She deserved the best. Of course, he would be kinder to her than any other man would, but could he provide for her at the expected level?
It seemed an eternity before Charlie and Murphy, the messenger, appeared. Torr explained where the missive was to be delivered to. Murphy, a tall, lean young man, had been to Caithmore several times and knew the quickest route.
Returning inside, Torr ran up the steps. His anticipation to see Cat was at an all-time high. Taking a deep breath, he tapped lightly at her door.
Silence.
He knocked again, a bit louder. Still no answer.
Damnation. Had he stayed outside so long that she'd gone to sleep in truth?
If that was the case, he would not disturb her. He proceeded to his own room. Even though he'd gotten no sleep last night, he was too wound up to sleep now.
Entering his chamber, he closed the door and headed toward his desk.
"Aha." Someone stepped out from behind his drapery.
On instinct, he reached for his sword a trice before he realized 'twas Cat.
"Damnation," he growled.
"Did I scare you?" She sent him a saucy grin.
Arousal flared within him, burning away all annoyance. "Nay. I thought you were an intruder."
Wearing a dark cloak, she opened the front, revealing she wore only the thin smock underneath.
"Saints," he hissed.
She approached and brushed up against him. "I am intruding." Before he could grab her, she spun away and barred the door.
He ground his teeth at her teasing, then thought of the maid. "What of Aggie? She'll discover your empty room."
"I put my rolled-up clothes in my bed under the covers. She'll not wish to disturb me."
He grinned. "Canny lass."
Sending him a playful, sidelong glance, she threw off the cloak.
He removed his sheathed sword and baldric. "You're driving me mad in that see-through garment," he said through clenched teeth.
"Oh." She glanced down at it. "This old castoff?"
'Twas true the smock was threadbare and looked delicate enough to rip easily, but her body did amazing things to it. Needing to feel her curves beneath the fabric, he dragged her to him and captured her mouth beneath his own. Moaning, she pressed firmly against him... so tantalizing.
He stroked his hands along her waist and hips and up to her breasts.
She drew up his plaid and smoothed her hand along his length, inflaming his desire all the more.
His heart pounding, he growled and lifted her to the bed. He slid his palms up her thighs, raising the hem of the provocative garment until he revealed her sweet ginger curls.
He pushed her legs apart and pleasured her with his mouth. She gasped in shock, then moaned his name. Never had he wanted to devour a woman, but he did now. She was the most luscious thing he had ever encountered.
She cried out, and he forced himself to stop. She would alert the entire castle.
"Wheesht," he hissed.
"Oh. I'll be quiet." She breathed hard, and her darkened eyes begged him for more.
