Her heart pounding, she glanced toward the stairwell. “What if one of the maids or someone should come along?”
“We’ll bar the door. And you can tell them you don’t wish to be disturbed.”
What he suggested… along with the smoldering look in his eyes, sent hot sparks snapping through her body. If her only joys in life were to be stolen moments with him, she would take them. She stepped back, allowing him entrance to the room. Once she closed the door, he placed the plank of wood into the metal brackets, barring anyone from entering.
He glanced around the dim room, inhaling deeply. “I smell lavender soap.”
“I had a bath a short time ago.”
“Do you mind if I light a candle?”
“Nay.” She would like to see him better anyway.
After lighting a candle from the low-burning flames of the hearth and securing it in a candelabrum on the mantel, he turned to her. His normally light eyes were darker in the meager light. “I’ve been thinking of naught but you.”
She stepped closer to him and took his hand. “I’ve been thinking of you also,” she confessed in a whisper.
He lifted her hand and kissed the back, his warm lips and beard stubble teasing her skin.
“There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about,” he said. “The last night we were at Teasairg, when your aunt walked in on us in your chamber, I blurted out something that may have shocked you. But I meant it.” He lowered himself and knelt on one knee. “If your father agrees to it, will you do me the honor of becoming my bride?”
Chapter Twenty
Seona could not believe Keegan’s sincerely spoken words—will you do me the honor of becoming my bride?
He dangled what she longed for most right in front of her. Something that would make her life joyously worth living. Something she’d never imagined possible before she’d met Keegan. The one thing she feared she would never have.
’Twould be her dream come true. But naught was more real than the look of sincerity and intense passion in Keegan’s eyes. Her tears welled and spilled over, sliding down her face. Her knees grew weak and she knelt with him. “Keegan, aye, you ken I will. But I fear my father will never allow it.”
Keegan released a breath, brushed her tears away, then kissed her forehead. “Nevertheless… I’m going to ask him. And I wanted to be certain ’twas what you wanted.” He rose to his feet and helped her stand.
“Indeed, I wish it. More than anything.”
“I’m not a laird; I own no property. I hold no aristocratic titles,” he said, his tone a bit dismal.
“Do you think that matters to me?”
“I know not.”
She shook her head and pressed her hand to his heart. “What matters to me is what’s in here,” she whispered. “I know you will be a good husband. The best any woman could ever hope for.”
“I’m uncertain of that, but I will protect you and cherish you,Seona. I love you, lass.”
“And I love you,” she whispered, her throat tightening.
He lifted his hand to lightly stroke her cheek, then bent and kissed her lips, at first sweet and light. But with his soft moan it shifted to something deeper and more profound, a melding of their souls. She locked her arms around his neck as she poured herself into the kiss, accepting everything he would give her.
“Mmm, lass.” His hands slid to her hips, only the thin material of her smock separating their skin. When he gently caressed her derriere, carnal yearnings rushed through her. Wanting him closer, she pushed her breasts against his chest.
A low curse escaped him. His tongue teased hers, provoking, inflaming her desires to a higher level.
Gradually, he dragged her linen smock upward, wadding it into his hands. Holding her breath, she could hardly wait to feel his hands on her. When he finally reached the hem of the garment, his warm, rough hands on her bare sensitive skin felt glorious.
“Oh, Keegan,” she breathed.
“Seona, you feel so good,” he whispered against her ear, his hot breath giving her delicious chills. “I want to see you in the candlelight. Will you let me?”
“Aye.” She would’ve agreed to anything he wanted.
