Youll not distract me with kisses; Ill have my answer.

He was determined to have his way; she heard it in the strength of his tone and Cree always got his way. Unless she could distract him with...

Slowly her hand crept down along his chest, over taut muscles, and images of him naked sprang into her mind. She loved tracing her fingers over every inch of him, the teasing not only would grow him hard but would turn her wet.

A tingle settled between her legs and turned quickly to a soft pulse. She was ready to take him inside her now and that was what she wanted to do... make love with him and forget the pain her true mother had caused her.

She slipped her hand beneath his tunic and then down past the waistband of his leggings, her fingertips just grazing along his hairline. A short distance more and her fingers would wrap eagerly around his"

She startled when he grabbed tight hold of her wandering hand and yanked it out of his leggings.

Youll not be distracting me. I want my answer.

She didnt want to talk about it right now; she wanted to make love and forget. And so she locked her lips firmly shut showing him that she had no intentions of telling him anything, at least until they made love.

Going to be stubborn? he asked, though didnt give her a chance to respond. He whispered near her ear, I think not. And with that his hand disappeared beneath her skirt.

Chapter Twenty-seven.

Dawn had no doubt that he intended to tease her unmercifully until she gave him what he wanted and while she expected her stubbornness to burst forward and deter his plan, she was shocked at her response. She burst into silent tears again.

Damn, Cree mumbled and with haste he eased her down on the bed while keeping her cradled in his arms.

She turned her face into his chest and wept. She didnt know why she wept again. She had thought all her tears had been spent and her sadness washed away, but she had been wrong.

Im sorry, Dawn, Im so sorry. Dont cry. Please dont cry, Cree whispered in her ear.

She cried even harder upon hearing the mighty and infamous Cree apologizing to her. She would have never expected it of him and yet he had said he was sorry and from the anguish in his voice, he meant it. And she cried some more.

He didnt know what to do; how to stop her tears. He only knew that he hated to see her cry. It was heart-wrenching to feel her body wracked with sobs while not a sound spewed past her lips. His anger grew as she continued to weep.

Im going to kill that bitch, he mumbled feeling more helpless than he had in a long time. When he finally felt her tearful heaving subside, he eased her away from him to wipe at her wet cheeks as he asked, I would take your pain if I could. I hate seeing tears in your beautiful eyes. Talk to me, tell me what has brought you so much sorrow.

Dawn stared at him, her eyes round with astonishment. She felt as if he had just told her that he loved her. Why else would he offer to suffer in her steed if he didnt love her? And that he thought she had beautiful eyes? Beautiful wasnt a word that had ever been used in conjunction with her. Only someone who loved her dearly would think her beautiful and the only other person who had ever thought her beautiful had been her mother.

She sniffled back more tears, though a few escaped and his fingers quickly swiped them away.

No more tears, I insist, he ordered curtly and she had to smile hearing the commanding Cree she was used to. A smile"much better"now talk to me; Im here for you.

He had been there for her since they had first met under odd circumstances. And this man that once caused her to shiver with fear now made her quiver with passion. And where once she trusted him not a whit; she now trusted him with her life.

She eased out of his arms and sat up. He did the same, shoving pillows behind his back to lean against, as if settling in and preparing to listen.

Dawn wasnt sure where to start; she wasnt even sure what was driving her sorrow. So she decided to start with her visit to Old Mary and finding Ann Gerwan there.

Her gestures were like words to Cree. He could hear them in his mind and he loved the sound of her soft yet strong voice. Lady Ann was at Old Marys waiting for you?

Dawn nodded and continued, though the pangs in her heart made her realize that the meeting with Lady Ann had left her with more pain than she had anticipated. And the more she related the incident to Cree, the deeper the pangs to her heart. But the part that gave her pause, that made it difficult for her to tell Cree, gripped at her heart and she grew silent, unable to go on.

Cree leaned forward reaching for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Tell me, Dawn.

She laced her fingers with his and attempted a brave smile, though she could not maintain the charade when she gestured to Cree that her mother had accused her of being selfish.

He scowled and glared at her a moment before saying, Are you telling me that Lady Ann called you selfish?

She cringed and nodded, the word striking her just as harshly now as it had then.

Lady Ann has sealed her fate, Cree announced, as if condemning her and a chill ran through Dawn. You are the most selfless person I have ever known. Far too often you have placed anothers safety ahead of your own and without thought to the consequences. If anyone is selfish, it is Lady Ann and a fool is she as well.

Cree was without a doubt her champion. He let no one speak ill of her and though her actions may have upset him on occasion, he had never truly punished her. He kept her safe, protected her, and loved her. She was blessed the day he had entered her life, though she certainly would not have thought it. But then fate works in strange ways.

How did this meeting end? he asked.

Dawn tossed her head up and walked her fingers across her palm.

You walked out on a titled woman? He laughed and gave her hand another squeeze. I would have loved to have seen her face when you did that. I am proud of you; you are a brave woman. He reached out and grabbed her around the waist and settled her in his lap. And you are my woman. He kissed her then and the little sorrow that lingered was chased away by the loving magic of his kiss.

She thought his intentions were to make love, for her body had certainly stirred to attention, so she was surprised when he continued their conversation.

Now I will tell you what took place in the Great Hall tonight.

Dawn was delighted that he intended to share news with her, but then they had agreed to trust each other and she was pleased to know that he intended to keep his word.

He hugged her against him wanting her as close as he could possibly get her. Lady Ann has made it known that she is not interested in being in the same room as the heathen McCluskys.

Dawn wondered over her true mothers reasoning. Had she wanted to protect her daughters? Had she wanted to keep her secret safe? Had she ever loved Dawns father? So many questions yet to be answered.

Cree voiced a similar concern. It could be fear of discovery, of betrayal, even after all these years that has her not wanting to see Kirk McClusky again. Or she could be the selfish one wanting to protect her status. It will take some digging to uncover the truth.

Yes, it would take some digging, but there was a truth Dawn knew and intended to keep firm in her heart. It was with slow and heartfelt gestures that Dawn told Cree that she had been lucky to have been given to a woman who had been a wonderful mother and had loved her dearly.

I wish I could have known your mother. She sounds like an extraordinary and courageous woman. You are such a woman and will be such a mother, Cree said with conviction and slipped his hand to rest upon her stomach.

She placed her hand over his and nestled her head in the crook of his neck.

I will see the both of you safe, he said, as if making a promise.

She nodded and patted his hand letting him know that was something she already knew.

They remained snuggled in silence for a while, content for the moment to be as they were... together. Life would be good for the two of them once they were wed and he yearned for that time to be soon.

Dawn felt herself grow sleepy, the difficult day having caught up with her. She yawned and snuggled closer to Cree. The thought of making love lingered in the recesses of her mind, but for once the need for sleep overpowered it.

Cree felt her body grow limp against him and he was tempted to slip his hand beneath her skirt and stir her to passion. But she rested contentedly in his arms knowing that he would see her kept safe... even from him.

He almost laughed, though worried the sound would disturb her near slumber so he kept silent, much like she had been forced to do all her life. He rested his cheek on the top of her head and splayed his hand across her stomach. It was difficult to comprehend that his babe nestled safe and comfortable there, but as she rounded it would become apparent, and he would become even more protective.

By then she would be his wife and living in the keep and he could see her anytime he wished. It had to be so; he would not have it any other way. He continued to hold her until his own eyes grew heavy with sleep, then he slipped her off his lap onto the bed.

He went and added more logs to the fire before shedding his garments. Then he gently eased her boots off her feet and took care in slipping off her clothes. She barely stirred, though he did. How could he not? Each time his fingers grazed her soft flesh, he found his member popping to attention. He warned himself to behave; she was tired and so was he. He climbed in beside her, grateful sleep seemed heavy upon him. He eased her on her side so that he could settle himself around her, and then he pulled the warm blanket over them.

He closed his eyes expecting sleep to claim him, hoping it would, but his body had a different idea, especially since her backside nestled snugly against his groin. Not to mention that his hand had settled over her breast and he itched to play with her nipple.

Damn, he muttered and wisely, though reluctantly moved away from her. The day and her tears had exhausted her and she needed sleep. He could not be so callous and think only of himself. He could wait until morning to make love to her.

She turned and wrapped herself around him, her leg hooking over his, her head resting on his chest and her hand...

Damn! he mumbled as her hand settled so close to his groin that he felt himself grow harder. He berated himself for not having left his and her clothes on. But it was too late now, the deed was done and he would suffer for his foolishness.

She rubbed against him, as if in need and he thought for a moment that she had woken but was disappointed when she settled peacefully against him after a few moments.

This was going to be a long night if he couldnt get to sleep and soon. He remained as still as he could, not wanting to lose the battle he was waging to wake her and plunge into her since his need was growing stronger by the minute.

He forced his eyes closed intending to force himself to sleep when suddenly her hand drifted over his hardness and took hold. His eyes sprang open and he waited, but nothing happened. Her hand remained still, her grip firm, and he lay in agony.

Wake her you fool, he argued with himself but he couldnt bring himself to do it. It would be selfish of him, and this was one time he certainly would enjoy being selfish.

His breath caught as her hand began to move and he remained still not wanting to disturb her, not wanting her to stop. And she didnt. He closed his eyes and enjoyed himself thinking any minute now she would stop and he would be left aching. She slowed some and he thought it the end, but a moment later she resumed a steady rhythm and he smiled at his good fortune.

He lay there enjoying himself when suddenly she stopped. He silently cursed the end of his good fortune, though what happened next nearly had him bolting off the bed.

Dawn eased herself down over him and took him in her mouth. His eyes popped open and he leaned up on his elbows. She lifted her head and gave him a wicked lick.

He grinned and shook his head. She had never been sleeping; she had been teasing him and damn if he hadnt enjoyed it. He dropped back and let her have her way with him.

She licked, nipped, and sucked until he thought he would go mad. Then the thought hit like a punch to the gut... she had complete power over him at this moment. He bolted up, his hands reaching for her waist, grabbing hold, and lifting her up and over to drop on the bed, and then he came down on top of her.

With a quick nudge of his knee to spread her legs apart, he sunk into her and he knew he would not last long. She had aroused him to the point of climax and there was no controlling it. He had to come; he couldnt stop it, and he wanted her to join him.

Dawn startled when he swiftly and all in one fluid motion swung her off him and beneath him and entered her like an avenging warrior. She grabbed his stiff forearms on either side of her and held on as he hovered over her repeatedly driving in and out of her.

Youll climax with me, he ordered. Thats not a request.

She had no trouble obeying his command; she had wanted the same herself.

Their breathing turned as frantic as their movements and it wasnt long before Cree threw his head back and roared, his climax so powerful that it wracked his whole body with wave after wave of pleasure.

Dawn once again lay in the aftermath of a climax that she always found difficult to believe could be better than the last one. Making love with Cree was like finding happiness over and over and over. It was pure magic.

Cree dropped on his back beside Dawn to catch his breath. He reached for her hand and laced his fingers with hers, then brought it to his mouth to kiss a couple of her fingers before resting their joined hands on his chest.

In a moment, when he regained his breath he intended to finally tell her how much he loved her that nothing would stop him from loving her and that he would always love her. It was time she heard it from; she had to know how he truly felt about her. And he had to tell her; felt compelled to tell her, to pledge his love to her.

Sleep had a different idea and before their breathing completely calmed their eyes closed and sleep claimed them both.

Morning and a frantic pounding at the door brought an interruption of their peaceful sleep and had them both dressing quickly. A light snow flurry followed Elwin into the cottage when Cree opened the door.

He shook his head as he spoke. Chaos reigns in the keep. Lord Gerwan is demanding the return of his daughters servant. Lady Ann is driving Flanna crazy with her demands, insisting that extra servants help finish Lucernes wedding attire even if it means working on it day and night. And Lucerne is insisting that she speak to Turbett directly concerning the food for the wedding celebration. Elwin stopped shaking his head. And Kirk McClusky wants to speak with you.

And I want to speak to him. Have him sent to my solar. Cree said and turned to Dawn. Last night came rushing back to him and he dismissed Elwin with a wave wanting to be alone with Dawn.

Elwin had barely closed the door when Cree had Dawn in his arms. I had hoped for a leisurely morning before I had to take my leave. He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. I love the feel of you. He couldnt seem to come right out and tell her that he loved her. Last night had been the perfect time, this morning and his need to rush was not a good time. Last night was... magic.

Dawn smiled and nodded feeling the same.

There is much I must see to today. I will return when I can.

She nodded understanding, then remembered that she had hoped to convince him to take her to the spot where the tracks of her attacker had suddenly vanished. She wondered if he would allow her to go with her guards and so she asked.

Absolutely not, he said empathically. You will stay put in the safety of this cottage until we catch the culprit.

Dawn stepped away from him and planted her hands on her hips and sent him a wicked glare. She could not continue to be confined to the cottage, and she let him know it with quick, jabbing gestures.

Cree recalled how she had told him that she felt like a prisoner and though she wasnt, he could understand why she felt as she did. And so he relented... somewhat. You may go out as long as you remain in the confines of the village. You are not, I repeat, you are not to go into the woods. He reached for the door latch. I mean it, Dawn. Do not test me on this for you will suffer the consequences.

She jutted her chin out and kept her hands planted firmly on her hips.

Youll not have your way in this; Ill make certain of it. With that he stormed out the door.

Her hands fell off her hips and her shoulders slumped. She didnt like that he left angry with her and without kissing her. They had had such a wonderful night together and it disturbed her that the very next morning could be so opposite.

The door suddenly flung open and Cree strode in kicking it closed behind him. He stood there a moment and then he began walking toward her as he did his hand went to his chest and tapped it, then he rested his hand over his heart and when stopped in front of her he pressed his hand over her heart.

He had just told her that he loved her and with gestures the way she did. Tears pooled in her eyes and before she could respond his arm caught her around the waist and he yanked her against him. Youre my woman and I love you. I love you more than I ever thought I could possibly love anyone. Youre my breath, my heart, my very being and if anything should happen to you I could not bear it. I will make time later this morning and take you into the woods where you want to go, but for now I ask you to stay put so that I will not go out of my mind with worry.

He kissed her then with a passion that tickled her senseless. And when it ended, she tapped her chest, placed her hand to her heart and patted there several times then pressed it over his and patted there several times as well.

You love me that much do you? he asked teasingly.

She smiled and shook her head and stretched her hands out wide on either side of her flicking her fingers over and over.

He stared at her for a moment and she thought that he might not understand, and then he shook his head as if he didnt quite believe what he was about to say. Your love for me is never-ending?

She nodded, brought her hands to his face, cupped it, and kissed him.

They lingered in the kiss, parted reluctantly, and when the door closed Dawn pinched herself to make certain she wasnt dreaming. It was real, no dream, Cree had just told her that he loved her.