Page 55 of The Highlander's Captured Bride
“What did happen when ye got it wrong,” Ethan asked, tilting his head to feel the breeze flowing over the land.
“Someone nearly died,” she said, hollowly. “We, nay,Iestimated the villain would act at a certain time at night as I believed he was doing sacrifices but I overestimated his motive and when we found the girl, we just realized the man was just a manic. We got the girl back by the skin of our teeth.”
Noticing that she owned up to the fault, Ethan asked, “Sounds like ye were in charge of those cases, we’re ye?”
Shifting, she sighed, “Nay, but I was the one who came up with the notion that the man was a devil worshiper based on the last kill, that took place at midnight. We later found that it was just a coincidence and that I had been reading too many ancient books that held speculative knowledge too much for my good.”
Sensing that it was a sore subject for her, Ethan changed tactics and kissed under her ear, “How was last night for ye?”
Their lovemaking felt endless; alone and uninterrupted they had all the time and freedom to explore each other. His gut stirred when she turned pink cheeks to him, and he remembered how he had kissed, suckled and worshipped every part of her body.
“Ye werenae rough, if that’s what yer asking,” she said quietly.
“Good,” he said. Nodding to the pile of wood, he asked, “I ken that will do us for a while.”
“Speaking of,” Violet pointed to a section of the yard that was not as bushed up as the rest, “Did ye plant food over there? I was walking yesterday evening and ken I could see the leaves of carrots and potatoes there.”
Looking in the direction she pointed, Ethan chuckled, “I forgot about that. Aye, Faither had planted such things but I doubt any of them, if they survived or spawned, will be edible.”
“If ye help me clear it out, we’ll see then,” Violet murmured as she cuddled closer to him. “But nae now, I’m too comfortable here.”
Wrapping his arm around her. Ethan softly lifted her unto his lap and Violet pressed her face to the crook of his neck and shoulder. She fitted into his body like a missing piece, and how she fit was more than their physical joining. She had shown him so many parts of herself that he felt loved, her daring, playful side, juxtaposed with her cautious wisdom. Her body was stunning no matter her fears that her body was inadequate.
Sliding his fingers into her loose, silky hair, he did not feel the urge to move either and luxuriated with her on his lap. All around them was peaceful quiet, hardly broken by the wind, the chirping birds or the snuffles from the horses.
“If we stay here much longer, I’m going to fall asleep,” he uttered.
“Is that a bad thing?” she replied, drowsily.
“I can think of a softer place to rest that doesnae have rough tree bark digging into me back,” he replied, twisting his head, he nudged hers. “And if we want to explore that bush for yer carrots and potatoes, we will need some time to get it done. And we need to put the wood away.”
Huffing softly, Violet pulled away and grumbled under her breath, “Shouldnae have said anything,” looking at him she nodded. “Ye get on the bush, I’ll put the wood inside.” She shifted to get on her feet, but twisted to kiss his cheek first. “I’ll have dinner ready when yer done.”
“Thank ye,” he smiled.
There was nothing in the house he had ever touched from the day they had come into the cabin. Violet had the place spick and span, the bed made, food ready and water warmed for bathing and it was all easy for her. She had shown that she truly was a homemaker. He did not doubt that she would have a spectacular dinner ready for him when he went inside.
As she went to the piles of wood, he took the ax and went to the part of the bush she had pointed out. The ax was inadequate for this task but he had to make it work. Grabbing a hunk of the bush, he set to work.
* * *
He heaved a bucket of surprisingly wholesome carrots, turnips, and potatoes, into the cabin. She was washing some bowls in a basin when he stepped in and turned to smile at him then went back to the bowl. His lips twitched at the neat triangle of wood and simmering over the fire was the meal Violet had promised to have ready.
Resting the bucket on the floor, he called, “Yer luck has followed yer, love. A lot of the tubers were rotten but some survived.”
“Maybe I can add some carrots to the stew,” she mused while drying her hands and coming to him but as she reached for the bucket, he grabbed her hand and tugged her closer and spun her around.
“I ken I have a better idea than just eating,” he said, loving the curiosity that sprung to her eyes. “Why daenae we take a dip in the river first. I’m coated in sweat and I daenae ken ye’d like to be in bed with a man that stinks like a pig.”
“And who is that?” She asked, cheekily glancing over her shoulder with a searching look on her face. “Or am in a house with another man?”
He swatted her behind lightly, “Ye’re looking at him.”
Violet’s arms wrapped around his neck and her expression was soft, “We can dae that. I ken it would enjoyable.”
She was responded with a kiss, tender and sweet but holding a tone of deep yearning. “Good, its near sunset, the water should be warm still.”
Pulling away, she went to get the change of clothes she needed as he did. With the bundle balled under her arm, he took her free hand. “Ye can swim, aye?”
