“He feels better, but his leg still pains him greatly. That reminds me… I need to get a bottle of mulled wine and fill up the whisky flask.” Taking the small lantern, she disappeared down a short corridor and into the storeroom off the side of the kitchen.
Seona could not stop her gaze from wandering back to Keegan. He was already watching her, his normally light blue eyes much darker in the dim room, lit only by the low-burning kitchen fire and the candle he had brought with him and set on the scarred table.
The kiss they’d shared in the alcove upstairs burned through her mind.Saints!He had made her weak with powerful yearnings and emotions she didn’t understand.
“I’m glad your aunt is much improved,” Keegan said. “Likely, she will be kicking up her heels tomorrow.”
Seona held back a grin. “I don’t know about that, but at least she is craving food again.”
“You will escort Seona back to her room when you are done talking, will you not, Keegan?” Isobel asked, startling Seona.
What?
“Aye, of course.”
Chapter Thirteen
Seona stared after Isobel as she disappeared up the steps, a bottle of wine and flask of whisky in one hand and the lantern in the other. What was she up to, leaving Seona alone with Keegan in the kitchen?
Well… Seona knew Isobel wanted her and Keegan together. She encouraged her at every opportunity, because she wanted Seona to have a happy marriage like she had. But Seona did not see how that could happen.
Her gaze darted back to Keegan. He watched her as an osprey watches a salmon, with a concentrated focus that might be called hunger. Aye, she hungered for him as well.
His brows quirked in a wee, concerned frown. “Are you afraid?”
“Nay.” Did she look afraid? She tried to smooth out her features. She certainly didn’t fear Keegan. Only what he represented—everything she wanted, standing before her, just waiting. She still wasn’t sure she was brave enough to grab hold and face down all the obstacles.
“Good. I would never want you to be frightened of me, Seona.” His deep, soothing voice was spellbinding.
“I’m not. I trust you more than anyone.” ’Twas the truth and she was not shy about admitting it to him.
“That means more to me than I can say,” he whispered. “But ’haps you shouldn’t.”
His words should have alarmed her, but they didn’t for she suspected she knew what he was about to say. “Why not?”
His gaze grew more penetrating. “Because I wish for things I have no right wishing for.”
Another kiss?
“When I’m alone with you…” he said, shaking his head, “I find I want to…” He blew out a sharp breath and glanced away. “Hell, why am I telling you this?”
“I want you to tell me.” She yearned to know his every thought. “I couldn’t sleep.” That was her confession. Surely he would understand her meaning—she couldn’t sleep because thoughts of him kept taunting her, especially after he’d consumed her mouth earlier.
“Would one more goodnight kiss help?” His expression remained serious. Passionate.
Her heartbeat thumped in her throat. “Aye.” ’Twas a lie. The kiss would not help her sleep; it would keep her awake the rest of the night. But ’twas the one thing she craved most, as a starving person craves bread.
Gradually, he moved closer to her, stroked his warm hand along her cheek, leaned down and pressed his lips to hers… twice, completely seducing her. She slid her hands around his neck. Each kiss was more lingering than the last, then he flicked his tongue against her mouth, sparking fiery yearnings within her. She parted her lips, inviting a deeper kiss. With a soft moan, he indulged her. He tasted faintly of spiced wine, but mostly, he tasted like a man she wanted to devour.
Before she knew what was happening, the passion exploded. She could not get close enough to him, and he seemed equally determined to bring her body as tightly as possible to his. Her knees grew weak and her feet left the floor. The sensation of flying suffused her with dizziness. He was carrying her, she realized, awareness of his strength only fueling her desire for him.
A moment later, she felt him kick a door closed behind them. Opening her eyes, she could see naught. The room was pitch black and the air smelled of spices and flour. The storeroom?
Saints!Would he seduce her in truth?
If so, she was ready. Life was short and she needed a few precious, sparkling moments to bring her joy during the dark days of the future.
“Lady Seona?” he whispered, his breathing harsh and unsteady as he held her against the door, her toes barely touching the floor.
