Skye O'Malley: A Love For All Time Part 10

Aidan settled herself deep into the oily water. She could have sworn that she felt her winter-dry skin soaking it up. The fire crackled cheerily in the grate while outside the windows the wind moaned softly, but steadily as the tempo of the storm increased. In the deep silence she could almost hear the snowflakes falling, and she sensed that the weather would not break for at least another day, but it mattered not. They were snug and safe at last. They were home. With a deep sigh she closed her eyes and relaxed, enjoying the wonderful feeling of contentment that she had not felt in months.

There had been no contentment for her at Elizabeth Tudor's court. As one of the queen's women she had been at her majesty's command virtually twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Her place in the queen's service had been relatively unimportant, but Elizabeth had liked Aidan, giving her a status of sorts. Then, too, as an orphan she had had no family obligations to distract her, and when she had a little free time she usually spent it taking the place of one of the other girls who needed, or simply desired, to get away.

For the first time in her life Aidan had been lonely. She lived amid a sea of people, and yet she was lonely. She had not pursued her connection to the Earl and Countess of Lincoln, afraid they might learn of her vast wealth, and claim of the queen the privilege of marrying her off to one of their own thereby usurping her fortune for themselves. The earl stood high in Elizabeth's favor.

Fortunately the Clintons had not considered Aidan's case a particularly pressing matter a.s.suming her at court for the duration, and therefore at their disposal. Elizabeth Clinton was one of the queen's favorite people, and she was really a kindly woman, but her husband's interests came first. She had made certain that the other women who served the queen knew of her relationship to Aidan, and because of that Aidan was not abused by those ladies as was often the case with one who was seemingly unprotected by a powerful family, and lacking in wealth and influence.

Still Aidan had felt isolated from everything around her for the very habits she cultivated in order to give her time to acclimate herself to this strange and hurly-burly world she was now part of, had in reality served to blend her into the colorful background of the court. Her simplicity of dress, and lack of ornamentation had accentuated her plainness. But rarely did she sprout fine feathers, and then no one recognized her as anyone they knew. Her education and intellect separated her from the other girls, and put off many of the older women who had lacked her advantages. Only with the queen did she dare to be herself for with the women who were her equal she dared not put herself forward lest she be considered bold, and make enemies.

So Aidan was modest and diffident to others. A quiet, apparently colorless girl whom almost no one ever noticed, and as a consequence she was lonely. There were times when days went by without anyone at all speaking to her except in relation to her duties. Had it not been for her faithful Mag, who each night regaled her mistress with all the latest court gossip, Aidan would have been totally alone. She was not unhappy, however. She had no time to be, or to feel sorry for herself for the court was far too fascinating a place, and so very different from anything she had ever known. Then, too, the court had brought her her husband.

Conn. She shifted restlessly in her tub. Conn, who she was suddenly realizing was a great deal more than his reputation for pranks, and debauchery, and fair face would warrant. He had taken control of their journey quite capably, and he had treated her with respect and gentleness. There was nothing of the boy in him despite the fact she was his senior by almost a full year; and he was certainly unlike anyone she had ever known before. Aidan was beginning to realize that although she had chosen the most beautiful stallion in the herd, he might possibly be the hardest of all to tame. Conn wasn't like other men.

"Is the water still warm, sweetheart?"

Aidan started, her heart leaping at the sound of his voice. She moved her hands to shield her b.r.e.a.s.t.s only afterward realizing that the water covered her.

"Is the water yet warm?" Conn repeated. His eyes were surveying her with sudden interest although he could see nothing but her shoulders, neck and a surprised face.

"A-aye, the water is quite pleasant, my lord," she managed to stammer.

"Good! Then I'll join ye. That fine old oak tub was made for two people." Calmly he began stripping off his clothes, and Aidan squeezed her eyes tightly closed.

Then as suddenly she opened them up again. The front, Skye had said, was the more interesting fot 'twas there the manroot lodged, and as she had already decided that tonight she would give her husband her virginity, she might just as well look her fate in the eye in a manner of speaking. She giggled, and he looked curiously at her.

"What amuses ye? Make no jokes about my legs, madame, I warn ye. They are overlong, I warrant, but I do not look like a heron as some have dared to suggest!"

" 'Twas not yer legs I was contemplating, sir," she answered him pertly, and then blushed at her own words.

Conn roared with laughter and he flung his shirt aside. His green eyes twinkled with delight, and he wondered once again about this wise yet shy girl he found himself married to. "What is it then, madame, about my person that interests ye?" he teased her c.o.c.king his head, and arching one very black eyebrow.

"What is between yer legs," she answered him bluntly. "I've closed my eyes each night when ye've undressed, but Skye says 'tis the front of a man that's more interesting. I was just thinking about it . . ." Her voice trailed off, and she blushed again.

He chuckled softly, pleased to see her exhibit a natural curiosity of his body. Too many la.s.ses were falsely modest when it came to their men. His older sisters back in Ireland were proof of that. Tight-lipped and sour women who disapproved of Skye and her pa.s.sion for life; who clucked their sharp tongues at their sister Eibhlin, the doctoring nun, whom they believed should have remained cloistered in her convent on her knees instead of roaming the countryside healing the sick, rich and poor alike; and who had on his only visit home since he had come to England with Skye, scolded him roundly about his gaiety and l.u.s.tful behavior. Even his own pretty mother had never remarried, though he knew that she had had chances enough. Once he asked her why she hadn't remarried.

"No one," said Anne O'Malley, "could take yer father's place," but then he had overheard her speaking with her tiring woman about a persistent suitor. "I have obeyed the teachings of the holy church, Bridget, and I gave my husband children. Four sons in all, but I'll never be victim to a man's pa.s.sions again. I've just never enjoyed it. If only one could be married to a man and just be friends."

"Aye," agreed Bridget, "but 'tis not the nature of a man, m'lady. They always want to be dipping their wicks into one honeypot or another, and a poor wife has no choice but to submit."

Conn pulled off his boots, and then peeled his trunk hose off his muscled form. Standing straight he looked directly at his wide-eyed wife saying, "Well, madame, do I meet, pa.s.s, or fall short of yer expectations?"

Aidan's serious gray eyes took him in from the top of his night-dark hair to his toes. He was as handsome without his clothing as he was with his clothing. There was a thick mat of tight curly hair spread across his broad chest that narrowed into a thin line between his rib cage down over his pelvis, and ending in a lavish black bush between his long, shapely legs. There, she noted, was lodged what appeared to be a small white sausage, slightly and delicately curved, and lying amongst the dark curls. "It isn't very big," she said without thinking.

"Ye've not yet attracted its interest," he answered her, and mounting the steps to the tub, he lowered himself into the water which came up to his waist. He sniffed. "Lavender? I'm going to smell like an herb garden!"

Aidan had been seated upon a stool within her tub. Now she slipped from her perch to stand facing him. "I did not invite ye to share my tub, my lord. 'Twas of yer own free will ye entered it." Her heart was beating wildly, and she was very amazed by her own boldness. It suddenly dawned upon her that she was standing stark naked in her tub with a man who was equally unclothed.

He saw the play of emotions across her face, and correctly guessed her thoughts. "Aye, la.s.s," he drawled softly, "there can be no going back now." Then he pulled her into his arms, and lowering his head to hers began to slowly kiss her long, sweet, lingering kisses. Her fragrant wet body, surprised by his quickness, relaxed against him to his pleasure, and he felt his desire begin to awaken and stir.

The hair upon his chest tickled and irritated her nipples. She squirmed uneasily against him, but her head was whirling and she felt dizzy with the heat of the bath and his embrace. Nervously she placed her palms flat against his chest as if to hold him off. Conn kissed the corners of her mouth with his tongue sending a small flash of weakness through her.

"Aidan," he breathed against her lips. "Aidan, my sweet, prim little wife." One arm about her waist he allowed his other hand to move upward to cup a breast.

She stiffened, a little shocked. No one had ever touched her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. No one. "Conn!" Her voice sounded squeaky, and perhaps a little frightened.

"It's all right, sweetheart," he soothed. "Touching is very much a part of making love, and a woman's b.r.e.a.s.t.s were made to caress as well as nourish." He fondled her gently and lovingly.

She shivered, but she was neither cold nor fearful any longer. His hands made her feel strange, not quite herself.

Conn could see she was skittish, and so he did not press his advantage over his wife. It would be better to continue this game after they had left the bath. Later when Aidan was surer of herself, and of what making love could involve, he would reintroduce water sports. "Yer a very tempting creature, Lady Bliss," he said, and then he kissed her mouth firmly. "Do ye also scrub backs?"

Aidan colored becomingly, but with his hands gone from her body she was able to regain control of herself. "Aye," she answered him. "Turn about, my lord husband," and she set to work to wash him.

Her hands were firm, but soft, and Conn closed his eyes a moment. To his surprise he found that she was arousing him with her seemingly innocent touch which first smoothed down his back and then up again. Plunging her hands back into the water she soaped his b.u.t.tocks beneath the water, and then requested that he turn about so she might wash his chest. He looked down at her, and smiled. Her face was very serious as she worked the fragrant lather over him. He could feel his blood beginning to boil. G.o.d's bones! The witch was beginning to really excite him! Unable to help himself he yanked her against him wrapping his arms tightly about her, and taking her lips in a fierce kiss.

He had a perverse longing to discompose her seeming quiescence, and in this he succeeded. He coerced her lips apart; plunging his tongue into her mouth to make his first penetration of her. She initially stiffened with shock, and then she tried to fight him, tearing her head away from his pa.s.sionate embrace.

"No! Oh, Conn, no!"

He gritted his teeth. "Aidan, dammit, yer my wife! I've been patient, I'm trying to be patient, I want to be patient; but G.o.d's nightshirt, woman! I'm only a flesh-and-blood man! Ye excite the devil out of me, and I want to make love to ye!" He didn't let go of her.

Startled by his words she looked up at him. "I ... I arouse ye?" she whispered.

"Aye."

Her eyes filled with tears that threatened to spill over, and run down her cheeks. "Oh, Conn, I feel such a fool! To be such an ignorant creature at my age is embarra.s.sing, but I just don't know what to expect, or what to do with regards to this lovemaking. I am afraid, and I am not. I want to, and I don't. I don't know what to do or think!" She looked helplessly up at him.

Conn looked down into Aidan's face, and then his hand came up to gently caress her cheek with his fingers. "Ye said earlier that ye wanted me to make love to ye tonight; that ye were ready to be my wife. Is it still so, sweetheart?"

This was her chance! This was her opportunity to change her mind, but somehow she knew that if she did she would endanger the yet young and fragile relationship that they were building. She had quickly realized that he was a good man, and certainly he was a patient one as well, but as he had said, he was only flesh and blood. A mortal. Not some perfect being, or a saint. Besides, that wasn't the kind of man she wanted.

"Aidan? Have ye changed yer mind?"

Mutely she shook her head in the negative, and could almost see the relief wash over him.

Hoisting himself from the tub he reached back down, and drew her out of the water. Then taking a towel he began to rub her down with it. "I couldn't possibly catch ye in that tub with all that lavender oil, sweetheart. Why yer as slippery as an eel."

Wordlessly Aidan took a second towel from the warming rack, and began to dry her husband in return. He was going to catch a chill, she thought, and somehow the idea of cuddling with him, and whatever came after that appealed to her far more than nursing him through a winter sickness. Suddenly both were quite dry, and it dawned upon Conn to look at his bride of almost a week. He had never seen her without her clothing. Gently he set her back a bit from him, and slowly his eyes began to travel the long length of her body, widening in total and delighted surprise as they went. A long sigh hissed from between his lips.

"Cod's great c.o.c.k!" he said, and then he began to chuckle. "What a wonderful joke, Aidan! What an absolutely wonderful jest!"

"What?" She was blushing again, and feeling horribly mortified by his words, and his laughter. What was wrong with her now? She reached for the sodden towel to cover herself, but he s.n.a.t.c.hed it away with a mild oath.

"d.a.m.nation, sweetheart! Don't cover yerself. Yer the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and if I live to be one hundred I don't think that I could get my fill of looking at ye."

Her face crumbled, and she began to weep. "Oh, monster! Oh, beast to taunt me so! I believed ye a kind man, Conn, but yer not!" She hit out at him with her fist. "Yer not!"

Surprised he reached out to draw her into his arms and comfort her. "Aidan, what is this? How have I hurt ye?"

"Ye say that I am beautiful, and we both know that I am just barely short of being quite plain," she sobbed.

"Of face, aye, my sweet wife," he agreed, "but Aidan, the Creator has played a delicious prank for though ye be plain of face, ye have without a doubt the most beautiful and flawless body I have ever seen on any woman, and ye must believe me when I tell ye I have seen many a lovely form."

"What?" she gasped. "What is this ye say?"

In reply he practically dragged her across the room to place her before the pier gla.s.s. "Look, sweetheart! Yer beautiful!"

She stared at the naked figure in the mirror. She had never before seen herself naked, but the sight meeting her eye was certainly not an unpleasant one, just a little shocking to her senses. Unconsciously she straightened her shoulders, and gazed hard at the nude figure in the pier gla.s.s. Her arms and legs were pleasingly shapely, and long. Her torso was also long, the narrow waist flowing into invitingly contoured hips, the bones wide-s.p.a.ced and nicely fleshed. There was just the hint of a little rounded belly, or was it the shadow of the dancing firelight that made it seem so, the flesh swelling just slightly above her plump Venus mound. Slowly Aidan's gray eyes moved to her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. They were neither too large, nor too small, but rather soft, perfect globes of warm flesh with sweetly formed pink nipples that now stood erect in the chill of the room.

She looked questioningly at him standing in the gla.s.s behind her. "Are ye telling me, Conn, that ye have never seen a more beautiful female form than mine? This is the truth? Not just a bridegroom eager to please his wife, eager to bed her?"

"Aye, my sweetheart, I swear it!" he answered. "I have never seen anyone with a more beautiful form." Then he chuckled once again. "If ye prove to be wanton, my wife, I shall never ask the Creator for anything else ever again. I vow it on the Blessed Mother!"

Laughter bubbled up in her throat, and spilled over into the quiet room. "Oh, Conn!" she said, s.p.a.cing her words between her mirth, "there is still a great deal of the boy in ye after all."

"But more than enough man for ye, Aidan, I promise ye!" he murmured, his arms slipping about her waist for a moment as he bent to kiss her shoulder.

She felt her breath catch in her throat as his lips grazed her skin. It was as if his mouth were burning her, leaving a fiery imprint upon her flesh.

His hands slid upward to cup her round b.r.e.a.s.t.s, his warm strong fingers kneading the flesh gently, teasing at her nipples. "Sweet," he whispered against her ear. "Oh, my Aidan, how very sweet ye are!"

His touch no longer shocked or terrified her even as with curious eyes she watched his actions in the mirror. Indeed his touch seemed to release her final inhibitions. Closing her eyes she sighed deeply allowing the honeyed feelings his hands seemed to encourage to sweep over her, to catch her up in budding pa.s.sion. "Conn," she breathed softly turning, and slipping her arms about his neck as she felt her legs weakening under her.

He stopped just long enough to lift her up, his lips taking hers once more in a tender kiss, and then cradling her in his arms he walked across the bedchamber floor to gently deposit her in their bed. "Aidan?" he questioned her softly, a final time.

"Did ye not say, my lord, that there can be no turning back now," she murmured up at him, and reaching up drew him down to her.

With a pained groan he fell to the bed, rolling over and drawing her with him. He couldn't believe how quickly his own desire had risen, and now a voice within his head cautioned further patience. How he initiated her into the art of Venus would determine the future happiness of their bedsport. He could hear in his brain an echo of the voice of Peggy Brady who had taught him so well how sweet pa.s.sion could be.

Slowly, Conn, my darling. Remember that a woman is like a fine lute. If ye would get the best tune from it, ye must play oh so gently, and skillfully upon its delicate strings.

He could feel the swellings of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s against his hard chest. Opening his eyes he found her looking at him,-her gaze a mixture of shyness and curiosity. He reached up, and undid her hair which had been pinned atop her head for the bath. The coppery tresses tumbled free, and he ran a hand through the silkiness of them, singling out one lock which he took between two fingers, and kissed. A faint aroma of lavender clung to the curl.

Aidan shivered with delight both from his kiss, and from the sensation of feeling her hip-length hair upon her skin. A second shiver rippled through her as a long finger traced the line of cheekbone, and down her jaw. Turning her from her side onto her back he bent and began to press feathery kisses onto her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. A soft, surprised, "Ohhh," escaped her. His mouth closed over a tempting nipple, and began to draw upon it. She had never felt anything like the sensation that suddenly raced through her tingling her from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. "Mmmmmmmm," she murmured. His hand smoothed across her belly. "Ahhhhh," she sighed, and squirmed with pleasure.

Conn was somewhat surprised for he had expected protests long before this. Instead she was almost purring as his touch aroused her innocence. His fingers moved lower, seeking the very source of her femininity, and as he found it he heard her intake of breath, her tiny gasp. It was rea.s.suring for although he had no doubts as to her virginity, her easy acceptance of his exploration had somewhat unnerved him.

"Conn," she whispered, a small nervous note to her voice. She had enjoyed the stroking, and his attentions to her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, but this was too intimate a touch. Her hands moved to prevent further liberties.

"Nay, sweetheart," he rea.s.sured her pushing her hands away. "This is all part of it. I swear."

"I've never even touched myself there," she said.

"I'll not hurt ye, Aidan. It helps to prepare ye for yer first time. Will ye trust me?" G.o.d's nightshirt! He was burning for her!

"Aye, my lord," she said low. "I will trust ye."

He kissed her softly, and then continued in his explorations of her.

She tried very hard to remain still as he toyed with her, but the tiny jewel of her womanhood proved extremely sensitive, and a low moan escaped from between her lips. Her hips began to move almost of their own volition as his delicate tickling caused a sensation of little thrills to sweep over her. She was beginning to understand why both men and women succ.u.mbed to the lure of l.u.s.t, and she was unable to prevent herself from saying, "Oh, Conn! 'Tis so delicious! Tell me that there is even more!"

His first instinct was to be shocked, but then he chuckled, relieved that she was enjoying herself. It was all to the good, and he really didn't want a woman like his elder half-sisters, or his mother. "There is more, sweetheart!" he answered her.

"I... I want it now, Conn! I want it all now! I can bear no more of yer trifling! Love me!"

"Aidan, sweet. . ." he began. He must go slowly.

"Now!" she pleaded with him. "Oh, please now!" A fine sheen of perspiration had suddenly surfaced on her body, and she squirmed restlessly.

He covered her body with his, his weight almost crushing her for a moment until he had readjusted their positions. She flung her arms about him, pressing herself fiercely against him, loving the feel of his body upon hers. Pa.s.sionately he kissed her, their tongues fencing sweetly, and then he whispered to her, "Open yer legs for me, Aidan." She shivered intensely, but there was no hesitation in her compliance. She had been quick to arouse, and now he found her young body moist and ready for him. Gently he positioned himself, trying with utmost care to breach her maiden defenses, but to his surprise she whispered in his ear.

"Nay, Conn! I know there is pain the first time. Ye do me no kindness to dally. Thrust home hard, my husband! Let us have done with this troublesome virginity of mine so we may attain the sweet portion!" and she pushed her hips up hard at him.

Instinctively he pressed back, driving into her in one powerful stroke, absorbing her cry of pain into his own mouth, pinioning her beneath him in pa.s.sionate thrall.

Aidan had known that there would be pain, but she had not been quite prepared for the fiery burst that spread into her loins with a throbbing smarting ache. She had cried out, but he had m.u.f.fled her sob, stroking her face and her hair tenderly in a soothing gesture. She felt the tears upon her cheeks, but he kissed them away as he lay still for a moment atop her. As the pain began to subside she suddenly became aware of a fullness within her, a throbbing fullness. It was then that he began to move against her.

No one had prepared her for what happened next, but then in the afterward she wondered if anyone could have explained it. As her handsome husband moved upon her, thrusting slowly at first with deep measured strokes until she moaned uncontrollably; then thrusting with increasing speed until she knew for certain that she would die in this maelstrom of desire; Aidan began to lose control of her own mind, and body and soul. She felt as if she were climbing a high hill, climbing, and climbing toward a top that never seemed to materialize; and then suddenly it did, and she was hurled down with wild speed into a kaleidoscope of rainbow colors, and that was all that she could remember until she heard Conn's dear voice calling to her, almost pleading with her to speak to him. Slowly, and with great difficulty she opened her eyes, but it was hard to keep them open for her eyelids felt so heavy.

"Aidan! Aidan, sweetheart! Ah, my little wife, ye were so d.a.m.ned brave, and I love ye for it!" He was relieved when she smiled up at him, and then her eyes closed, and she fell into a natural sleep.

He drew the coverlet over them both, and with a murmur of contentment Aidan turned onto her left side, her sleep deepening as each minute went by. Lying back, his hands beneath his head, Conn smiled broadly to himself. He was astonished by her, dazzled that despite the fact she was a virgin she had attained total and complete satisfaction her first time. Not only that, she had given him incredible pleasure as well. He remembered his careless words of so short a time ago that should she prove a wanton he should consider himself blest. A small chuckle escaped him. Wanton was not a word he would apply to Aidan, but she had certainly been most eager for his loving, and not once had she drawn back in fear, or demurred in false modesty. Indeed she had encouraged him onward, and despite the pain he had seen in her eyes she had not reproached him his part in her deflowering. More and more he realized his good fortune. A t.i.tle, an estate, a fortune, a charming and eager wife. He must beware of becoming smug. His eyelids grew heavy, and he dozed.

She slept perhaps an hour or two, and then Aidan awoke fully, clearheaded and acutely aware. She rolled onto her back, stretching lazily, a faint smile turning up the corners of her lips. Propping herself upon an elbow she gazed down on Conn. He lay sleeping upon his back, sprawled somewhat like a child, his right arm across his eyes, his left leg bent. Gently she drew back the coverlet, and looked upon his manroot. She was amazed that something that small and soft could have given her such delight. Reaching out she boldly took it in her hand and began to caress it. To her great surprise the little creature within her hand suddenly gained life of its own and began to stretch and grow within her grasp. Fascinated she continued her ministrations to the awakening beast, watching with widening eyes as it lengthened and thickened, a growing awareness that she had taken its bigness within her own body.

Conn had been sleeping lightly, and then he felt the cold air of the room on his naked body as she drew the coverlet back. He watched her from beneath the shelter of his arm as she stared down at him, wondering what thoughts went through her mind, tingling with delight as she began with gentle, and innocently skillful fingers to caress him. He was stunned to find how quickly she could arouse him, and when he could finally bear no more of her teasing he said softly, "Now, my Aidan, ye must pay a forfeit for awakening yer husband on this winter's night." Reaching up he pulled her down on him, tangling his hands in her coppery hair, brushing her lips with his own.

"Do ye remember earlier, sweetheart, that ye thought my manhood small, and I told ye ye had not yet aroused its interest? Well, now ye've aroused its interest!" He rolled her beneath him, and his mouth fastened upon one of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s sending darts of delight through her. She murmured her approval of his actions, and he chuckled, "Ahh, wench, ye like that, do ye?"

"Aye, my lord, but this time I hope ye will not neglect its sister as ye did before."

He raised his head grinning. "Nay, sweetheart, now that I know yer not fearful there is a great deal more I can teach ye," and his head dipped to her other breast to initiate it into pa.s.sion.

She stroked his dark head as he did so, feeling the silky strands slip through her fingers. The back of his neck, she noted seemed particularly sensitive to her touch, the hair at the nape becoming bristly as it rose up.

His mouth moved down her long torso to her belly, pressing warm kisses upon the delicate skin, causing her to shudder with surprise. He wanted to go lower, but he feared shocking her, and spoiling what had become a very pleasant wedding night for them both. Her skin was so sweetly fragrant with lavender, so soft and so tender. Unable to help himself, he licked the flesh of her belly, and she cried out his name.

"Ohh, Conn! Conn! 'Tis too sweet!"

"Nay, sweeting, there is much, much more!" he promised her, and pulling himself up he found her lips again. She had the most wonderful mouth, he thought as he pressed kiss after kiss upon her lips. They parted, her moist little tongue seeking out his, frolicking with his, teasing him gently. Her loveplay kindled his ardor until he could no longer refrain from plunging deep into her warmth, and to his delight she urged him onward, all traces of maidenly modesty gone.

"Ohh, Conn, yes! Yes! Yes!" she sobbed as he drove hungrily within her sheath. Dear heaven! It was going to happen again! she thought. That incredible wild and wonderful fusing of their bodies that led to a dissolving of her entire being. She cried out her pleasure, and unable to contain his . pa.s.sion Conn poured himself into her, shuddering uncontrollably until he finally fell to one side of her, pulling her into his embrace.

"Aidan, Aidan," he murmured into her hair, "what is this witchery ye surround me with?"

She laughed weakly. "I was going to ask ye something of a similar nature, my lord. Oh, Conn! I didn't know! I didn't know!"

He hugged her gently. "Of course ye didn't know, Aidan, my sweeting. How could ye?"