The Highlander Who Loved Me by Adrienne Basso

Author:Adrienne Basso [Basso, Adrienne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical Romance
ISBN: 9781420137675
Amazon: B00VQFKG3O
Barnesnoble: B00VQFKG3O
Goodreads: 25303997
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 2015-12-27T16:00:00+00:00

Davina stilled, rooted to the spot, her eyes widening in amazement as she listened to something she doubted she would ever hear again—James’s delighted laughter. Deep and robust, it wormed its way into her heart and for a moment she retreated into the cherished memories that emerged. Memories of happier times, filled with hope and promise and love.

They washed over her like a healing salve, pushing away the pain, bringing a wistful smile to her lips. She allowed herself a few more comforting moments, then regretfully let the truth seep back into her thoughts.

Those memories were a lifetime ago. Yet the sound of that laughter brought forth the unthinkable idea that mayhap there was hope that those happier times could be recaptured.

Was it truly possible?

“What’s wrong?” James asked. “Ye have the most peculiar expression on yer face.”

Davina shook her head and lowered her gaze. The need to touch him, to feel the gentleness behind the mirth, almost overwhelmed her, but she resisted. “’Twas only yer laughter. I was pleased to hear it.”

Pleased and relieved to have his tight control break in such a manner. It was far better than having his fist smash against a tree, a reaction Davina had fully anticipated as things became more intense during their outing.

James made a croaking sound. A touch of color rose from his throat to his cheeks. Was he embarrassed? The notion amused her, for he took such pride in presenting himself as a hardened warrior. Did at least a glimmer of vulnerability, humanity remain?

Davina’s heartbeat quickened at the thought.

A hound bayed in the distance. Lileas straightened, lifting her head curiously. “I hear a dog. Do ye think it’s Prince?”

Davina turned to James. “Could someone be searching fer us?”

“We dinnae stray too far from where I told my mother we were going. There’s certainly no need to bring the dogs to find us.” James narrowed his eyes. “Come, let’s return. I’ve no wish to meet whoever is following those hounds.”

The trace of impatience in his tone brought on a ripple of unease. They were on McKenna land, not far from the castle. Yet James clearly felt there could be danger.

Davina scrambled to her horse. James helped her mount, then hoisted Lileas onto his stallion. Instructing the little girl to stay very still, he swung up behind her. The child snuggled into his warmth, giggling with youthful joy, the falling incident apparently forgotten.

The sight had a strange effect on Davina. She felt a pang of envy at seeing Lileas so tenderly nestled in James’s embrace, remembering the times when she had been held so lovingly. Remembering the comforting feeling of his arms held securely around her, the gentle, soothing murmur of his voice, the sensation of his warm breath on her cheek.

Oh, how she missed it!

She stole a glance at him. The aura of power and strength that always surrounded him was softened by the child he cradled so protectively. She itched to move closer and squeeze his hand, to somehow become a part of that connection.

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