Page 35 of Kilted Seduction
Thora nodded. It made sense. A young laird, forced into duties that could overwhelm men far older… there would be doubts. Even Domhnall, for all his strength, had faced opposition whenhe’d claimed lairdship of Clan MacLeod. But Domhnall had been supported by his siblings, including her.
What support had the child Aedan had?
She said the only thing she could think of. “But ye did hold it taegether, and I havenae heard that ye’re nae a fair laird.”
Aedan snorted. “’Tis nae sayin’ much, and well I ken it. The first couple of years… it seemed that every other fortnight I was havin’ tae prove meself in some manner or another. Even now, it feels like any sign o’ weakness will bring the wolves tae me door, lookin’ tae tak’ away me position and me honor as me faither’s son. ‘Tis why, when ye spoke o’ kenning about the emptiness o’ me clan’s coffers…”
“I shouldnae have spoken about it. Or listened tae yer conversation… for ‘twas through eavesdropping that I learned it.” Thora flushed. “I wanted ye tae heed me, but ‘twas wrong o’ me tae resort tae blackmail and threats.”
Aedan shifted in what might have been a shrug. “We act accordion’ tae what we ken. I shouldnae have been so dismissive o’ yer words. Just because I dinnae believe in, or ken much about, the Gift ye claim tae have. Ye came with a warnin’ and I was foolish tae dismiss it out o’ hand.”
“Even so, I’d like tae apologize fer usin’ such tactics. And fer embarrassing ye as well, in how I chose tae get yer attention and secure yer agreement.” She would have said more, but she wasn’t sure how Aedan would feel, to be reminded of how she’dkidnapped him. She suspected it was a sore spot to his pride, especially with what he’d just told her.
“’Tis all in the past. All that can be done is tae move forward.”
“Aye.”
The snow was growing gradually more visible, the thinnest light of the coming dawn beginning to show on the far horizon. Thora turned to retreat inside, hoping for at least a candle-mark or two of sleep.
She nearly bumped into Aedan, who’d apparently had the same thought, and just barely managed to avoid hitting her as she stumbled to a halt.
Aedan caught her in his arms, and she looked up into his face, startled by how close he was. Time seemed to slow, her breath catching oddly in her throat as his warmth and the scent of woodsmoke, wool and snow enveloped her.
After a moment, he raised one hand to push an errant lock of hair away from her face. “Ye look weary. Ye should rest, if ye can.”
“I could say the same.” She managed a wan smile. “The bed is still available, if ye wish it.”
Aedan chuckled, the sound vibrating pleasantly through her. “I’ll manage fine amid me blankets… I wouldnae wish ye tae think me a soft little lairdling, after all.”
“I wouldnae think that. Nae now.” She swallowed, then froze as his lips ghosted softly over her forehead. “Aedan…”
“Ye’re chilled.” He pulled her closer, and Thora felt her mouth go dry at his closeness.
So close… was it only a few candle-marks ago, less than half a day, that they’d stood so close, sharing a kiss under the Kissing Bough?
What would it be like, tae kiss him without it bein’ a show we were forced tae put on tae fool Laird Ross?
She found herself leaning up and in, moving without thought or consideration of the consequences. Aedan’s nostrils flared, eyes darkening with desire, head tilting to meet hers.
A loud thud from somewhere below jolted them both. Down in the courtyard, the guards were changing shifts, and the gate had been thrown open to admit the servants who lived in the village.
The night was still dark around them, but the sharp edge of dawn chill was in the air. The first sounds of servants preparing for the day’s activities reached their ears. In a few candle marks someone would be around to rouse them for the morning meal.
“Get what rest ye can. We’ve still some time afore they come seeking us.” Aedan stepped back and opened the door to let her inside.
Thora went, feeling weariness suddenly dragging at her bones. Her eyes felt heavy, and she knew that sleep would come easily now, even if it would be a short rest. Even so, she felt disappointed as she climbed into the bed.
The pillows were soft, the blankets a warm weight about her, and yet, she couldn’t help thinking how cold it felt, when compared to the warmth of Aedan’s arms, and how lonely it felt, after the kiss they had almost shared.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Falling asleep after the near-kiss he’d shared with Thora was difficult. If it hadn’t been for the weariness caused by his exertions rescuing the boy, as well as the lassitude caused by the chill of the water, he wasn’t sure he would have managed.
Waking up scarcely three candle-marks later to the sound of a scandalized gasp and the sight of a startled maid was no easier, and distinctly less pleasant. He was still trying to sort out what was causing the startled look on her face when she managed to speak. “Me laird, why are ye sleepin’ on the floor?”
Aedan came awake all at once, tension banishing any sleepiness from his mind as panicked awareness flooded his thoughts.
They’d slept too long. Before, they’d always roused early enough to set the bed to rights and make sure no sign of their sleeping arrangements was evident. He’d intended to do the same this morning, even if he let Thora sleep through it. Now it was too late.
