Forbidden Highlander (Highlander Trilogy 2)

Cree leaned forward reaching for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Tell me, Dawn.”

She laced her fingers with his and attempted a brave smile, though she could not maintain the charade when she gestured to Cree that her mother had accused her of being selfish.

He scowled and glared at her a moment before saying, “Are you telling me that Lady Ann called you selfish?”

She cringed and nodded, the word striking her just as harshly now as it had then.

“Lady Ann has sealed her fate,” Cree announced, as if condemning her and a chill ran through Dawn. “You are the most selfless person I have ever known. Far too often you have placed another’s safety ahead of your own and without thought to the consequences. If anyone is selfish, it is Lady Ann and a fool is she as well.”

Cree was without a doubt her champion. He let no one speak ill of her and though her actions may have upset him on occasion, he had never truly punished her. He kept her safe, protected her, and loved her. She was blessed the day he had entered her life, though she certainly would not have thought it. But then fate works in strange ways.

“How did this meeting end?” he asked.

Dawn tossed her head up and walked her fingers across her palm.

“You walked out on a titled woman?” He laughed and gave her hand another squeeze. “I would have loved to have seen her face when you did that. I am proud of you; you are a brave woman.” He reached out and grabbed her around the waist and settled her in his lap. “And you are my woman.” He kissed her then and the little sorrow that lingered was chased away by the loving magic of his kiss.

She thought his intentions were to make love, for her body had certainly stirred to attention, so she was surprised when he continued their conversation.

“Now I will tell you what took place in the Great Hall tonight.”

Dawn was delighted that he intended to share news with her, but then they had agreed to trust each other and she was pleased to know that he intended to keep his word.

He hugged her against him wanting her as close as he could possibly get her. “Lady Ann has made it known that she is not interested in being in the same room as the heathen McCluskys.”

Dawn wondered over her true mother’s reasoning. Had she wanted to protect her daughters? Had she wanted to keep her secret safe? Had she ever loved Dawn’s father? So many questions yet to be answered.

Cree voiced a similar concern. “It could be fear of discovery, of betrayal, even after all these years that has her not wanting to see Kirk McClusky again. Or she could be the selfish one wanting to protect her status. It will take some digging to uncover the truth.”

Yes, it would take some digging, but there was a truth Dawn knew and intended to keep firm in her heart. It was with slow and heartfelt gestures that Dawn told Cree that she had been lucky to have been given to a woman who had been a wonderful mother and had loved her dearly.

“I wish I could have known your mother. She sounds like an extraordinary and courageous woman. You are such a woman and will be such a mother,” Cree said with conviction and slipped his hand to rest upon her stomach.

She placed her hand over his and nestled her head in the crook of his neck.

“I will see the both of you safe,” he said, as if making a promise.

She nodded and patted his hand letting him know that was something she already knew.

They remained snuggled in silence for a while, content for the moment to be as they were… together. Life would be good for the two of them once they were wed and he yearned for that time to be soon.

Dawn felt herself grow sleepy, the difficult day having caught up with her. She yawned and snuggled closer to Cree. The thought of making love lingered in the recesses of her mind, but for once the need for sleep overpowered it.

Cree felt her body grow limp against him and he was tempted to slip his hand beneath her skirt and stir her to passion. But she rested contentedly in his arms knowing that he would see her kept safe… even from him.

He almost laughed, though worried the sound would disturb her near slumber so he kept silent, much like she had been forced to do all her life. He rested his cheek on the top of her head and splayed his hand across her stomach. It was difficult to comprehend that his babe nestled safe and comfortable there, but as she rounded it would become apparent, and he would become even more protective.