Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91636 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 458(@200wpm)___ 367(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“How would they know of his approach?”
She settled into a brief moment of silence before finding an answer. “His men could have been scouting the area since his capture.”
“Waiting to see if he escaped.”
“But why take Aliss, and how did he know it was Aliss he took?” Tarr asked.
“Raynor could tell us apart,” she admitted.
“How?” Tarr shook his head at the heavens. “I do not believe he could tell you apart and I could not.”
“Raynor claimed it was easy.”
“When I get my hands on him he will tell me this secret.”
A scout’s approach silenced them.
The scout was quick to inform Tarr. “Horses, they were met with horses.”
They camped for the night with no fire’s light to chase the chill and to alert no one to their presence.
Fiona sat braced against a large boulder, a blanket wrapped around her. She had worn her shirt, blouse, and a wool jacket of her father’s, which she had kept for use when riding. Still she felt the chill of the cold ground creep through her clothes and send her shivering.
She watched the activity of the camp, the men moving more quietly than she ever expected from ones so large. The horses even seemed to know silence was expected of them. Guards were being posted and men settling in for the night with orders that they ride again at first light.
Tarr approached after talking with a few men, she watched him walk, his strides long and confident. He wore his plaid with a white shirt beneath. A night wind stirred his auburn hair so that it spread like the wings of a raven, and his handsome features appealed even more for his look was intense, with a spark of fire to it. A fur was draped over his arm and she silently sighed with the thought of its warmth, though shivered at the thought of him sharing it with her.
He settled down beside her, tossing the fur over them and tucking it around her before taking her into his arms for her to rest comfortably against him.
She did not object; she welcomed his warmth and the fur, and she smiled at the stir of desire his closeness caused in her.
“Comfortable?” he asked, resting his one arm just beneath her breasts.
“Very,” she said, and snuggled into him.
“You know we will wed upon our return.”
“We will discuss it,” she said on a sigh.
“We will do well together,” he said as if all was settled.
She lifted her head to look at him. “Kiss me.”
He laughed. “You are not a shy one.”
“I like when you kiss me and you have never kissed me knowing me as Fiona.”
He looked baffled. “Have I ever kissed Aliss?”
Fiona laughed. “She would never kiss you.”
“Why?” he said as if insulted.
She moved closer to his lips as she spoke. “She does not care for you.” She ran her lips across his. “I do like the taste of you.”
He grabbed her chin. “Once we share this kiss, Fiona, you are mine forever.”
“Promise,” she whispered, her warm breath fanning his lips.
“Damn, woman, but you tempt my soul.”
She laughed, licked her lips in a slow circulating motion, then leaned in and ran her tongue over his lips in the same lusty manner.
His teeth captured her tongue in playful nips, and they were soon lost in a long lingering kiss that seemed to go on forever and ever until finally Tarr reluctantly ended it.
“Any more of this and our first coupling will be here on the cold, hard ground.”
Her green eyes blurred with passion. “A tempting thought.”
“Too tempting. Now, go to sleep before you get us both in trouble.”
She sighed like a disappointed child.
“Go to sleep,” he repeated firmly.
“I will have you,” she said with a yawn, and closed her eyes.
He smiled and hugged her. “That you will, Fiona.”
Chapter 17
Not a human sound could be heard as Tarr’s men waited silently for orders. They sat on their horses at the edge of the stream that divided Tarr’s and Raynor’s lands, prepared for whatever was necessary.
Fiona kept a steady eye on the other side, grateful for the near end of autumn, the foliage not being as dense. She watched for signs of Tarr’s return.
They had arrived at the stream a few hours after dawn, and at first it appeared as if they had followed a bogus trail. Two trails had been picked up on the other side and were being investigated when suddenly Tarr was summoned.
Fiona had wanted to go with him. She had a feeling it had something to do with her sister. Why else would he be summoned? He had insisted she remain behind and had cautioned her about following him.
He had stationed two guards on either side of her before he had left, letting her know he would not be long. But it had been too long, much too long. Something was not right; she could feel it.