Page 47 of Kilted Hate

But she had an even bigger problem, for deep down, she no longer believed that Domhnall had killed her father. More than that, her beliefs about the man he was were slowly crumbling, right alongside the walls she had built to protect herself before she arrived there.

Yesterday, as she had watched him bathe, an overwhelming feeling of lust had overcome her. When she had run from the room, she could only feel disgust and shame at herself. But it wasn’t only because feelings she had never before experienced had been awakened. She felt guilty that she was going to be a part of whatever it was Reginald planned.

It was those conflicting feelings that had brought her to a decision. When she met with Reginald that afternoon, she was going to voice her belief that he was not their father’s killer. Whether her brother would believe her or not was the thing that worried her.

Katherine had not long been in her bedchamber when the adjoining door opened, and Domhnall walked in. She was nowused to her privacy being trampled over, but upon seeing him, that was not her first thought.

“Why the devil are you dressed in such a way?” she said, eyeing his attire.

Instead of his fine linen and his thick plaid, things that made him stand out as the laird, Domhnall now stood before her dressed like some commoner.

Taking another step towards her, he said, “From time tae time, I go intae the village dressed like this. Nae one gives me a second glance, and I suppose, one might call it a disguise.”

“But why?” Katherine pressed.

“Because I dinnae want tae be seen,” he replied. “I go by the name of Fin and spend time in the midst o’ me people. I want tae ken what they think o’ me. What I can dae tae be a better laird fer them.”

Immediately, his words made Katherine think of the letters she had discovered in his study. The documents had told her already what a great laird he was, and how he helped his clansmen when they were in need. Now, she was even more impressed. She certainly couldn’t imagine the man who ruled England dressing as a commoner and wandering around the towns trying to discover how better he could serve his people.

“I will admit it, that is more than noble of you,” she replied.

Domhnall lifted an eyebrow. “Praise from me betrothed. Well, that is a first.” He was smirking at her, and as usual, mocking her. This time, however, Katherine heard the softness in his tone.

“I wanted tae come and let ye ken that I am leaving. I may be away until late tonight, so, if ye need anything, Magnus will tak’ care o’ ye.”

“I’m sure I will be fine,” Katherine replied.

At the same time as her words, she felt a wave of relief wash over her too. While she would still need to be careful when she left the castle, sneaking out would be far easier without worrying about Domhnall wandering about and catching her in the act. Over the last few days, he had shown up in the strangest of places, and with little or no announcement.

She expected him to turn and leave now he had given her the information he had obviously come to tell her, but instead, Domhnall lingered. He continued looking at her, and after a moment, Katherine wondered if she was supposed to say something more.

“We are getting through yer list rightly,” he said.

She felt heat rush to her cheeks, for her gut told her he was going to bring up what had happened the day before.

Please, God, no.

But his smile told her all her prayers were a waste of time.

“Did ye enjoy the view in me chamber yesterday afternoon?”

Swallowing down her fear, she did her best to pretend his question did not bother her. “I can say with complete certainty, that it’s a view I had never seen before.”

“I’ll bet,” he chuckled. “It’s a pity ye ran off so quickly. Perhaps ye would have got tae see a lot more had ye stayed.”

Her cheeks now burned like they were on fire, and feeling the embarrassment, she could no longer hold his gaze. But Domhnall stepped forward, and hooking his finger under her chin, he lifted her face up to his.

“There are now only a few things left on yer naughty list.”

“Yes,” she breathed, feeling her heart thump at his proximity. “I thank you for your efforts in helping me get through it.”

He shook his head. “There’s nay need tae thank me, Katherine,” he said, his voice thick and deep.

She was now mesmerized as she gazed up at him. Her embarrassment seemed to slip away as she instead, found herself caught in the moment. Her heart thumping, her stomach clenching, and her desire for him growing. Yesterday, she had felt all of those things and more. Now, her want of him had returned.

With his eyes full of desire, he slowly lowered his head to her. She did not flinch or move away. After all her bitterness toward him in the last week, she now ached for his touch.

When his lips met hers, she fell into his embrace, his arms snaking around her, pulling her into his solid frame even more. Having never kissed a man before, Katherine was unsure what to do, but somehow, nature took over, and she simply did what felt natural.

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