Long, long shall I rue thee,

forearms crystal scar (and how could she explain those at this point in a magical interlude) down to her hands where his strong tapered fingers fit in between hers. I dont know what you did to me, Carrigana. Ive never had a love experience like that before. A rueful laugh that cracked because he couldnt keep it soft enough to match his whisper. I know that when a mans been troubled, a normal reaction is to seek sexual relief from a woman any woman. But you werent just any woman last night, Carrigana. You were incredible. Please open your eyes so that I can see you believe what Im saying because it is true! Killashandra could not have ignored the plea, the sincerity, the soul sound in his voice. She opened her eyes. His were inches away and she was gripped by an overpowering surge of love, affection, sensuality, empathy, and compassion for this incredib1e and talented young man. Relief was mirrored in the very clear blue of his eyes: a morning-lagoon-in-sunlight clear blue, as vivid as the sea could sometimes be. Relief and the sudden welling up of tears. With the shuddering sigh that rippled down his body, so close to hers, he dropped his head to the point of her shoulder, just above the knife-scar. When, at length, he confessed that he had caused it, she would willingly forgive him. Just as she was willing to forgive him her abduction, for whatever marvelous reason he might submit. After last night, how could she deny him anything? Perhaps last night had been such a unique combination of emotional upheavals that a repetition was unlikely. The prospect made her smile. As if he sensed her responses he had certainly sensed them last night he lifted his head again, anxious eyes searching her face. She saw that he was not unscathed, for his lower lip was red and puffy as he tried to echo her smile. Then she chuckled, tracing the line of his mouth with an apologetic finger. I dont think I can ever forget last night happened, Lars Dahl. Would she ever find adequate words to record this on her personal file at Ballybran? She let her finger drop to his jaw. His grin became more self-confident, and his fingers squeezed hers lightly. Theres one problem His face tightened with concern. How long will it take us to recover to try it again? Lars Dahl burst out laughing, rolling away from her. You may be the death of me, Carrigana. Once again Killashandra ardently refretted using that particular pseudonym. She consumer reports best small digital camera desperately wanted to confess everything and hear her own name on his lips, in his rich and sensual voice. Like last night? Oh my precious Sunny, he replied, his voice altering from spontaneous laughter to urgent loverliness as he rolled back to her, his hand gently cupping her head, fingers stroking her hair, it was almost a death to leave you. That he might be quoting some planetary poet, she discarded as unworthy. Her body and mind echoed the sentiment. Their exhausted sleep had been like a little death, it had overtaken them so completely. With total unconcern for aesthetics, her stomach rumbled alarmingly. They suppressed a laugh and then let their laughter blend, as they enveloped each other in loving arms. Cmon, Ill race you to the sea, Lars said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. A swim to cool us off. He rose lithely to his feet, offering her a hand. It was only when the light blanket fell from her body that she realized its presence. And noticed the small basket to one side of the clearing, the unmistakable neck of a wine jug protruding from the lazy stream. I woke at dawn, Lars said, hands on her shoulders as he gently inclined forward to kiss her cheek. The wind was a touch chilly. So I got a few things for us. Could we spend today together and alone? Killashandra leaned lovingly against him for a moment. I feel remarkably unsocial. She wanted nothing more. Youll barely look at me! Lars voice rippled with amused complaint. Her hands began to caress him as his were gentle on her arms. Almost guiltily they broke apart. Laughing, they joined hands and pressed through the bushes toward the seashore. The sea was calm, the waves mere ripples flopping over at the last moment onto the smooth, wet sand. The water was soothing, soft against her body. Finally hunger could no longer be denied and they sprinted back to the secret clearing, patting each other dry, carefully avoiding the sorest spots. That morning Lars had acquired fresh fruits, bread, and a soft savory cheese as well as some of the flavorful dried fish that was an island specialty. There was wine to wash it all down. Lars had also had the wit to borrow from Mama Tullas wash line a voluminous and comfortable kaftan for her and a thigh length shirt for himself. They were both hungry enough to concentrate on eating, but they smiled whenever