To Dream of a Highlander(21)

“Dinnae be afeared. I’ll no’ let anything happen to ye.”

She drew up her chin. That Viking’s actions and grisly death would not defeat her. Somehow she was determined to overcome it and forget such scenes.

“I am no’ afeared,” she told Finn. His eyebrows darted up—surprised, she assumed. It emboldened her. That she shocked such an obviously worldly man made her lips twitch. “I could take the first watch if ye wish.”

Finn shook his head, barely smothering a laugh. “Nay, lass, ye just rest. We’ve men enough to deal with anything that may come our way. Ye’d do better gathering yer strength for the rest of the ride.” He paused and pinned her down with a knowing look. “Ye’ve had a trying day.”

Curse the man. How did he see so easily through her? Her false bravado lent her a sense of security yet he stripped it away with one glance. They fell silent, only the wind sighing between the valleys accompanying the pounding of her heart in her head.

Unable to bear his scrutiny any longer, Catriona grabbed her skirts and stepped toward the grass. A sharp stone jabbed her foot and she cried out as she lost her footing. Solid hands came around her waist, enclosed her in a shield of masculinity and stopped her from slipping. Her hands fell onto his forearms as she steadied herself. His skin pulsed beneath her fingertips. Coarse fair hair begged her to run her palms up and down his arms.

She stared at Finn’s arms for a moment—or mayhap longer. Time drifted and an awareness of his palms pressed above her hips seeped in, made her breathless. When she finally lifted her head, his blue eyes had darkened, his grin absent. With a sudden movement, he tugged her into him, hand splayed over the base of her spine, the other crushing her hair.

Breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples peaked.

His gaze dropped to her lips and she knew what was coming. Lips parted, she fought to draw a breath as he dipped his head. Her lids fluttered closed even while her mind told her to flee, to break from his hold.

“Damnation.”

The warmth of his body left her and she flicked open her eyes, blinking at the sight of Finn stumbling up onto the grass and falling into a sprint. When she had steadied herself, she realised one of the horses was galloping down the hill to the bottom of the valley. Something must have startled it. Taking a shaky breath, she dipped her fingers in the water and blotted it across her chest in a bid to cool her skin.

Sweet Mary, how close she had been to kissing him. What was wrong with her? She had never been interested in men. Catriona stepped out of the stream, the grass tickling her cold feet and pressed her fingers to her lips. She watched as Finn caught up with the horse and mounted her with ease. He offered her a jaunty smile and her heart leaped.

She could ill afford to fall for Finn, not when she had to keep up this ruse. Hopefully her father would find out where she was and send for her soon enough and it would all be over.

He galloped past her to where the men were setting up camp for the night and she let slip a reluctant smile. Running a hand through her tangled hair, she shook her head, willing to bet many a night she would wonder what it might have been like had Finn kissed her.

***

Smoke drifted up into the air and disappeared against the inky sky. The low murmur between the men was only punctuated by the occasional pop of wood. Tèile satisfied herself with resting between the fire and Catriona. She dare not sleep too close to the flames or an errant spark might strike her and her wings would go up in flame in no time. She shuddered. Trapped here with no wings…

If only these humans appreciated the sacrifice she was making for their happiness.

Glancing at the highlander sitting on the slight rise of a slope, she shook her head. He watched over their encampment, but Tèile saw his gaze tracking to where Catriona slept. They’d both avoided one another after that near kiss. That had been far too close. If they acted on their attraction too soon, fate would still be out of alignment. Curses. It was such a fine line. The smallest of action could throw so much out of balance—as she had learned the hard way. She hadn’t even had to consider her actions when it came to Morgann and Alana.

Thank goodness that horse responded to her request so quickly and distracted them. Tèile propped her chin on a hand. At least she’d have no problems bringing them together when the time came. When they realised their love for one another—at the right time—all would be well once more and she could return home. Finally.

***

The final day’s ride to Lorna’s keep proved to be quick and easy. The start of summer treated them to clear skies and the worn paths snaking through the valleys were dry. They made good time, only stopping briefly to rest. The gentle skim of Katelyn’s fingers on Finn’s waist, occasionally brushing the top of his thighs brought him more pleasure than it should have. And more discomfort.