But something about his lips, his deep kisses had struck a flint to the tinder within her. And his hard body pressing against hers… she could not brush the feel of him off her skin. Her slight muscles craved his far larger and harder ones, digging into her. As he'd held her up, his hips, his… manly parts had pushed up against her. And he was firm everywhere, his arm muscles bulging.
"I'm sorry," Darack said from several feet away, his back to her.
"As you should be," she snapped, but in her heart she knew she didn't mean it. She pressed her fingers against her burning lips.
Darack glared around at her and she lowered her hand, holding his gaze, trying for a brave front. She resented being so drawn to him. Not because he was a bad person, but because 'twas almost as if he assumed she was attracted to him before she even realized it herself. And most annoying of all, he was right. She found herself fascinated by him and could not force herself to stop.
***
Darack watched Mairiana as she moved to her pallet and lay down, keeping her gaze on him the entire time. What did she think? That he was going to attack her?
Ha.
Nay. Not attack, of a certainty. Seduction was a different matter entirely, however.
Damnation! That mad thought should go back to wherever it came from. She'd only just broken off her engagement with a murderous, thieving bastard. But at least now, after he'd kissed her, maybe she would realize it wasn't the end of the world. Other men found her attractive. She must realize she hadn't truly loved Alec anyway. Based on the way she'd responded to his kiss, nay, she couldn't have.
Though innocent, she had a natural, fiery passion. Saints, how he wanted to bring that to the surface again. Her kiss had enchanted him.
Darack dropped to the floor and reclined on his pallet opposite her. Resting his head on his bent arm and lowering his lids to slits, he watched her. Her eyes remained wide open, observing him for long minutes. What was she thinking? She'd called him a libertine and a rogue. She was not far off the truth, but he could never treat her as less than a respectable lady. Dugald would kill any man who took advantage of her. Not that Darack was frightened of him, but the MacKerrick chief had a large force of fighting men. Darack was one man alone; he'd made a habit of not provoking powerful chiefs. Nay, he liked Dugald and counted him as a friend. He was a no nonsense chief who spoke his mind. Darack respected that. 'Twas the kind of chief he would want to be, if only he could.
***
The next morn, after Darack and Mairiana had quickly broken their fast, they headed toward the ship in the cool, misty rain. They all suspected that Alec would leave someone watching for her at the docks. Because of this, she now wore a different plaidarisaidover her cloak so she would appear different from yesterday. With the cowl completely enveloping her head, she affected a limping, stooped gait while she held onto Darack's strong arm.
Likewise, he had borrowed a dark cloak from Felix, and now his head was covered in a cowl. Having left his own sword back at Dunmoris, Clan Grant's castle, in order to play the role of stall-mucker, Darack had borrowed a sword from his friend to help protect her. She prayed he wouldn't have to use the weapon.
Once on the galleon's deck, Mairiana glanced around in the gray dawn light to make sure no one was watching. Her gaze scanned the docks. A dozen or so men loitered there in different areas, but none were facing her direction.
"I don't think anyone saw us," she whispered, still holding onto Darack's arm, so strong and comforting.
He shook his head. "Come. I have to speak to the captain and get you out of this rain."
After they found Captain Madding, Darack spoke to the tall, graying man alone, then escorted her to the captain's cabin, which he'd allowed her the use of since she was the only lady on board.
After entering, Darack closed the door behind them. The salon of the captain's quarters was a small, confined space with a low ceiling. A wee table and two chairs occupied the center of the floor. Two more padded chairs sat to the side.
"I'm glad we'll be in here," she said. "'Tis cozy."
"Youwill be in here. I'll be guarding outside."
She frowned up at him. "But 'tis raining."
"That isn't rain. 'Tis only a mist." He gave a near imperceptible grin. "I have to keep an eye out. I don't want anyone slipping up on us."
"Oh." She had to admit she was disappointed, for she wanted to spend more time with Darack. She had enjoyed last night and could not get it out of her head.
He stepped closer and placed his fingertips along her jawline, making her heartrate triple. "Mairiana, I want you to know, I'll protect you." His dark eyes were solemn, and he seemed to be looking into her soul.
"I know you will. I never doubted it," she whispered.
He nodded, searching her face, looking as if he wanted to say more. Instead, he pulled her close and lowered his mouth to hers. His lips were warm, firm and gentle at first. Her heart thumped against her throat as she slipped her hands into his hair, needing him closer. With a sudden jolt, the kiss turned torrid and all-consuming.
Good heavens! This kiss was even more toe-curling than the one the night before, and she could not get enough of his addictive mouth.
With an abruptness that shocked her, he pulled away and faced the door. "Damnation! 'Tis why I must stay outside."
She did not know what to say to that. His kiss had left her speechless.
