"Nor have I," she confessed. "You inspire me to do shocking and daring things I've never done before."
He gave her a roguish grin. "It has always been my pleasure to despoil you, m'lady."
After slipping her wrist free of his hand, she slapped hisarseplayfully.
Rebbie laughed. Moments earlier, he'd felt like he would die if he couldn't have her, then and there. Her mouth on his shaft had done it. He'd never been so aroused in his life. Although he'd wanted her to continue, he couldn't endure the erotic torture without going off like a cannon.
He lightly smacked herarsein return, then caressed the smooth, soft skin. "Mmm, nice."
After kissing her, he lay beside her, his head on the pillow, looking into her expressive dark gray eyes, watching her. Secrets still lurked there. How he wished she would open up to him. He wanted to know everything about her.
But, he was no better, for he hadn't opened up to her. He'd almost told her he loved her, but something refused to allow his tongue to form the words.'Twassome lack within him, some fear that constricted his throat when he wanted to tell her. He thought it must be love… some strong attachment he'd always felt for her. He wasn't daft enough to believe he had fallen in love with her in a matter of one night, all those years ago, but 'twas some sort of powerful tenderness he'd experienced in her presence, or anytime he thought about her. Since he'd been with her the past few weeks, his feelings had grown to unthinkable proportions. It could only be love. He should tell her.
But something held his tongue. Haps 'twas that he didn't trust her completely.
"I was wondering about something," he said, hoping his question wouldn't upset her too much. He had to know all her secrets.
"What?" She flicked a wary glance at him, then studied his chest again.
"The night I first arrived here, what were you doing in the secret passages spying on me?"
She gasped, her gaze flying to his. "Angelique told you?"
"Nay. Lachlan tried to get her to tell him. She wouldn't, but after a while, he figured it out. He told me." Rebbie smiled. "But 'twas only after we'd both disappeared and gone to Tummel Castle. They were trying to figure out what happened to you, especially, so they shared all their information."
Her face reddening, she pressed her eyes closed. "This is mortifying," she muttered and blew out a breath.
"Nay, don't be ashamed. I just wondered what was going on."
"Very well, I'll tell you. I had seen you in the village, and in the great hall. I recognized you immediately. I was afraid you'd reveal our past association to everyone. So… I was spying to try to find out what kind of man you are. Most of the men I've known in my life have been vindictive swine."
"Me included?"
"Of course not." Her sincere gaze delved into his. "You are a great and honorable man."
"Well… I thank you, my sweet." He kissed her forehead. "And you are an amazing woman."
At the door, someone gasped. "You!"
Rebbie'sgaze flew to the open doorway. Lady Elena stood there, her murderous gaze upon Calla.
Chapter Seventeen
Startled at hearing Elena's voice inRebbie'sbedchamber, Calla flicked her gaze to the open door.
Elena gaped. "I should have known, since you were gone from our room!" She disappeared down the corridor.
"Damn the lass," Rebbie muttered.
"Blast!" Calla scrambled from the bed and grabbed her smock. "I cannot believe she came in here. Why did we not bar the door?"
"There is none. I should've stolen one from another chamber. Or pushed a chest in front of the door." Rebbie pulled his shirt over his head. "No doubt she wanted to try to make me kiss her again. Brat."
"Or talk you into changing your mind about marrying her."
"'Twillnever happen."
Wearing her smock and wrap, she pulled on her cloak. "I'll go talk to her."
