Epilogue

EPILOGUE

A week later…

“Go on, Katherine,” Thora yelled, jumping up and down in excitement.

Katherine grinned, and wielding her short sword, she lifted her arms above her head and launched toward Magnus, forcing him back.

“Are ye nae supposed tae be on me side?” Magnus panted, lifting his sword to defend her blow.

“Och, nay,” Enya laughed. “Us lasses need tae stick together.”

“I agree,” Ava added.

“Aye,” Kai said, standing beside his sisters and his closest friend, “but seeing Katherine sparring, I think I’ve decided that I’m going tae change sides.”

While Katherine continued to concentrate on her skills, she heard Domhnall’s booming laughter behind her, and couldn’t help but laugh herself.

A week had passed since they had returned from the dreadful experience with her brother, and anyone looking on might imagine that nothing terrible had happened to them at all. But then, she was certain all the siblings had colluded and come up with a plan to help her try and recover, for not once between then and now, had she spent one single day alone.

The day after everything had happened, Domhnall had not left her side, and every day after that, either one or all of them had involved her in some activity or another. There was the great hall to decorate, pine branches to collect, and sweets to be baked for the Yuletide and the upcoming marriage. She knew they were trying to keep her mind occupied, but sooner or later, she would have to face the events of the previous weeks. Clearly, however, the MacLeod family had decided that the time was not yet right.

While they had kept her busy during the day, they could not stop the nightmares that tortured her at night, and every night since, Domhnall had taken her in his arms as she wailed and comforted her.

Wrapping his arms around her, he lay there and rocked her to sleep. Not once had he tried to touch her in any other way, only offering her consolation.

The day after the attack, he had more or less told her that she was now free.

“I still love ye, Katherine. And, if it is yer desire, I would like ye tae stay. Even if it isnae yer desire, ye need some time tae heal.”

Without specifically telling her, Domhnall had given her a choice. A choice to stay or to leave. At the time, she had had far too many other things on her mind to really think about it, but the last few days had been different.

She was by no means healed. Not even close. That would take far longer than a week. And yes, the night terrors still clung to her like a child to its mother. But the last couple of days, when she had snatched a few and far between moments alone, she had been left to consider what she really wanted.

Brought to Scotland against her will, used by both her brother and the ruler of England as a disposable pawn in their game, she now, for the first time in her life, was being given the opportunity to decide for herself. And perhaps because it was a novelty, along with it came a sense of fear.

There is no possibility to blame another when you are the one making the decisions. It had occurred to her that Domhnall faced this every single day of his life, for he was the laird. All decisions were laid at his feet, and now she discovered a newfound respect for the weight that was always upon his shoulders.

She couldn’t really compare her life to his, of course. She was making a decision that would affect her only. His decisions affected an entire island of people. She had stopped herself in that thought, however, for her decision would, in the grand scheme of things, affect other people.

After everything she had done, and the pain and heartache she had caused, Domhnall was still in love with her. Not only had he told her, he had not stopped showing it at every opportunity since they had returned.

And yet, he was trying so very hard not to influence her decision, one way or another. Clearly, he wanted her to stay.

Yet, he had continued to show her how he felt, without any manipulation at all. It was refreshing, and at the same time, she missed his kisses, his touch, the intimacy they had shared together.

The snow began to fall once more, and, in his usual protective way, Domhnall said, “Right. That’s enough sparring fer today. I dinnae want anyone catching their death.”

With the swords and armor gathered, the group made their way inside.

“We need a drink tae warm us all,” Kai said, leading them to the drawing room.

“Aye,” Thora said, her tone laden with sarcasm. “Like ye need an excuse.”

Everyone tittered at her remark, and once inside, whisky was poured into glasses. The large fire roared, and they warmed themselves as they chatted.

Katherine, Enya, and Thora sat beside each other on a chaise lounge, while Domhnall stood leaning against the mantle, and Kai, Magnus and Ava occupied the other chairs.

The chatter between Kai and Thora, was entertaining them all, but at one point, Katherine lifted her eyes to look at Domhnall. She was surprised to see he was gazing at her, a soft smile on his lips.

She wanted to look away, but she could not bring herself to do it, and for a long second, they just gazed at each other, while all around them faded into the background. Her heart thumped in her chest, for she knew soon, she was going to have to make a decision.

As much as he had told her she needed to heal, and thus, staying there was in her best interests, nor could she leave him wondering what his future held. It wasn’t fair on either of them.

After supper that evening, Katherine announced she was going to retire. She needed some time for herself.

It was as she reached her bedchamber, that she realized someone was coming up behind her, and jumping with fright, she spun around.

Domhnall looked at her, his eyes laden with pity. “I didnae mean tae scare ye. I’m sorry.”

“You didn’t,” she lied, feeling suddenly foolish when it became obvious that they both knew that he had.

“I ken ye’re tired, and if ye’re nae up tae it, then it’s fine. But I was hoping tae talk tae ye.”

Katherine looked at him for a long moment, trying to gauge what might be going on behind those beautiful deep eyes of his. But he gave nothing away, and only returned her gaze with little expression at all.

“All right,” she said with a nod.

She then opened her bed chamber door and bid him entry.

Once inside, she wandered over to the dresser. “Would ye like a drink?” she asked, lifting the decanter.

“Ye ken me. I never refuse.” He smiled.

She poured two glasses, and then, handing him one, they both moved to the chairs at the fireplace.

Domhnall didn’t speak once he was seated, and instead, he gazed into the flames, clearly thinking about what he wanted to say. Or at least, that’s what Katherine assumed, which is why she remained perfectly quiet and waited.

After another little while, he took in a deep breath and looked at her.

“How are ye?” he asked.

His question surprised her, and she shrugged. “I’m fine.”

“O’ course,” he smiled knowingly. “Katherine the strong.”

One might have taken his words for sarcasm, but she knew that was not how he meant them. Since their ordeal, he seemed to see her in a different light. Like the experience had strengthened her. And she supposed, in some ways, it had. In other ways, however, it had accomplished quite the opposite.

“I have written tae King Edward and told him that I refuse tae abide by his arrangement,” Domhnall said evenly. “I made it clear in me correspondence that neither o’ us wanted it.”

“Oh,” Katherine said.

A cold sensation ran through her entire body at the shock of his statement. Of all the things she had imagined he wanted to say, she had not foreseen that. In fact, his statement turned everything she had thought about over the last few days on its head.

Under the impression he had been waiting upon her decision, it was now evident that Domhnall had made the decision for her. Or maybe, he had grown tired of waiting. But that didn’t make any sense, given the tender way in which he had treated her. And yet, how else was she supposed to see this? He had stated plainly that he did not want to marry her.

“Katherine? Whatever is the matter?” Domhnall frowned.

Clearly, as her mind had been trying to assimilate his words, her expression of confusion and disappointment was evident on her face.

“I… I don’t understand,” she whispered.

Domhnall frowned even deeper, gazing at her expectantly.

“You told me that you love me,” she continued.

“I dae,” he said eagerly. “I always will, fer as long as I live.”

Katherine was now completely thrown. He was not making any sense.

“But, if you love me, why do you not want to marry me?”

He now looked as confused as she, until his eyebrows lifted and he looked at her desperately. “Nay, Katherine. Ye dinnae understand. I would marry ye in a heartbeat,” he declared. “It is only the king’s offer that I am refusing.”

A sudden wave of relief washed over her as she immediately understood, and, in that exact same moment, she knew.

She had been so devastated to discover that Domhnall did not want to marry her, that she immediately realized what it was that she wanted. Of course, she loved him. She had never stopped. His soft comfort over the last few nights had been her saving grace, and she had slept soundly in his arms until the morning.

He was her bulwark, her protector, the man who had opened her mind, heart, and soul to another way of being, living, existing. He had proven that he would do anything for her, even give his life. She. too, was prepared to do the same.

Placing her glass on the hearth, she stood from her chair. Moving toward him, she placed her hands on his shoulders, and lifting one leg at a time, she straddled his lap.

While Domhnall was utterly surprised at her impromptu actions, he placed his glass on the floor beside him and snaked his arms around her back, lifting her closer, until her face was only inches away from his.

“I love you,” Katherine whispered. “I will always love you.”

As his face broke into the largest smile she had seen from him in days, light danced in his eyes as he gazed up at her.

“And I love ye, me darling Katherine. Now, and forever.”

“Take me to bed,” she breathed. “I want you to make love to me.”

“With pleasure,” he growled.

Hooking his hands under her thighs, he pushed himself from the chair and carried her over to the bed. Lowering her to her feet, he sat on the bed and, lifting his hands, he took a long time to undress her. Placing her feet on the bed one at a time, he pulled at the laces of her boots, tugging them from her feet, before sliding his hands up her legs to remove her stockings.

Katherine remained standing, now barefoot, her arms by her sides, wordlessly watching his every move. In the silence, the sexual tension grew at each piece of clothing he removed, from carefully peeling her corset from her body, to slowly letting her skirts fall to the floor.

Soon enough, she stood there in only her chemise, and as he pulled at the string at the neck of the garment, he then tugged at it, letting it fall from her body.

She heard him gasp as he gazed at her nakedness. And as before, she felt herself flush, standing there so vulnerable before him. Yet, this time, there was something different. Her flushed face was not from embarrassment, but from desire as she ached to feel his hands on her body.

Domhnall stood then, and taking her in his arms, he turned and lay her on the bed, his eyes never moving from hers. They gazed at each other for the longest moment, their eyes locked, their connection deeper than it had ever been, and, at the same time, a preview of what was to come.

Standing again, he then removed his clothes slowly, still watching her as she watched him. Every part of her body ached, her breasts, her nipples, the apex of her thighs. All the parts of her he had explored, awakened, caressed and brought to life.

Now naked, his manhood rock hard and evidencing his own arousal, Domhnall climbed in beside her. He bent and kissed her lips, but with only the lightest brush before pulling away again.

“Ah,” she cried, bemoaning his departure.

“Soon, me love,” he purred.

He lifted her hands above her head and held them there with one hand. Lowering his mouth to her neck, he then lay gentle kisses across her skin, like a feather. Goosebumps rose at his tenderness, and her nipples peaked with the anticipation.

His lips continued over her collar bone, again, the lightest of kisses. She sighed and moaned, for while he teased her, she also felt the wonderful pleasure of his most slow and gentle touch. His lips moved down over her breasts, and at her nipple, his tongue slipped out, flicking the hard bud.

“Oh, God,” she breathed.

His tongue continued, over and over, making Katherine squirm beneath him. Automatically, she stretched her legs wide, her body aching for him, yearning for him, desperate for him.

He moved from one breast to the other and continued his lashing, while her body tensed and ached for more. But he did not linger. Instead, he trailed his tongue down the flatness of her stomach, and after shifting his position, settled himself between her legs.

Curious, Katherine lifted her head, only to see him smile up at her.

“What are you?—”

But a second later, she felt his tongue flicking against that tiny bud of pleasure, and suddenly, she gasped.

“Oh. Oh, my.”

“Och, aye,” he growled, the sound muffled from his position.

With her legs resting over his shoulders, Katherine felt herself climbing once more. Now, however, the sensation was the most ecstatic she had ever experienced as his tongue lashed her again and again and again.

She writhed against him, her body tensing, her fingers grabbing at the bedclothes beneath her while the intense pleasure heightened in that singular place on her body. He did not relent and she did not want him too, for she knew where he was taking her and she was desperate to reach it.

She panted then, for she was so very close, teetering on the edge of a colossal explosion of massive proportions. His tongue continued on, flicking her over and over, while her body tensed and she held her breath. So close. She was so very close. Her body trembled as she reached the peak, and then, with a euphoric rush, she exploded with a feeling of ecstasy.

“Ah,” she squealed, her body spasming as the sensation continued on for several seconds.

Domhnall then moved to lie beside her, and slipping his arm under her back, he rolled her onto him.

“Ye ken the way ye sat on me lap on the chair?” he growled.

“Uh-huh,” Katherine nodded, still panting, and floating, and delirious.

“Dae the same tae me now.”

She straddled his thighs and pressed her knees into the bed. Knowing without him telling her, she hovered above his thick, hard manhood, and gently lowered herself down on top of him.

“Ah,” she cried, her eyes rolling back in her head as he filled her.

“Oh, me God, Katherine,” Domhnall panted, as he slid inside of her.

Resting his hands on her buttocks, he slowly moved his hips up and down, while she, pressing her knees into the bed, rocked her hips back and forth. Gazing at each other, Domhnall’s eyes smoldering as he drank her in, they fell into a rhythm that started off slowly at first.

Katherine could feel him nestling deeply inside of her, her body wanting more and more of him. She could see Domhnall climbing now, desperation for her dancing across his face. And as the want of her grew, so did the thrusts of his hips, for he drove into her, faster and deeper.

The pleasure of him filling her was like heaven as she cried out. “Oh, God.”

“Och, Katherine,” Domhnall growled, his hips slamming against hers. “Katherine,” his voice grew louder as his thrusts went even deeper. “Katherine,” he bellowed. “Oh, me God.”

And suddenly, his whole body stilled, his head thrown back in ecstasy as he emptied himself inside of her.

Much later, after they had made love again, Katherine lay, contentedly wrapped in Domhnall’s arms, his soft beating heart relaxing and soothing her.

“I have a question.” Domhnall said from above her.

Shifting to look at him, she said, “What is it?”

He gazed at her lovingly, and with a soft smile, he said, “Will ye marry me, Katherine?”

But there’s more…

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