Page 58 of Her Tempting Traitor
Since Cassian was moving toward Gabby’s ledge, she gathered her skirts to one side, leaving space for him to settle beside her.
“Do not fret, he had more of an eyeful ofusthis morning,” she reminded him teasingly, and he gave her the response she wanted with a good-natured groan.
Since she’d stripped off her riding gloves, Cassian scooped up her hand and placed a kiss in her palm. The breath she sucked in told him that she wasn’t unaffected, and he allowed his lips to linger.
Christ, she smelled perfect, even after that ride.
His cock had already begun to harden just from being so close to her warmth, her scent. He wanted her again—suspected he wouldalwayswant her.
He wanted to hear her scream his name again. Wanted to feel her squeezing around his cock—or his fingers, or his tongue—as she found ecstasy. Wanted to see the look of wonder on her face as he brought her to that pleasure countless times.
Always.
Beside him, Gabby pulled him back from his impossible musings with a little hum. “He really is a good swimmer.” She was squinting over at Gus. “But you will have to teach him how to recognize spawning sites, so he stays clear of them.”
Cassian couldn’t help his snort, and now used his thumb and forefinger to stroke her smallest finger. “As if I have any kenning of such a thing. Ye’re a far better steward of this land than I am, Gabby.”
“I grew up listening to my uncle.” Clearly warmed by his touch—thank God—she swayed closer to him so their shoulders brushed. “More so than Hunter did, at least.”
And what had she said earlier, during their ride? That she’d studied veterinary science, presumably because Hunter had done it as well. Was she as good a doctor as he was?That wouldnae be difficult, the bar wasn’t so much low as on the ground.
Aye, her twin brother had apparently done fook-all for Dickie’s poor ill elephant.
“I’ve never owned land,” mused Cassian quietly, sitting in the shade and watching his son swim and finding such quiet joy in such small pleasures. “I thought… Artemesia inherited a house from her father, but Uncle Dickie sold it after her death to one of her cousins. I was never there long enough to learn how to care for it.”
“I have never owned land,” Gabby echoed, “but I suppose I know how to care for it.” She sighed, her gaze sweeping the idyllic bend in the river. “It is not so different from caring for animals or people, I suppose. You just consider what is best for it, and how to make that happen, and then you do it.”
Caring.
Aye, that was what Gabby did. She was bold and brilliant, and threw herself into each endeavor with all her being. She cared with her entire heart.
And Cassian was unused to being cared for—he’d never stayed still long enough for Artemesia to even try.
He lifted her hand to his lips again. “Could you teach us?”
It wasn’t until the words had left Cassian’s mouth that he realized what he’d been thinking. When she turned to him in wide eyed surprise, he kept his expression neutral.
“Could ye help teach me—and Gus—how to be good stewards of Inverlochy? I suppose Uncle Dickie will begin my education if?—”
Cassian bit down on the words.
If he believes I’m no’ going to be dragged off to the gallows for treason.
Her gaze swept his face, as if searching for hints, and he allowed some of his hope to show. Finally, her fingers closed around his.
“I would be happy to,” she murmured. “For as long as you will allow me here at Inverlochy.”
Why wouldn’t she be welcome here? She was sunshine and fresh air and?—
And she can help ye.
The thought stabbed at his chest.
Gabbywasbrilliant, aye. She was a detective—or at least, was here on behalf of some uncle who wasn’t an uncle, but who was a detective. Couldhehelp Cassian? If he told Gabby the truth, the whole truth, could they work together to find a way out of this?
He eyed her, wondering how much he could share.
Everything, an earnest voice whispered.
