A raging storm began as they journeyed to Torin's cottage. By the time they reached the door, both of them were soaked to the skin.

He sat her down in a chair by the hearth and went to work building a fire. The turf was dry and caught quickly, the flames soon danced and lengthened until they grew high enough to light the room. Waves of heat billowed outward as the red gold flames crackled in the silence.

When he turned back to Alaina, she hadn't moved except for the tremors that coursed over her. She seemed mesmerized by the fire, unaware of her surroundings otherwise though her teeth chattered and shoulders shook violently beneath her sodden garments.

"Here darlin'," he said as he moved closer and knelt on the floor at her feet. "Let's get you dry and warm again."

She looked at him blankly for a moment and he felt a twinge of fear that the shock had been too great a thing. But then she blinked and seemed to come to herself again.

"Y-yes," she stuttered through quivering lips and lifted her hands to the large b.u.t.tons of Sean's coat. Her fingers shook and Torin watched for a long painful moment while she tried to work the b.u.t.tons free.

"Here, let me help," he said, his voice thick with the emotion that rose in his throat. He longed to take the pain upon himself-to soothe her troubled mind and promise he'd keep her safe forevermore. But could he really promise such a thing? They were married now, husband and wife, yet he'd been unable to protect her even in those first hours of their union. His past sins had come back to haunt him and had almost taken her from him in the process.

Torin made short work of the coat b.u.t.tons and slid the dripping wool from her shoulders. He hesitated but a moment at the thought of removing her dress, but the trust in her dark eyes and the way she shivered helped him make up his mind. He had to get her warm and dry or risk pneumonia.

The torn fabric clung to her b.r.e.a.s.t.s but was easily pulled away. His mouth went dry at the sight of her-an almost crippling mixture of l.u.s.t, anger and sorrow enveloped him as he took in the shallow cuts on her chest. Old scars stood out white and stark on her side. Was that what the b.a.s.t.a.r.d had done to her all those years ago? His gut clenched.

He pulled the ruined dress and chemise down over her shoulders, rising on his knees as he did so to tug the fabric down her arms. Then he made a quick decision and grasped the torn opening with both hands and pulled-the sound ripped through the cottage. He pulled her to her feet, slipped the layers down over her hips and off before he tossed the mess to one side. When he looked at her again, Torin's breath caught in his throat. Her dark hair hung wet and loose over her shoulders, some strands caressing the tight rose tips of her full b.r.e.a.s.t.s. Only her torn stockings and the wet, translucent drawers remained. The undergarment teasingly revealed the dark juncture at her thighs.

He looked into her eyes. The love and desire he saw there almost brought him to his knees. She wanted him, loved him. It had been so very, very long since he'd lain with a woman. Now she stood before him-his wife, his to love. He felt his body come to life.

But he couldn't take her, not after what had happened. Not after the pain he had indirectly caused.

"Torin," she murmured, a slight note of pleading in her voice.

"Nay," he replied. "You need rest...you need-"

She slid a hand around the back of his neck and pulled his head down to her. After she placed a hard, sensuous kiss on his lips, she looked up into his eyes. "I need you. I need your touch to warm me. Make me forget what happened, Torin. Make love to me."

He swallowed hard and lifted her into his arms. Without breaking eye contact, he carried her across the room to his bed. Then he shed his own clothing as she watched him beneath heavy lids. Her gaze lingered on him and took in every movement as he bared himself to her view. It had to be the most erotic sensation he'd ever known.

He knelt beside her on the bed and slowly removed her undergarments. She laid before him, revealed at last to view and so much more beautiful than the image branded in his vivid thoughts. A form of smooth gentle curves...the round, full slopes of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s...her dark hair so in contrast with pale, ivory skin.

His heart thundered in his chest as she whispered his name and he lowered himself to her, the chill of her smooth skin to his made him shiver.

"I'll warm you," he said against her neck. She gasped as he kissed the hollow of her throat and at last allowed himself to taste her essence on his tongue, to feel her body beneath him. He could feel her heartbeat flutter between her b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

Her moans of pleasure heightened his own until he feared he might lose control long before he could bring her ultimate pleasure.

"My love," he breathed as he moved to lie between her silken thighs. Then he reached down to touch her intimately and she flinched. "I won't hurt you."

"I know," she said. "I want to please you, Torin. I-I don't know what to do."

He couldn't help but smile. "You're doing everything just right, my love. Are you sure you're ready? I said I wouldn't hurt you, but this...this may be painful the first time." The thought of what had happened to her before struck him like a blow to the gut. "I couldn't bear the thought of bringing you pain."

She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him deeply, the long sweep of her tongue sent a tingle down his spine. Then she looked into his eyes with such love, it was almost too much to bear. "I know you'll be gentle. I want you to be a part of me. I...I ache for you." She grasped his hand in hers and led him back to her most private place. "I ache for you here," she whispered.

He touched her then, finding the most sensitive flesh, and she gasped, her eyes wide in surprise. "Let yourself feel, darlin'. I'll take care of you. No one will ever hurt you again."

She seemed to melt into his touch then, her eyes closed and lips parted. Pa.s.sion took over as he bent his head to taste her b.r.e.a.s.t.s-the feel of her taut nipple on his tongue made the fire in his blood burn with more intensity. His thoughts clouded until instinct alone led him on...that and the subtle cues of her breathy moans, the way she wriggled beneath him, the way her hands roved over his back and hips.

When she was hot and wet with need, he carefully lifted himself between her thighs. "Wrap your legs around me," he instructed softly. She obeyed without hesitation. "Relax...trust me."

He could feel he was in position and with one quick thrust of his hips, he entered her. She gasped and went still for a moment before she moved as if to draw him nearer.

"More," she whispered and he chuckled.

"Take it slow," he told her, but as she tightened around him, Torin knew was easier said than done. He pushed deeper, her low moan vibrating across his skin.

"Oh...more, please, Torin...I-I need..." her voice trailed off when he relented and did as she asked, hoping only that he could bring her pleasure before his own.

At that moment, she arched beneath him and dug her fingers into his back. He watched her face-the wonder in her dark eyes, the surprise. Then she cried out softly and clutched at his b.u.t.tocks, pulling him into her as she ground her softness against him. A second later, he felt that ancient but familiar pull and knew his own release was close. By instinct he thrust hard once, twice, three times before the climax overcame him and he couldn't hold back. The sensation took his breath away.

A novice, he wasn't, but he had never felt anything so powerful, so completely fulfilling in all his life. He had made love to a woman for the very first time. It had not been merely an act of physical release, but one of supreme and deep emotion.

"Is...is it always like that?" she whispered beneath him.

Torin rose to his elbows and gazed down at her in wonder. "Nay, darlin'. But I think between us, 'twill always be so."

Alaina smiled a soft smile and wrapped her arms around him, even as her body refused to release his just yet. "I love you. I never knew I could love anyone so very much."

He rained kisses along the line of her jaw, her temple and then slowly withdrew from her heat. Exhaustion weighed heavy upon him, but he gathered her close, spooning her naked body to his as he pulled a blanket around them.

"A ghra moi chroi," he murmured near her ear as she pillowed her head on his arm. "Love of my heart, my dearest wife. Sleep now."

Chapter Fourteen.

Alaina tucked safely in his bed, Torin sank into the chair by the hearth and let his muscles loosen.

The whiskey in his cup was designed to fight the cold he felt once he climbed out of bed. But watching her sleep across the room, he couldn't help the longing that plagued him. He wanted to crawl back beneath the blanket, take her in his arms and make love to her again. But he was afraid of how strong his emotions were with this woman. Afraid that the incident with Doogan only proved he should have never taken a wife.

Her color was better now-pale instead of its normally healthy glow, but a far cry from the shade of death it had been. Their clothes hung about the hearth, droplets of water puddled on the floor as the heat of the flames dried them.

With a sigh, he sipped the whiskey and again said a prayer of thanks that she seemed none the worse for wear. Then the image of Doogan's cowardly face entered his mind and felt a renewed surge of hate. If anything had happened to her... But she was safe. She would be bruised and sore for a while, but otherwise the damage was not permanent.

Draining the gla.s.s with one long gulp, he let the fiery liquid pour down his throat. His eyes lost focus and the weight of exhaustion settled over his limbs. Rising from the chair he crossed to the bed and gazed down at Alaina. Her hair spilled over the pillow. A purple cast under her eyes testified to her ordeal. He longed to take her in his arms and hold her-just to be close to her and a.s.sure himself that she was alive and well.

He lowered his body beneath the blankets beside her and stretched to his full length. With extreme care he slid his left arm under her neck, draping the other over her waist on top of the covers. He drifted off to sleep.

It was warm and peaceful and Alaina dreaded the idea of getting up. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the light as she tried to focus. It was then that she realized something was wrong.

The pillow on which her head rested was warm and moving. With a start her brain came awake and she lifted her head to have a better look. The knife of pain at her temple made her wince and lay back once more. Then she noticed the heartbeat under her hand. She knew then that she was resting in Torin's arms. The scent of him, the smooth expanse of skin beneath her hand where his nightshirt opened to reveal his chest...the very essence of her husband filled her senses.

Memories a.s.sailed her at that moment-the ceili, his declaration of love, their impromptu wedding. And then the memory of Doogan's threats, her rescue and the long walk home through the storm-held fast in her husband's strong arms. As she began to relive their wedding night and making love with Torin, she felt a wave of embarra.s.sment wash over her. How could she face him this morning after the things they'd done? She had been so insistent, so wanton. But it didn't matter. He loved her and the experience had been the most incredible one of her life. One she hoped to repeat.

As her body came awake, aches and pains radiated through every muscle and joint. The night had not been without a price. Every inch of her felt bruised and battered.

"Good morning, darlin'," Torin whispered against her hair. Alaina smiled and tried once more to lift her head to look at him. The knife twisted a second time and she winced.

"I thought I was dreaming for a moment," she murmured, her cheek upon his chest. "But my head's telling me this is real enough."

He slid his arm out from beneath her and laid her onto the pillows. Rising on one elbow he searched her face with haunted eyes. She thought her heart would melt at the tenderness she saw there-the pain and guilt. She moved to rise.

"Don't try it yet, darlin', not until we know how badly you're hurt." His voice was gentle and soothing. "'Tis fine and safe you are now. No one will harm you, sweet Alaina."

"Doogan," she whispered. "I couldn't get away."

Torin reached a gentle hand to caress her face. "I won't lie to you. If anything had happened, Doogan's life wouldn't be worth a shilling. I almost lost you-" his deep voice broke with emotion, his eyes swam with tears. "Dear G.o.d, I almost lost you..."

He buried his face against her neck and the tears fell into her hair. Alaina reached her arms around him, stroking his back and comforting him as pain racked his body. His shoulders shook with silent sobs and she pulled him closer.

"It's all right, Torin," she whispered. "I'm safe...we're together."

His warmth enveloped her once more. He pressed his lips to her neck, suckling the sensitive curve as his whiskers sent little chills of pleasure up and down her spine. Again he seemed unable to resist every part of her-it was as if he could never get enough of tasting, touching. She squirmed beneath him, her body vibrating like a hundred fiddle strings as she sought release from the pent-up desire he ignited.

"A ghra mo choi," Torin breathed against her mouth. He traced his tongue over her lower lip. Alaina moaned and opened her mouth to him. Her arms tightened about his broad shoulders. He moved closer as he lowered his body against hers and pressed her into the mattress.

Her reserve melted in his arms and she pulled him closer. This was heaven. Her body ached for him. Heat spiraled up from within her very center and she begged him to quench the rising flame.

"Love me, Torin," she whispered as his hands moved over her skin. "Make love to me."

"As you wish, dearest wife," he murmured against the soft slope of her breast. Then he looked up at her with a devilish smile. "You have only to ask."

The sun rose to cast the cottage in a warm, rosy gleam. Alaina lay sated, her body still intertwined with her husband's. She wanted to feel content-to trust that their ordeal was over, but something nagged at her. Something on which she couldn't quite lay a finger.

"If anything had happened to you..." Torin said, then his voice trailed off and she felt his struggle to keep the emotions at bay. She only prayed he would be able to absolve himself of the guilt he felt. "It would have been Doogan's ultimate revenge-to have me lose you to the cliffs. G.o.d, you must have been so scared. Please forgive me for putting you in the middle of all this."

Alaina frowned. The cliffs...just like Brigit. The other girl had been frightened, no, petrified of the cliffs. She was to meet Torin at Doonagore, not on the cliffs themselves. How had she wound up there? That alone didn't make sense. Either did the knowledge that she had been distraught enough to jump hundreds of feet to her death.

No, there was no way the girl could have jumped. Not with that kind of fear inside her. Alaina understood what such deep-seated terror could do to a person. It was crippling.

"Did everyone know Brigit feared the cliffs?"

He lay silent for a moment. "Nay, she was a quiet la.s.s. Barely spoke to anyone."

Alaina lifted her head as bits of conversation began to gel in her mind. From them, a horrible idea began to form.

"Only those she trusted would know of her fear?"

Torin frowned at her. "Aye, seems logical."

She licked her lips and swallowed as her stomach began to churn. One other person did know. But she had to be sure it wasn't just coincidence.

"Did you ever tell anyone?"

"Alaina, what are you getting at?" he finally demanded as he sat upright on the bed. "I don't like discussing that part of my past, darlin'. Especially not now-not after all we've been through."

"Please, forgive me," she said as she laid a hand on his arm. "But this may be very important. Something about the entire story bothers me and I don't think you'll ever be truly free to love me until you know what happened. Did you ever tell anyone about Brigit's fear?"

He sighed and gazed at some spot over her head for what seemed the longest time. When he looked at her again, she could see the caution returned. "Nay, I told no one."

A chill washed over her from head to foot and Alaina sat up with the blanket clutched tight to her bosom.

"Oh, G.o.d." She looked at him and saw the wariness in his eyes.

"What is it?'

"I-I'm not sure. But what would you say if I told you I think I know how Brigit died? Or rather, who might be responsible?"

Her words hung in the air-dark, foreboding like the whisper of the wind before a storm.

"How..." He cleared his throat. "How can you figure out something so quickly when I've spent years trying?"

"Perspective." She looked down at his hands clenched on top the covers. Hands that not long ago had been gentle and seductive upon her skin. "I have no predisposition to anyone here. No one feels they need to hide things from me, especially after so many years."

"Tell me."

"She didn't kill herself, Torin. She couldn't have-not that way. Someone else...someone threw or pushed her off that cliff."

At that moment she wondered-would he believe her? What would be the point? But she knew that their very future depended on him clearing his name-or at least his own conscience. He had to know he had not been at fault for the poor girl's untimely death. Still, could she really express her thoughts aloud? It might make things worse. Perhaps the dead should be left to rest in peace, as the past should be forgiven and forgotten.

"Alaina, don't drop a statement like that in my lap and then stay silent. Who could possibly have hurt Brigit?"

"Sean." The syllable echoed through the small cottage.

He stared at her, dumbfounded, then chuckled with relief. "You're mistaken. Sean Riordan is my oldest friend-he's always been like a brother to me. Why on earth would he want to hurt Brigit? He barely knew her."

"Are you sure? At the cliffs, when you were fighting Doogan, he said, 'Such a horror for her-to fall from this G.o.dforsaken cliff as she always feared'."

His only response was a frown.

"He knew, Torin! He knew about her fear. You said yourself no one but those she trusted knew that. Even your mother didn't know until I mentioned it."

He stood quickly and walked to the hearth. "Then she must have told Sean."

"No, I don't think so. But we can ask her if-"