Page 35 of Tempted By a Highland Beast
Color bloomed high on her cheeks, as if she’d been praised. And perhaps, in his own way, he had praised her.
Something sparked between them then, hot and immediate.
She was looking at him as if seeing him clearly for the first time, and he found himself cataloging every detail of her face—the slight parting of her lips, the way her pupils had dilated, the rapid pulse visible at her throat.
“And what about ye?” Her voice was rougher now, affected. “Ye’ve given me yer terms, but what dae ye truly want from this arrangement?”
The question caught him off guard with its directness. In his years as a mercenary, motivation had been simple—gold, survival, the next contract. But standing here with candlelight painting her skin golden and her scent filling his senses, the answer felt more complex than he was prepared to admit.
“I want what I’ve never had,” he said finally. “Something that’s mine nae by chance.”
“And ye think a marriage tae me could offer ye that?”
He wanted legitimacy, through her name, through her bloodline. A union with the MacKenzie heir would silence the last doubters in his father’s court, and open routes for new alliances beyond Duart’s borders.
If Alpin stood in the way, then so be it. It was a battle Constantine was more than willing to take on.
“Aye.”
“I need time,” she said finally, the words barely audible. They both rose at nearly the same time, and for a moment, the space between them narrowed to inches.
Her shoulder brushed his chest but neither of them stepped away.
“How much?”
“A few days. Tae think, tae... tae be certain.”
The urge to reach out and touch her again, rose without warning, but Constantine schooled it down just as fast.
Now is nae the time fer instincts. ‘Tis a moment fer clarity.
“Then ye’ll have them.”
Relief flickered across her features, followed quickly by something that might have been disappointment. “Just like that?”
“I told ye, lass. I am offering ye an alliance, I willnae force yer hand.” He stepped back, putting necessary distance between them. “But understand this… When ye make yer choice, it’s final. I willnae be played fer a fool.”
She nodded, her composure gradually returning though he could still see the effect of their proximity in the heightened color of her cheeks. “I understand.”
“Good.” He moved toward the door, then paused. “Would ye allow me tae walk ye back tae yer chambers?”
The formality of the request seemed to surprise her. “Why?”
“A lass shouldnae walk these halls alone at night. Especially nae one who’s considering becoming me wife.” He extended his hand and Rowena stared at it for a moment.
Finally, she placed her fingers in his, and the simple contact sending heat racing up his arm.
“Aye,” she said softly. “I’d like that.”
They left the library together, her hand warm in his as they walked through the halls. The castle was settling into its nighttime quiet, people already gone after Niall’s gathering. Only the occasional servant or guard moved through the shadows.
Constantine found himself wondering if he’d just made the smartest decision of his life or sealed his own doom.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The morning light streaming through the solar windows caught the copper threads in Rowena’s hair as she broke her fast with Lilias. She found herself genuinely enjoying the younger woman’s company and chatter.
“Good morning,” Constantine’s deep voice carried from the doorway.
