Chapter 7
Ouch, you stepped on my toe, you big oaf.
Flora bit back a smile. The outrage on Gillys face was really quite comical. As was the look of fury on her partners face. Poor Murdoch. It had taken quite some convincing to get him here in the first place, and now Gilly was about to make Floras prodigious efforts come to naught.
Though the lad could still barely look Flora in the eye without blushing, he seemed to take delight in tormenting Gilly. Not to mention ungraciously lording his two additional years over her.
I warned you, my lady, Murdoch said. Court dances are not for warriors. Men dont dance like we have a rod up our ars He stopped at her frown.
After witnessing the sword dance last week, she tended to agree with him, but if the girls were going to go to court, they needed to learn to dance appropriately. Thus shed gathered a piper, Gilly, Mary, and Murdoch for dance lessons. Mary needed some cheering up, and right now she was stifling a giggle watching her sister spar with Murdoch.
Though Flora had told herself not to get involved while at Drimnin, the temptation had proved too much. She could hardly sit idly by while so many things cried out for her attention. In addition to dance, shed begun instructing the girls in reading and writing Scots and a little Latin. The most challenging aspect of her project thus far had proved to be the woefully inadequate handful of folios scattered about the keep. As there was no library per se, shed taken over the lairds private solar located behind the great hall for her purposes. Her friends at court would be so amused to hear of the Holyrood hellion acting as tutor, but Flora had never felt so useful.
Mary and Gilly werent the sole focus of her attentions. Shed also had a few delicate conversations with Morag about improvements around the keep and, despite being banished from the kitchens, about the preparations of the food.
Warrior. Ha! Gilly muttered with a snort, just loudly enough for Murdoch to hear.
He took an intimidating step toward her, looking as if hed like nothing more than to throttle her. Though he was young, Flora saw a shadow of the formidable man he could become. But right now he was still too full of youthful pride, and Gilly had just trampled all over it.
Nonsense, Murdoch, you are doing very well. Flora stepped between them, trying to smooth things over. It was Gilly who got in your way. She gave her a reproachful stare. Wasnt it, Gilly?
Although she clearly wanted to disagree, Gilly seemed to realize that she was about to lose her partnerand they were horribly shorthanded as it was in that department. Conscripting men to help with Gillys and Marys dance lessons had proved next to impossible. Flora had never heard so many excuses. The only reason Murdoch was here at all was because Alasdair had volunteered him to avoid coming himself, grumbling that hed rather clean the garderobe than prance around like a Lowland peacock.
Murdoch looked as though he felt the same way, but they werent finished with him yet. Theyd already been through some of the popular court dances, including the lively galliard, a modified lavoltawithout the scandalous liftand the coranto. Now she was trying to teach the girls a reel, and they had to have at least four people, though eight would have been better.
Yes, Im sorry, Murdoch, it was my fault, Gilly said sweetly, though her eyes sparked with mutiny. Flora had a feeling she was only biding her time before unleashing a wicked sting of barbs on the poor lad. Its what shed have done in Gillys place.
I still dont see why youre going to all the trouble, my lady. Its hardly likely that this one will ever go to court He motioned to Gilly. And it will take more than dancing to make a man forget about a sharp tonguealthough I suppose they are Lowlanders, he said disparagingly.
Floras mouth quirked. Apparently, she need not have felt sorry for him. Murdoch could take care of himself.
Gillys face flamed, and she looked ready to explode in a tirade, but Flora shot her a staying glance.
As sisters of a laird, the girls should go to court, Flora said. So when the opportunity arises, I want them to be prepared. Shall we try again? She motioned to Duncan, the piper, who was doing his best to hide his laughter. Mary? The girl had drifted off again. Flora walked over to gently turn Mary away from the window, giving her an encouraging squeeze when she saw the look of anguish on her face. The situation with Mary gave her pause. How could the laird do this to his sister? He was wrong. Mary would not outgrow her feelings for Allan. Flora would have to convince Lachthe lairdof it. Come, she said to Mary. Dont give up, she urged, not referring simply to the dance. Mary met her gaze and nodded. Flora smiled. This time you will partner with Gilly.
As she took them through the steps of the dance again, Flora knew she was treading on dangerous ground. She was becoming too attached. To the girls. To the dreadful old keep. And, to be truthful, to the enigmatic man who was its laird.
She was no less confused today than she had been a week ago. What did she want from him? She no longer knew. He evoked a thousand different emotions in her, none of which she wanted to analyze too closely. And never far from her consciousness was the memory of that kiss. Of his mouth. His tongue. His big hands on her body. Hed cupped her breast, and heat had poured through her. Shed come apart in his arms, yielding to him without hesitation.
How could she have reacted like that? She didnt understand what had come over her. Shed felt his passion and her own. It made her anxious. On edge. For something. Something that made her skin prickle whenever he was in the room with her. Indeed, she found it difficult to concentrate when he was around. He was big and strong and smelled incredible. She wanted to curl up against his chest and never leave. Shed never had such strong urges. But then again, shed never met a man who made her feel so protected simply by his solid presence and his confident command of everything around him. His strength was strangely soothing. She couldnt remember a time in her life when shed felt socontent. And given the circumstances of her presence at Drimnin, that was strange indeed.
Though her attraction to him was undeniable, she couldnt forget that she was his prisoner. Her thoughts should be of escape. That day at the beach, shed noticed a small boat moored close to the shore. The Isle of Mull was tantalizingly close. At night, she could probably get to it without being seen. But something held her back, something other than the obvious danger. Shed never liked boats, with good reason. Though Morvern was part of the mainland of Scotland, stealing a horse would be near impossible; the stables were too well guarded.
She told herself she was waiting for Hector, but the longer it took, the more she knew it for a lie. As the days went by with no word from her brother, she realized shed been right: Hector wouldnt exchange her for Breacachadh Castle. She barely knew him. It shouldnt matter. But should didnt prevent the kernel of disappointment and hurt.
The laird must realize that his plan hadnt worked. The past week had made her even more confident that he was ever so subtly wooing her. And she was forced to admit, it was not without effect. Though it was an unusual wooing, devoid of compliments and heartfelt declarations. None of the social niceties shed grown accustomed to. Accustomed to and bored with, she realized. Lachlan Maclean was not just rough around the edges; he was rough through and through and every ounce the proud Highland chief.
All her life shed been brought up to never trust a Highlander and to despise their way of life. But he was different. Watching him with his clan, she admired his leadership, his strength, and his protectiveness toward his men and his sisters. Especially given what she now knew about his past. Of how hed had to fight and struggle to provide for his clan. They looked at him as nothing less than a hero.
She wanted to trust him, but how could she when he held her prisoner? She still couldnt reconcile the man whod abducted herand prevented his own sister from marrying the man she lovedwith the chief shed grown to admire and the man whod kissed her at first tenderly and then with such passion.
At times, she felt as if she could be happy here. Mary and Gilly were wonderful, and the lairdfor all his rough ways, he held a strange appeal. She could almost believe he might make a good husband.
Husband. Could she really consider such a thing? Marrying a Highlander, forsaking all she knew to live in this harsh, remote landscape? Drimnin didnt have the luxuries she was used to, but never had she been more comfortableeven, she thought with a wry smile, without silk bed linens, silver candelabra, and gold-encrusted plates. She would miss the pageantry of court, but it wasnt as if she were being banishedshe could always return. And her tocher would go a long way toward helping to update the dilapidated old keep. She would miss her former life, but the prospect of living in the Highlands didnt appall her as it should. And she knew the reason why: Lachlan Maclean.
But why had he brought her here? Hed sworn he would not force her into marriage, and desperately, she wanted to believe him.
They stumbled through another attempt at the reel before Gilly collapsed, exhausted, on a chair. Murdoch was actually quite a good dancerwhen not partnered with Gilly.
I dont know why were bothering, Gilly said woefully. As much as I hate to say it, Murdoch is right. Lachlan will never let us go.
He can hardly object if you are my guests. When I return to Edinburgh, you will come and stay with me in my cousins lodgings. I will take care of everything. For once, she was grateful for her wealth.
You are being so kind and generous. A shadow crossed Marys face. A shadow that looked like guilt. But it wont matter. Lachlan despises court. He says its a place of intrigue and deception. And corruption.
Flora thought about it for a moment. There was truth to Marys words, but court was also the center of power and a place of excitement and energy, with all the modern conveniences and advantages of society. There is some truth to what your brother says. But it is not all bad. She gave Gilly a sidelong glance. There are balls, dancing, masquesand plenty of handsome young men to partner with.
Gilly practically jumped out of her chair, her energy suddenly renewed. I think we should have another go at it.
Flora laughed. Lets try the lavolta again.
Murdoch groaned, and Flora couldnt help but chuckle at his much put-upon expression. She took his hand and led him into position. Come, it wont be that bad. And this time well try the lift that had all England on its ear when Queen Elizabeth first performed it with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.
When Murdoch mumbled something about the foolish Englishmen, Flora hid her smile and pretended not to hear him.
Lachlan had a mutiny on his hands, and he needed to do something about it. Or, rather, about someone. He shook his head. He didnt know why he was surprised; trouble followed Flora MacLeod like a lovesick pup.
He climbed the narrow staircase up to the first floor, his shoulders banging against the hard stones as he went. The stairway hadnt been built to accommodate men of his size; it had been constructed as an additional defense against attack, intended to prevent enemies from storming the keep. Though no enemy had ever caused as much trouble as Flora. How did one wee lass manage so much upheaval?
Part of him was pleased. Her involvement with his sisters, his keep, and his clan proved that she was softening. Whether shed realized it or not, shed assumed the role of chatelaine. The role that belonged to his wife. Hed noticed the subtle changes shed madefresh wildflowers in the hall, the addition of some old hangings to the walls, and the unmistakable improvements to the food. And hed noticed the interest shed taken in his sisters as well.
But this time, shed gone too far.
He strode past the great hall to the small antechamber beyond. The private solar served as the chamber where he held council with his guardsmen. One such meeting had taken place this very morning, which was why he was here now instead of where he should betraining his men for the battle that was sure to come.
He paused outside for a moment, enjoying the joyful sounds of the pipes. Then he opened the door and started through, but the gurgle of laughter stopped him in his tracks. Mary and Gilly stood clapping their hands to the beat of the music as Flora and Murdoch spun and stepped in an energetic dance. All four were smiling and laughing. He hesitated to intrude. It was the first time hed seen Mary smile in a week. The extent of his relief told him how much her unhappiness had weighed on him. Hed even begun to think that Flora might have been right. Did his sister truly care for his captain? And if so, did it change anything?
Lachlan wasnt a man used to second-guessing himself. He supposed he had Flora to thank for that as well.
His gaze shifted to the source of his troubles. God, she was beautiful. His chest tightened just looking at her. And never far behind was the memory of that kiss. Of how damn much he wanted her, with an intensity that had penetrated deep into his bones.
He should have taken her that day on the beach. But his own reaction and the depth of his emotion to the kiss had disconcerted him. Hed been lost in the haze of a desire so strong, it went well beyond mere lust. And that realization had taken him abackand held him back.
But no longer. The latest news smuggled out of Breacachadh warned that the situation on Coll had grown dire. As hed feared, Hector was stripping his land and ill-treating his clan. At the council earlier today, his guardsmen had clamored to do something. But his hands were tied. If they attacked Hector right now, they would lose. They needed support. Argylls support. And Lachlan couldnt attack Hector while his brother was in prison and subject to the whims of an angry king. But the waiting was driving him crazy. Every instinct urged him to attack, but his clan would never have survived this long if he were one to act recklessly.
He needed to marry Floranow. He didnt have the time to let nature take its course. In this case, it might need some prodding. And there was one way to assure that it happened right away.
Floras cheeks flushed pink, and her eyes sparkled with laughter. Hed never seen her look so radiant. This was the girl hed heard about at court. This was the girl who could break a thousand hearts.
She wasnt what hed expected. She was headstrong and stubborn, but confident and compassionate as well. She was also lonely, scared, and emotionally scarred by her mothers deathor, perhaps more so, by her life. But what stunned him most was her passion. She might be a sophisticated courtier, but she burned as hot as he did.
He knew shed softened toward him, but would the attraction between them be enough for her to forsake her life in the Lowlands? To put to rest her fears of being used as a political pawn, of not having control? Though he was all too aware that when she found out why hed brought her here, shed realize her fears had been justified. The thought was deeply unsettling.
Not for the first time, he wished there were another way.
Now be ready this time when I jump, Flora said with mock severity to Murdoch.
Ill try, the lad said. But I dont know where to put my hands. When Murdoch realized what hed said, his face turned scarlet. They danced in a circle, and then Murdoch took her by the waist and started to lift her.
Lachlan froze. He knew this dance. He hadnt recognized it at first because it wasnt usually danced to the pipes. He crossed the room in three long strides. The music stopped, and he felt four sets of eyes on him. Five, actually, including the pipers.
Brother, Gilly said, clearly surprised by the interruption. And enormously pleased. He rarely appeared during the day; usually he was training his warriors or attending to the administration of the clan. Lachlan couldnt tear his eyes away from Flora, but he spoke to Murdoch. Youll drop her like that, lad.
I know, Murdoch said miserably. Ive done so three times.
Lachlan heard Gilly snicker, but he would reprimand her later. Right now, he had eyes for only one person. He stepped in front of Murdoch and took Floras hand. May I?
Eyes wide, she nodded.
Duncan, Lachlan said, indicating for the music to begin again.
It had been a long time since hed been to court and stayed long enough to dance, and it took him a moment to remember the steps. But after a few minutes it came back to him, and he relaxed, allowing himself to enjoy the subtle flirtation of the dance. And of touching her. Holding her so close to his body, he could feel the gentle warmth surrounding her and smell her delicate floral scent. With shouts of encouragement from the enthusiastic gallery, he and Flora executed the intricate dance steps of the galliard with smooth precision.
Never had he been so aware of the movements of another. He felt tied to her, bound by some invisible cord. Each time their hands touched, he felt a shock run through him. The quickening of her breath and the race of her heart were like an elixir. From her expression, he could tell that she was just as affected.
They moved to a close position. She shuddered when his hand slid around her waist to her hip, and her hand came up to rest on his shoulder. They were so close now, their bodies almost touching. It was torture, holding her like this and not kissing her.
They stepped forward in a turn, and when the moment came to lift her, their timing was perfect. Just as she sprang into the air, he lifted her up with his hands, using his thigh for support. He held her there for a long beat and slid her down, tight against his body, savoring every moment of the physical connection. His body responded instantly to her sweet femininity. Never once did he take his gaze from her, unable to turn away from what he saw in her eyes, even though it made his chest ache.
It took him a moment to realize that the music had stopped and that his sisters were cheering. Hell, hed forgotten they werent alone. Releasing her, he took a step back, breathing heavily from the exertion of the dance. And from something else.
That was wonderful, brother, Gilly said. Why have you never told us you knew these dances?
He turned to his sister and shrugged. Theres not much opportunity for court dances in the Highlands.
No, theres not, Flora argued, which is why
He didnt let her finish, anticipating what she might say. I need to speak with Mistress MacLeod, he said to the others. In private.
But Flora stopped her protest when she saw how quickly they moved to do his bidding.
When the door clicked shut, she swung back around on him with her hands on her hips. We werent done. Do you know how hard it was for me to find someone willing to help?
I can imagine, he said dryly, knowing his men.
She sighed and then shot him a curious glance. So you have spent some time at court.
He shrugged. Long enough to learn a few dances.
Her gaze turned probing. What else are you hiding?
He stiffened. Inadvertently, shed hit precariously close to the truth. He steered her away with a jest. Not a gold silk peascod and slops, I assure you.
Her mouth twitched. Somehow I cant quite picture you in anything but Highland garb. Though Im sure you would look magnificent in anything
She stopped, her cheeks flaming with color.
He warmed, not at the compliment, but at the underlying sentimentand at what it had revealed. Aye, she was softening. And it made him happy for more reasons than it should.
Trying to cover up her mistake, she turned, intending to replace the chairs shed moved for the dancing.
Dont. He took her by the arm. Ill have some of my men see to it.
She stared at his hand wrapped around her arm as if hed branded her. Was there something you wanted? she asked tightly.
Yes, damn it. You.
But that wasnt why hed come. Hell, hed almost forgotten. He dropped her arm. Ive been informed of some disturbing threats being issued against some of my men. Threats that have my men very angry and tired. And when my men are angry and tired, it becomes my problem.
I dont know what you are talking about, she said, trying to flounce away.
But he took hold of her again, stopping her. I think you know exactly what Im talking about. He brought her a little closer, took her chin in his hand, and forced her to look at him. Do you deny giving instructions on private matters, such as the sleeping arrangements of a man and his wife?
She shrugged indifferently. I dont recall.
He didnt buy her innocent act for one moment. It sounded exactly like something she would do. Hed heard an earful from his men about her interference all morning. Shed damn well better explain herself.
He brought her closer still, his anger overriding his good sense. She wasnt as blithe as she seemed; he could see the nervous pulse in her neckright below her tiny soft ear. If he put his mouthGod, he wanted to make her come apart in his arms.
You encouraged the women to ban the men from their beds?
A telltale blush stained her cheeks. I did no such thing.
Minx. Why must she always challenge him? Let me refresh your memory. Do you recall discussing my mens bathing habits?
She lifted her chin defiantly. Always so damn defiant.
The air between them felt suddenly charged. Every inch of his body was primed to take her in his arms and bring her to submission. To bring her to him. Hed had enough. He hadnt planned on this, but his patience had just run out. He wouldnt force her, but then again he wouldnt need to.
For more reasons than one, it was time for this dance to end.
Flora didnt know what made her persist in flirting with danger. She knew she was pushing him, knew that she was making him angry, but somehow it didnt matter. She liked him like this. Liked the glimpse of emotion. For the past week, hed been unfailingly attentive, polite, patientnot objecting to anythingand remote. She hated it. Where was the man who had kissed her with such fiery passion?
The steely control that she admired also served to keep a part of him away from her. But when he was angry, he didnt hold back. And there was something exciting, and more than a bit thrilling, about that.
She purposefully feigned boredom, flicking at a ball of fuzz off the shoulder of his plaid. I may have said something about a man bedding down with dogs if he smelled like one.
He was furious, though she suspected it was more her attitude than her words.
And dont you think that might have been interpreted the wrong way?
How so? I think they interpreted it precisely as I intended it. I see no reason why a man cant wash before he comes home to his wife. She looked at him pointedly. You always smell clean. I wouldnt kick you out
She put her hand over her mouth, mortified by what shed been about to say. But in truth, with him standing so close she couldnt think about anything other than how amazing he smelled. And of nestling up and resting her cheek against that warm, broad chest.
His eyes darkened, and his voice was dangerously low. You wouldnt kick me out of where, Flora?
He was looking at her as if he wanted to ravish her, but it didnt frighten her at all. It actually sent a thrill of anticipation shooting through her veins. She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry. I was speaking metaphorically.
His arm slid around her waist. The way it had been when theyd danced. That danceShe shivered. He could put any courtier to shame. Who would have thought a warrior of his size would dance so beautifully? Graceful, but strong. When he lifted her, shed felt as light as a feather. It was different dancing with him. Shed never been so aware of a mans hands on her. Shed never noticed how seductive a dance could be. How each little touch could shock with tiny tremors of awareness.
Shed never wanted a man before. Not like this. Not with every fiber of her being. The truth hit her square in the chest. She cared for him. He was different. He had to be. She wouldnt feel like this otherwise. That was what had held her back from trying to escape.
Where, Flora?
The dark promise in his voice made her tremble. His mouth was so close. She wanted him to kiss her again. But he knew that. Bed, she said softly. Out of bed.
With a growl, he kissed her. Nay, not kissedhe devoured her. His mouth was hot and hard, and his lips demanding, as he took her in his arms and kissed her as though he would never let her go.
She wanted to believe it. Wanted to think that the wave of emotion swelling inside her meant something. That the passion between them was special. Because it was to her. No man had ever made her feel this way. Made her blood heat and her limbs go weak with the press of his lips against hers.
All she could think of was getting closer to him. It felt so good, it almost hurt. To be in his arms again. Kissing him. Feeling the familiar hard press of his body against hers and the rapid beat of his heart that did not lie.
His warm masculine scent surrounded her, engulfing her senses. He kissed her harder and deeper. His mouth moved over hers, branding her, searing her with his heat. But it wasnt enough. Wrapping her hands around his neck, she leaned her body closer, dissolving. Moaning as the passion welled inside her. She opened her mouth, wanting the wicked press of his tongue against hers. Wanting the dark, rich taste of him filling her mouth.
With a groan, he complied, sinking his tongue deep into her mouth. She opened to him, returning the sensual thrusts of his tongue the way hed taught her. The subtle erotic rhythm increased the strange restlessness rising inside her, struggling to break free. He bent her farther back, taking her even deeper as his hands slid down to her bottom and he lifted her firmly against him.
She melted in a pool of heat, feeling the power of his erection pressing against her, hot and demanding. He was big and hard, just like the rest of him. She shivered, this time not with fear, but with desire, and felt a wicked urge to rub up against the solid length of him. She might be a maid, but she was well-enough versed in the details of matingcourtesy of the more profligate women at court.
He pressed against her again, this time more insistently, setting off a thousand little explosions of awareness. Unconsciously, her legs opened around him, wanting to feel him closer.
He froze, every muscle in his body taut. She could almost feel the blood surging through his veins under her palms. Do that again, lass, he whispered against her mouth, and having care for your innocence will be the last thing on my mind.
Heat stained her cheeks. Im sorry
But he pressed his finger over her mouth, stopping her. Your instincts are perfect, my sweet. I just want you too much. His eyes were dark and stormy. I want to give you pleasure.
He already was. Unimaginable pleasure.
She relaxed, closing her eyes as his warm mouth trailed down her neck, making her shiver. His hands were on her breasts, squeezing gently as his mouth slid over the sensitive flesh of her chest. She didnt know what he was doing, but she didnt care. Deftly he worked the fastenings of her gown and kirtle loose enough so that with a gentle tug her breasts popped over her stays. He didnt move, staring at her until her skin flushed pink under the smoldering intensity of his gaze.
God, youre beautiful, he said hoarsely. He glanced up at her, perhaps sensing her embarrassment. You have nothing to be ashamed of, lass. Your breasts are perfect. Big and round. I cant wait to taste you.
She shivered.
He weighed her in his hands, sliding his thumb over the taut tip of one nipple, and her legs turned to jelly.
She grasped his broad shoulders to prevent herself from collapsing, savoring the feel of the hard, bulging muscles in her hands. God, he was strong, every inch of him as tightly wrought as steel. Just touching him sent a thrill surging through her. Though the linen of his shirt was fine, she felt a violent urge to rip it off him and splay her hands across his hot skin, recalling all too well the hard, sculpted ridges of his magnificent chest.
When he began to caress her breasts with his big rough hands, she lost all coherent thought. He pinched her nipples lightly between his fingers, and heat spread between her legs.
Scooping up her breasts with his hands, he sank his face into her, nuzzling her skin with the scratch of his beard. God, it was amazing. His mouth was hot and wet as he kissed her nakedness, sliding his tongue achingly close to the very tip of her. Her nipples throbbed, aching for the soft press of his mouth.
She moaned when his tongue flicked out to tease her.
Do you like that? he asked softly.
She arched against him.
God, youre hot, he groaned. So lush and responsive. And then he was sucking her, his tongue circling the hard tip as he took her nipple deep into the warm recesses of his mouth. A cry of pure pleasure escaped from between her lips as a needle of white hot heat surged through her.
Her body was on fire. She was pressing against him, moving, unable to release the building tension. Wanting more. Wanting the friction of his body. Frantically, her hands roamed over his back and her hips circled against him.
She felt the change. Felt as he succumbed to the heat. He sucked her harder, using his teeth to gently nibble and pull as his hands moved over her bottom and down her leg with clear purpose. He was done teasing. Done talking. He wanted this as badly as she did.
His hand was under her skirt, sliding up her leg as he increased the pressure on her breast, laving her with his tongue and sucking her deep and hard. The warm spot between her legs began to clench.
She didnt understand what was happening, her body felt so strange. She was trembling and quivering all over. His fingers skimmed the sensitive skin of her inner thigh. She tensed, embarrassed by the sudden gush of dampness near his hand. She tried to close her legs, but he stopped her with a stroke, the barest graze of his finger against her core.
She froze in shock and wonder.
Dont be frightened, he said soothingly, lifting his head from her breast. I promise this will feel good.
His finger reached out to sweep against her again, this time lingering to cup her and massage her gently. What was he doing? And why did it feel so incredible? No one ever told her it would be like this. So warm and silky and overwhelming. Her shock abated as she succumbed to sensation. Wallowing in the wet heat building where he touched.
Sensing her surrender, he caught her lips with his, sliding his tongue in her mouth just as his finger slid inside her. Oh God, it was perfect. Shed never felt so wanton, so free. He was cupping her, his finger sliding in and out, faster and faster, until her hips started moving against his hand. She couldnt breathe. Her mind focused on the pulse between her legs that was concentrating and building in intensity. She was frantic, writhing against him. Something magical beckoned just out of reach. She wanted desperately to leap, but something was holding her back.
A knock on the door shattered the fragile moment like glass. The flood of heat turned to shards of ice.
He swore, stepped back from her, and struggled to control the primal lust she saw raging in his gaze. Every inch of his body seemed tense and rigid. No man had ever looked at her with such raw desire. She felt as though shed unleashed a lion, a lion that would not be tamed. A twinge of unease fluttered in her chest.
What had she almost done? The truth hit her hard. The ramifications of what had nearly happened poured down on her in an unforgiving deluge. Shed almost given herself to him. Her captor. The man who intended to use her for his own ends.
But it had seemed so right.
Flora moved to the other side of the room, trying to get as far away from him as possible, and adjusted her gown as quickly as she could manage with shaking fingers, giving thanks that the simple gown could be easily slipped back over her shoulders and tied at the front. But there was little she could do about her swollen lips and mussed hair.
In a rough voice, Lachlan bade the intruderor perhaps her saviorenter.
The door opened, and she recognized the man who entered as one of the lairds young guardsmen. His gaze flickered between the two of them cautiously. Floras cheeks heated as she realized hed guessed what hed interrupted. No doubt she looked as if shed just been ravishedwhich she had. Nearly, anyway.
After a heavy pause, he cleared his throat and spoke. My laird, Im sorry to disturb you. But its important.
The change that came over Lachlan was instantaneous: All vestiges of passion disappeared, and his expression was once again hard and impenetrable. Remote. The air of invincibility once again surrounded him, and too easily, shed been forgotten. She felt a hard pang in her chest. The commanding chief had returned with a transformation so complete, it shook her.
What is it? he asked in clipped tones.
A letter, my laird. The messenger gave Flora an uneasy glance. From Duart.