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Chapter Fourteen
Jamie looked around the hall, but there was no sign of Amelia. Her blue figure whirling around the room had kept her in his gaze after they’d changed dancing partners. She was like a fairy in a dark forest, and he loved to watch her form flit from person to person, laughing, smiling, her ease and confidence growing. And she would catch his gaze every so often, and they would stare at each other for long moments before someone would tear them away in conversation. All he could think about was kissing her again. After last night, he’d barely slept. He stayed late in his workroom, making corrections to a map and sipping his whiskey, but he couldn’t stop thinking of what had happened on his desk.
She had been so hot and wet, lying with her back on the top of the desk, her legs wide, welcoming the touch of his hand on her womanhood. She had writhed and moaned, calling out his name in quiet, sensual whispers. It had taken all his power to not plunge into her in that moment, but he knew she needed time. And her grip on his cock had been such a surprise. He had spilled over faster than he expected, as her delicate hands belied their strength.
And now, today, she was the most beautiful woman in the room, and he could not focus on anyone else. Once, she had walked towards the corridor, and he followed her, leading her to a quiet area, kissing her against the wall, wanting to take the opportunity while he had the chance.
He hadn’t seen her since.Where could she be? Why does it worry me so much that she’s not here? Isnae she just a lass who works for me ma? She’ll be gone eventually and then what?
And then it hit him. Donald. He was the only other one missing from the main festivities, and last time he had tried to steal Amelia away into the shadows.
The last time he had seen Donald, he and William had been talking together along with a few other clansmen. Donald was nearby them, standing alone of course, drinking from a glass by the fire.
“He must have seen her leave and has gone to find her. If he hurts her, I will break his bloody neck!” Jamie whispered angrily to himself and set out on the journey of searching the three floors of the castle to find them…
* * *
Donald was dressed in breeches and a tartan coat, and his black eyes watched her closely as she moved to sit by the fire near the light. He moved silently, slinkingly toward her, and sat down in the chair opposite.
Amelia looked confused. “And how mightyoube of service? I’m afraid I do not want anything from someone who tries to forcibly take woman without their consent.”
She lifted her chin with an air of confidence, but inside she was trembling, fearful of what he might say or do next.
“Well, my dear lass, it does seem that yer in a bit of trouble, pecuniary trouble, tae be precise.” Donald laid back comfortably in the chair, knowing he was in charge of the situation. With his elbows on the arms off the chair, he touched his fingertips together.
Amelia’s chest tightened, but she tried to not let her strong facade crumble.
“And? What of it?”
“Well…” he almost purred, and it made Amelia feel ill. “I would be only too happy tae lend ye the money ye need. Our family continues tae have quite the fortune and profitable lands.”
“Really?” Amelia’s eyes opened with excitement. She could have almost kissed his slimy face. But then she drew back. “Why?”
Donald chuckled. “Smart girl. Such gifts are not without cost. But, my price is small. I only want ye tae...be a sort of lookout for me.”
Amelia’s eyebrows furrowed. “A lookout? What do you mean?”
Donald smiled, ready to explain, but taking his time just to torture this beauty bit by bit. “I need information, pertaining tae the handsome young laird. Anything ye can find would be of use: papers, letters, documents, information about his land project, his thoughts on being the new laird, etc. Now, wouldnae that be only too simple to obtain, ye being the companion and all, and having free access tae the castle?”
“But what do you need them for? Surely you could ask all of these things from Jamie himself. You are cousins, after all.”
Donald face flushed slightly at her lack of immediate agreement. Then, he pasted another smile on his moist lips. “Och, but that would be a bit of a problem, as Jamie and I do not...see eye tae eye on many things, and he does not enjoy the presence of his cousin, I’m afraid.”
“Oh, I see.” Amelia looked down for a moment.
“‘Tis nothing heinous or fiendish. ‘Tis for the good of the clan. His father and my father were twins, you see, and so I have just as much right tae that information as he does. It’s just that our relationship is not what it once was.”
Amelia thought for a moment. The idea of working with this man and having to report to him filled her with an oily queasiness, but the idea of having all of the debts repaid in full, and her father returning to her mother’s arms, that made her think all the harder.
“I’m sorry. But, I don’t feel that it would be right to keep secrets from my employers. They have been so kind to me. I wouldn’t want to risk my relationships with them.” Amelia stood to leave.
Donald didn’t move as she made her way to the door. “Och, yes, yer...relationships. That handsome cousin of mine does seem tae have an eye for ye. I don’t blame him of course for admiring a luscious beauty.”
Amelia paused, thinking she could almost vomit from a compliment from such a man.
“And do ye feel the same way?” Donald stood up from the chair, his piercing eyes on her again.
Amelia flushed, “Excuse me, but my feelings and emotions are none of your business.”
