Page 48 of Lochlan

She glances over her shoulder with a smile that has me wanting to pull her back on the bed and finish the job. She says nothing to my warning. I think she's in processing mode. She's female; that means she'll want to know if what we did meant something or if I'm pressing my advantage because I'm blackmailing her.

Then it occurs to me that maybe she didn't refuse me because I have pictures. That puts me in a dark mood. What I said to her were my true feelings.

She grabs her panties off the floor and limps to the bathroom while trying to pull her clothes back in order. I'm surprised that I'm taking a chance. Maybe Granda and Geordie are right that she might be the one that heals me.

CHAPTER21

INTO THE WOODS

KENZIE

The shower knob twists easilyand a stream of water hits the back of the shower stall. My toes push deep into the bathmat, in this luxurious bathroom listening to the sound of water and Lochlan outside the door preparing for a walk with his family. The movement stops and then I hear him call out that he'll meet me at the conservatory, and he warns me again not to be late.

I remove my clothing and step inside the warm, pulsating water, allowing it to soak me from head to toe. Was that impromptu sex the end of our association, or did I just witness a new beginning? I drag the soap over my body as the fragrance of lavender is released into the steam. A sensory memory rises up, along with a familiar tingle in a place where he gave me most of my pleasure only a few minutes before.

He promised more at the end of the evening and all I can do is imagine the weight of his body and me moving under him. I push the thought away, deciding not to examine any of that until I get more information. There's still a bargain in place and for all I know, nothing has changed.

The showering is quicker to leave me enough time to blow-dry my hair and get dressed. I can't stop the memories; I can only keep them at bay.

I summon Aubrey to my room to lead me back to the conservatory. I might remember the way back, but I don't want to chance being late. I'm lacing up my hiking boots, waiting for him to arrive, when a text comes through.

Pru:Hey girl, how are your holidays going so far?

Me:Spending time with Lochlan's family for the weekend. My mother will be here in a few days.

I get back an emoji that has two hearts for eyes and I send back a laughing emoji with a tear.

Pru:I just received a text from Poppy. I'm sure you'll get one too. She wants to see us all tomorrow late.

Me:Why?

Pru:She didn't say. I called Annabella, and she says Poppy is anxious and wants an update.

Me:Why can't she just call and ask me?

Pru:We are talking about Poppy. Why should she ask when she can just have a spectacle?

Me:I thought you weren't coming back until after the first of the year.

Pru:I'm not back. I'm still in Arizona. I sent a text back saying I'm still out of state and she responded that was okay and that she'd see me during January practice.

Me:Do you think that would work for me?

Pru:No, you and Livi are the main attraction. There still should be enough of the club for a decent spectacle. I just want to warn you if you've done the deed to bring the proof.

Me:Do you think Livi has completed her challenge?

Pru:I don't think so, or I'd have heard. The challenge is the initiation to be a Red Bitch; I mean to be a part of Crimson Beaches club, lol. If you want to partner up with Poppy, take it seriously and don't blow it off. Happy Holidays.

I wonder if penetration is the only acceptable proof? If it is, then technically I haven't done the deed.

There's a knock on my door. I open it to the house manager's implacable face. “Ms. MacGregor, I'm here to escort you to the others. We have five minutes before Mr. MacTavish will consider you late.”

I've got to go,I text back.I'll let you know what happens tomorrow.And I slip the cell into my pocket.

“We just have enough time. If you'll follow me, there is a shortcut.”

We amble down a long back staircase that leads to the garden. Lochlan and Geordie are in conversation as Ian and Fiona appear. I thank Aubrey, then stride toward Lochlan and Geordie at the path.

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