To Dream of a Highlander(6)

Finn stared at the woman, retreated and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. He hadn’t expected that reaction. Christ, her ordeal had taken its toll more than he realised. He glanced at Logan, who rowed just behind him, and Logan shrugged. This was unchartered territory for them.

Finn eased himself to his feet and brushed his hands down his plaid. Just went to show how much he knew about lasses.

“How goes it?” Logan asked.

Finn turned to the dark-haired man—and his sister’s most trusted aide. “She is fatigued mostly I think. We should allow her to rest now. We still have many miles to cross.”

“This was a fool’s errand, Finn. Yer lucky ye werenae spotted and killed.”

“Ach, I’ve been told time and again I could pass for a Norseman. ‘Twas time to put such looks to use.”

“Aye, but going in on yer own... Yer sister would have had my head had ye come to harm.” Logan pulled a strong stroke, as if expelling his anger over such a thought.

“Alas none of ye have the looks of anyone but a highlander. And all is well.” He slapped a hand to Logan’s shoulder.

“’Twas a near thing, Finn, and ye know it.”

“Dinnae dwell on what could have happened, Logan. We have done well here this night.” Finn let slip a smile. Since the death of Lorna’s husband, Logan had practically taken on the role of laird, not that his sister acknowledged it. Yet he still worried for everyone under his care. Particularly Lorna.

As did they all. His headstrong sister had determinedly continued to run the keep without a man at her side. Thankfully Lorna had the wit of any man and more backbone than most, and though her husband’s brother was not a man of much character, he would protect the keep in which she resided.

Finn eyed their progress with satisfaction. The seas remained calm and no unusual weather looked to be headed in their direction. Now their only worry was the lack of light. The moon shone weakly down on them but would not provide enough light for a safe landing if they made it to the wrong part of the shore.

Finn glanced at Katelyn and noted she shook in her slumber. From cold or fear? He hesitated before coming down beside her. Something about this woman made him uncertain of himself, something he had not felt for a long time. But he refused to see a lass suffer. Dropping fully to his knees, he shuffled closer and pressed a tentative finger to her forehead. She did not awaken and her skin froze his fingertips. He stifled the uncomfortable sensation deep in his chest and flexed a hand.

Gaze averted, he moved close to Katelyn and flattened his palm against the rise of one breast. Though her skin still chilled his hand, a rising heat rushed through him. Underneath the silky skin lay the steady beat of her heart and he allowed his shoulders to relax. She needed rest, nothing more. After such an experience he should not be surprised but she’d shown such courage and determination in trying to escape him and her attacker, he had not thought she’d fall back into a swoon.

Lining himself up with her, he scooted close until her fur wrapped legs were aligned with the crook of his thighs. When he peered up, he saw Logan raise an eyebrow but the man said nothing. Finn draped an arm over the pelt and settled against the uncomfortable wood of the boat.

A mumble dropped from her lips and he lifted his head to see her eyelids flutter. She made no attempt to wriggle from his hold so he dropped his head and held her tight. Katelyn must have been very cold not to fight him on this. She’d already shown such determination. He couldn’t fight the grin of admiration spreading across his face. What a lass.

“Forgive me, my lady, ye need body warmth.”

She responded with a small sigh, one that had his gut twisting and his body responding to her once more. Ach, but he was in a precarious position. Let her freeze to death or risk frightening her further with his inappropriate behaviour.

“All will be well, lass,” he soothed. Her body relaxed further into him and his grin expanded. “We’ll have ye to safety soon, never fear. Finn mac Chaluim willnae let any harm come to ye, I swear it.”

The sound of gentle breaths somehow broke through the slosh of waves and creak of wood. He nodded with satisfaction. Aye, he must have assured her now. With luck, she’d be singing his praises to Lorna and the lassies always loved a hero.





Chapter Two

A strange squeak echoed through Catriona’s head. An ache pounded in her skull and each squeak made it worse. Why in God’s name was her bed making such a sound? She wriggled but found herself pinned, a substantial weight holding her down by her stomach. She grumbled and twisted again but to no avail. Then she became aware of a heavy puff across her neck. She stiffened.