James hid a grin at hearing her say such. That meant that Emlyn did have a fondness for him, even if she didn’t admit it. “Mayhap she does. It has always been her mother’s desire that we wed.”

“I can see you wed to such a woman. Aye, she’d care for your needs, bear you bonny bairns. You would want for nothing.”

“I want for nothing now,” James said in a serious tone. “It is not my quest to wed such a woman. She’d bore me within days. Aye, I like a more spirited woman.” He tapped her nose and chuckled.

Emlyn shoved him. “Are you teasing me? I find your jest not humorous.” She took a step away and turned.

James reached her side and stopped her with a hand to her shoulder. “She does not do to me what you do.”

“Oh? And what is that?”

James yanked her from the ground and pulled her toward his chest until she was firmly against him. “Send fervor through me.” Before she could retort, he kissed her. He couldn’t cease, for he’d wanted to kiss her for hours and now that he was, he wouldn’t relent.

Emlyn forced him to cease when she pulled her lips from his. “We should get my satchel.”

“I want you.” James hadn’t meant to be so forthright, but he wanted her to know his intension. More than anything at that moment, he wanted her naked and in his arms.

“And I you, but we cannot.”

“The hell we can’t.” James kept her body crushed to his, unwilling to release her yet. As muscular as Emlyn was, she was dainty next to him and didn’t weigh enough to thwart him.

“My body couldn’t handle it.” She set her hands on his shoulders and kissed the side of his neck. “I am weary.”

James groaned when the heat of her breath played over his skin. He knew she was right for they’d rode for days and her body likely was fatigued. He lifted her and carried her in his arms. “You’re aright, lovely. You need rest.”

“I can walk, James. I’m not that tired.” She giggled when he refused to set her down.

“Allow me this pleasure? I want to feel you against me.”

Emlyn set her cheek on his shoulder and clasped her hands around his neck. They reached the stable, and he found their horses. He reluctantly set her upon her feet, feeling the sensual way her body slid from his.

James reached for both her satchels and she quickly stopped him from doing so.

“I’ve only the need of this one.” She took the satchel that contained her garments and left the one holding her weapons behind.

James grinned when she took her helmet and sword out and added them to the satchel containing her war instruments.

“I deem I won’t have need of these while we’re here.”

“Nay, you won’t.” He moved closer to his horse and stroked his head.

“Your horse doesn’t hold fondness for me.”

He chuckled. “He holds fondness for no one but me. But I’ll tell you a secret. Oran has a liking for parsnips. That’s how I won him over when Grey gifted him to me. He was a wild colt, an ornery beast, but he settled somewhat with age.”

“I shall remember that.”

“I worry that I’m too hard on him for he’s aged now. I keep a supply of parsnips in my bag for him.” He reached inside and fed the horse his reward.

“He looks strong and capable.” Emlyn inched closer to his horse, and he set her hand on the side of his neck.

“You see, he can be a gentleman. I’ll soon need to retire him.”

“He deserves such kindness if he’s served you well. Will you walk back to the keep with me?”

James nodded. “Of course, lovely.” He gave a pat to Oran before taking her satchel from her. They walked along quietly, and he liked the silent rapport between them. He’d never felt so at ease with a woman. Emlyn seemed to feel the same as she smiled at him as they ambled along. When they reached the doors of the keep, he handed her satchel back. “I will dream of you this night and nothing but.”

Emlyn touched his arm. “As will I of you.”

*****

Rain pelted the ground and its overflow sent a stream of water covering the garrison floor. James lay upon his bunk, watching the ripples thrashing against the wood. He was hesitant to move, for he’d gotten little sleep. Emlyn’s body taunted his visions, along with Marshall’s threats.

He knew he had to do everything within his power to keep her from him. With a yawn, he stretched, and closed his eyes, hoping for a bit more rest before he’d begin his day.

“James,” Grey called. “Donal returned early this morn. He awaits us.”

Muttering under his breath, he sat up and stretched, for the bunk he’d laid upon was too small to fit his body. His legs and back ached, but he shook it off as he stood. “What is his mood?”

Grey laughed when James twisted his body and head. “Sore?”

“Aye, I vow I’d rather sleep on the ground. What of Donal?”

“Damned if I know. I haven’t seen him yet. Adeline told me he wants us awaiting him in the hall when he comes down from his solar.”

James followed Grey from the garrison, his boots soaked through by the time he reached the outside. “Let us meet him then.”

There was no use in trying to stay dry on the way to the keep. Rain came down heavily and drenched his body within seconds. Donal’s keep’s entrance was located within steps of the garrison, but he was sodden by the time he reached the hall.

“There be a torrent this day.” Donal handed them both a tartan. “Best dry off here and for God’s sake, take off your boots. Adeline will crow about her clean floors for hours if you dirty them.”

James used the tartan and dried his arms, chest, and hair. He set about removing his boots and placed them by the entrance of the keep.

Grey left him in the hallway and retreated to the hall with Donal. He heard their discussion which mostly was of pleasantries. But James continued to try to remove as much moisture from his body as he could.

When he finished his task, he looked up and saw Emlyn descending the stairs. Rendered speechless, he grinned and thought he’d never seen a lovelier lass.

“Good morn,” he said when she reached him.

“And you. Have you nothing to say of my attire?” She raised her beautiful brow at him. “Lady Ross forced me to wear it.”

James pulled her closer and kept his hands on her waist. He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “You are quite lovely. Were we alone, I’d have you out of that gown and wearing nothing but me.”

She gasped and pinched his arm, and pulled away from him. “Is that all you think of, removing my garments?” Emlyn grinned, showing her bonny teeth behind her widening smile.

“Aye, tell me you do not wish to be out of that gown, for I won’t believe you.”

“James, what’s keeping you?” Grey shouted from the great hall.

“I must go, lovely. Grey and Donal await me. Will you be well enough until later?”

Emlyn set a hand on his arm, stopping him from moving away. Her touch was warm against his cold skin. “Aye, I am spending the morn helping Adeline in the kitchens. I shall suffer through it, if you permit me to train with you when it stops raining.”

“Oh, the kitchens,” he said with a laugh. “I know it is a daunting thought, Emlyn. But nay, I cannot permit you to train with us. Remember your promise to bear no arms on this journey?”

“I promised no such thing,” she said, and curled her lip in a pout. “Surely you’ll allow me an hour’s reprieve from your request.”

“Mayhap. We shall see.” But James had no intension of letting her near a weapon.

“Did I not rescue you from the foe who almost killed you?”

He frowned knowing what she spoke was the truth. “Perhaps you did.”

She leaned against him and kissed him full on the lips. James got caught up in it, so much so, he completely forgot about his laird and Donal. Emlyn’s tongue snuck into his mouth and he groaned, wanting nothing more than to abscond to a private place where he could—

“James, cosh, you have a habit of keeping me waiting lately,” Grey said, coming into the hallway. “Ah, I see the reason.” His laird chuckled and yanked his arm, forcing him to release Emlyn.