Page 73 of Forbidden Desire
My heart raced at his admission. “I had no idea, Maighstir. I can’t imagine the life you’ve led.”
“You need not pity me, nighean bheag.” His laugh carried across the breeze. “I have enjoyed the best life, and now I have you and our little one.”
Mirroring his smile, I ignored the way the surf batted us around. I was not going to vomit.
“So, this is the boat El used when she arrived?” I asked, frantically trying to distract myself.
“Aye, this is how your sister arrived.”
“I wonder how she got it?” I glanced around, noticing how well built the boat was.
“I am pretty sure she took what she wanted without asking.” His eyebrow arched as his powerful arms rowed us out to sea.
“Another punishable offense?” I squirmed, aware of how his gesture affected me yet unable to resist its influence.
“Aye.” He smiled. “But since the offense was not against me nor my island, and the result brought her into yours and Jeemie’s life, I shall let it pass.”
“Very good of you, Maighstir.” Lifting my hand, I pressed it against my heated cheek. I couldn’t believe how much I was blushing, considering how cold the sea air was. “Taing do.”
“I think you are being impertinent, nighean bheag.”
I caught my lip between my teeth, knowing from experience he was playing with me but also aware of the arousal pooling between my thighs.
“Then you must forgive me, Maighstir.” I batted my lashes. “I am only a naïve woman.”
“You are not a naïve anything,” he balked, glancing around to check our progress. “I have never met a woman more capable of being my equal.”
“Really?” I leaned forward, reaching for his hand.
“Aye, nighean bheag.” He stopped rowing, allowing the waves to carry the boat as his gaze bore into me. “I know I have my ways, but you are more than a match for me. It is one of the reasons I am resolved to worship you until the gods call me home.”
An intense silence bloomed between us, interspersed only by the rhythmic pull of the tide.
“Here.” Reaching into his belt, he pulled out my phone and handed it to me. “See if you can send the message.”
Taking the device from him, I glanced behind me, amazed at how far away we had come in such a relatively short expanse of time. I switched on the phone, my heart pounding as it flickered into life.
“Well?” He prompted.
Gripping the device, I waited to see if it could find a signal, my pulse quickening when two bars appeared on the display.
“Aye, Maighstir.” My spirits soared at the idea I could send a message home. While I was happy with my lot on the island, Elodie’s arrival meant our mother was more alone than ever. Our younger sister, Rochelle, had never been much of a companion, and now she was all mum had left. “There is enough signal.”
“Then send what you need to send.” Lowering the oars, he gestured toward the phone. “Then we head back.”
Nodding, my eyes fell to the phone, my thumbs flying over the keypad as if I’d never missed a day of its use.
Emotion bubbled in my throat as I composed the missive.
Mum. It’s me, Des. I want you to know El and I are well, and we’re safe. I can’t explain much, but we have a new life here on the island. I don’t want you to worry.
There was precisely zero chance she wouldn’t, but I desperately wanted to reassure her.
We both love you so much.
“Nighean bheag?”
I gazed up at Rasmie’s concerned face, suddenly aware tears were collecting in my eyes.