For a moment, they both sat in silence. Even the horse didn’t make a noise. There was nothing but stillness.
Caroline’s gaze roamed over the rough stone and wood lodge. It had been built into the mountainside and looked for all the world as if a giant had created it and then casually pushed it into the earth.
She hadn’t wanted to come to the Key. Was certain she had a hundred things to do back at the castle, but as she let the threads of those obligations slip through her fingers, being here made Caroline’s heart glad.
The stillness of the air awakened Caroline’s senses. Closing her eyes, she drew in a deep breath. When she let it out, a weight lifted from her shoulders.
Ewan had known exactly what she needed. He always did.
I need to be here. To let go and just be me.
Throwing off the rug, Ewan climbed out from the cart. Caroline hitched her skirts and got down. Her boots had just touched the ground when Ewan appeared at her side.
“I was going to lift you, then carry you into the lodge,” he said.
Oh.She had spoiled his romantic gesture by being too self-sufficient. “I’m sorry. I can climb back up if you wish.”
He smiled and dropped a kiss on the top of her hair. “Opportunity lost. How about you get the basket and I take care of the horse. The quicker he is happily ensconced in the stables, the sooner you and I can get on with breakfast . . . and other things.”
There was no need for him to explain whatother thingsmeant. Ewan’s voice had a gruff edge to it this morning. Everything about him spoke of a hunger—for her.
Caroline collected the basket of food and supplies and carried it over to the lodge. She pushed open the door, smiling at the sight which greeted her.
The castle servants had set things up perfectly. The fire had been burning in the hearth all night and the room was comfortably warm. After setting the basket down on the table, she ventured into the master bedroom. The lodge only had one bedroom; everyone else who stayed here slept on bear fur rugs in front of the fire.
The bed, which was huge by anyone’s standards, had been made up. A Strathmore tartan rug lay across its foot. All that it required now was the owner of the lodge to take up his rightful place under the blankets.
“Here or in front of the fire?” whispered a sultry voice into her ear. The hard presence of her husband pressed into her back. There was no mistaking the intent in his words.
“I thought we were going to eat first?” she replied.
A hand appeared around her waist. “I am several types of hungry this morning. But the one which involves you being naked and beneath me is speaking loudest.”
“I see.”
She glanced from the bed to the fireside rug. A sensible woman would have chosen the comfort of the thick mattress, but when it came to Ewan, Caroline had never been able to think straight. There was something about being made love to in front of a roaring fire which called to her primal urges. For the need to be claimed.
She stepped out of his embrace. “Move back,” she ordered. He raised a brow but did as commanded. A smirk shifted his mouth.
Her fingers went to the ties of her cloak, and she let it fall to the floor. It gave a seductivehushas it landed. When their eyes met, there was no mistaking the expression on her husband’s face. He was all but begging her to strip in front of him.
Your wish is my command, my lord.
A button. Then a tie. Another button. Slowly, teasingly, Caroline worked herself free of her garments. One by one, they followed the cloak to the floor.
Ewan licked his lips. He was the ultimate predator, and she was his willing prey.
Reaching for her shift, the last remaining garment, Caroline stopped. Her hands dropped to her side, and she let out a gasp. “I don’t think my fingers work anymore. Such a pity. It means I can’t remove this thin, flimsy piece of clothing. It’s such a disappointment.”
He greeted her words with a heady, low growl.
Before she knew it, he had pounced. A lion leaping was no match for Ewan. Both hands were fisted either side of her shift, and in one mighty effort, he tore it open. It ripped apart, all the way to her waist.
He wasn’t done. He went to his knees, then, taking the frayed edges in his hands, he destroyed the rest of the shift. Tore it completely from her body.
Caroline closed her eyes, exalting in the pure, sexual power of her man.
Her eyelids fluttered open at the first touch of his tongue on her sex. She whimpered as his thumbs parted her folds, exposing her sensitive bud. His mouth settled over it, and he sucked hard.
