How long had he been there? Had he been spying on Rebbie and Calla? Where wasMacDade?
Rebbie hastened after MacFadden, but saw naught along the side of the castle, nor at the front.MacDadestood before one of the outbuildings.
"Did you see MacFadden?" Rebbie asked the guard.
"Nay. He was inside last time I checked." He motioned over his shoulder with his thumb.
"Let's see if he is." Rebbie hurried inside the structure which was set up as a steward's office and lodgings.
In the dim bedchamber, MacFadden lay on the bed, fully clothed, his eyes closed.
"MacFadden?" Rebbie said.
The man started as if awaking abruptly. "Aye." He sat up, rubbing his eyes. "What is it,m'laird?"
Rebbie narrowed his eyes, studying the man. Had his eyes been playing tricks on him before? He glanced around the room and noticed another narrow door. He opened it and found it led outside behind the outbuildings and stable.
He closed the door and said naught more to MacFadden. Outside in the courtyard, he spoke low toMacDade. "He slipped out the back door somehow. He was in the garden minutes ago."
"In truth?"
Rebbie nodded. "I'll askMacKinneyto guard the back door of his lodgings. Is he in the great hall?"
"Aye."
"I'll send him out." Rebbie proceeded to the great hall and toldMacKinneythe situation.
Once he saw that both guards were in place, Rebbie climbed the stairs in search of Calla. She'd looked distressed when she'd fled the garden. What had upset her? The kiss? He only wanted to give her pleasure, not pain.
He knocked at her bedchamber door and a pang of guilt struck him. Was he taking advantage of her? Nay, how could he when she was the one who'd approached him all those years ago? She'd made it clear back then she was ready and willing to be seduced. How could things have changed? They were the same people. The only difference was that she was now a widow, which definitely improved the situation. She was as free as he was. And they were two adults who enjoyed each other's company.
She opened the door a foot and peered out at him, her brows pulled together with anxiety.
"Are you angry with me?" He kept his voice low.
She shook her head.
"Why did you run from the garden?"
"I know not. I'm daft, I suppose."
"Nay. You're the brightest woman I know. Alas, my skills have deteriorated so much, my kiss inspires a woman to flee for her life. And now my life is over."
That roused a wee smile from her, thank the saints. "Nay, quite the opposite,m'laird."
Opposite?That sounded promising. "Please allow me to redeem myself." He gave a brief bow, trying to lighten her mood. He enjoyed her smiles far more than her anxious look.
"What do you mean?"
"Another kiss to prove I haven't lost all my abilities."
She watched him, her gray eyes darkening. Damn, how he loved the lustful look in her eyes. It took naught more than that to bring his arousal back full force. She licked her lips, making him yearn to do the same. She was so delectable, he wanted to devour her like a ripe plum, nibble and lick every inch of her.
"And what if I become distraught again?"
Her tone was innocent, but that spark in her eye told him she was taunting him. A tingle of excitement shot through him.
"I'll just have to keep trying and practicing until my kisses no longer cause you distress."
