Page 15 of Kilty Plea
They made camp in a hollow beside whatwouldhave been a picturesque stream, were it the height of summer. Since ‘twas only a fortnight from Hogmanay, whatever water had once flowed was now frozen over, with snow piled atop.
Flora was exhausted, despite having done naught more tiring than sat atop the Hunter’s lap all day. The poor horse was the one who’d had to pick its way through snowbanks, or along narrow trails in the snow which were once roads. Even Payton seemed ready for sleep.
Instead, however, he spent some time building a fire—protected on two sides by the deep walls of the hollow—and preparing a simple dinner of leftover meat from last night’s feast, and bannock cakes.
Despite the dry blandness of the oatcakes, Flora ate as if she was ravenous—she was!—and offered to set up the water skin to melt snow over the fire.
Be useful, by golly!
Unfortunately, Payton seemed lost in his thoughts, and didn’t seem to notice her helpful offers, or her attempts at a welcoming smile.
Ye likely have spinach stuck in yer teeth.
‘Twas possible, but since it had been several months since she’d last had the leafy green vegetable, she hoped not. More likely Payton was just preoccupied.
Well, ‘twas her responsibility toun-occupy him. Or rather, occupy him with something else entirely.
Her opportunity came when he finished packing up the leftover food and hung the bundle in a nearby tree to keep it safe from scavengers. Then he left their little camp to find more firewood. Aye, he’d return to find herhelpful, alright.
When Payton was out of sight, Flora scrambled to her feet and lunged for his saddle and things. She removed the bedroll she’d seen tied there and spent some time laying it out just right; tucking it between the rocks and the fire, so ‘twould be as warm and comfortable as possible.
Then she removed the cloak he’d lent her, which she’d been wearing all day despite her offer to return it. Smoothing it out atop the bedroll, she then stepped back to admire her handwork.
‘Twas no love nest, but ‘twould do.
Flora took the time to scrub her hands and face with snow. A proper seduction should include a scented bath and fine fabrics…but since they were stuck out here in craptastic snow, she’d have to make do.
Judging from the thick staff pressing against her arse cheek all day, Sir Hunter wasn’t above pawing at a dirty lass when the need arose. She’d have to count on it.
When she heard him returning, Flora hurried to unlace her bulky borrowed gown, tugging open the brown wool so it gaped at the front, exposing her chemise. She tugged down the stained linen to expose her breasts, gasping as the cold caused her nipples to pebble.
Payton stepped into the circle of firelight, got a good look at her, and dropped the stack of firewood he’d collected onto his foot.
Hopefully ‘twas a good sign?
“Fook, lass!” he snarled, hopping about on the other foot, his eyes still glued to her chest. “What in the everloving fook are ye doing?”
Let’s see…how would a temptress respond? Flora placed her index finger against her jaw, then dragged it down her throat in what she hoped was a sensual motion, and not the sign of someone choking on a chicken bone.
“Why, Payton,” she murmured, aspiring for a sensual tone, “I’m seducing ye.”
“Are ye well? Did ye catch a cold?” He stepped over the pile of wood, reaching for her. “Yer voice sounds all scratchy and broken.”
“Son of a beaver, Payton, I’m trying to be sensual!”
The man had her by the shoulders now, and to her consternation, was looking at hereyes, instead of her tits.
“Why?” he asked, seeming genuinely confused.
Flora resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Because I’m trying toarouseye,”Ye stupid man,she added in the privacy of her own head. “To prove ye need me.”
“I…” He shook his head but didn’t release her. “Flora, I dinnaeneedye.”
“Mayhap…” She lowered her voice. “But ye want me.”
Without thinking, and before he could respond, she reached out and brushed her palm over the place where his plaid had tented. As her fingers closed around his erect cock, he hissed and stepped back.
Leaving her no choice but to fall to her knees in front of him.
