Page 55 of A Virgin for the Beastly Highlander

“But I’m nae tired,” Olivia moaned as another yawn gave her away. Closing her eyes she felt the brush of Conner’s fingertip graze over her nose.

“Aye, we both are,” he said.

Olivia snuggled into Conner’s body, allowing his body heat to roll over her like a blanket. Never in all her life had she felt so secure next to someone. She always envisioned her life to be one lacking this sort of comfort. And although she hated the fact that she wasn’t strong enough to defeat her attacker, she adored the fact that Conner was right beside her, strong enough for the both of them.

She could only imagine what was going on in his mind as he lay beside her. But when he began snoring, she didn’t have to guess anymore. All she could do was hope that maybe his dreams were more pleasant than hers.

Focusing on the grain of wood in the ceiling, Olivia struggled to close her eyes. She did however find Conner’s snoring to be soothing. It was like a bell the captains would ring during the night as a means of letting others around them know of their presence. She couldn’t help but smile as she listened to him and felt his chest rise and fall so smoothly that it eased the tension in her shoulders and back.

Ever so subtly, Olivia found her eyelids grow heavy. Although she wanted to stay awake, in the event that something happened, she knew couldn’t. The world grew blurry through her sleepy eyes until it was blocked out entirely.

The sound of the birds mingled in her dreams. Although the scarred man made a second appearance in her sleep, it wasn’t nearly as terrifying as the first time. She knew it was all due to Conner and the way he held up his end of the deal. Although, Olivia had to admit there was a small part of her that thought he wouldn’t be there. The memory of their union slipped into her mind. Her heart fluttered as she recalled waking up to find him gone.

Peeking through the slant of her eyes, Olivia held her breath as she looked to the left of her. Conner snuggled into her as if she were a pillow. He pulled in a long deep breath as a whisper of a smile slipped over his lips. Watching him made Olivia’s heart skip. She wondered if what she was doing was wrong. A small prick of guilt poked her. But the irritation was easily ignored the moment she heard her name spill out of him.

The discovery of her finding out he dreamed of her made her want to squeal. It was both the cutest and the most intimate things she had ever experienced. She knew about how she would give her body to him when they married. But she never once expected to steal his mind too.

Scooting up closer to him, she brushed her fingertips down the bridge of his nose and watched him squirm. Conner groaned as he racked his hand across his face to ease the tickling. Olivia couldn’t help but giggle as she watched his nose scrunch up. It took every ounce of her willpower not to wake him. Although he was pleasant to gaze on while he slept, she preferred to see his eyes. There was something about the way he looked at her that made her feel special and treasured.

Realizing she didn’t have it in her to wake him, she laid beside him watching him as the sun poked over the horizon. Golden rays of light streaked through the window, illuminating the room with its golden glow.

“Is it time to wake?” Conner mumbled as he stretched the sleep from his body. Olivia snapped her eyes shut and breathed in deeply. She could feel his gaze on her and didn’t dare open her eyes, not even to steal a peek. She was curious about how he’d wake her up, or if he’d let her rest.

Trying to keep her breathing steady, Olivia felt Conner’s lips graze across her cheek. Again he kissed her ever so lightly. It dawned on her that he wasn’t just kissing her, but caressing every scratch that stretched down her face. Suddenly feeling very self-conscious, Olivia turned to her side and pressed her back into Conner’s body. She heard a light huff escape him as she turned her back to him. Very aware of the marking on her face, Olivia did everything she could to keep him from looking at her.

“I ken yer awake,” Conner mumbled in her ear.

“I’m nae awake,” Olivia said, smashing the pillow to her face.

“Come now,” Conner said, trying to pry her head out of the pillow. “If it is the reality of the mornin’ I’m afraid that ship has sailed. I’ve seen ye this early before.”

“Aye, but I didnae have markin’ racing down my face then either,” Olivia blurted out.

“Ye’re still the most adorable thin’ I’ve ever seen. Dae ye ken that? Scars or nay scars, makes nay matter to me.”

Slowly, Olivia turned to face him. She held her breath and waited for him to shun her. Yet, when she faced him, she didn’t find irritation or disgust, but a sleepy smile that warmed her heart.

Chapter 23

Conner pursed his lips as he stared at Olivia. He couldn’t believe how fortunate he was or how incredibly brave she was to have fought off an attacker. Without warning, the spike of fear shot straight through his heart. His mind filled with images of his sister and mother as his heart began to race.

What if they had fought back just as Olivia did? Were they nae strong enough? Why was Olivia able to defend herself, yet my maither and sister could not?

“Are ye well?” Olivia asked as he felt her fingertips graze down his cheek. Just the mere touch of her hand made his skin tingle. Reaching up, he snatched her hand and drew it to his lips. Crushing his lips to the palm of her hand, he stared at her.

“Aye, I’ll be fine,” he answered.

“What are ye thinkin’ about? I just watched yer face shift from bein’ happy to one of the saddest expressions I have ever seen.”

“I was thinkin’ of my maither and sister,” Conner confessed.

“What about?”

Conner swallowed hard as he pressed her hand to his face. “I couldnae help but wonder how much stronger my maither and sister’s attacker was. I mean, nae that I’m nae grateful ye got away and were able to defend yerself…”

“But why was I allowed to escape when yer family couldnae?”

Conner felt the guilt pile on him like mounds of dirt. Dropping his eyes from her, he focused on the grooves of her skin at the knuckles. Slowly he bobbed his head, fearful of her reaction.

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