Page 39 of The Highlander's Alluring Spy
“I don’t—Nathair, I—”
His expression hardened, though in determination rather than anger. “Why nae?”
And then Magnolia’s hand tightened slightly, pulling his face towards hers, and she met his lips with her own once more. It was not like the library. This kiss had something to say, and though she didn’t know how to put it in words, she put it all here.
She let go of his hand, wrapping that hand around his neck, the one already on his face moving back and tangling in his strangely soft wild hair. Her fingers tightened, holding him close while her lips moved against his, desperate to send a message to him that she didn’t even understand fully herself.
Her nerves stood on end as he responded almost instantly, letting out a small growl and wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her to him. His tongue demanded access, and her lips parted readily, eager for the closeness, for the feeling of him against her.
She let out a little sigh at the warmth of his hands, his lips, and it turned into a reluctant whine as he drew back from her. But it was only to pepper impossibly light kisses down her cheek, her jaw, each featherlight touch sending spikes of heat and need she’d never known.
She wanted to give in entirely. She longed to climb into his lap right now, give herself over to him, forget everything else. She wanted to simply be a woman with new, exciting feelings for a man who wanted her, with none of the complications involved.
His mouth was on her own again, and they pressed closer to each other. She could feel his desperation, too, and it thrilled her.
But you do have responsibilities, Magnolia. Stop playing pretend.
She pulled back abruptly, and they both stared, breathing heavily. Their bodies were still close enough to feel each other’s heat, their arms even now around each other. Slowly, they stilled, and Nathair seemed to lag, resting his forehead against her own.
“I admit it, I’ve been wantin’ that again for days,” he murmured. “But I’m sorry, Magnolia. I cannae. I cannae go any further than this. I shouldnae—I cannae—”
She touched his cheek again, this time gently. “Don’t worry. No more can I,” she replied quietly.
Because she could not. She had two weeks remaining here at the castle. Even if she never found anything about any coming war–and, really, it looked increasingly likely that she would not–she would have to leave, and soon.
And even if she didn’t, what basis for a relationship was this? Any of this? He didn’t even know her real name. Whatever fantasies she had started to entertain over the last few weeks, they could never come to pass.
To her horror, she found tears in her eyes. “Are…are you going to marry Agnes?” she asked, sniffing.
He put his arms around her again, this time in a gentle embrace. “There’s naught wrong wi’ the girl, but I dinnae want to wed her. I’m nae…I shouldnae be marrying anyone. It’s the same reason I cannae go any further wi’ this. Wi’ ye.”
“Elaine’s Mother?” Magnolia guessed.
He didn’t say anything, but the wistful sigh was answer enough.
She sighed too. “I’ve…I’ve never been in love, Nathair. I do not pretend to know what complex things you feel for Catrina. But I lost my Mother, and to this day, it informs everything I do. I do not expect it… even if I was able, which I am not, I would not expect you to abandon her.”
Nathair studied her, his arms still holding her. “Ye’re a rare one, Magnolia. Me bairn is lucky to have ye, whatever it is that brought ye here.”
She said nothing, merely leaning into his chest and allowing herself to enjoy his warmth.
They sat in the embrace like that for some time, and then Magnolia spoke again. “Let me help you.”
“Oh?”
“Let me…I don’t know, come to the town with you. Help you plan how to speak to the other Lairds, and to the people. I’m sure I can help you find a solution that doesn’t require your discomfort,” Magnolia said. “I have been told I have a way with words.”
He actually chuckled. He moved back, wiping away a stray tear from her cheek with his finger. “Aye, that ye dae and no mistake,” he agreed. “A’right. Ye can help me if ye want.”
Magnolia smiled and leaned forward to kiss his bearded cheek. Then she sat back, looking up at theGhillie Dhustatue once more.
Everything she thought she knew had changed. Everything she believed was upside down. Crown and Country were still relying on her, but now Nathair needed her too. Could she do both?
I know one thing. I cannot let this infatuation transform into anything further.
But…
“Are we friends now, then?” she asked, turning back to look at him.
