“And he followed you here?” Alainn questioned, feeling the other woman’s pain.
“No, he says it was by sheer coincidence that he came to Castle O’Rorke, for I wasn’t to be living at Castle O’Rorke. He had no notion I would be here when he came looking for employment, and he still thinks it was coincidence. I think it was our destiny!
But, now, he seems to believe it’s an impossible consideration to think we could ever have any future together and unwise for us to be thinking about it, and I say to hell with that. If my husband can lust for you and sate his lust with spending time with most every woman he sees, then I think I shall find some happiness where I am able. But now, all Connor talks about is you, and your common interest of painting, and your love of horses and on and on and on. And he has even risked his own life to save yours. So, clearly, he is falling for you as well as every other man who is in your presence. There’s already your husband’s captain and his son, Pierce, not to mention that soldier who is now at our castle, and Riley. My God, do you bewitch every man you meet just to see if you’re able?”
“I bewitch no one, Mary. I swear to you on my very life, I truly have never bewitched anyone by use of my powers or otherwise. And the only man I ever want to desire me is Killian.”
“So you say, but that does little to calm my fears or keep me appeased.”
“What can I do to appease you then, Mary; what might I do to make amends for I want no quarrel with you. I want only for our friendship to be renewed.”
“That is surely not possible, Alainn, for what I want is never to see you again. I want you gone from my life entirely!”
Alainn felt the color drain from her face and she slowly lowered herself to the steps as she softly whispered to herself. “You want me dead!”
“I didna say that.”
“But you thought it; I heard the words as clearly in my mind as if you’d spoken them aloud to me. You wished I had died those months ago.”
Mary looked up to see Killian approaching and Alainn sensed her anger and her rage turn into a deep and profound sadness, for she was aware she had loved her like a sister, but now saw no solution to the impasse.
“I didna say that!” She repeated, but her words fell on deaf ears.
Alainn was overwhelmed with deep melancholia. She wanted to be gone from this moment and without further thought she disappeared before the disbelieving eyes of the other woman and the worried eyes of her husband.
“Christ, Mary, what did you say to her?”
“It was not what I said, but what I thought. I can scarcely control what I think and it is not as if I actually wanted her to hear my thoughts!”
“I know, it’s not an easy feat bein’ a friend or a husband to someone who can hear your thoughts, especially when you’re in the middle of a disagreement, and thankfully she can only hear my thoughts on rare occasions. But tell me then, what were your thoughts; what did Alainn hear?”
The young dark-haired woman hung her head in shame despite her fury, and whispered. “I wished her dead! I wished she’d died from the poison back at Castle O’Brien.”
“Christ, Mary, you didn’t! I think it best you leave immediately, before I say somethin’ I’ll regret, and I think it’s a damn good thing you can’t hear my thoughts at the moment!”
As the woman mounted her horse and galloped off, Killian looked up at the blackened sky and heard the roar of the thunder overhead. Before he’d made it to the top of the castle’s steps the sky opened up and he knew Mary O’Brien would have a most unpleasant ride back to Castle O’Rorke. He also knew without question who was responsible for the sudden bout of unfavorable weather.
Chapter Thirteen
When Killian didn’t find Alainn in the chamber with the injured Scot, he presumed she must have gone to their bedchamber. Their chambers consisted of many adjoining rooms and when he heard the sounds of items being smashed against the wall of her dressing room, he’d most certainly discovered her location. He slowly opened the door and cautiously stuck his head in to witness several different objects being hurled through the air magically. If any of them ventured anywhere near his location they came to an abrupt halt mere inches from him and he was thankful of the fact he was not affected by her magic. As the pitcher and basin on the stand before her smashed against the wall into perhaps a hundred pieces or more, he looked at her and saw the fury in her blazing eyes.
Killian O’Brien knew his wife well and once, when they were children, she had confided in him. She had admitted when she was saddened and distraught beyond what she felt she could endure, she would force herself to turn the sadness into anger for that was an emotion she could manage with her magical abilities. He recognized the sadness that still lay somewhere deep within her lovely blue eyes, but the rage overruled the melancholia at the moment.
He stood there, saying nothing for several moments, just watching the many items being tossed and hurled and smashed against the stone walls, only to be lifted up once more and smashed until there were only the tiniest of shards left. He noticed the pretty turquoise combs he had once given her remained on the dressing table as well as the brush that had once been his mother’s treasured possession. Obviously, even in her furious state, she held those articles dear to her and would not risk their destruction by way of her powers.
He saw the fire roared wildly in the hearth and he heard the thunderclaps remained close overhead. The flashes of lightning lit up the angry, dark sky, and he finally dared to speak when he thought she seemed to be tiring after pitching her great fit.
“’Tis hopeful I am that Mary made it home safe without bein’ struck by lightning.”
She threw him a furious glance and picked up a fragment of glass in her hand and aimed it at him. He ducked and lunged at her and grabbed her in his arms.
“Are you tryin’ to injure me because you’re displeased with your wee Scottish friend?”
“She is not my friend, nor shall she ever be considered my friend again!”
“That would be a pity, Alainn, for I know the two of you seemed as close as two women can be.”
“Aye, well there’s naught to be done about it, for I’ll not grovel or apologize when I have wronged her in no way!”
He noticed she still shook with the anger and emotion she felt, and she pulled from his arms and he saw the wooden stand thrown against the wall as well, and it, too, smashed. The brush and her combs gently sailed to her hand and she tucked them in the pocket of her gown.
“We’ll soon have no furniture left if you continue you with your wee tantrum.”
“Don’t mock me, Killian O’Brien. If I was a man I would surely be issuing a challenge or beheading her. I am not a damnable man, thank the lord!”
“Oh, so now I’m to be the brunt of your rage, then? And how is it I have earned that great honor?” He jested and taunted her further as she glowered at him.
“If you weren’t so damn handsome and so entirely appealing to me, I might wish the entire male gender in this whole county to become emasculated or at the very least impotent for a long while!”
“That might be a bit rash, at that.” His expression had become serious as he approached her again. “You must tell me what has happened, Alainn? I know somehow it involves Riley and Connor MacLain, but what exactly has transpired that has Mary so damn fashed? Is she involved with the Scot in an unacceptable fashion?”
“They’re not lovers if that’s what you’re questioning. But, I believe it may only be a matter of time,” she admitted honestly.
“Christ, Riley would kill her, the both of them I’m sure, and now that the man can hardly hold a sword, it would not be a fair match.”
“Aye, well, he’d surely have him hanged if he suspects they’ve been together.”
“Aye, he might! But why is she so angered at you?”
“She thinks the man is attracted to me, and I think she’s lost her ability to see reason entirely, for I’ve never noticed a hint of anything but friendship
and courteousness from Connor MacLain.”
“So he’s never attempted anythin’ of a carnal nature with you?”
“Never, Killian, I swear it to you.”
“And what of Riley?”
Alainn glanced at him with uncertainty in her eyes, unclear how to answer and exactly what question he was posing to her.
“What of Riley?” she spoke the same question he had issued her.
“Does she think you have been with him?”
“Are you asking me if she believes I have shared a bed with her husband?”
“Aye, I suppose that’s what I’m asking.”
She swallowed hard and avoided his eyes.
“No, she knows we have never shared a bed, of course she knows that.”
“But she knows it’s not because he doesn’t desire it to be so?”
Alainn’s face revealed her complete disbelief in learning that Killian seemed aware that Riley had feelings for her. She nodded, but did not speak.
“I am not a stupid man, Alainn, nor unintuitive. I would have to be entirely daft to not know Riley has burned for you for some time. And I don’t pretend to like it, but I can hardly flay him for it, when I have felt such a deep yearning for you for nearly half my life. And as long as he never acts upon his desires, never attempts anything dishonorable or inappropriate toward you, he won’t find my sword through his heart, but should he ever...”
“He won’t!” Alainn assured him.
“So, he has spoken to you of these feelings he has for you?”
“Aye, once a long while ago, but he has never ever been anything but proper with me, Killian.”
“Aye, because he knows I’d kill him without a second’s hesitation.’
“And because he loves you well and he has a deep respect for you, too, Killian. You are like a brother to him.”
“But he cannot conceal the fact he is displeased that you and I are happy together. I sense his obvious discontent.”
“I sense it as well, and I held such hope that he and Mary would be happy together, now it sounds as if their marriage is anything but happy and, in truth, I think it is in a shambles. I am fearful for her should she act upon her feelings toward Connor. I think Connor attempts to keep his desires in check, but sure it will only be a matter of time, should Mary continue to pursue him. That is the reason why I thought it best he remain here so the opportunity will be less likely that they become close.”
“Aye, sure you’re correct in tryin’ to keep them apart, but ’tis unlikely it’ll be managed if they truly long for it. She should not be entertainin’ notions of goin’ to another man’s bed when she has vowed to stay true to her husband.”
Alainn seemed displeased with his opinion and of course was not able to keep her thoughts to herself.
“And he can take perhaps a hundred women to his bed, fornicate with the servants, the peasants and any number of whores and that is simply acceptable because he is a man. And she wants to take one lover, a man she truly has deep feelings for, and that is considered wrong?”
“’Tis adultery no matter what the circumstance; and I’m not sayin’ what Riley does isn’t wrong, but ’tis mostly accepted.”
“Not by me!”
“Then ’tis most fortunate he is not your husband!”
“Aye, extremely fortunate for he would most certainly find himself dead with his ballocks ripped from his body.”
The complete fury and anger on her face had returned and the many broken pieces of wood and glass began to swirl through the air again.
“Calm you down, Alainn, for your temper cannot be good for you or for our son!”
“How am I to calm down when I feel so entirely angry, hurt, and displeased I should like to commit murder?”
“I can maybe think of a way to calm you, Lainna!” he whispered in her ear as he pulled back her hair and began kissing her neck.
“I’ve no desire to do any such thing, Killian O’Brien! I am furious and having you bed me’ is not what I need.”
“Oh, I think a proper beddin’ might be just what you need!”
“Then think again!” She pulled away from him, but he quickly pulled her back to him and placed his lips on hers in a thorough kiss.
Her blood hummed as hot as her temper at the moment, but she refused to be persuaded.
“I must go see to Connor’s condition!” She reasoned as he pulled her to him yet again.
“Aye, well, firstly you must see to your husband’s condition and he to yours.”
“I have no condition, I assure you!” She hissed as his strong hands caressed her breasts over her frock.
“Oh, I beg to differ, Lainna!” he whispered as his warm hands slipped beneath her chemise and her nipples peaked. He skillfully untied her fastenings and soon her breasts were bared and his mouth upon them each in turn.
“You are a damn barbarian!” She seethed and then gasped as her body responded unquestionably.
Her hands held tight to his thick, dark brown hair and he looked up at her with his passion-filled emerald eyes and her heart soared with love and with longing. He carried her to the settee and gently laid her down. He lifted her skirts and she felt his hands upon her, caressing her long smooth legs, touching all of her. She moaned in appreciation of his actions, and her temper finally gave away entirely to passion. She felt his hot kisses on her legs, on her inner thighs and then she arched her body as his mouth touched upon her in a most intimate and pleasurable manner.
“Killian, you must not continue, not when I am so well into my term,” she whispered in ragged breaths.
“Is it unsafe for the child?” he briefly terminated his present actions and questioned.
“No, there is no risk to the babe,” she shook her head.
“Uncomfortable, unacceptable, or unpleasant for you, is it?” he said with an arched eyebrow as his hand gently found her womanhood and continued pleasuring her.
“No, not any of those,” She gasped loudly with no hope and no desire to dissuade him.
Once more she felt his mouth upon her and she writhed to meet his every movement. She moaned and panted with the intensity of the gratification she was feeling, and when she felt the overpowering ripples of dizzying sensations flowing from her sex to every other part of body and her entire being, she called out his name.
“Killian, My God, Killian! You create a fire within me that will never be tamed or quenched completely. I need you within me now; I need you to fill me entirely! You must take me now!”
Her trembling hands assisted him with the fastenings on his trews and she smiled at him sensually as she removed his impressive manhood and fondled it with great need. And when he entered her and their eyes met, she felt every ounce of anger and tension and unhappiness leave her for he had done as he’d promised, bedded her properly and taken away her temper, and filled her only with love and lust and completeness.
“You needn’t look so completely smug about it!”
“Needn’t I?” he whispered, the smile evident in his alluring eyes as well as on his full, sensual lips.
They lay together on the settee his long legs sprawled uncomfortably over the end of the narrow piece of furniture. His hands still caressed her breasts and he was compelled to ask her what was on his mind.
“Do they contain milk even now, or is that only formed after the child is born? They’ve grown and blossomed in a lovely manner, but I know they are tender now.”
“It only comes later after the babe is born and, aye, they are tender, but I adore your touch, Killian. You always know exactly how to touch me and to treat me, during lovemaking and in all aspects of our lives. And I thank you for that! And I thank God for you and what we share, for I have come to know how rare a love it is we share!”
“And I know what a treasure I have in you, Lainna, and I also recognize our love is uncommon. How horrid it must be to have an unrequited love!”
“I do believe Mary loves Riley, but the love diminishes with each wrong
doing he commits, each woman he takes to his bed, and each harsh and unkind word he speaks to her. I know it is wrong, but I cannot fault her if she finds comfort or pleasure in another man’s arms.”
“You know I can’t condone that, Alainn. I understand it but, even still, I cannot condone it. And she’ll be in grave danger if Riley suspects anything goin’ on between her and the Scot.”
She had no time to respond to his comment for they heard a knock upon the door. She glanced down at the many broken and shattered objects on the floor and closed her eyes tightly. Within seconds the entire lot of the items was restored to its original state.
“My God, your powers have grown even without using them so frequently!”
“Aye!” she agreed with a mixture of delight and despair for a part of Alainn feared using her powers while another part of her reveled in it. He also knew there was something about her powers she felt compelled to conceal from him. That troubled him more than he cared to admit, but he did not push her on speaking on the issue.
As he stood and donned his trews and fastened the ties, he smiled down at her, victoriously, and she beamed back at him despite herself. She straightened her skirts and he looked at her breasts still uncovered. He placed a soft kiss on each one as another knock came to the door. He assisted her with the fastenings and then retrieved his sword from where he’d laid it on the floor.
“You may enter!” he finally called out.
They were both startled to find a thoroughly soaked, bedraggled and woeful looking Mary O’Brien standing at the door. The tears flowed down her cheeks as readily as the water from the recent rainfall pooled on the floor from her drenched skirts. She shivered and shook and sobbed, all in earnest.
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