“But I had to make certain for myself that you were all right. Actually, I wanted to make certain you were safely sequestered in your cottage or I would not have had a moment’s peace.”
As soon as Cree realized that he stood in the other room, he shook his head and glared at her. “You want me that badly?”
She let out a long silent sigh as she moved her hand slowly down between her legs.
Her hand never quite got there. Cree lifted her up with one arm around her waist, her feet dangling a few inches off the floor as he walked her over to the bed and laid her down on it. Her skirts were hoisted, his leggings dropped, and he entered her knowing she was wet and ready for him just as he was hard and throbbing for her.
It was a quick joining, though no less explosive. They burst together in a sudden and stunning climax that left them both breathless.
A pounding sounded at the door and they both laughed.
He kissed her quick. “At least this time we got to finish.” He was off her in a flash and adjusted his garments as she did hers, and then they both hurried into the other room.
Elwin was at the door when Cree opened it. “Sloan says to hurry, my lord, the cleric has arrived and is questioning why you took the lass up on your horse.”
“Is he now,” Cree scowled and Elwin stepped back. “And how does he know it was me who did that and not simply a warrior?”
Elwin’s brow went up and Dawn stepped around Cree and ran her hand up and down in front of him and cocked a brow.
“Are you saying that it’s obvious who I am?” Cree snapped.
“That’s what she’s saying,” Elwin said nodding in agreement.
Dawn nodded too.
“It’s none of his—”
Dawn pressed her fingers to Cree’s mouth to silence him and turned to Elwin and held up one finger and nodded for him to step away.
“A minute it is,” a startled Elwin said not believing how easily Dawn had silenced the mighty Cree. He stepped away and closed the door leaving them alone.
Cree removed her fingers from his lips, though held on to them. “You dare stop me from speaking?”
Dawn smiled for it was said with a touch of humor and she rubbed at the now barely noticeable scowl.
He released her hand and his arm snaked around her waist to yank her against him. “Warn me all you want not to be angry, but when it comes to you, no one better question me.” He tugged playfully at her ear. “Now, listen well. I have enough to concern me. Promise me that you will stay in the cottage so that I need not worry about you.”
It was her turn to scowl.
“Just for the rest of today while I get everyone settled. Besides it grows colder and no doubt will snow and I want to know that you are safe and warm in your cottage. I will even send Flanna to visit with you.”
Dawn brightened at that and nodded as she crossed her heart promising him.
“Good.” He gave her a quick kiss. “I may be late in returning to you tonight so if you grow tired go to bed.”
She shrugged and pretended to shake him.
He leaned down and nuzzled and nipped at her neck before whispering, “You have my word that I will wake you.”
One last kiss and they parted.
Happiness wrapped around Dawn like a warm comforting blanket and she hugged herself. She should, at this moment, be worried. After all, the cleric was here to unite Cree and Lucerne but with Cree sending Flanna to visit she would learn what was going on. And Kirk would visit with her again as would Dorrie and Lila would no doubt—
There was barely a knock on the door when it sprang open and Lila hurried in. And she hadn’t even closed the door before she started talking. “Tongues are wagging in the village. It seems that the cleric thought Cree’s actions with you were inappropriate and he has made inquiries as to who you are.”
Dawn’s brow shot up.
“No one dared to tell the cleric that you were Cree’s mistress, but your name was mentioned as was the fact that you could not speak. I don’t think Cree is going to like what the cleric had to say about that.”
Dawn waved for her to continue, impatient to hear it.
“He said that the lack of a voice was the devil’s work.”
Dawn stepped back as if slapped and shivered. It wasn’t good when a cleric claimed that anyone was touched by the devil.
Lila put her arm around her and hugged her close. “The cleric will rue the day that he goes up against Cree.”
Dawn smiled and nodded. There was much truth to her words. The man did not stand a chance against Cree no matter how much God protected him. Dawn gestured for Lila to visit a while and she did, baby Thomas being in Paul’s care, which meant she had some time. In no time the two women were chatting away as was their way when they got together. And for a while Dawn’s worries eased.