Page 113 of The Highlander Who Loved Me
Forever.
At her evasive movement, recognition glimmered in those green eyes of his. A devilish smile crooked his mouth.
“Ye think I’ll ravish ye? Right here? With the bairn so near, she verrae well might get an education far beyond her years?”
Think? Hoped might’ve been a more accurate word. Johanna forced herself to discard the ridiculous notion.
“Even you would not be so bold.”
“God knows I want ye.” His lips brushed hers, so very gentle. So very delicious. “One night was not enough, my sweet lass.”
Not enough… The words echoed in her thoughts. Not enough to sate his desire? Not enough to quench a fleeting passion?
Not enough to soothe the ache deep in her chest for a man she wanted for a lifetime. A few stolen nights in his bed would never appease her hungry heart.
But still, she wanted him. So very badly.
He’d made a vow. And he’d fulfilled that promise. He’d seen Laurel safely back in her care. He’d done exactly as he’d said. How could she expect anything more?
Connor cradled her face in his big hands. “Ye are a beauty, Johanna Templeton. Ye’ve got spirit, I’ll give ye that.” Once again, he swept a kiss over her mouth. Tender. Hungry. Yearning.
When he released her, her knees wobbled like poorly set pudding. If he asked her to stay, could she muster the strength to refuse him? She had to think of Laurel’s well-being. Secret nights of pleasure in this rugged Highlander’s bed could not trump the need to see the child happily settled with family and friends and a kitten to cherish.
If only the thought of never again hearing Connor’s rugged burr did not slice through Johanna’s heart like a dull knife. It seemed he’d always been a part of her. How had she faced her days without his touch to warm her? How had she lived without the velvet of his kiss against her skin? He’d charged into her life and changed her. Changed everything, really. Forever.
But none of that mattered. Soon, he’d be a delicious memory, a sweet fantasy to warm her nights. And Laurel would be safe and happy.
She could not expect anything other than a fleeting passion from this man. Decadent, wonderful memories of his touch and scent and feel. Passionate images and sensations etched into her heart to ease the lonely nights when she longed for him.
Perhaps, that would have to be enough.
“Come to me tonight.” His voice was husky and raw with need. “When the bairn’s sleeping. Brenna will watch over her. Say ye will, Johanna.”
Her heart thundered. Could she be so wanton? So bold?
Deep within, she knew the answer.
She pressed a kiss to his lips, a chaste little caress. Odd, how the heat radiated to every cell, every pore, even with such a subtle touch. “Yes.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Connor stretched out his legs on the bed and stared at the fire in the hearth. Folding his hands behind his head, he looked up at the ceiling, then shot his gaze back to the flames. He was a bluidy dolt. There was no denying it. Lying here, like some lovestruck lad. Casting glances at the clock on the chest. Listening for the slightest creak of the floorboards beyond his room, craving some indication that Johanna would spend this night with him.
God, how he wanted her. He should go after the lass. He should prove to her that she should never leave the Highlands. That she should never leave Scotland—or him—behind.
Bah, he’d never been such a fool. Never lost his head over a woman. Bluidy hell, why did it have to be this one—a woman he wasn’t meant to have?
Johanna deserved a far different life than what she’d find as his bride. She deserved a man who’d spend his evenings by her side, not charging off on the next mission…and the next. The lass deserved a man who could be a father to the bairn and offer a contented, stable life, not the existence he’d led for so many years. God above, when had he ever truly felt content? He’d spent years fulfilling his duty, chasing down one artifact or another, doing battle with those who would corrupt ancient treasures for their own foul purposes. How could he ever expect Johanna to endure the sacrifices life at his side would entail?
No, Johanna deserved more. More than he could give. He couldn’t cast his duty to the Order aside, no matter how much he desired her.
No matter how much he needed her in his arms, night after night. His chest felt like it would cave in at the idea of not having her with him until the end of his days.
She’d shared passion in his arms. They’d uttered no words of love. No vows. Not even a syllable that hinted at an enduring bond. He could expect nothing more. It was for the best. He had to let her go.
The door groaned on its hinges.
He damn near jumped from the bed and rushed to her. Instead, he watched Johanna tiptoe inside. She quietly closed the door. He’d let her set the pace. If only he could convince his body to follow along with his good intentions. At the moment, his cock had other ideas.
