Page 54 of Highlander’s Hope

He stopped first this time, but he didn’t let her go. Instead, he pressed his forehead against hers and breathed.

“If I don’t stop now,” he rasped, “I’ll never want to stop, Marjorie.”

Then dinna, she wanted to say. But her shields went up again, cooling her senses. Oh, she wanted to smash them and let them burst into shards like a cup made of glass.

But those shields had protected her against any pain without fail for twelve years. And she couldn’t imagine living with her heart so exposed and vulnerable. Because no matter how much she wished for him to stay, he wouldn’t.

“Aye, ‘tis best,” she said and stepped back. He eyed her, his gaze intense and heavy. “Good night, Konnor.”

That night, there were no nightmares of danger chasing her and a dark, strong man entrapping her. No. She dreamed of hot, gentle lips, and big arms that protected her, and of a happy, married life that she’d never have.

The next day, Konnor looked much better. He still limped, but he said exercise was good for his leg. They trained until midday meal, after which he went to help hammer in the sharp spikes on the northern wall. Something about being in his proximity made the sun shine brighter, and the air fresher. It filled her belly with a strange feeling, like a flock of starlings launching into the sky.

Later that night, when they walked towards the tower together, dark thoughts came into her mind. When would the MacDougalls attack? Would Konnor survive? She’d need to keep an eye on him during the battle. If he did survive, if they won, how soon would he leave her?

Sooner or later, he would. Cold crept into her body and prickled through her limbs. What did she expect? He’d never promised to stay with her forever. He had a life back there, in the future. His mother needed him. And she had to stay here. She had her people to think of. But she’d be lonely. She’d think of him every day.

Warm summer rain drizzled over the castle, and the scent of wet, lush earth hung in the air. The courtyard was dark, save for a few torches on the walls. The distant hum of voices came from the great hall, where people were still having dinner.

“Why were ye never marrit?” she said.

Konnor stopped in his tracks and turned to her with a frown.

“Why do you want to know?”

“’Tis just…” She exhaled, blinking against the tears accumulating in her eyes. “I will never be marrit.”

His face darkened. “I wish you’d stop with that. You’re every man’s dream. Beautiful, strong, kind, and smart.”

He took her hand in his, burning her with the heat of his skin, and put her fingers against his lips. A sweet shiver went through her.

“But no one could want me after… Ye ken.”

“Any man with eyes and brains would want you. And those who don’t, don’t deserve you, do you hear me?”

She exhaled and nodded. His words were like a balm on her ragged soul.

Konnor sighed. “The truth is, I don’t know what it’s like to be a good husband or a good father. Romantic love is a lie. It’s an illusion that just leads to heartbreak. My mother loved my father, and he died. She loved Jerry, and he abused her. And after all the violence I’ve seen and the things I’ve done, I don’t think a man like me should get married or should become a father.”

Marjorie shook her head. “A man like ye? A brave, kind man of honor? A smart, educated man with military experience? Ye’d make a wonderful father and husband, even if ye didna have an example.”

A man who melted her heart like the sun melted wax…

Marjorie opened her mouth to tell him that it didn’t matter to her, not one bit, when feet pounded against the dirt of the courtyard.

“Mistress! Mistress!” Malcolm yelled.

She whirled around. “What is it?”

“The MacDougalls. They’re on their way. The signal came from the lads.”

Marjorie’s back broke out in a cold sweat. “Where?”

“South, mistress. By the turn to Kinnavar.”

Marjorie exhaled softly and nodded. “A hard ride away.”

So close… So close to Colin! To her… Her whole body began to shake. “Are the lads on the way back? We must start preparations for the siege. Call everyone—”