The Bairn of Brianag

"Jessie! Jessie! Speak to me, lass!"

I let my eyes flutter open. "Kevin? Sean? What has happened?"

"No, lass, it is I, Robbie! Are you hurt? Did you fall off the horse?"

"Robbie!" I sighed and closed my eyes, then gave myself over to the feelings that had so long obsessed me. I raised my arms and clutched him about his neck, pressing my face into the hollow of his throat. "Oh, Robbie, it is you! Oh, my love, you came for me!"

He grew suddenly very still. I clutched him still tighter, sighing again. My heart was nearly bursting through my stays. I could feel his heart beat against my breast, almost as quick as my own.

"Jessie, lass, are you hurt?" he said again, his voice low.

At last I loosened my hold on him, and opened my eyes, looking up at him. His green eyes met mine as I gazed up at him; then I pressed my mouth to his.

His lips were warm and dry; then he reached up and pulled my hands away. "Jessie, what do you mean? Have you hit your head? I must take you home."

"No, Robbie, I have not hit my head, I am perfectly well; I only took a little fall. But Robbie, oh, Robbie, I must tell you-I love you! Please, say that you love me too!"

"Jessie, you do not know what you are saying," he answered, his gaze holding mine.

"Oh, I do, my love, I do!" I whispered. "I am yours Robbie, I can love no other."

He started to shake his head slowly, and I reached for him again. My body was weak with longing. I kissed him again.

"No, Jessie, no," he said, but as our lips met he kissed me himself, taking my head in his hands, and I shivered.

"Yes, Robbie, yes," I whispered against his mouth. "It is meant to be. We are meant to be."

He gently laid me back on the ground and my hands clung to his neck, my eyes clung to his eyes. He lowered his body over mine and caressed my cheeks, my lips; I felt them tremble at the touch of his fingers. He was mine. I was his. We were meant to be. The hard length of his thigh pressed against mine. His kisses grew ever hotter. Time was standing still. I felt moisture grow in my secret place; I felt the hardening of his desire against the inside of my leg. Then I felt him move his hand down to lift my skirts.