38
It was already dark by the time Hugh brought Anneliese to Bharraich Caisteal, directly up to his bedroom, helped her strip, put her in the hot shower, and joined her there.
After, they rubbed each other dry with towels, slipped between the sheets and coverlets. But it was only when he drew her to him, pressed his body full-length against hers, that Anneliese stopped shaking.
Although he stroked her skin, he did not attempt anything—not even a tame kiss.
It was just warmth they shared: nothing more. And even though there was a world of emotion floating between them, they didn’t speak a word.
The storm stopped completely, and the heavy clouds drifted apart, letting through ragged strains of moonlight.
Through the open curtains of her bedroom window, Anneliese watched as the navy blu
