Loved By a Warrior Read Online Free Page B

giggled.
    â€œYou are no demon. You are a good man.”
    â€œShhh,” he said with a finger to his lips and a quick glance around the room. “That’s a secret best kept between you and me.”
    â€œI will keep your secret,” she whispered.
    His smile faded, and he so badly wanted to reach out and touch her, just a gentle friendly touch to let her know someone cared. But he knew she would not receive it well, so he tried to do the same with words.
    â€œAnd I will keep any secret you, my friend, wish to share,” he said.
    When a glint of a tear appeared in the corner of her eye, he wanted to take hold of her and cradle her in his arms. But again he knew it was not a wise thing to do.
    â€œThank you,” she said in a bare whisper.
    She closed her eyes after that, and he wrapped his extra plaid around himself and settled a few feet behind her on the floor to sleep. As tired as he was, sleep eluded him for too long, his mind rushing with chaotic thoughts.
    He had decided at the onset that he would take Tara home with him. She needed a place where people would treat her kindly, and he believed his village would accept her, curse and all. But after hearing her story about the cook, he wondered if her presence would cause problems. Wagging tongues could do a rash of harm, and if anyone knew . . .
    Why did anyone have to know?
    The question rang loudly through his thoughts. No one need know her history. He need only tell them that he had rescued her from robbers, and she in turn asked for his help. He could concoct a good tale that would have the village wanting to protect her. And perhaps with the curse ignored and fear expelled, Tara would be able to have friends and perhaps find love.
    Of course, he would have to be a good man. One who would protect her and treat her well, and Reeve would make certain of it. He wouldn’t let just any man trail after Tara. After all, he was the one who found her and helped her. It was his duty now to see her safe.
    With that satisfying thought in mind, Reeve finally fell asleep.
    R eeve wiggled his nose, trying to get whatever caused the pesky tickle off. Though he had to admit there was a nice scent to it, sweet with a touch of pine. He slowly opened his eyes and as he did he saw another pair of eyes opening as well.
    Both pairs of eyes shot wide open, and Reeve realized that he and Tara had rolled toward each other sometime in the night, and he had wrapped himself around her. She, in turn, had snuggled into his arms, and there they rested, nose to nose.
    When she had finally realized the same, she scrambled to get away from him, but her cloak and his plaid had become entwined, and there was no getting out of it.
    â€œWe can’t be this close,” she pleaded.
    â€œI have not died yet,” he said with a teasing laugh.
    â€œIt is not funny. You are in danger being this close to me.”
    â€œWhy? If you help me to understand where the danger comes from, perhaps I can help you.”
    â€œYou can’t help,” she said adamantly. “Why can’t you just believe me and let it be?”
    â€œBecause it makes no sense,” he said, realizing that when she had struggled to free herself, she had inadvertently forced her body closer against his, and she fit snugly against his suddenly growing mound. “You’re right; this isn’t a good time for this discussion.”
    He hoped she didn’t feel him springing to life against her, and so he hurried to untangle them. She helped. Their hands and arms wound around each other as they tried desperately to disengage themselves.
    When it was done, they rushed to separate, each taking a deep breath of relief when finally apart.
    â€œI’ll see if the snow stopped,” Reeve said, needing a shot of brisk, cold air right now.
    He took an even deeper breath once outside. He was relieved to see that the snow must have stopped early in the night, only a few inches having