Lachlan heaves a sigh. “I see your point.” His shoulders sag and my stomach clenches. I know I’m being ridiculous, but I can’t help it. “I told her that I was not available. That I was yours, whether ye’d ha’ me or not.”
Of course, I’d have him. What an absurd thing to say.
“No—you’re right,” I whisper, shaking my head.
Lachlan whips his head towards me. The green of his eyes which I love so much sparkle in the candlelight. “I ha’ never felt for anyone the way I feel for ye.”
My head feels light. So many declarations coming from him lately, but I need them all.
“And I the same.”
Tears threaten to fall as my eyes burn. Even amid all this uncertainty, I need him desperately. The moment we shared in Scota solidified everything I thought I had known.
I love him.
Deep down, I knew I’d always loved him. But I never admitted that to myself because if he had not felt the same—no one could come close to comparing to him.
Lachlan’s eyes dip to my lips and his eyes fill with an emotion I can’t quite place. His mouth parts as if he’s going tosay the words that I’ve been thinking. He takes one step in my direction before a knock on the door halts him.
“I have an extra bedroll for the captain,” a masculine voice calls through the door.
Lachlan rakes his hands through his dark hair and grimaces before throwing open the door. “Thank you.”
He takes the bed roll from the man before turning back towards me and kicking the door closed behind him. Lachlan chucks the bed roll onto the floor while staring at me.
“I willna be needing that.”
His mouth silences the giggle that was building in my chest as his lips crash against mine. His fingers snag in my wind-tangled hair. The sharp tugs against my scalp are ignored as he grapples for a closer hold, angling my head just right to plunge his tongue into my mouth. I moan against his lips. I have craved him all day. My moans of delight spur him on, changing our kiss to something deeper as we devour each other.
My lungs start to burn and I reluctantly pull away. The sound of our heaving breaths overtakes the fountain as our eyes stay locked onto each other.
Something…more, is about to happen.
“I need to bathe,” I whisper between pants.
Lachlan cocks his head to the side, the motion predatory. “Alone?” he murmurs, raising an eyebrow.
I stand in one fluid motion from the edge of the bed and trail my finger from the bare expanse of his chest that peeks out from his leathers down to the waistline of his pants, tugging on the tie. He trembles under my touch, squeezing his eyes shut. But when my finger stops, his eyes pop open.
“No,” I answer, looking him straight in the eye.
Lachlan’s gaze darkens even further at my challenge, the twinkle of mischief sparking into embers as arousal spurs the flames. I take his hand and stride towards the open doorway that leads to the bathing chamber, dragging him behind me.
The tub in the bathing room is more like a small, deep pool. I lean over the copper edge, my fingers grazing the seating ledge that runs the perimeter of it, feeling the warmth of the lilac-scented water before turning the faucet on. It needs a bit more heat for my liking. Lachlan spins me around to face him. He places slow, reverent kisses on my face while pulling the weaved leather top over my head. The cool air kisses my breasts, but luckily it’s not as chilly as our first time. His gaze darkens. Dipping his head, he sucks a nipple into his mouth.
“I love these,” he moans, palming my heavy breasts.
A moan slips from my lips as my body shudders under his ministrations. Tipping my head back, I savor the feel of his mouth on me. My mind is foggy with need as my hands find their way to his pant ties and tug once more.
Closer, I need him closer.
Sensing my urgency, he pulls away, kicking off his boots. They clatter against the mosaic tile as they land across the room. His abs flex with the movement as he pulls his shirt up and over his head. And I bite my lip. I’ll never be numb to the sight of him. The beauty and power of his body. Like a statue of a long-forgotten god.
I trail a fingertip over the ridges of muscles and dip my fingers beneath his waistband.
He grabs my hand and grins. “Are ye sure we ha’ time now?”
I bite my lip, nodding.
