Page 55 of Tempted By a Highland Beast
As they walked back toward the castle, arms linked and hearts lighter than they’d been in weeks, Rowena felt something settle in her chest. The fear was still there—she doubted it would ever fully disappear—but it was balanced now by hope and determination and the knowledge that she wasn’t facing the future alone.
She had Lilias, who’d become the sister of her heart. She had Constantine, who’d proven himself worthy of her trust even when she’d been too afraid to give it freely. And she had herself; stronger and braver than she’d ever given herself credit for, ready to fight for the future she was finally brave enough to want.
Whatever came next, they would face it together.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
For the first time in weeks, Rowena could see past her fears.
The admission that she cared for Constantine had improved her mood, and she felt more settled in her skin.
But admitting her feelings to Lilias was one thing. Acting on them was another entirely.
As she walked through the castle corridors, Rowena found her steps quickening with newfound purpose. She had to see Constantine, to speak with him while her courage was still fresh and her resolve still strong.
The morning was still young, and she knew Constantine often spent the early hours in his chambers, reviewing reports or planning the day’s activities.
The thought of finding him in that private space, away from the watchful eyes of servants and the weight of his public role, sent a flutter of nervous anticipation through her stomach.
She needed something tangible to anchor her decision, something real and honest that would remind her why she’d chosen to trust him with her future.
His vulnerability, which he had revealed whilst discussing his childhood, had stirred something in her chest, something warm and protective that went far beyond mere attraction or political calculation. She wanted to see more of that side of him, to understand the man behind the careful facade he presented to the world.
Rowena’s footsteps echoed softly on the stone floor as she made her way through the corridors toward Constantine’s chambers. The castle was coming to life around her.
“Good morning, Lady Rowena,” a maid greeted, and Rowena smiled at her.
“Good morning tae ye,”
Soon that would all be hers to help protect and guide. The thought no longer filled her with panic, but with something closer to anticipation. With Constantine beside her, she could see herself thriving in that role, using her skills and knowledge to benefit not just her own clan, but his people as well.
When she reached Constantine’s door, Rowena paused for a moment to gather her courage. Her heart was beating faster than usual, though whether from nerves or excitement, she couldn’t say. Taking a deep breath, she raised her hand and knocked firmly on the heavy wooden door.
Silence.
She waited, counting her heartbeats, then knocked again, a little louder this time. Still no response, though she thought she could hear some faint sound from within—movement, perhaps, or the crackle of the fire.
Rowena frowned, pressing her ear closer to the door. Constantine was definitely inside, she could sense his presence even through the thick wood. Maybe he was occupied with something and hadn’t heard her knock. Or perhaps he was still feeling raw from their earlier confrontation.
The thought made her chest tighten with concern. She’d seen how difficult it had been for him to open up about his past, his fears and his insecurities. Maybe her presence would be welcome, a reminder that he wouldn’t have to carry those burdens alone anymore if they wed.
As she stood there debating whether to knock again or leave him be, a sound drifted through the door that made her pulse quicken. It was soft, almost inaudible, but unmistakably her name. The low, rough, almost breathless way it was spoken, sent heat spiraling through her veins.
Was he calling for her? Had he heard her knock after all?
Without giving herself time to reconsider, Rowena pressed down on the door handle and pushed it open, stepping into the chamber with a smile already forming on her lips.
“Constantine, I?—”
The words died in her throat.
Constantine sat in a chair near the hearth, but he wasn’t reviewing reports or planning the day’s activities. His shirt lay discarded on the floor beside him, leaving his torso bare in the firelight. His head was tilted back against the chair, his eyes closed, his breathing uneven and labored.
And his hand...
Rowena’s mind went completely blank as she took in the scene before her. Constantine’s hand was wrapped around himself, moving in a rhythm that left no doubt about what she’d interrupted. His skin was flushed with heat, a thin sheen of perspiration gleaming on his chest and shoulders in the firelight.
Heat crashed over Rowena’s face like a physical blow, her heart hammering so hard she was certain he must be able to hear it. She should leave. She should back out of the room immediately, close the door, and pretend this had never happened. That would be the proper thing to do, the sensible thing.
