Page 34 of Beguiled By the Highlander
She didn’t tell him her moon time was due in two days, which would wash out his seed before any consequences could arise. Or that she knew full well how to regulate her menses even during her fertile phases.
That was women’s knowledge, and besides, there was no need. He’d taken it upon himself to protect her, and even though she wished his honor had not been quite so immovable,she couldn’t deny his strength of will left her breathless with admiration.
“Only a man of honor would take such care.” She brushed a soft kiss across his lips. “When ye return to Eigg, there’ll be no need to hold back.”
“Aye. I pray ye’re right, Isolde.” Then he sighed heavily. “I don’t want ye to leave, but we cannot risk ye being found here.”
She slumped against him. He was right, but the last thing she wanted to do was leave.
With clear reluctance he untangled himself from her and gathered her clothes. She pulled on her shift and shivered as the cold linen slithered over her skin, and Njord wrapped her shawl around her before pulling her into a rough hug.
He walked with her to the door and peered outside into the gloom before turning to her. “No one is around. Dream of me until dawn, Isolde.”
Chapter Eleven
The following morningit was hard for Isolde to keep the besotted smile from her face. Thankfully, her sisters had still been asleep when she’d returned to their chamber, but after she had slid into bed beside Roisin, slumber had eluded her.
Doubtless she would pay for her lack of sleep later, but today was Njord’s last day before he left Eigg, and she intended to spend the entire time with him.
“Ye don’t look too sad that Njord is leaving on the morrow.” Roisin gave her a concerned glance as they dressed in front of the fire in their chamber.
“Ye don’t look sad atall.” Freyja raised her eyebrows, and while Isolde didn’t especially want to keep the wondrous hour she had spent in Njord’s arms from them, it was something she would share once he had sailed.
But for now, it was a magical secret she hugged close to her heart.
“He’s determined to discover his past,” she said, scrutinizing her boots so she didn’t have to look at her sister. She had the feeling that, if she wasn’t careful, Freyja might very well guess what she’d been doing earlier this morn. “But he’s grown fond of Eigg, and I’m certain he could be happy living here, should he wish.”
And after what they’d shared, she was more than certain he’d be happy to remain on Eigg. Once his memories had returned.
Or even if they don’t.
“Eigg is not the only thing he’s grown fond of.” Roisin gave a dreamy sigh. “And if he decides to stay, it won’t be because he’s fallen in love with the Isle.”
It was only when Freyja gave her a keen glance that Isolde realized she was smiling like a smitten fool. It was too late to try and hide it, but she did her best by opening the door and letting the dogs in.
*
As they broketheir fast, she assiduously avoided her grandmother’s pointed glances and kept her attention on Njord.
“’Tis predicted to be a fine day,” she told him. “I shall take ye to the peak of An Sgurr, just as I promised. When ye take in the magnificent view, ye might change yer mind about leaving.”
She knew he wouldn’t. But he had promised he would return, and she believed him.
His stormy eyes were so full of heat when he caught her gaze, the warmth made her very toes curl inside her boots.
“Ye know there’s only one reason why I’m leaving.” His husky whisper caused havoc to her insides, and it took all her willpower not to slide her fingers between his. But her grandmother was already giving her wary glances, and she’d do nothing to raise her suspicions further and risk being ordered to attend to some mundane tasks within the castle, instead of spending the day with Njord.
“Aye. But if ye haven’t returned before the first sign of spring, ye can be certain I’ll gather a contingent and follow ye to the mainland.”
“I’d expect nothing less.” His amused grin fairly took her breath away. “God willing, I’ll have found my kin and have my own contingent by then.”
She was certain he would. But despite how deeply she believed in him and his word, it didn’t stop a tiny sliver of doubt in the back of her mind. If he discovered he had nothing to his name, would his pride overcome his honor, and instead of fulfilling his promise to return, would he disappear into the Highland mountains?
*
Dawn was justbreaking as they left the castle, and they made their way through the heather and bracken moorland, with Njord carrying a satchel she’d filled with a picnic. He also carried a thick blanket on his back, and once again he’d tied his black hair with a length of velvet.
It was hard to keep her eyes on the rocky track when he presented such a delectable figure by her side. But since she had no wish to fall and injure her pride, never mind break a bone, she had to be content with frequent sideways glances.
