“You are not angry with me?”
He understood her query. “I must admit that at first I was, but my anger was more over my own foolishness than anything else. Giving the matter more consideration, I realized the situation you all were in and the wisdom of your choice.”
She scrunched her brow. “You are so very different from the men I have known.”
“And how many men is that?” he asked, unable to hide his annoyance.
She quickly explained. “I’ve bedded no man. I compare you to family and clan members.”
His annoyance instantly evaporated. “I’m one of a kind.”
She laughed lightly. “I’m beginning to realize that.”
“But so are you, which make us the perfect pair.”
“I agree.”
Lachlan took her hand and raised it to his mouth for a kiss, but her grimace stopped him short. “I’m sorry,” he said, easing her arm down to rest their clasped hands on his lap.
“My wound is truly much better then it was,” she assured him.
They stared at each other and the sun came up around them, a brilliant ball of orange that kissed the land and their faces as they came together in their own kiss. It stole their breaths and sparked their passion. When it finished they rested their foreheads against each other, allowing their breathing to return to normal, though it would take more time for their desire to abate.
He chuckled, his forehead continuing to rest against hers. “I’m relieved you never took vows.”
“They are not meant for me,” she said, turning her head from his to tilt it back so that the morning rays could toast her face.
“What is meant for you?”
“Freedom to live my life as I wish.”
“Few people have freedom to do that,” he said.
She shrugged. “Then I will be one of the few.”
“You are obstinate.”
She smiled. “Will that hurt our friendship?”
“Nothing can hurt our friendship.”
“You never know,” she said, shaking her head.
“Then you never had a true friend.”
She stared at him, her blue eyes matching the color of the morning sky and making him think he had never known the color to be lovelier.
“Good friends,” he continued, “are there for each other through the good and bad of things. They don’t judge or condemn.”
“Promise me that?” she asked. “Promise you won’t judge or condemn me.”
“I promise,” he said without hesitation.
But she looked skeptical and again he wondered who had hurt her. He’d find out in time, for as their friendship grew so would trust.
“Will this information change your departure time?” she asked.
“It changes nothing. You are women in need of protection—” He stopped abruptly and grinned. “Maybe not as much protection as I first thought.”
She took his remark as he had intended it, as a compliment. “Thank you,” she said.
“However, there still remains a problem.”
Terese nodded. “We occupy church land and will not be allowed to remain here.”
“No wonder you lead; you have a sharp mind.”
“All the women do. I just happened to fall into the role.”
“It may seem so, but leadership was truly yours from the start as with all great leaders. They never seek it; instead it finds them,” he said.
She seemed uncomfortable with yet another compliment, and he wasn’t surprised that she chose to ignore it.
Instead she inquired, “Do you think the church will send others to replace us?”
“I would say that’s a good possibility, especially since you and the others have proved so fruitful here.”
“Our good deeds will see us homeless,” she said rather sadly.
He squeezed her hand lightly. “I will not let that happen.” It produced the smile he was hoping for. “Your smile is like the sunshine, warm and pleasant.”
“Pleasant?” she queried with a chuckle.
“Very pleasant,” he confirmed. “It defines your lovely nature.”
She stared at him as if befuddled.
He simply smiled. “I speak the truth, so accept it. You are pleasant and lovely.”
Her expression softened. “You may reclaim those words one day.”
“Never,” he insisted adamantly. “They are words spoken from my heart and will forever remain so.”
She slipped her hand out of his and gently laid it against his cheek. “Then know they are gratefully accepted and forever tucked in my heart for safekeeping.”
He placed his hand over hers that rested against his cheek. “That would mean that each of us is in the other’s heart forever.”
“A safe place to be?” she asked on a whisper.
“Very safe,” he assured her.
Their hands dropped away and their lips drifted together until they lightly touched and a heated spark jolted them. Their wide eyes acknowledged the passion that had struck them like a bolt of lightning, and they both knew without a sliver of doubt, that soon, very soon, they would surrender to it.
Chapter 11
Terese sat under a tree, her back braced against the thick trunk and its fallen leaves beneath providing a comfortable cushion. It had been hours since she and Lachlan had talked, with him leaving her at the bottom of the small hill to see to his men and her to rest as he had gently, but firmly suggested.
She had offered what help she could reasonably give to each woman and one after the other they had turned her away, insisting she rest, and so she did what everyone had advised.
She had chosen a place beneath a large oak tree, for it gave her a generous view of the convent, though it actually didn’t—it never resembled a convent and now it looked even less like one. Everagis appeared more like a pregnant land laboring to give birth to a village and the thought made her smile.
There was camaraderie among the inhabitants that filled the air, and smiles that couldn’t be denied. Everyone seemed genuinely content. And the men had wasted no time in pursuing the women.
Terese noticed immediately how Piper and Evan talked more freely and huddled hunched down on the ground, Piper drawing in the dirt with a stick and Evan eagerly nodding. Hester was pleasant to the men who approached her, but appeared not interested in a one of them and made that clear.
And Megan? Terese knew she would let no man near her and felt sorry for Andrew, who seemed truly interested in her. He didn’t push or demand; he simply would approach with a question. Unfortunately, it appeared it was one that she could easily answer with either a nod or a shake and with nothing more left to be said he’d walk away. But he would return, do the same and walk away again, but not once did he give up. He kept going back.
Terese wondered if perhaps he would wear Megan down, and she would eventually see Andrew for who he was…a man willing to patiently wait for her.
She felt a stab of guilt. Here she was hoping Megan would see Andrew for who he truly was while she hid who she was from Lachlan. Her guilt quickly turned to sorrow for she realized that Lachlan was attracted to Terese, not Alyce.
And how would he feel when he discovered she played at yet another ruse, one that could damage more deeply than the other two?
He had promised her he would never judge or condemn her, but then that promise had been made to Terese, not Alyce. She shook her head. She didn’t even know who she was anymore. She had been living so long as Terese she almost believed Alyce dead. But then it was as if Alyce would awaken and break free. Sometimes she would be happy to be reunited with her, for she knew that her sharp-tongued nature was needed, especially in difficult situations. And then she would slumber once more.
Terese had to keep things in perspective. This friendship and attraction to Lachlan could go no further than that. She had to keep reminding herself that he would be leaving, and that he must leave when the time came, and she must go on as Terese.
&n
bsp; The thought of his eventual departure left a solid ache in her stomach, but that couldn’t be helped. She already knew that her friendship with Lachlan had been growing deeper by the day, and she didn’t want to jeopardize what was or would be between them.
Hester’s wave and approach drew Terese out of her musings and she soon joined Terese, the basket on her arm revealing a bounty of food for them both.
“Rowena says eat then rest,” Hester said, spreading out a white linen cloth to place the food upon.
“All goes well?” Terese asked, realizing just how hungry she was upon smelling the delicious fare.
“Lachlan is true to his word. His men behave,” Hester said, pouring them each a tankard of freshly brewed cider.
“You fancy not a one of them?” Terese asked with a smile.
Hester didn’t smile, she was blunt. “I want no man. I’m happy as I am.”
“Piper seems busy with Evan,” Terese said.
That brought a smile to Hester. “Those two are alike, both loving the woods. She even confided to him that the woods had birthed her and was her mother.”
“What did Evan say to that?”
“I was impressed with his response,” Hester said. “He told Piper that her mother had taught her wisely, and he would like to learn what she knew.”
“Evan’s a good man, don’t you think?” Terese asked.
“Is he a good man for Piper is what you’re asking?”
“Piper deserves someone good, if that’s what she chooses,” Terese said. “And he does share her love of the woods.”
“It wouldn’t work,” Hester said. “Evan wouldn’t leave the Sinclare clan and make his home here and Piper will not leave.”
“I suppose that would be a true test of things,” Terese said.
“And what of you?” Hester asked and shook her head when Terese appeared to protest. “Don’t deny it. I and the others have seen the way you and Lachlan have been meeting on the hill in the morning, how he keeps you company while planting, and most of all how you look at each other.”
“And how is that?”
“With a desperate longing,” Hester said with a merry glint.
“It’s that obvious?”
“Only to those who know you,” Hester assured her.
Terese sighed. “I had resigned myself to never knowing a man…then Lachlan came along and I began to wonder.”
“I wonder if it would not be better for the warriors to leave,” Hester suggested with reluctance. “It seems the longer they remain here, the more they learn. And that could prove dangerous for you.”
“Lachlan has informed me that he has no intentions of leaving.”
“Then be careful,” Hester warned. “You don’t want to lose more than you’re willing to give.”
“I will give sparingly.”
“But will your heart?” Hester asked.
The men kept busy building extra shelters, having generously given the first one finished to the Moore family. Beatrice and Harry were thrilled and their parents grateful. Soon George and Gelda had prepared a patch of land for a garden and were planting seeds the women had given them.
Lachlan had set the men to erecting a small cottage a good distance away from the others and from the common house. It would be for him and he hoped Terese. He had never failed to charm a woman into his bed, but this was different. He couldn’t even say for sure how it was different; he only knew how it felt.
With other women, they didn’t matter to him beyond the bed. With Terese, she seemed to matter to him all the time. He had never felt so relieved when she had confessed that she was not a nun. He had been having nightmares about burning in the fires of hell, the flames scorching then devouring his flesh, yet his wicked thoughts refused to leave him alone.
With no further worry over that prospect he was free to pursue Terese, but it wasn’t only his bed he wished to get her in. No, he wanted more from her, but again just what that more was he wasn’t sure.
He did want to learn more about her, where she was from, about her family and who in the past had hurt her so badly. He liked that conversation never failed between them. They always found something to discuss or debate.
Most of all, he liked the way she kissed. She hadn’t shied away from him; she was as eager as he. And she freely admitted that he tasted good. He thought about that moment often since it had happened two days ago. Unfortunately, he had little chance to spend with Terese since. When he was free she was resting, when she was free he was busy with his men.
It seemed everyone was busy. Everagis was growing with the help of him and his men, and he was beginning to wonder if there was some way he could make certain the women remained in the home they had forged with their own hands. He would give it thought and see what he could do.
“Can I interest you in a walk?”
Lachlan spun around with a smile and as soon as he saw Terese with a glow to her cheeks and her honey blond hair secured in a braid, he knew she was well.
He crooked his arm for her to take and she did with a smile and without difficulty.
“You’re feeling much better?” he asked as they began their stroll around the convent.
“It still pains me at times,” Terese said, “but Rowena was quick to show me how well the wound was healing between bandage changes, though cautioned against too strenuous work.”
“Then what are your plans for today?” he asked, ready to suggest something that would involve just the two of them.
“I thought to take a walk in the woods and gather branches to make baskets. We have need for more and”—she said with a teasing grin—“I need help.”
“I’m at your service.” He gave a quick bow of his head.
She hugged his arm. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
He leaned close. “And I was hoping you’d ask.”
They walked away arm in arm smiling, oblivious to the curious stares and smiles that followed them off the convent grounds. They didn’t go deep into the woods and were quick to hold hands rather than remain locked arm in arm. It made it easier to walk the uneven terrain and make their way around large rocks and fallen trees.
“Your hand feels good in mine,” she said. “I like the feel of you.”
Lachlan enjoyed her candid proclamations; they stirred his blood. But then he didn’t need much stirring when he was near her. Her closeness alone could spark his passion for her.
“I like your bluntness,” he said emphatically.
She stopped, though her hand remained firm in his. “Bluntness is not an attribute.”
He rested his other hand lightly on the curve of her waist and eased closer so that their garments brushed. “It is with you.”
She laughed. “Again you would be alone in your assumption.”
He gently squeezed her waist, lingering in the feel of her tender curve. “Whose tongue has wounded you so badly?”
“It matters not,” she said.
When she attempted to walk away, he stayed her with a slight pressure of his hand. “He matters to me.”
Her eyes turned sad for a moment and then brightened. “I forget you are my champion.”
“I didn’t forget, and I never will,” he said firmly and released her hand to hug her waist and draw her close. “I’ve been aching to kiss you.”
“Then what are you waiting for?” she asked and melted against him.
He claimed her mouth like a starving lover, while their bodies entwined in a hungry embrace. It was as if they had waited years to come together and now they could not get enough.
Their kiss exploded with passion and their hands roamed tentatively, eager but unsure. It was Terese who took the first step and slipped her hand inside his shirt to splay her hand over his chest. At that moment Lachlan felt branded, forever marked by her and oddly enough he relished the thought.
She spread his shirt open and her hand roamed his naked chest at will, he hoping she would travel down further and further. His lips drifte
d off her mouth to impatiently explore along her neck, sweet and soft and ever so intoxicating.
She took hold of his face and forced his mouth to hers once again, hungrier than she was before, but then his appetite was just as ravenous.
When breath was needed she rested her cheek to his and whispered, “I need you. I have never known such a need.”
Lachlan near growled with desire and the thought that she had never known a man, that he would be the first to touch her, to teach her, only made his passion more potent.
But the woods and hard ground was no place for her first time. He wanted it special for her, for them to always remember.
He eased away, taking hold of her hands and the ravenous desire that had turned her sky blue eyes stormy almost made him change his mind.
“Not here, not now,” he said softly.
“Why not?” she asked anxiously.
“You deserve more.”
“I have more.” She gripped his shirt. “I have you.”
“And so you shall,” he promised with a kiss. “You shall have me all night and wake in my arms in the morning.”
“Why must we wait?” she asked annoyed.
“Why must we hurry?”
“Your time here is short,” she said on a sigh. “I wish to make the most of it.”
He pressed a gentle finger to her lips. “There is no time when it comes to us. There is only now.”
He kissed her again and they lingered in it, nibbling and nipping, but this time not touching for he had taken hold of her hands and held them tight, knowing if he let her touch him, he would surrender.
Chapter 12
Terese spent the afternoon trying to make baskets with Megan, but she snapped more branches than she bent into shape. Finally, Megan shoved her aside and ordered her not to touch another branch.
“We’ll soon have no branches left and only one basket has been made.”
Terese apologized. “I’m sorry.” She plopped down in the chair at the table where Megan worked. Sun filtered through the open door and the wooden shutters had been thrown open to allow for even more light. The small cottage was used mostly by Megan who cherished her solitude more than the others. She made baskets, wreaths, worked on the loom, and spun fine wool for their clothing.
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