Page 64 of Highland Guard
“Never. I never loved her, and when we ended it, it was final. I went to Henderson land with no hesitation because I wanted nothing more. I presumed she felt the same.”
Naomi nodded in response. “Why keep it a secret from me? What was the reason for hiding it?”
“I didn’t mean to hide it. I just... did not want you bothered by it, but I see now I made it worse by not discussing it with you. You are my sole priority now. I worried for her son, but realize she was only using him as well.”
Naomi nodded and rested her head on his shoulder.
Kieran sighed and said, “Naomi MacKenzie, I love you more than the air in my lungs. I love you with an immeasurable amount of feeling I canna ever explain. I love you when you carry on like a feral wild cat and when you’re quiet in my arms, like now. Thank heavens. And I love you enough to forsake all others. That means I promise that for as long as I have breath, you are the only woman who gets all of me and nothing less.”
Naomi stilled as all the angry indignation left her. She let out a breath and replied, “Well, I suppose that will do for now.”
Kieran rolled his eyes then asked, “Why are your bags packed?”
“I was going to leave you and never come back.”
Kieran stiffened then, and it was his turn to glare at her. “What do you mean, leave me?”
“I planned to seek an annulment and just disappear.”
“You ever think of doing that again and I will wallop yourbahookie. I will not have the woman I love marching to the king seeking an annulment. Do you hear me?” he growled.
Naomi gazed into his eyes and noticed the depth of feeling there. “All right, husband. No need to get upset about it. You really should learn to control your temper.”
“Me? You’re the one who tried to kick me in the balls moments ago.”
“Well, that’s because I love you too, you stupid man!” she yelled.
“You need to work on how you show it, sweeting.”
“Dinnae make me angry again, or I’ll slap your ears.” She squinted her eyes at him.
Kieran grinned and gave her a heated look because all her feisty anger had him wanting her with a desperate need. Kieran kissed her deeply and then with a heated, smoldering look he whispered against her lips, “I think it’s time for bed, Mrs MacKenzie. You still have a lot of pent-up anger to work through, and I’m offering my body for your use.”
“Yes, Mr MacKenzie, I most certainly do,” Naomi replied breathlessly.
***
Entertaining Death
THE NEXT MORNING, NAOMImet with Beiste and Dalziel in the great hall. She left Kieran to recover from their vigorous night of love making and resolved to be home in time to make him breakfast and wake him with kisses.
Naomi was grinning but ceased when she saw the worried looks on Beiste and Dalziel’s faces.
“What is it?” she asked Dalziel.
“I’ve just received word from Macbeth about concern for your safety.”
“What has happened?”
“Macbeth sends a warning that FitzOsbern has called in anImmortalto find you and you are to be guarded at all times.”
Naomi stumbled backwards. “No, it cannot be. They do not exist anymore.”
“What is anImmortal?” Beiste asked.
“They are an elite branch of Tagmata fighters. Assassins. My father used to be one of them.”
Beiste replied, “Dinnae worry, you’ll be safe as long as we take precautions.” He turned to his retainers and said, “Get the women and children back inside the Keep and notify the crofters to be on their guard. I’ll have the war band increase patrols in the meantime.”
