Read Online His Heart's Desire by Kristi Ahlers - Free Book Online Page B

you so amused?”
    “You and Alec both like this sarcasm. With him, I find it annoying, but with you it is charming and sweet.”
    Catrìona couldn’t argue with that so she didn’t even bother. “I’ll take you to the castle in a little bit. Maybe Elspeth will be able to help you.”
    Braden picked up one of her hands, entwining their fingers. “I don’t need anyone else but you.”
    His words sent panic clawing through her body. She wasn’t sure how she felt about his full belief in her. It was daunting. She stood, but he wouldn’t let her move from him.
    “You’re not going to run from me. I know you’re frightened but you made a promise to me.”
    Catrìona let out a sigh. He was correct about the promise. Proud of the fact she’d never broken one before, she decided she wasn’t about to start now. “You’re right.” She sat back down and waited.
    “I’ve waited several lifetimes for you to come back into my life.”
    Catrìona knew this was coming, but hearing it did funny things to her stomach.
    “Your name was always Catrìona, and centuries earlier I fell in love with you.”
    The air rushed out of her lungs, and she was glad she was already seated or she would’ve fallen over. Hearing aloud what she already knew in her heart was both terrifying and oddly comforting. “My dreams have been real, haven’t they?”
    “Aye, Catrìona.”
    His softly spoken agreement made her heart race and tingly sensation to dance up and down her spine. They had shared intimate moments. The feelings that coursed through her were valid and, more importantly, she wasn’t crazy.
    Braden moved closer to her on the bed, dipped, and she brushed up against his side. Instantly she shivered at the contact. It was as if she’d touched a live wire.
    “Don’t pull away from me, my Catrìona. We have all the time in the world and we will take things slowly.”
    “Slowly?”
    “Aye, I willna do anything to cause you to leave me. I won’t lose you again. I plan on courting you as is proper.”
    “Courting me?” She felt like an idiot parroting back everything he said. But what else could she do? She could barely remember her name let alone the train of the conversation. All because he sat close to her and his scent intoxicated her. He could probably have her on her back or even against a wall with little effort. How pathetic was that?
    “Aye, court you.” Braden ran a gentle finger down her face. “Give you a chance to get to know me. And I you.”
    “I’d like that a lot.”
    Cat didn’t know who moved first, but the next thing she knew Braden’s firm lips were on her own. She couldn’t believe how warm his mouth felt on her sensitive flesh. It seemed to brand her with its heat. The darkened intimacy, brought on by the setting of the sun, only added to the moment.
    She looked up slowly and her heart lurched madly. His touch was so gentle, and he sat so close she could feel the heat from his body and smell the unique, spicy muskiness of him as he pressed her closer. His protective nature spoke to her. He gently wrapped one arm around her back and, with his other hand, gently ran his fingers over her supple lips and then around the curve of her jaw.
    Braden whispered, “I want to keep on kissing you.”
    Cat noted the tenderness of his gaze and heard the husky desire in his voice. As he slowly lowered his head, she didn’t turn away.
    Braden raised both his hands to cup her face and then he threaded his fingers through her soft hair. Her hair seemed to have a life of its own; she felt it curl possessively around his hands as if to keep him exactly where he was. Finally Braden touched his lips to hers again. This kiss was butterfly soft, and so gentle, almost more of a caress than a kiss. He shifted and took total possession of her mouth. His kiss, although st ill gentle, was more demanding.
    Cat wrapped her arms around his neck and threaded her fingers through the long hair at the nape of his neck. Her lips