Page 39 of To Win a Highlander’s Heart

“I have always been honest with you.” A trickle of discomfort crept down Isolde’s spine. “I wasn’t certain I was welcome by anyone but you, and the other women. If the laird does not approve of me, life at Dunvegan could be almost as bad for me as it is on my own out here.”

“Alastair’s feelings for you have changed since we were lured away from the castle so that the English could strike. My brother is grateful that you protected his wife, our sister, and all the members of our household. Without you, who knows what horrors the English might have unleashed in our absence.”

“I did what I had to do, what I was trained to do,” she said softly because the lump in her throat was so large. “Earlier today, I saw the badger family who mauled me and Emlyn. It was a mother and her three cubs, and suddenly I understood why she attacked us. She saw us as a threat and protected her young. Just as I protected the females of your clan. Just as your mother protects you and your siblings by remaining with you as a ghost.”

He nodded his understanding as she continued. “I’m not certain it was the right thing to do, but I allowed the leader of the English soldiers to leave Dunvegan. I did make him promise never to return.”

“I would like to hear more about how you wrested that promise from our enemy, but you still haven’t answered my question. Why did you leave . . . me?” Orrick’s voice faded as he regarded her, his brow furrowing. “Meeting you was one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I hadn’t realised until we met how heavy my spirit had been for so many years. In your presence, I felt renewed, lightened, hopeful.”

Knowing she should keep her distance yet unable to do so, she knelt before him and took his chilled hands in hers. “Before I answer your question, can I ask you something that might be difficult?”

His lips pulled up in a momentary smile. “Seems only fair.”

“You mentioned your spirit being heavy. I assume you are talking about your time in the West Indies.”

He nodded.

“Could the memories that refuse to leave you in peace . . . could they be because instead of fighting to protect those you loved, you were paid to battle?”

He frowned. “I’d never considered such a thing.” There was enough light from the torch she’d lit to see the swift procession of emotions that crossed his features: disbelief, confusion, then horror. “You might be right. I had never had nightmares when protecting my people before the West Indies.” He frowned. “Why did I fail to protect you from danger in the wilderness when we first met if that is the case? That I didn’t recognise you at first is no excuse. You were in need. I should have helped you.”

“You were out of practise.” She offered him a smile. “That has changed.” She hadn’t realised how tense she’d become until she started to relax.

He returned a half-smile. “Thank you for accepting me and all my faults.”

“We all have faults, Orrick. Your hesitation to fight others is not a weakness. It shows how much inner strength you have to stop and think about what you are doing, and why. It must have been so difficult for you growing up in the shadow of two older brothers who always seem so confident and sure of themselves. You survived the West Indies and all the challenges there. And you’ve proven to me in the past week you can overcome any obstacle that has risen before you.”

“Not every obstacle,” he said in a warm, almost seductive tone.

Her gaze connected with his and her breath stilled at the warm, sensual look that now filled his brown eyes.

“Now it’s your turn to answer my question.” His gaze held hers.

She swallowed roughly. He’d asked for the truth. She looked away, then back at him again. “I left because I was scared. Hiding from everyone and even myself is all I’ve done for the past year. I didn’t want to put you or your family at further risk by my presence at Dunvegan. Even though I made Lieutenant Collins promise to leave the MacLeods in peace, I have no idea if he truly will.”

“The MacLeods are capable of taking care of their own when all of us are in residence. We will not fall for such a trick as we did again.” Orrick smiled. “Besides, with you on our side, we would definitely have an advantage over any enemy who chose to strike.” His smile faded as he studied her face. “Will you leave this cave behind you and come home with me?” She pressed her lips together. Part of her wanted to go back with him, yet part of her was still uncertain. He might think he could protect his people from the English, but she’d seen first-hand what their neighbours to the south were capable of. The Scots were ill-prepared for a full English invasion.

Sensing her confusion, Orrick reached out and stroked her cheek with his thumb. “It’s late and darkness has fallen. We should stay here tonight, and then in the morning you can decide to leave or return to Dunvegan with me.”

A spiral of longing moved through her at his intimate touch. “What about Graeme and the others who came with you?”

“They are prepared to set up camp if I do not rejoin them right away.”

“What if the English come during the night?”

His thumb outlined the fullness of her bottom lip. “Do they know about your cave?”

“Nay. Only you, and now Graeme and the others.” She breathed in the scent of the earth that permeated the cooling air of the evening.

Orrick stepped closer and held out his hand. “Isolde.”

She released a deep shuddering breath. He’d called her by her true name, not the name “Izzy” they had forced upon her. She could feel the warmth of him against her chest, yet they did not touch. He lifted the end of her plait where it hung across her shoulder and curled it round his finger. Slowly, he drew her forward until her hips touched his.

He toyed with the ribbon at the end of her plait until it fell to the floor. With gentle pressure he worked his thumb and forefinger back and forth. Loosening the weave plait by plait, drawing her closer with each stroke of his finger and thumb. “Your hair is as soft as spun silk.” Desire deepened his tone.

At the sound, a shiver moved through her. Her breasts brushed his chest as he brought the fall of her unbound hair up to his mouth. He brushed her hair against his lips then let it fall back against her neck and shoulders. His lips followed her hair down. He pressed the softest of kisses to her hair and the flesh beneath.

She shuddered at the contact. “Orrick, we should not pursue anything further between us. ’Tis too dangerous.”