Surrender to an Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham Read Free Book Online Page A

admit.
    Jesu , how could he even consider bringing Morren into their settlement? She’d endured enough suffering. It was best to leave her here, where she wouldn’t have to face the men who had harmed her.
    But then he’d never know who the raiders were. Without her, he couldn’t identify them. Trahern gritted his teeth, fingering his dagger before sheathing the blade. There was no choice but to bring her.
    He risked a glance at her sleeping form on the opposite side of the guest house. Like a ghostly spirit, Morren appeared caught between the worlds of the living and the dead. Though she claimed she wanted to live, to take care of her sister, after the horror she had endured he wondered if she would ever find contentment in her life.
    She rolled over, her golden hair veiling one cheek. She slept with her hands clenched on the coverlet, as though she were still trying to defend herself.
    He wondered if she preferred him to sleep far away from her. Or was it better to remain nearby, to keep her safe, if any other guests arrived at the monastery?
    To avoid making a decision, he spent time clearing away the dishes and leftover food. Silence descended over the abbey,with all the monks asleep until vigils , which would begin in a few hours.
    He chose the pallet furthest from Morren, deciding it would make her more comfortable. Stretching out on the fur coverlet, he closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
    In his mind, he saw Ciara’s face. Her spirit haunted him, with a smile that tore him apart.
    I love you , she’d whispered in his ear on the morning he’d left. He’d kissed her goodbye, never suspecting that it was the last time he’d ever hold her in his arms. So many things he’d never said. He hadn’t told her that he’d loved her. And now, she’d never know it.
    He shifted restlessly on his pallet and turned to find Morren watching him.
    â€˜I can’t sleep,’ she confessed. ‘I’ve tried, but I’m too worried about Jilleen.’
    Trahern stood and crossed the room, sitting down upon one of the pallets close by. He stretched out beside her, careful to keep a physical distance from her. He propped up his head on one elbow, watching her. ‘Are you afraid of visiting the Lochlannach ?’
    Her mouth tightened, and she nodded. ‘Yes. I know Gunnar said she wasn’t a captive, but if that were true, why didn’t she come back? Why didn’t they send their healer?’
    â€˜I don’t know. But we’ll find out tomorrow.’ He studied her, and her blue eyes filled with worry. ‘If you’d feel safer staying behind, I promise I’ll bring her back to you.’
    Morren sat up, drawing her knees close. ‘You shouldn’t go alone.’ Her arms tightened around her knees, and she lowered her forehead. He suspected she didn’t trust him to keep his word from the way she wouldn’t meet his gaze.
    â€˜I wish I were stronger,’ she continued. ‘I’m afraid that the longer I wait, the more danger Jilleen faces. If it weren’t for me, she wouldn’t have left.’
    â€˜Tomorrow,’ he promised. ‘We’ll get her back.’ A grimfeeling slid over him, and he added, ‘I suppose we should have kept Gunnar as a hostage.’
    â€˜No. You were right to release him.’ She met his gaze. ‘And I rather doubt the monks would have allowed it.’
    He shot her a sidelong smile. ‘No? Perhaps with a generous gift to the monastery, they would turn a blind eye.’
    Morren shook her head, her mouth softening. Clearly she thought he was teasing, and though that wasn’t entirely true, it eased the tension. ‘Gunnar owes you a debt now,’ she added. ‘It may keep us both safe.’
    â€˜The Lochlannach have no honour.’
    She started to speak, but fell silent, almost as if she wanted to argue with him but had changed her mind.
    Trahern leaned back,