Seumas snorted and raised his cup."Two nights then.I'll notify the men."He paused, the grin making a brief return."Enjoy yer supper.Upstairs."
Cormac did not dignify that with a response.
He finished his ale, made one final pass through the common room and out to the yard to satisfy himself that the men in the stables were equally well settled, then made his way to the scullery for a bath.
***
SOMETIME LATER, CORMACknocked on the bedchamber door.He felt refreshed after a warm bath and a clean change of clothes, a fresh plaid over his shoulder.He had shaved and tied back his hair.Cormac had parted with considerable coin to ensure he and his men received the best care for the evening, and even more to ensure the lass had everything she needed.Just the thought of her – bathing with the soap he had paid for, wearing clothes he had provided – conjured possessive thoughts and had him aroused within seconds.He tamped them down firmly.She was in his care and he had no business treating her otherwise.
She opened the door.
All coherent thought left him.
She looked so beautiful he had to remind himself to breathe.And damn his eyes, the sight of her wearing the Stewart colors – his colors – had the power to unman him entirely.Cormac stood in the doorway longer than was necessary, willing his heart rate to slow.
Una felt her own pulse spike at the sight of Cormac freshly shaven, clean-clothed and every inch a Highland warrior.But it was the way he gazed at her, with such open, unguarded appreciation, that made her heart stumble over itself.She had a frightful urge to kiss him.
They were interrupted when Maisie cleared her throat behind them."I have yer meals.Would ye prefer to eat in yer room or out here in the hallway?"
Una grinned, and Cormac chuckled at Maisie’s sarcasm.He clasped Una’s hand and walked her to the table.
Maisie set down the large tray – broth, bread, a small roast bird, boiled roots, a heel of hard cheese – then her maid collected the wash basin and towels and they left, closing the door behind them.
Cormac pulled out a chair for Una, and once she was settled he sat beside her.Just as he had at the campfire, he immediately began setting the choicest cuts on her trencher.Una poured them both ale.
"Ye look very bonnie, lass," he said.
Una blushed."'Tis the garments.They are pretty.Thank ye for them."
Cormac paused and looked at her."It has nothing to do with the gown.'Tis the wearer alone that makes them bonnie."
Una cleared her throat and remained very still.
"Tell me, lass, have ye ever been kissed?"Cormac wanted to take the question back the moment it left his mouth.
Until she whispered, with a deep blush, "Never."
Never been kissed?How is that possible?
Cormac knew most women had stolen a kiss or two before.Suddenly all he could think about was being her first kiss and his treacherous mind supplied, quietly, that he would very much like to be her last as well.
"What of ye?"she asked."No doubt ye've kissed many bonnie women."
Cormac shifted uncomfortably."Ah," he managed.He had never pretended to be a monk.
"Just tell the truth, Mr.Shadow.I am not so young and naïve that I dinnae ken the way of things between couples.It's how I was—" Una stopped, realising she had been about to mention that she was illegitimate.She needed to remember that Fenella was not."Never mind.Have ye kissed many lassies?"
"What were ye about to say?"Cormac asked.
"Nothing.Please answer the question."
"I have kissed lassies before.I have done more.But not for some time."
"I see," Una replied, and looked away.
There was an awkward silence between them.
Until she felt fingers lightly touch her chin.
