To Dream of a Highlander(31)

“Aye.”

It was true. He had grown used to her incessant questions and gentle observations. She’d quizzed him on everything—from the surrounding countryside to more personal questions. He told her of Morgann and Alana, and all his kin. He did not allow her to dig any deeper, however. How could he bear the pity in her gaze as he spoke of Alice when he deserved none? Still, she surely knew more of him than any other woman he’d bedded.

Ach, back to bedding! He curled his fist and his groin tightened yet again. Was he to live in a constant state of arousal around Katelyn?

She turned to peer out over the castle wall, hands pressed to the stone. And clearly unaware of his inner turmoil. Katelyn sighed. “I confess, I dinnae enjoy being closeted away much. With the siege, I spent much time hiding behind castle walls… I…” Her voice cracked.

Finn had no choice but to jump to her rescue. He would not see her distressed. “Ye prefer to be on the other side of the wall?”

With a small smile, she nodded, gaze still attached to the horizon. “Aye. Bute is beautiful when not at war. I would give much to be there again, out on the hills or looking over the sea.”

“I am sorry.” He laid a hand over hers as it rested on the stone.

“Dinnae be. Ye rescued me remember?”

“Would that I could return ye. I would gladly take ye to the hills or to the sea.”

“I should like that. It seems I am more at ease with sleeping in the wild than in a fine bed. Alas, I dinnae make a fine noble woman.”

Sleeping in the wild? Her words reminded him of a soft body beneath fur. Of it tucked against him. He traced the curve of her breast with his gaze, breaths thickening.

“Ye make a fine noble woman, Katie,” he said roughly. Too fine.

He swallowed as she drew her hand from underneath his and turned to face him. Her eyes widened. Did she see the need flaring in him? He felt it. Like flaming logs, lust burned bright inside. The thud of his heart grew sickening while she stared on. He saw her throat work, the flutter of her pulse. Her breasts pressed against her bodice, straining the front laces and he flexed his fingers as he imagined them upon those laces, drawing them out.

Behind him, the chatter of men and footsteps sounded, snapping his attention away. Finn let his shoulders drop. Relieved? Mayhap. Disappointed? Likely. He shook his head at himself and watched as the men left the hall and returned to their stations.

“I shall take my leave,” he said brusquely, dropping his head briefly. When he raised his gaze, he saw Katelyn’s startled expression and realised he’d been too abrupt. But he had to escape. The draw of this woman was too powerful. Already he cared too much for her welfare. Before long he’d be spending his days and nights worrying for her and what then?

Nothing. For she would be in another man’s arms soon. Even if she was not to be wed, he could not care for such a lass. Better to stay alone than risk pain again.

Hastily, he descended the inner steps and pushed his way past another man, mumbling an apology as he made for the hall. He had need of ale. And quickly.

***

From her view point at the very top of the castle, Tèile let her wings drop. That had been close. Yet again. Mayhap those dreams weren’t such a good idea. She hadn’t gifted Finn with any since he met Katelyn but it seemed he still dreamed of her. Now she was fighting a battle against their desire. And in spite of Catriona’s reservations, it was clear the woman wanted Finn just as badly.

But desire was not enough. This needed to be a love match. If they indulged too quickly and at the wrong time, Tèile’s carefully crafted plans would fall apart. If she was to get fate back on the right path, she’d have to watch over these two very closely. What should have been a slow and natural courtship now blazed with need and anxiety. Catriona’s disguise did not help, nor did the impending arrival of Laird Gillean. Catriona should have met Finn on Bute as herself when he came for Katelyn, but alas, her storms had convinced the Norsemen to bring forward their invasion campaign. Curses.

Of course, she could delay the laird, but that would mean more magic and more trickery. How she hated having her hands tied, but she had learned the hard way not to meddle any more than necessary. Should she throw things out of balance yet again, she may never return to the fae world. Tèile kicked a tiny pebble from the ramparts and huffed.

This human world was too harsh, too cold for a green faery like her. All grey stone and swords and fighting. She longed to be feasting with her friends and enjoying nature. Tèile smoothed a hand across the stone and admitted to herself that there was some warmth in the human world. Alana and Morgann had taught her that. But would Finn and Catriona do the same?