Page 103 of Wedded to the Devilish Highlander
Archer cupped her cheeks in both hands and pulled her face to his. The kiss started as a gentle peck on the lips, then blossomed as their tongues met, vying for dominance. He pushed hers back into her mouth and lapped at it as their lips clung to each other.
His hand slid down her back to her rear, cupping a cheek. She braced both hands on his chest, squeezing his muscles. She licked at his tongue, remembering the moment he had emerged from the darkness to save her life.
She kissed him with the passion of someone who’d been led to death and stared it in the face, and with the familiarity of someone who’d been with their partner for a decade.
Her confidence swelled.
Nay one kisses someone like this if there’s nay feelin’ behind it!
It wasn’t only her confidence that rose. Passion flowed. Desire. Love?
Did she love him? Had her feelings grown into love in such a short period?
She didn’t know, but if given time, she knew they would. It filled her up. She had to tell him, and she needed to know how he felt about her before it was too late.
They broke apart, Archer still cradling her face. He held her in place, gazing at her like no man had before. She stared back into his eyes fiercely, seeing her world in them.
It was the moment she knew for sure that she wouldn’t go home with Reid. She would make sure that he was well enough, and she would see him out, but she couldn’t leave, not now.
“Archer,” she started slowly. “I need to?—”
“Me Laird,” Calum called as he emerged from the trees. “There ye are. I’m sorry to disturb ye, but ye have a visitor. Ye’re needed immediately.”
30
Archer and Eileen walked back to the castle side by side after Calum had gone ahead to announce that they were on their way.
“I feared it was O’Gunn,” Eileen admitted.
“Nay, he willnae set foot in me lands for a long time, especially nae when he has nothin’ to offer. I’ll expect correspondence in time, but only to inform the clans that he’s nay longer in charge.”
“Aye,” she breathed.
“Are ye feelin’ well?” Archer asked. “Ye’re holdin’ me hand tighter than usual, and ye look a wee bit pale.”
“Aye, I’m fine,” she replied. “It’s just been a lot to deal with, and it’s all affectin’ me.”
“Aye, it has been a lot, but I’m glad to have gone through it with ye.”
They crossed the courtyard and stepped into the keep, heading for the council chambers. With the recent removal of two council members, they needed to find replacements.
Eileen slowed down as they approached the chambers and stopped in the doorway when she spotted their visitor—her brother.
Thomas Kilmartin rose from the chair beside Reid. Eileen smiled broadly as he approached Archer first.
“Laird MacLennan, it’s a pleasure to see ye. We have a lot to talk about, and a lot to thank ye for.”
Archer shook the man’s hand firmly. “We’re glad to have ye here, Laird McFair. Ye’re welcome to stay in me castle for as long as ye like. Is it just yerself or has Lady McFair made the journey with ye?”
“Thank ye,” Thomas said. "Nay, me wife isnae here. Our castle is a busy one, and she’s needed there. ’Tis nae a place or time for her to be travelin’ up here after what happened to Reid. We cannae be too careful." He turned to Eileen, and his smile grew wider. “Sister, it’s great to see ye again. How are ye doin’?”
“All the better for seein’ ye,” Eileen replied.
Thomas stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. He stroked the top of her head before letting her go.
“Ye’ve been through a lot, from the little Reid has told me,” he murmured.
“Well, ye ken how he is,” Eileen scoffed. “Ye cannae believe half the things he says.”
