Page 41 of Kilted Hate

The arousal continued as she stood there, gazing up at him with those wide, vulnerable eyes. He needed to leave, or his brother’s earlier quip of him finding himself held up, clearly referring to things happening between himself and Katherine, might well come to fruition. But just as he turned to go, Katherine called out his name.

“Domhnall.”

Turning back to her, he looked at her with his eyebrows raised.

“Can I ask you something?” As Katherine asked the question, she lifted the book she now held in her hand.

Tilting his head, he eyed her for a long moment. She was innocent, he knew that. But she was also devious. She had promised not to humiliate him in front of his men, but nor did he relish the thought of her trying to make a fool out of him without being in their presence.

“What?” he answered gruffly.

She dropped her gaze and looked hesitant, her mortified expression putting his fear to rest. Whatever she wanted to know was causing her embarrassment, and realizing that it was taking great courage for her to continue, he stepped closer and softened his gaze.

“Ye can ask me anything, Katherine. What is it?”

“Well,” she began, hardly able to look at him, “I was reading this earlier, and… and there were some things in it that I did not understand.”

“Go on,” he encouraged.

“Well, the author talks about taking her to heaven, and… and,” Katherine struggled to carry on, now nearly trembling in her embarrassment.

“And?” Domhnall repeated in a softer tone.

“And… I dinnae understand what it means,” Katherine blurted.

Even Domhnall was feeling the embarrassment now, but that’s not the only thing he was feeling as he gazed down at her, watching her bosoms rising and falling rapidly as she tried to catch her breath.

“I’ve… I’ve never… I ken,” she continued, “I am innocent. But…”

By this time, Domhnall had closed the gap between them and stopped not a foot away. His manhood was rock hard as he imagined what he wanted to do to this woman. What her skin would feel like beneath his touch. What she would taste like when he had brought her to the height of ecstasy. Hooking his finger under her chin, he lifted her head, forcing her eyes to meet his.

“Ye will learn soon enough what it means,” he growled, his voice thick with the want of her.

Katherine’s eyes widened at his words, and as her lips parted, a gasp left her mouth. A mouth he wanted to ravish, and lips he desperately wanted to crush. Lowering his head, he leaned down towards her, but a battle began in his soul, for as his emotions built within him, he also sensed a fear.

What if I cannae control meself with this woman?

The thought caught him cold, and as though she had slapped him, he took a step back. His groin ached, his manhood rock hard, but somehow, his mind battled even harder, and swiftly, Domhnall spun on his heels and hurriedly left the room.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

It had been a week since Katherine’s arrival in the castle, though for some strange reason, it felt far longer. It felt as though she knew so much about the people there, especially Thora and Enya, who had clearly already adopted her as a sister.

The previous night had proved that, for the three had bonded as though they had known each other for years when they were in the library. In fact, Katherine could not recall one time before that occasion where she had laughed so much it had physically hurt.

She hadn’t realized she had fallen asleep, until she found herself in Domhnall’s arms. Those huge thick arms that betrayed his strength without him having to do anything to show her.

Something had come over her the night before, some form of courage, for she could not have imagined having such an embarrassing conversation with any other. It was strange in a way, for he was so gruff, and at times abrupt with her, and yet,maybe it was that which told her he was the right person to ask. He would tell her the truth.

That, and the fact that he’s going to be your husband soon.

Her curiosity had got the better of her, but when they were in the bedchamber, something else had taken her over. Something she could never before have imagined happening. He had approached her so slowly, like a tiger stalking its prey. But rather than feeling like she was going to be devoured, Katherine had wanted it. She had wanted him to kiss her, and she was certain, as he had lowered his head, that he was about to. But then, something that looked like terror washed over him, and he had practically fled from the room.

Had that happened before last night, she might have run away in dread herself. It had surprised her, when he had closed the door quietly behind him, that she had actually felt disappointed.

At breakfast that morning, Domhnall acted like nothing had happened between them, and with her manchet bread and honey placed on her plate as usual, the conversation at the table appeared entirely normal. Katherine could not say that she felt entirely normal, however, and rather than involving herself in the topic, she found it better for her to hold her tongue and pretend to listen instead.

As always, everyone dispersed afterwards. Thora and Enya walked out into the corridor with her, and turning to her, Thora said, “I am busy this morning preparing fer the Yule celebrations, but how about we tak’ an afternoon walk together.”

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