“One of the kitchen servants came down to start baking bread and heard a noise. I was talking to the guard when she reported it.”He grinned. “Which maid do you have in there with you?”
“Damnation,” Keegan muttered. “You must not tell anyone. Promise me.” He hoped his worried gaze communicated the seriousness of the matter.
Fraser sobered. “Of course I won’t. I ken well how awkward it is to be caught with a lass.”
Keegan gave a brief nod. His stomach clenched for he knew not whether he could trust Fraser. He had only known him a short time. He seemed like an honest and trustworthy man, about a year younger than himself. But Fraser was a rogue who thought of little beyond finding another lass to bed.
“No one can know she is down here with me.”
“Very well. I’ll help you slip her out. Just a minute.” Fraser turned and moved toward the stairs again. “’Tis two huge rats,” he called up to someone waiting at the top.
“Oh heavens!” the female said. “I shan’t go down there until they’re gone.”
“I’ll get them, Mary. You go back to your chamber for about a half hour.” He then told the guard to return to his post. “I’ll be right back,” Fraser whispered to Keegan, then disappeared up the steps. He returned a couple of minutes later. “All clear up to the second floor.” His eyes narrowed as he looked over Keegan’s shoulder. But of course, he could see naught. “Why do I get the feeling ’tis not one of the servants you’ve seduced?”
“I didn’t seduce anyone.” Keegan frowned, hating that Fraser would think the worst of Seona once he learned she was behind the door.
“Not enough time, aye? That can be damned frustrating.”
Keegan’s face heated, though he knew not why. He was not one easily embarrassed. Although he didn’t have a reputation as a gallant or a rogue, he had bedded a few lasses over the past few years. Even then, he would not say he’dseducedanyone. Usually it was the lasses who’d seduced him, in a manner of speaking.
Aside from that, he had not planned to take Seona, anyway. Indeed, he would like to but… he could not endanger her uncertain future.
Fraser chuckled. “Come on, man. Bring her out so she can return to her sleeping quarters. She must be exhausted since you’ve kept her up half the night.”
“Can you hand me that candle?” Keegan motioned to the onesitting on the cook’s table.
“Aye.” Fraser retrieved it for him.
“I thank you.” Keegan closed the door, set the candle on the floor, and turned back to Seona. Finding her wide-eyed and pale, he took her hands. “I’m sure you heard, ’tis only Fraser,” he whispered. “He’s promised he won’t tell anyone and that he’ll help get you back to your room. I never meant to endanger your reputation. I simply wanted—”
She rose onto her tiptoes and kissed his lips briefly. Arousal riveted him along with a generous helping of affection.
“Och, Seona, lass.” How he wanted her in every way. But this might be their last private moment together. He leaned down, claiming her lips again. Though the kiss started out soft and slow, it quickly grew to burning and volatile. Arousal demanded that he press her against the wall and have his way with her… but he couldn’t do that.
Forcing himself to pull back, he cursed and clenched his teeth. How passionate she was. She had to be his, always.
After taking her hand, he led her to the doorway. As soon as he opened it, Fraser turned toward them.
“I thought you were—” His words stalled when his gaze landed on Seona. He smiled and shook his head. “I should’ve guessed.” He shoved Keegan’s shoulder as he emerged from the tiny room. “You dog. Defiling ladies?”
“Well, I wasn’t… exactly.” He couldn’t tell Fraser how much Seona meant to him.
“Aye, indeed. Not to worry. I’ve defiled a few myself.” He chuckled.
“Fraser,” Keegan chided between his teeth and sent him a meaningful frown, trying to convince him not to embarrass Seona any more than she already was. Her face was dark red, even in the dimness of the kitchen.
“Very well. I’ll behave myself.” At the base of the stairs, Fraser said, “Wait here.” He ran up the steps, then returned seconds later and motioned. “All clear.”
Keegan climbed the steps first, holding Seona’s hand and pulling her up behind. That way, if they ran into someone, he could conceal her.
“Are you well?” he whispered back to her as they moved along a corridor.
“Aye.” Her response was barely above a breath.
Fortunately, they reached the upper corridor where her bedchamber was without meeting anyone. Of course, Dirk’s guard was still on duty, but once he recognized them, he again pretended not to see Seona.
“Have a good night’s sleep, m’lady,” Keegan whispered.
