Page 11 of Healer (The Outlander Book Club… in Space! #4)

A warm, hazy atmosphere surrounded the clearing, lulling me into a dreamy state that I willingly surrendered to.

Talamus and Vienda sat close on a fur blanket, their bodies entwined in a cocoon of affection.

Hakkar and I shared a small wooden bench, his arm draped casually around my shoulders as Irsay nestled contentedly in his lap.

The air hung thick with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and delicious food accompanied by the distant sound of the rolling river.

I could get used to this.

Irsay seemed completely smitten, and Hakkar did too.

I couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing as I imagined what it would be like to be mated to Hakkar.

To know that we belonged to each other and see him holding our child in his powerful arms. My mind became consumed with wistful daydreams of our future together, in our own cozy hobbit hole, surrounded by children.

The thought brought a warm flutter to my chest and a smile to my lips as I watched the scene play out before me.

Damn... this wine was potent stuff.

I pulled my mind from its wandering and back to the present, where I found Irsay slumbering peacefully in Hakkar’s embrace. He cradled her gently, rocking back and forth while humming a soft lullaby in a low, soothing tone. As if on cue, my body reacted, spasming as one of my ovaries exploded.

“I think my daughter likes you,” Talamus commented in a deep, rumbling voice, smiling at the sight of his child.

“I like her too,” Hakkar grinned

There went my other ovary.

“We need to put her to bed,” Vienda announced, rising to her feet, followed by Talamus.

Hakkar rose in a move so smooth and graceful that it stole my breath. He stepped forward, transferring the sleeping child into her father’s arms without a jostle.

Talamus carried his daughter to her bed while Vienda led us to a small cave carved into the hillside next to the main abode.

From the outside, it looked like any other cave, but as we stepped through the entrance, soft fur-covered walls and a sturdy plank floor greeted us.

The furniture—a cushioned chair and small table were artisanal and handmade, giving the space a cozy and rustic feel.

The bed, a grand piece of craftsmanship that beckoned with its plush blankets and feather pillows, promised a peaceful and restful night’s sleep… or perhaps something else.

“If you need anything, let me know,” Vienda suggested with what I classified as a bawdy wink.

Hakkar followed her to the door while I moved further into the cave. My head felt fuzzy from the wine, and I collapsed onto the edge of the bed. The soft, plush mattress welcomed me with open arms as I leaned back against the cushions, willing the room to stop spinning.

Returning from seeing Vienda out, Hakkar stopped in the center of the room, his golden eyes studying me with a mix of interest and amusement.

Good heavens, he was pretty.

Towering above me with a muscular frame and tousled brown locks cascading over his broad shoulders, not to mention features that vaguely reminded me of a young Brad Pitt from that Legends of the Fall movie. The sight of him made me dizzy.

Visions of Hakkar slipping into bed with me consumed my thoughts, causing a wave of heat to spread throughout my body and color my cheeks.

“I will sleep on the floor,” Hakkar murmured, pulling a blanket and cushion off the chair.

I didn’t want that.

I yearned to feel his warm, solid presence next to me.

My fingers twitched with the desire to run through his thick hair, and my skin tingled at the thought of his touch.

I longed to feel his muscular arms wrap around me, and the thought of kissing him sent shivers down my spine and made my heart race faster.

At that moment, I wanted nothing in the world more than to taste his lips.

“Don’t be silly.” I padded the mattress beside where I sat. “It’s a big bed… comfy too!”

Hakkar’s lips curled into an indulgent smile as his hands began removing weapons from his belt. As I watched him, a thought flickered through my mind... did he sleep in the nude? The idea sent a shiver of excitement down my spine, adding to the already charged atmosphere in the cave.

Next to Hakkar stood a small stool covered with clothing and a set of moccasin-type shoes—loaners from Vienda. There didn’t look to be a nightgown, though. Maybe if I removed the nasty hospital gown and slept naked myself, Hakkar would take the hint.

Was I really being this forward?

Yes.

Yes, I was.

Gosh, he’s cute.

And sweet and kind and protective and sexy.

With unsteady movements, I pushed myself from the bed, my mind set on undressing.

But the room spun, blurring my vision and causing me to stumble.

One minute, I careened face-first toward the dirt floor.

The next minute, strong, sturdy arms wrapped around me, holding me upright.

I found myself pressed against Hakkar’s solid chest—the warmth emanating from his muscular frame comforting and secure.

I gazed into molten golden eyes that held amusement and something my inebriated senses would have sworn was desire.

“Gosh, you’re cute.”

I traced my fingers up his chest, feeling the hard ridges of his defined muscles. My hands slid over his broad shoulders and around his neck, gripping him tightly as I stood on tiptoes and pulled his mouth to mine.

Hakkar stood stoic and immovable, his expression betraying a brief moment of confusion as he processed my action.

The next moment, his arms enveloped me like a vise, pulling me flush against his body as his lips slanted over mine.

I took the invitation to deepen the kiss tentatively, sliding my tongue against his.

Warm, firm lips pressed against mine with an urgent hunger, his tongue reciprocating and exploring the depths of my mouth as if searching for something precious.

I tasted the lingering sweetness of wine on his breath while his skilled tongue danced with mine in a passionate tango.

As our bodies pressed together, I felt heat radiating from his skin, igniting a fire within me that burned hotter than I could ever imagine.

The kiss was everything I hoped it would be.

Everything I wanted.

Everything.

And still not enough.

I needed more.

I needed to feel every inch of his bare skin pressed against mine. I needed to experience the full intensity of being possessed by him. The thought of his hands exploring every curve and dip of my body sent shivers down my spine. I yearned for him to possess me completely in every way imaginable.

I wanted Hakkar.

I gently pulled away, locking my gaze with his stunning golden eyes.

My heart raced as I longed to express the overwhelming desire coursing through me.

But the room spun around us, the flickering candlelight casting shadows and playing tricks on my vision.

Before I could find my voice, darkness descended and swallowed me whole, relegating my desires to nothing more than unspoken dreams.