Page 26 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
“I will send my message to the abbess tomorrow.My cook will deliver it, for no one will question when she says she is the only servant I can trust.”
“I dislike that we must wait for her to return with the Abbess’ reply.”
“I am not pleased with that either,” Seona said.“However, if my aim is to gain her trust, I must first trust her.”
“She should be pleased to have a third MacFearann lady in her grasp,” Dougal said.
Seona smiled.“I am counting on that.Eagerness to have more sway over MacFearann may cause the abbess to examine my motives less closely.Once she agrees, I intend to be certain that she can see nothing about me that is not to her advantage.”
“I cannot add more to our discussion at this point.”Dougal stood to leave.
Seona rose as well.“Good night my friend.”
Rhuad followed her example.“God keep you this night Dougal.”
“And you as well,” he replied.
Seona watched him depart before moving toward the stairs.
“Permit me to walk with you to your chamber?”Rhuad asked.
She raised a brow in question.“If you wish.”
“I do.”Was all he said.
He said nothing more as they climbed the stairs.Seona watched him as closely as possible in the shadowy light cast by torches fixed to the wall at every third stair riser.
He appeared to look inward.He stared into the space before him, his brow furrowed, whether with worry or concentration she could not tell.
At the landing they turned toward her chamber.Still, he was silent.She paused outside her door and placed a hand on his arm.
“What troubles you?”
“I am not troubled.”
“Something occupies your mind, my lord.Do you intend to share your thoughts with me?Or will you leave me guessing as to why you felt the need to escort me here when we are in the safety of your own castle.”
He shifted his stare, locking his gaze with hers.
“I have been wondering...”He put his hands on her shoulders.
He paused so long she became impatient.“What have you wondered?”
“I’ve been wondering what it might be like to do this.”
“Do wha...”
He drew her to him.Keeping one arm around her waist, he cradled her cheek in the other and lifted her face to his.He made no other move, but waited.
I understand now.He wants to kiss me, but he wants a kiss freely given.
Well, hadn’t she wondered herself, what it might be like.She recalled the day when they had laughed so much and their faces had been so close together.She’d definitely pondered what his mouth might feel like pressed to hers.
She rose on her toes, linking her hands at his nape where his red curls teased her fingers
He lowered his head, and his lips moved over hers.
Paradise, she thought, might feel like this.Soft, silky, soothing and at the same time seeking.
