Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Shade returned with the sack of food. “There is no rush. You may stay as long as you’d like.”
“I’d rather be on my way. It’s a day’s journey to reach Clan MacLeish but I’m quick-footed and can get there sooner.” Dru stood, taking the sack from Shade. “I’ll make sure Ula gets your message and thanks again. I appreciate your generosity and kindness.”
“You are welcome to shelter here anytime, Dru. Consider it a safe haven whenever you need one.” Shade went to hug the petite lass, but she jumped back.
“I stink,” Dru said.
“Everyone needs a hug now and again,” Shade said and stepped toward her. This time Dru didn’t move. She accepted the hug, and Shade felt the lass melt against her. Like herself before Quint, Dru hadn’t had anyone hug her in a long time.
Dru turned away, calling out, “Thanks again for everything.”
Shade felt for the lonely lass, having caught the tears that had rushed to her eyes.
“Dru!” Quint shouted and hurried to where she stopped just inside the forest.
Shade watched the two talk. They were such a contrast. Quint so tall and muscular and Dru petite and slim, yet she felt there was more to their strange friendship than either would say. And what was Dru doing roaming the Highlands on her own? She was curious to know, though doubted either would say a word if asked, which made her even more curious about what secret they might be keeping.
Quint approached the bed naked, and Shade saw that he was more than ready to couple, but her curiosity had her asking as she drew back the blanket, “How did you save Dru’s life?”
He stopped before climbing in. “That’s not something I want to discuss right now.”
Shade rose to kneel on the bed. “Will you ever want to discuss it with me?”
Quint snagged her around the waist and yanked her against him. “Wrap your legs around my waist.”
Shade did as he said, her arms going around his neck, and she reminded, “You haven’t answered me.”
He nuzzled her neck and felt the gooseflesh prickle her soft skin, then said, “You think Dru and I share a secret, don’t you?”
“You are preceptive,” she said and kissed him lightly.
“I’ve grown to know you.” He kissed her, but it was no light kiss, and he lowered them to the mattress, placing her on her back while he kneeled low over her.
She felt his manhood slipping into her. There would be no touching or teasing tonight, the size of his manhood let her know his need was too great for them to linger in play, and she felt the same. For some reason, her passion had ignited long before she had gotten into bed and all she could think about was feeling him move inside her.
“I intend to bury myself deep inside you tonight,” he whispered near her ear.
“It is exactly where I want you.”
“Release your legs,” he ordered, and she did.
He rose up on his knees, grabbed her bottom, and yanked her forward, spearing her with his shaft. She cried out with pleasure and was soon lost in the pleasure of his mighty plunges.
Quint loved the feel of her hips rising and meeting his every thrust, hearing her moan, watching her face twist in pleasure and her hands grip the sheet not ready to let go yet. He had awakened the woman in her and she had had healed and awakened his shattered heart, and he intended to never let either go dormant again.
“I can’t wait any longer,” Shade moaned.
Her plea sent him over the edge, and they plunged together, his roar drowning out her cries of pleasure until both faded and he collapsed on top of her.
Much later, Quint lay awake, Shade burrowed naked against him, her leg resting over his, her arm over his chest as if she was trying to hold on to him, to never let him go. He never thought he would ever feel for another woman again after losing Amara, but bloody hell if he didn’t feel for Shade as strongly if not stronger than he had for Amara. Maybe it was because he understood love better now than he did when he had met Amara. She taught him about love, and it was the only reason he could recognize love again.
But he still had a mission to accomplish. He still had to avenge his wife’s brutal death, or he would never be able to fully love Shade as she deserved to be loved. But he also had to see Shade protected and he intended to see that done before he had to bid her goodbye… for now.
CHAPTER 10
In the last two days since Dru’s departure, the main talk of those who came by for healing was the news of Lord Torrance declaring that Chieftain Ryland must meet with him and talk to settle the dispute or meet on the battlefield. If he didn’t, Lord Torrance threatened to attack his clan and destroy it. Shade’s worry for her friend Ula and her husband Caleb grew ever stronger. She was glad she had sent a message with Dru so that Ula would know she was thinking of her and would not fail to contact her if necessary.