Page 63 of When a Highlander Vows
It is nae that ye are fragile, Lass, but that whatever is in me could be dangerous. Could hurt anyone in me path.
She started shrieking with laughter the deeper they went. The waves were strong, but he held her tight, pulling her arm closer together to his side. And when they made their first plunge into the cold depths? He could still feel her hand on his arm. When they emerged, she gasped, but he knew it was just because of the cold water. And it was shallow enough that they could still stand.
“Like this, Sunshine,” he said, letting go of her for a moment to show her how to move her arms.
He swam away from her a bit to demonstrate, and when he got close to her again, she sunk into the water and tried for herself. He couldn’t help it; he was having fun. Her lovely brown eyes were sparkling against the gray of the water, and her blonde hair, now soaked, clung to the sides of her face and neck.
“Exhilaratin’,” she said with a bright smile. “Thank ye, Lucas. But I am nae sure I would be able to swim for long, nae with these currents.”
Another waved rolled them back toward the shore, and protectively, he reached out to grab her to steady her.
“Aye, true enough.” They stood, and she tripped a little on the stones beneath her feet, falling into him.
He held her close, loving the feel of her wet body against his, but quickly, before desire took over and something more he couldn’t identify, he pulled away, making sure that she could stand well on her own two feet.
She painted a bewitching picture, beads of seawater rolling from her hair down her bare chest, collecting in the lovely cleft of her breasts which pushed up a little from her stays.
“We should go inside then,” he said, helping her out of the water, trying to push down the odd and mixed feelings that were swirling around inside him.
He wanted to be near her; he wanted her to think well of him, and he wanted to keep her safe, make her happy. It felt like something like love.
“Aye, but I would like to sit on the rock a bit longer, Lucas, if ye could help me there.”
“Aye.” He didn’t say anything else for a little while, and once they reached the rock, she sat down again. “Be careful, Sunshine. Daenae stay out for long.” He looked up at the sky to keep from looking at her. “It will get cooler soon.”
“Daenae worry, Lucas. I can take care of meself. And I have Fallows to watch over me.”
That made him look at her, and he gave her a soft smile. “Of course.”
He turned to go, when Caitlin turned back to him and said, “I like to hear yer laugh, Lucas.”
He paused but only for a moment, and then he was gone, walking back to the castle to prepare for his journey. The journey that could change the course of his life.
32
For a little while, Caitlin sat on her own, the chill of the air making her shiver, but she didn’t care. Swimming with Lucas had been exciting, thrilling, and it had made her happy too. It was like they were becoming friends of a sort, and she could see them living their lives in the same home together. It seemed their moment in the library was forgotten, but she’d been disappointed when he’d not kissed her again, this time telling her he loved her and wanted her. That he would not run away again. That he would want her to stay with him always.
Another set of footsteps made her turn her head, and she saw Lottie coming her way. Caitlin waved a bright smile on her face. She wasn’t sure how old Lottie really was. Her walk was strong and steady and her eyes were bright and energetic.
“Daenae mind me, Lass!” Lottie called before she stood right in front of her. “I daenae wish to disturb ye, but I did want to make sure ye were all right out here on yer own.” Looking up, she brushed a loose hair from her forehead.
“It will soon be dark, ye ken, and I shudder to think about ye bein’ out here on yer own when the darkness rolls in.”
Caitlin nodded and stood, reaching out for Lottie’s arm. “Thank ye, Lottie. That is kind of ye. Yer right, I lost track of the time. Will ye walk home with me?”
Fallows behind them and Lottie turned around, pointing at him.
“Here ye are supposed to protect yer mistress, and I find ye sittin’ there next to her as it grows dark, as pleased as ye can be.”
Her anger was not real, but Fallows looked the slightest bit sheepish, and Caitlin laughed.
“Och, daenae scold him so, Lottie, he was enjoyin’ the peace just as much as me.”
Lottie grinned, hesitated, and then she turned around, grasping Caitlin’s arm as they walked to the castle.
“Fine then. He will receive his usual treats I suppose.”
“Please. He has been most loyal to me.”
