"O thine apparel is good," he said,

beside him, kissing her half-formed protest into silence. His eyes were unsmiling as he then gently stroked her cheek. My dear girl, with those bruises on you, Id be hauled up in front of the Island Court and charged with rape. What about the marks on you? You resisted my improper advances And you made enough of those Precisely what the bruises say. So, since I have a reputation to maintain in this community, we will remain secluded. He emphasized this decision with a gentle kiss. Then he stroked her hair back from her forehead his fingers lingering in the soft gold-streaked mass. I dont wish to share you yet, share even the sight of you with anyone. If I believed the ancient tales of witchcraft, sorcery, and enchantment, Id name you witch, so I would. But youre not though I am completely spell-bound .. His fingers became insistent, and his expression was an urgent appeal. Dyou think you could possibly bear me if Im very careful She chuckled and linked hands behind his head to bring his lips to hers. The fishers were long gone before they finally got around to fishing. Together they waded out through the gentle tide. Stay here, Carrigana, Lars directed, and make a basin of your skirt. She did, first wringing water from the voluminous folds. Lars was thigh deep in the water when he suddenly bent down and scooping with both hands sent water, and fish, flying at her. She missed the first lot, laughing at her ineptitude, but neatly caught two fish in the second. After three more catches, she had to hold up her skirt lest the active yellowbacks flip out. Lars splashed back to inspect her catch, grinning at his success and her bemusement. This ones too small. He released it. Two, four, six, seven. How many can you eat? Shall I get more? Before she could answer, he dove back toward his vantage point, and peered down into the clear water. With one last mighty heave, three big yellowbacks were sent flying in her direction. She cheered when she caught them in her skirt, closing the makeshift net and running awkwardly through the wavelets to the shore before any of the squirming fish could escape. Helping her secure the bundle, Lars laughingly escorted her back to the bushes surrounding their secluded clearing. You clean em and Ill get firing, and see what else I can scrounge, he said digital camera pocket review as he held the bushes back for her to enter. Gutting fish was not one of Killashandras favorite chores, but she had finished half the catch before she realized it, washing them clean in the little brook. Lars was back as she slit the last one. In one crooked arm, he held twisted polly fronds that provided a quick hot fire, and another basket swung from his right hand. He found rocks by the stream to enclose their fire, hauled a frying sheet from the basket, and set out oil, seasonings bread, fruit, and another pot of the soft island cheese. The quick tropical night had settled upon the island, enclosing them more securely in their clearing as they finished their supper, licking the last of the juices from their fingers. Going to be nice to me? Lars asked, leering dramatically at her. Maybe Ill just stay in the islands. Killashandra surprised herself with the longing in her voice. Theres all I could possibly need just for the taking Even me? Killashandra looked up at him. Despite his light words, his voice held a curious entreaty. I would be a right foolish dolt to consider you part of the taking. She meant it, for quixotic though the man might appear, she sensed that Lars had an unshakeable integrity which she, or any other woman, would have to recognize and accept. We could stay in the islands, Carrigana, and make a go of the charter service. Lars, too, was caught in the same thrall which infected her resolve. Sailings never dull. The weather sees to that. It could be a good life, and I promise you wouldnt have to hack polly! His fingers caressed her hands. Lars She had to set the record fair. He covered her lips with his hand. No, beloved, this is not the time for life-shaping decisions. This is the time for loving. Love me again! Chapter 12 The idyll lasted another full day and into the early morning of the third, during which time Killashandra would have been quite willing to forego all the prestige of being a crystal singer to remain Larss companion. A totally impossible, improbable, and impractical ambition. But she had every intention of enjoying his companionship as long as it was physically possible. She was haunted