After last night and this morning, he knew that there was much more between him and Terese than he had ever planned on. And he wasn’t about to walk away before he gave it a chance to take root and grow.
He’d be an idiot not to admit to himself that he was falling in love with Terese and had been since almost the beginning. Love had struck him and it wouldn’t let go, and he believed Terese felt the same way. However, he didn’t wish to rush her and there was the problem that Boyd had pointed out. Not a one of the women would leave Everagis, and he couldn’t stay here. He needed time to resolve these issues the best way possible.
It was easier for his men. Andrew or Evan, or anyone of the other single men could remain here if they chose to, but he had an obligation to clan and family. And then there was his brother Ronan. He and his brothers would not rest until Ronan was found.
His brow frowned with deep ridges at the thought of Ronan. He worried over what was happening to him. Had he healed? Was he being treated well? And why? Why hadn’t he been able to return home? He had so hoped to learn something from the mercenaries in the area, but so far that had proved unsuccessful, Evan being upset over not being able to pick up a trail or a scent.
“Something troubles you?” Terese asked, approaching him with an outstretched hand.
He grinned, recalling how just a few hours ago she had stood stark naked in front of him. It had pleased him to know that she didn’t feel vulnerable in front of him, but rather that she trusted him. That was good. They were good and would only get better together.
He took her hand. “Your beauty chases away any troubles.”
“Tell me,” she urged and stroked his brow. “You looked so very upset.”
“I was thinking about how upset Evan is that he can’t find even a hint of a trail to the mercenaries’ camp.”
“Perhaps they have left the area.”
He shook his head. “I don’t believe so. From what the people who have arrived here tell us, the mercenaries have claimed land and intend to stay. And as I have said, one of the clans will decide it will be better to bargain with the mercenaries, having them as friends, which will settle the matter for all.”
“And those that have lost homes?”
He kissed her softly then answered, “Will find a home here at Everagis. Your village grows, haven’t you noticed.”
She nodded slowly.
He tapped her brow. “Then why the frown?”
“I wish you to find your brother.”
“Believe me when I tell you we will. My brothers and I will not stop searching until Ronan returns home.”
“Ronan may not be the Ronan you know when he finally returns home.”
Lachlan nodded. “True enough. Cavan was not himself when he first returned, but with time and his wife’s love, he is himself again. Once Ronan is home with family he will do fine.”
“You miss your family?”
“I do,” he admitted. “They are a loving bunch. We laugh often, talk much, have our share of disagreements, may even be known to throw a punch or two on occasion, but we’re always there to help each other whenever needed. That’s why Ronan knows we look for him and will find him.”
“I’m sure he does,” Terese said.
Lachlan slowly wrapped his arms around her. “I think you and I should take a stroll to my cottage.”
“And why is that?”
“We have things to discuss.”
“What things?” she asked smiling.
“I’ll tell you when we get there.”
“I have chores to see to.”
“They can wait,” Lachlan said and whispered, “this is much more important.”
“How can you be so sure?” she asked as he held her close to his side and began walking toward his cottage.
“Because if I don’t strip you of your clothes soon and lose myself in you, I’ll go stark raving mad.”
“You would survive,” she insisted, though she continued walking with him.
“No, I would not,” he declared adamantly.
“I am not that necessary to your survival.”
He stopped a few feet from his cottage. “You’re everything to my survival, Terese, and I believe it is the same for you. Tell me you do not wish, want, need to walk through that door with me and make love. Tell me and I will let you go do your chores.”
She stared at him for a moment and when she turned to walk away, he felt his heart drop and his passion crash. But then she giggled and switched directions running straight for his cottage.
“I’ll get there before you,” she challenged.
His passion soared and he ran with the determination of a man eager to make love. He scooped her up in his arms just before she reached the door and hurried her inside, shutting the door firmly behind him and then depositing the both of them on the bed.