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Was he ready to take that step?

Just looking at her set off warring feelings inside him. Though he had tried to deny it, his strong desire for her remained, but it was still overshadowed by his need to protect her. He could never atone for the mistakes of the past, could never take away the pain that she suffered. But mayhap he could lessen it by helping her bear it.

Was this the path that would lead her there?

“’Tis a dangerous game that ye are suggesting,” he said. “A woman must be very careful when she gives her body to a man.”

Even in the dim candlelight, he could see her blushing cheeks. He took a few steps forward, yet maintained a safe distance between them. His jaw tightened as he wondered how in the hell he was going to resist what she offered.

“I’ve been considering this very carefully. I trust that ye’ll be slow and gentle,” she said in a quiet, reverent tone. “I trust that if I grow frightened, ye’ll stop.”

“I’m a man, Davina. Not a saint. If things go too far . . .” He let his voice trail off, fully expecting her to turn tail and run.

She looked at him with imploring eyes. “That’s why I’m here, James. I want things to go too far.”

James stood in stunned silence for a moment, mulling the choices over in his mind. His pride was soothed, knowing she had come to him instead of his brother. But if he turned her away, would she then seek Malcolm’s bed?

The tumult inside him heightened. He knew it had not been easy for her to find the courage to approach him. Whatever demons haunted her still existed in the edges of her mind. Yet she was determined to vanquish them. He could not help but admire her for it.

But her methods flummoxed him utterly. Why were females such confounding creatures? Was this the answer? Sleeping together? His cock certainly thought it a good idea. Yet what if this made things worse?

That thought brought an ironic laugh to his lips. How could the strain between them grow any larger?

He wished he had the magical power to snap his fingers and obliterate her distress. But that was foolish—childish—an answer that Lileas would seek.

Had pure desperation brought this idea to Davina or did it have merit? Would sharing the burden that haunted their past help them heal? Doubt crowded his mind.

“Ye need to know that I can make no promises about the future to ye,” he said bluntly, still hoping to frighten her away.

The angry reaction he expected was not forthcoming. She perched on the edge of his mattress, wrapping her arms firmly around her waist, and cast her eyes to the floor.

“I understand.”

“It makes no difference to ye?”

“I’m certain this is what I want. Ye are what I want.”

“Well, ye hardly look eager, lass.”

He infused his comment with a trace of humor, hoping to break through her nerves, and was rewarded with a faint smile.

Aye, now she’ll leave.But instead, she licked her lips and rose gracefully to her feet. He was captured by the delicate fragrance drifting toward him. Sweet and floral and uniquely Davina’s; it had the power to enrapture him.

She held her arms open and stepped toward him. A timid smile curved her lips as she stared into his eyes. James was certain the searing heat of desire he felt was reflected in his eyes.

It will frighten her and end this madness. And still, she came closer.

“Will ye at least kiss me, James?” she pleaded.

His heart jolted with anticipation, yet he stood still as a stone, his feet slightly apart, his hands clasped behind his back. She wrapped her arms around his neck, whispering his name into the hollow behind his ear. The feel of her warm breath, followed by the gentle pressure of her lips on his neck, aroused him in a way that he never imagined.

He unclenched his hands and splayed his fingers across her back, keeping her close. Her breasts were pressed against his chest and he felt his cock rise and harden with lust. She twisted her body, rubbing against him like a cat, then lifted her chin.

James gazed into her passion-shrouded eyes and suppressed a groan. His need sharpened. Never before had he felt so consumed, so tormented by it. Doubting he would be content with a mere kiss, he nevertheless dipped his head.

She took his face between her hands when he drew near and pressed her soft lips to his. Sensations swamped him. Her lips parted, their breath mingled, and then she welcomed his tongue, thrusting her own boldly forward.

It felt like the sun bursting inside him, splintering with glorious light. She tasted like heaven. He felt the desire she evoked pumping rapidly through his veins, draining him of any resistance.