Chapter 11 #3
She wanted to find and bring the truth into the light so that everyone knew it.
It was often exhausting and disheartening work that demanded long hours but rarely gave her anything in return beyond weary satisfaction.
She’d never make a lot of money, and because she was brown skinned, she probably would never become a big name journalist, but she didn’t care.
None of that mattered to her; she’d never once been tempted to change careers and do something easier.
Until I came here and met Darro.
She didn’t want to think about the chieftain and how he was starting to get in the way of her path.
She’d end up being the one who was terrified.
To distract herself she dragged the nearly empty tub into the privy to dump the last of her bathing water into the waste shaft, and then looked down at her front.
She’d splashed herself a few times, and now the shift clung to her in places looking almost transparent.
Her breasts still remained swollen and hard from being pressed against Darro’s chest. Her dark nipples had become so engorged she wondered if they wanted to pop off her breasts.
She imagined his big hands covering them, caressing them, easing the awful aching that was about to drive her crazy.
“It doesn’t matter,” she muttered as she dropped the tub on the floor and closed the lid of the privy.
“He isn’t coming anyway.” She sat down on the lid and covered her face with her hands.
Was she crying? Why would she cry over him being smart?
Fear spell or not, he was always going to be the strong one.
She was falling in love with Darro McKeran and she had absolutely no idea how to handle it.
The sound of someone coming into the room startled her, and Esme listened as they closed the door and dropped the bar.
The heavy footsteps told her it wasn’t Elspeth, and that made her swallow against the sudden tightness in her throat.
Darro wasn’t staying away tonight. He’d come to keep the promise he’d made to her with that kiss.
All she had to do was go out there and he would be there.
He would be hers. She could have what she wanted right now. It was all she could think of anyway.
But what if they’re wrong, and I can leave? If he’s mine, can I take him with me? Would he want to go and live with me in a world he doesn’t understand, away from his brothers and everyone he cares about? Could she really be that selfish?
“Esme,” he called, his voice as soft and gentle as a caress, making her shiver. “Come out here, lass.”
Slowly she walked into the bedroom to see her chieftain standing by the barred door.
He had changed into a white linen shirt that hung open to his waist, exposing part of the muscled wall of his chest. His long hair looked darker; still wet from being washed.
Even from where she stood she could smell his wonderful scent.
His hands looked gigantic for some reason.
She wanted to see them on her body; she wanted to suck on his fingers.
She wanted to bite that dent in his lower lip and then soothe it with her tongue.
Already a climax was starting to build inside her, and he hadn’t even touched her yet.
His lack of expression didn’t fool her; she could see all that smoldering intensity darkening his eyes. He was just as tied up in knots as she was. Why was he just standing there? He had to see she was his, even now, on the other side of the room.
“Are you scared?” she asked. When he nodded she gave him a sad smile. “So am I, but not of you. I was made for you, mi vida. Just let me show you tonight, okay? You can’t hurt me. I promise.”
Darro’s gaze locked with hers. “You’re fearless, I ken. ’Tis yet another part of you that makes you so beautiful, your courage.”
“I’m still afraid of this place. Your world.
Your time, too.” Admitting why might ruin everything and end this before they got started, but she had to be honest. “We have to settle this upfront before we do anything we can’t take back.
Whatever happens between us, I won’t stay here, Chief.
I’m not like the other girls from my time.
I don’t want to be part of your clan, even for you.
If there’s any chance at all I can return to my world, I’m going. Are you okay with that?”
“Aye.” He walked toward her. “If ’twill help, ’tis the same for me.
When you leave, I shall stay with my brother and help him rule.
I owe him my loyalty, and that, ’twillnae change for the rest of our lives.
I’m his strong right arm. As such, no matter how much I may wish I could, I cannae go with you. ”
“So we’re clear on going and staying. I’m glad.” She let out a long breath. As he came to her, she looked up at him. “Thank you for coming to me, mi vida. I didn’t think you’d show up tonight. I was planning to break into the garrison hall to find you.”
Darro could have touched her anywhere and Esme would have shrieked with delight. When he took hold of her hand and lifted it to his lips, she had to swallow a sob. Then the fire in the hearth flared out toward them, reminding her of his mortal weakness.
“I’m sorry, I’ll put it out,” she said.
“Dinnae bother. Come up to the solar with me.” He pressed her hand over his heart. “I wish to talk with you under the stars.”
Talk? That’s all he wanted to do? Esme wanted to hit him again, but then thought of the quiet beauty of the solar. Maybe the change of atmosphere would help.