He closed the heavy drapery over the glass window, blocking out the night, then observed her in the candlelight. "Do you wish me to unlace the gown?"
She nodded and turned her back. She enjoyed the gentleness of his fingers as he untied and worked at loosening the laces.
"I give you your privacy, m'lady, so you may bathe." The longing in his eyes told her he didn't want to leave the room. "I'll bring food in a little while." He bowed and retreated from the room.
"Thanks!" she called after him. Maybe she should've asked him to stay. He was her husband, after all.
What on earth have I done? Married a man I hardly know. Why?
"Insanity," she muttered. "Self-preservation." She shrugged. "At least he's a gentleman." Allowing her time to bathe alone. But his hot kisses epitomized his roguish side. Hmm. She loved his kisses and hoped he would shower her with lots of those tonight.
Dani removed her clothing and sank into the blissful tub of hot water. "Ahh." Though she'd taken quick sponge baths here, she hadn't indulged in a full bath in forever. At home, she took showers every day because baths took too long. But she'd been rushing through life.
The scratch burned for a moment in the water, then subsided. She picked up the weird, lumpy cake of soap from beside the tub and sniffed it. "Mmm, lavender." The scent relaxed her and reminded her of him. His clothes always smelled of the herb. A stack of folded worn linen sat nearby, each piece the size of a hand towel. She would use one as a washcloth.
As she lathered her body, her mind drifted back to him and the smoldering kisses they'd shared. He was strong, commanding, and scorching-hot. When he carried her or held her aloft, her imagination went wild with the sensual possibilities.
She needed to experience making love with Gavin in real life, not just in a dream.
When she'd scrubbed every inch of her body and washed her hair in the strange soap, she relaxed back, exhausted. The warm water made her drowsy, plus she hadn't been sleeping much. She started dreaming about birds of all types, large and small, songbirds and raptors. Some flying through the air. Trees filled with others. They watched her and licked their beaks.
∞∞∞
Gavin rushed down the flights of spiral stone stairs into the kitchen.
Crocker spun around. "Och! M'laird I did nay expect to see you."
"I need a tray of food for my bride."
"As you wish!" Crocker grinned. "I have fresh bread." He sliced some from the long loaf and slathered it with butter. "She detests the haggis but loves the rabbit stew… though she hates to admit it." Snickering, he spooned out two small wooden bowls full.
His cook had a fondness for Dani, and why not? She blew a breath of fresh air through this moldering castle. He appreciated her saucy unpredictability, not to mention her beauty.
"She dislikes ale," Crocker went on. "Mayhap she will enjoy the sweet, spiced wine."
"A grand idea." Gavin paced while he waited for Crocker to load the tray with a silver wine decanter, two goblets, stew, plates of bread, cheese, plum tarts, and a few other things. 'Twould be a feast, but he had no hunger for food now.
However, his craving for his luscious bride grew with each passing moment.
Dani had to be already sitting naked in the tub of warm water. He should forget the food and run up to join her now. Nay. He had to learn patience and not frighten his bride with his eagerness to consummate the marriage. Mayhap that had to happen before the vile spell vanished. He had no idea what kind of rules Wilona had crafted.
"Make certain all the windows stay closed and shuttered," Gavin said. "We don't want Wilona flying in here as a bird of some sort. Lock the doors too. Come to think of it, keep all animals out."
Crocker eyed him and frowned. "Indeed? Why the sudden concern?"
"In the bailey, an owl attacked and scratched the lass. I'm near certain 'twas the witch. I instructed Ewan to close all the windows."
"Good heavens! Your da likes a wee bit of fresh air at daybreak, but I will keep his window closed in the morn."
Gavin nodded.
Crocker placed a small silver vase containing one wild pink rosebud on the tray.
Saints! He'd forgotten about flowers and a bridal bouquet. How daft. He would have to pick a bouquet of wildflowers for his bride soon.
"Shall I take this upstairs for you?" Crocker inquired.
"I will. And I appreciate you creating such a bonny tray. She will love it."
