbed.
“Me laird…”
“I tire o’ this game. Dae ye ken how hard I’ve worked tae place Aedan in me debt? His stubborn pride… I’ve been undercuttin’ his crop sales tae merchants, sending spies tae ruin crops, findin’ ways tae steal or damage his livestock… the man should have empty coffers and an empty belly. I thought he’d yield and come seekin’ aid a season or more ago.”
Aedan’s breath hissed between his teeth, and Thora caught him round the waist before he could charge into corridor to confront Lachlan. The grip on his waist clenched around his bruises, and Aedan flinched before slumping against the door, his breathing harsh with pain and fury.
“He is a proud man… but me laird… his men…”
