My Daring Highlander

by Vonda Sinclair

  What? Was he mad?

  He pulled out her chair and she sat down. Glancing up at him, she took in his dark blue eyes and intense expression.

  He dropped into the chair beside hers and pretended to watch the dancing couples, but she felt his attention on her.

  Seona sucked in a sharp breath. Had he meant it? And if so, could she slip from the room without anyone noticing, or suspecting they were meeting? What would he say to her and, more importantly, what would he do in the dark alcove? How did he know where her chamber was? Was his chamber off the same corridor? A shiver of anticipation passed over her skin.

  She glanced aside to find Keegan’s gaze steady upon her.

  Of course, she would love a stolen moment in private with him, but what would the cost be? What if someone saw them?

  “I must speak to the guards. A good evening to you, Lady Seona.” Keegan bowed over her hand, kissed it, and left the table. He then said a few quiet words to the two guards who stood behind Dirk. Seona watched Keegan carefully to see what he was up to. After speaking to Dirk, he moved toward the exit and talked to one of the MacKay guards stationed there. Then, he circled back, his gaze scanning the room, and went up the stairs. Was he going to the alcove he’d mentioned?

  Saints! What if her aunt suddenly felt better, left her room and saw them? Seona could get into trouble. On the other hand, she was tired of playing it safe and following everyone’s rules but her own. What about what she wanted with all her heart? Didn’t that matter?

  Since most of the people who’d been seated at the high table were dancing, aside from Dirk and three more who were deep in conversation, no one paid her any mind. When Isobel headed back toward the table, catching everyone’s attention, Seona rose and headed up the spiral stone stairs, her moral side warning her to tread carefully. She would simply check on her aunt. Aye, that was it, she decided at the top of the stairs.

  She knocked lightly at Aunt Patience’s door.

  “Who is it?” The snarl came from inside.

  Seona opened the door and stuck her head into the dark room, the low-burning fire in the hearth providing a bit of light. “’Tis only me, aunt. How are you feeling?”

  “Same as before. Horrible.”

  “Can I get you anything to eat or drink?”

  “Nay. I told you before, the thought of food makes me want to retch. Earlier, Isobel brought that healer in here and she practically forced me to drink some sort of bitter concoction.”

  “Maybe it will help.” Seona remembered drinking a bitter herbal tea when she was sick as a child, and she had recovered soon after. “Where are the maids?”

  “I sent them downstairs. I could no longer abide their fidgeting. I just want quiet.”

  “I will leave you to sleep, then.”

  “Aye, please do.”

  Seona backed into the corridor and softly closed the door. She halted for a moment, holding her breath. Did she dare walk thirty more feet to the alcove? Was Keegan awaiting her there?

  She drew in a deep breath for courage, then slowly and silently crept forward, her heart pounding louder with each step. Thankfully, the solid floor boards emitted no sounds.

  She stopped and peered around the corner. Keegan stood there, leaning against the wall. Even in the dimness she perceived his charming smile. Though he drew her like a lodestone, fear kept her rooted to the spot. She didn’t know if she had the courage to take life by the horns as if it were a mad bull. What if she wasn’t strong enough to overcome?

  Keegan pushed away from the wall and moved toward her. Stopping a few feet away, in the middle of the generous alcove, he held out his hand and waited.

  His captivating gaze broke through her paralysis and she approached him. Unable to wait to touch him, she placed her hand into his. He pressed a warm, sweet kiss to it, then drew her back, deeper into the dimness and further from the lantern’s glow down the corridor. The only light outside the window was a torch far below.

  “Seona,” he whispered in her ear and embraced her. She sucked in a surprised breath at the sensation of his hard physique pressed to her body. She nestled closer, her breasts flattening against the granite-like muscles of his chest.

  “Oh,” she sighed. She had forgotten how delicious he felt.

  His hand slid around her waist and pulled her tighter to him. He kissed her temple. Although it was a chaste, friendly kiss, heat seared her. Her hand fisted in the plaid draped across his shoulder and inadvertently drew him closer. He kissed her cheek, his lips hot and firm but also seductively soft. Another kiss, closer to her mouth. Her breath fled as Keegan’s mouth hovered over hers. He had kissed her before, and she recalled everything about those blissful moments, but this was different somehow. A fire burned in her chest…a fire that both terrified her and compelled her to lean into him and take everything he would give her. She trembled with the force of the strange emotions.

  “Seona?” He lifted his hand to gently tilt her chin up and caress her cheek. His breath teased her lips and his nose touched hers briefly.

  “Aye,” she responded.

  His masculine scent and that of spices from the mulled wine stole her thoughts. When his lips touched hers like a light brush of silk, she was ensnared and her breath remained trapped in her chest.

  Some instinct within her surged to the surface and she pressed her lips firmly against his, then she shocked herself by flicking out her tongue to taste his lips.

  He growled deep in his chest and embraced her more firmly, one of his hands around her waist, the other cradling her face. She opened her mouth to him, wishing he’d devour her completely. And he did… almost. She certainly felt like a feast he might be having, the way he sank his tongue into her mouth and tormented her. Her body melded to his, and she thought she might drop to the floor, for her legs lost all strength. But he held her up.

  “Mmm, Seona, you are sweeter than a strawberry comfit.”

  What nonsense was he speaking?

  She buried her hands in his long, thick hair and wrapped it about her fingers. She wanted to be completely ensnared by him.

  Keegan raised his head abruptly as if listening. And then she heard it, voices in the corridor. He moved her deeper into the corner and put her behind him. She recognized the voices… Dirk and Isobel, along with Rebbie, helping his friend to his chamber. Seona held her breath, but it wasn’t long before Rebbie bid them goodnight. The door closed and footsteps receded.

  Seona relaxed, thankful they’d not been caught. Even though she knew Isobel would keep the secret. In fact, she’d probably encourage Seona to steal more kisses from Keegan. And Rebbie had already caught them once; she was fairly certain he would say naught.

  Keegan slipped forward, peered around the corner, then returned. “One of Dirk’s guards is stationed in the corridor,” he whispered against her ear.

  Mo creach!

  “I’ll go tell him not to say anything, and you can go into your chamber.”

  “Very well,” she whispered, although she truly didn’t want to. She’d much prefer to indulge in several more kisses with Keegan.

  He kissed her forehead, his affection warming her heart, then turned and strolled down the corridor. Low murmurs reached her as he talked to the guard.

  She peered out and Keegan motioned to her. She rushed down the corridor and the guard pretended not to know she was around. How much would Keegan have to pay the guard for that? She silently opened her bedchamber door and hurried inside. Wanting to feel more secure, she barred the door.

  Well… that was close. But she smiled at the excitement rushing through her veins. She would’ve never guessed she’d enjoy taking such risks. Was she mad?

  Nay. Keegan was worth any risk.

  Seona struggled out of her clothing without a maid’s help and crawled into the high, comfortable bed. After lying awake more than two hours it seemed, she realized she would never be able to sleep after Keegan’s seductive kiss. Most likely, she would have disturbing, sensual dreams
of him all night, and those would keep her half awake.

  She craved another of his kisses.

  Daft lass. She knew she was foolish and wanton for responding to him. She could never be with him. Her father wouldn’t allow it. Her aunt had sent him a missive months ago about Seona being unable to marry the MacKay chief. Even now, her father probably had another chief waiting for her to marry. She prayed he wasn’t some ancient laird with rotted teeth. If that was the case, how could she endure it? ’Twould be like torture to receive his attentions in the bedchamber. She cringed just imagining it. An abusive younger man would be just as bad.

  A knock sounded at Seona’s door, making her jump. Heavens! Who could that be? She got up and cracked open the door. Millie stood in the corridor holding a candle, the wide-eyed Edwina beside her.

  “What is it? Is Aunt Patience worse?” Seona asked, apprehension slithering through her.

  “Nay, m’lady. She is much improved and asked for some food,” Millie said.

  Seona sighed with relief. “I’m glad she is feeling better.”

  “Aye. We need to go to the kitchen and find her something to eat, but Edwina refuses to go unless someone comes with us. She’s afraid of the dark in this unfamiliar castle.”

  “Very well. I’ll go with you. Let me put on my arisaid.” Seona quickly belted the wool plaid around her waist, secured the brooch at her chest and joined the two maids in the corridor.

  “I’m sorry to bother you, m’lady. I simply didn’t know what else to do.”

  “’Tis no bother. Do you ken where the kitchen is?”

  “Aye, we were there earlier, but ’tis a long trek.”

  The door where the guard was stationed opened and Isobel stuck her head out. “Is something wrong?” she whispered. “I heard noises out here.”

  “Nay. Aunt Patience is hungry,” Seona said.

  “Good. She is improving, then. Wait just a moment.” Isobel returned a minute later, also wearing her arisaid. “I will show you where the kitchen is. I’m certain there must be some leftover bread and cheese. I need to go down there anyway.” Carrying a lantern and a small flask, Isobel led the way.

  Seona knew Isobel hated whisky, but maybe Dirk needed more.

  “Is Laird Dirk feeling well?”

  “Aye, he is sleeping now but when he wakes up he may want more wine or whisky for pain.”

  The four descended the spiral stairwell, took two turns along a corridor, then descended another stairwell. Finally, they entered the stone-vaulted kitchen. The fires burned low but the room was still cozy. Seona had always enjoyed visiting kitchens because of the warmth and scent of fresh baked bread or savory stew.

  Isobel placed a wooden tray on the high cook’s table, then moved about the kitchen gathering food items—a wooden bowl of venison broth, bread, hard yellow cheese, and mulled wine.

  “Is something wrong, ladies?”

  Seona turned to find Keegan behind them, holding a thick candle. Heated excitement rushed over her. “Nay,” she said. “’Tis only that Aunt Patience is finally hungry.”

  His brows lifted. “Ah, ’tis good news, then. Her seasickness must have passed.”

  “How did you know we were down here?” Isobel asked.

  “MacMillan is on guard duty, and he saw the four of you sneak by his post at the bottom of the steps. He told me immediately.”

  “Where was he? I didn’t see him,” Isobel said.

  “Come now, ladies. Surely you pay more attention than that to what is around you.”

  “Nay, we depend on you men to do that for us.” Isobel smirked.

  “Aye, treat us all no better than guard dogs, then.”

  Seona snickered, and Keegan grinned in response.

  “There now,” Isobel told Millie. “Take that tray to Lady Patience. If she needs more, feel free to come down here and get it. There is naught to fear, Edwina. This castle is safe. As a child, I used to wander all over it, even at night. Indeed, sometimes I would wake up and find myself here, in the kitchen.”

  The timid maid nodded, but didn’t appear convinced.

  “I thank you, m’lady,” Millie said. “Come, Edwina. Carry the candle.”

  The two proceeded up the steps.

  “What are you doing up this late, Keegan?” Isobel asked.

  “I was playing cards with three of your brothers.”

  “I hope you beat them.”

  “Aye, I won a few. I’ll be glad when Dirk is recovered enough to play a few hands.”

  “He feels better, but his leg still pains him greatly. That reminds me… I need to get a bottle of mulled wine and fill up the whisky flask.” Taking the small lantern, she disappeared down a short corridor and into the storeroom off the side of the kitchen.

  Seona could not stop her gaze from wandering back to Keegan. He was already watching her, his normally light blue eyes much darker in the dim room, lit only by the low-burning kitchen fire and the candle he had brought with him and set on the scarred table.

  The kiss they’d shared in the alcove upstairs burned through her mind. Saints! He had made her weak with powerful yearnings and emotions she didn’t understand.

  “I’m glad your aunt is much improved,” Keegan said. “Likely, she will be kicking up her heels tomorrow.”

  Seona held back a grin. “I don’t know about that, but at least she is craving food again.”

  “You will escort Seona back to her room when you are done talking, will you not, Keegan?” Isobel asked, startling Seona.

  What?

  “Aye, of course.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Seona stared after Isobel as she disappeared up the steps, a bottle of wine and flask of whisky in one hand and the lantern in the other. What was she up to, leaving Seona alone with Keegan in the kitchen?

  Well… Seona knew Isobel wanted her and Keegan together. She encouraged her at every opportunity, because she wanted Seona to have a happy marriage like she had. But Seona did not see how that could happen.

  Her gaze darted back to Keegan. He watched her as an osprey watches a salmon, with a concentrated focus that might be called hunger. Aye, she hungered for him as well.

  His brows quirked in a wee, concerned frown. “Are you afraid?”

  “Nay.” Did she look afraid? She tried to smooth out her features. She certainly didn’t fear Keegan. Only what he represented—everything she wanted, standing before her, just waiting. She still wasn’t sure she was brave enough to grab hold and face down all the obstacles.

  “Good. I would never want you to be frightened of me, Seona.” His deep, soothing voice was spellbinding.

  “I’m not. I trust you more than anyone.” ’Twas the truth and she was not shy about admitting it to him.

  “That means more to me than I can say,” he whispered. “But ’haps you shouldn’t.”

  His words should have alarmed her, but they didn’t for she suspected she knew what he was about to say. “Why not?”

  His gaze grew more penetrating. “Because I wish for things I have no right wishing for.”

  Another kiss?

  “When I’m alone with you…” he said, shaking his head, “I find I want to…” He blew out a sharp breath and glanced away. “Hell, why am I telling you this?”

  “I want you to tell me.” She yearned to know his every thought. “I couldn’t sleep.” That was her confession. Surely he would understand her meaning—she couldn’t sleep because thoughts of him kept taunting her, especially after he’d consumed her mouth earlier.

  “Would one more goodnight kiss help?” His expression remained serious. Passionate.

  Her heartbeat thumped in her throat. “Aye.” ’Twas a lie. The kiss would not help her sleep; it would keep her awake the rest of the night. But ’twas the one thing she craved most, as a starving person craves bread.

  Gradually, he moved closer to her, stroked his warm hand along her cheek, leaned down and pressed his lips to hers… twice, completely seducing her. She slid her h
ands around his neck. Each kiss was more lingering than the last, then he flicked his tongue against her mouth, sparking fiery yearnings within her. She parted her lips, inviting a deeper kiss. With a soft moan, he indulged her. He tasted faintly of spiced wine, but mostly, he tasted like a man she wanted to devour.

  Before she knew what was happening, the passion exploded. She could not get close enough to him, and he seemed equally determined to bring her body as tightly as possible to his. Her knees grew weak and her feet left the floor. The sensation of flying suffused her with dizziness. He was carrying her, she realized, awareness of his strength only fueling her desire for him.

  A moment later, she felt him kick a door closed behind them. Opening her eyes, she could see naught. The room was pitch black and the air smelled of spices and flour. The storeroom?

  Saints! Would he seduce her in truth?

  If so, she was ready. Life was short and she needed a few precious, sparkling moments to bring her joy during the dark days of the future.

  “Lady Seona?” he whispered, his breathing harsh and unsteady as he held her against the door, her toes barely touching the floor.

  “Aye.”

  “You are not frightened, are you?”

  “Nay.” In the darkness, she stroked her palm along his bristly square jaw, then kissed his lips, eliciting a groan from him.

  He grazed his tongue between her lips. That move shattered her thoughts and her composure. Her hands fisting in his hair, she drew him closer and welcomed his tongue invading her mouth.

  Oh, how she craved this man, the taste of him, the scent and feel of him. He was tall, his shoulders broad and thick with muscle. His chest and stomach were hard against her, as was a lower, male part of him. She knew little about men’s bodies, but since the evening she had seen Keegan walking naked from the loch, she had been fascinated. Through their clothing, his hard shaft pressing against her lower belly enthralled her.

  “Mmm,” he hummed quietly and consumed her mouth. That sensation she’d felt before when he’d kissed her was now besieging her ten times stronger than before. It had to be the arousal Isobel had told her about. She had said the kissing and caressing a man did would make a woman eager for the bedding. Seona had never experienced this before Keegan had kissed her that first time. But now she knew, she wanted his naked skin brushing against hers.