The bannocks slid from her trembling hand and scattered across the table.
Malcolm chuckled. "Alexander, ye'd best tell the cook to serve the rest of the meal soon. I fear your lady grows weak with er… hunger."
Knowing the fire in her cheeks outshone the color of her gown; she looked down at the kitten in her lap and petted it. Faith, her emotions were so unsettled, she'd best keep it with her throughout dinner.
As the remains of the meal were cleared away, Alexander rose and offered her his arm. "Would you play a game of chess with me, my lady? I think we might find a basket for the kitten so you could keep it near you."
A warm glow filled her heart at his simple request and thoughtful gesture. "Aye, I would like that." An hour later, she found herself yawning for the second time. She tried harder to concentrate on the game, but she could not hold back another yawn. She sat back and smiled at Alexander. "I'm sorry. I fear I grow sleepy."
"We can finish the game another time if you wish, lass."
"No, I would like to stay with you… to finish the game." She felt heat flow across her face and quickly looked back down at the chessboard. Her queen was in danger of being taken by an opposing knight. She would have to keep her wits about her. Aye, and for the game too. Eventually she felt herself nodding off over the chessboard.
Alexander quietly pushed back his chair and gently lifted her into his arms. He carried her up the stone staircase to her chamber as if she were made of fragile porcelain.
Sleepily, she snuggled into his shoulder as he climbed the steps. His strong arms carried her tenderly, securely. Mmm, it felt so good. The furs on her bed tickled her face. Furs? Her eyelids flew open. She shot a nervous glance at him as he bent close. What she saw puzzled her. His look seemed filled with fondness and need, not harsh lust. Had he truly begun to care for her? Or was lust simply hiding behind that gentle guise?
Slowly, he reached out and touched her cheek with a feather light caress. He paused, then knelt beside the bed, holding one of her hands to his chest. "Lass, I know I have much to atone for. I will not force you, but ask only that you give me a chance. I vow to prove to you how much I care."
How she wanted to believe those words. But she wasn't ready yet to trust him completely. She nodded in silence and drew a deep breath for courage. "Alexander, there is one thing that will prove your sincerity. I wish to sleep here alone. …Until I'm sure."
She watched him as he knelt there, motionless and silent. Was it sorrow or merely disappointment that pulled at the corners of his beautiful eyes? Faith, she wished she knew his thoughts.
He nodded, then lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly. "If that is what you truly desire, lass, then you shall have it. Sleep well."
Long after the door closed behind him, she lay there wondering. Was that what she really wanted?
Chapter Eighteen
Alexander smiled down at Katherine as she pulled away the last of the bandages from his arm. There was only a slight scar. "I can't believe 'tis been but five days since you first tended this. It looks near healed and I have full strength in it again. You are a wondrous healer, lass."
He cocked one eyebrow. "Or perhaps 'tis been the time you've spent with me these last few days that have made me hale. If only I could convince you to spend your nights with me as well." He watched her face deepen in a rosy blush, even as she smiled. Since her fondness for him had apparently grown, the fact that she continued to return to her chamber alone each night tore at his heart.
She discarded the soiled linen strips and touched his arm gently before she spoke. "I don't think the wound needs to be bound any longer. A bit of fresh air and a few more days of salve, and you shouldn't notice any pain at all." She held up the small pot containing the ointment. "Would you like me to put it on your arm now, or do you wish to do it yourself later in your room?"
Sighing, he replied. "Ah, lass, if you won't be there to do it, I will ask you to do it now. 'Tis your touch that makes the difference."
After she finished, he gently took her hand in his, pulling it toward him. Instead of kissing it, he propped her fingers on his shoulder, then bent forward and touched his lips to hers in a feather light touch. "That is partial payment, my lady. When you truly wish it, I will gladly pay my debt in full."
Her startled smile warmed him all the way back to his room.
**
It was the kitten that brought them together. Scrambling about its mistress' chamber late one evening, it climbed up a tapestry and onto a wooden ceiling beam. It walked half way across, sat down and curled up to lick its paws. But within a few minutes, apparently too frightened to climb down, the young cat crouched motionless and began to cry pitifully.
Katherine rose from her bed and attempted to coax it back down. Her sleepy maid tried to nudge it from its aerial perch with her broom. When neither approach was successful, Katherine turned to the girl. "I fear you will have to fetch the gardener. Tell him to bring a ladder."
Stifling a yawn, the maid nodded and left.
Unable to sleep, Alexander sat in his room reading over the castle accounts. Hearing a clatter in the hallway, he looked out to see the gardener carrying a long ladder. "Ho, man. What need you of that at this hour?"
Halting, the man grumbled, "Lady MacGregor sent fer me to bring her kitten down." Yawning, he added, "It picked a poor time to climb beyond her reach."
Alexander chuckled. "Och, give that to me. I will do it. Get back to your bed."
"Aye, many thanks, my lord."
Taking the ladder, Alexander carried it to his wife's chamber and knocked on the door. When it opened, he smiled at Katherine's wide-eyed expression. "My lady, did you have need of a knight errant? I heard there was a wee thing trapped in a lofty bower."
Her eyes sparkled and she opened the door wide. "Aye, sir, how kind you are." Turning to her maid, she added, "Thank you. I vow the laird can do it now. I will see you on the morrow."
The young woman nodded and left.
Alexander entered, leaned the ladder against the wall and climbed up onto the narrow oak ceiling beam. Crooning to the kitten, he inched his way along. When he reached it, he tucked it securely inside his shirt and slowly backed toward the ladder. Arriving back on the ground, he pulled the small feline from his shirt, rubbed its head in a playful manner and handed it to Katherine.
She cuddled her pet for a moment before she laid it in the basket beside the hearth and turned back to him with a brilliant smile. "Thank you. I was worried the poor thing would fall."
The delight in her voice and the happy glow on her face filled him with longing. He gazed at her from her sleep-tousled hair to her bare toes peeking out below the loose flowing bed gown. The urge to protect her and make her smile flowed as strongly through him as did the fire of passion which he kept banked with difficulty. He didn't want her ever again to fear being with him. She was too precious to lose. "Ah, lass, I feel 'tis I who has been hanging on a limb yearning each night to be with you. Will you not give me the chance?" He reached out to her and waited, praying she would believe him.
Her words tumbled out as if she couldn't deny him, or herself, any longer. "Aye, I… I have missed you also."
Leading her to the edge of her bed, he sat down then lovingly pulled her onto his lap and held her within the circle of his arms. Touching her and having her so close intensified his passion to the point of need. He grew hard with his overwhelming desire to bed her. God, how he wanted her. His arousal rubbed against her soft bottom and he bit back a groan of pleasure. His pulse raced and he forced himself to relax. He must move slowly, not frighten her. He had treated her shamefully the first time. It would never happen again. Tonight he would make sure of her pleasure before his own.
He reached out and gently ran his fingers over her face. Her skin felt like smooth silk warmed in the sun. She was so soft. Slowly, he kissed her forehead then ran his lips over her closed eyelids and down her cheek. He lingered as he nuzzled his face against her ne
ck. Then moving lower, he touched his lips to her breasts through the fabric of her bed gown. He felt her tremble through the thin covering. Her breasts rose and fell, rubbing his face. He breathed deeply. Her feminine scent curled around him, urging him on.
Alexander lifted his head and looked down at her. She was so beautiful. Gently, he took her hand and pressed it to his heart. Did he dare put his feelings into words? "Katherine, I know I hurt you. Before God, I am ashamed for ever doubting you." Lifting her palm, he raised it to his lips. He kissed it tenderly and cupped her fingers over his cheek. "I want to show you how much I care in a way which will please you. I never want to cause you hurt or fear again."
A long moment of silence passed between them as he looked into her eyes, searching for trust, for hope.
She reached out with her free hand and brushed his hair back from his forehead. "I want to believe you, Alexander."
'Twas all he needed to hear. He stood up with her in his arms and carried her back to his chamber.
**
Katherine snuggled deeper into Alexander's embrace as he nudged the door closed with his hip. Did he truly not want to release her? When they reached the side of his bed, he bent and carefully lowered her onto it. Smiling, he caressed her cheek.
She looked up into his warm gaze and her heart began to hammer in her chest. She watched, mesmerized, as he rose slowly, walked around the room and blew out the candles. All but one which sat on a small table beside the bed. He turned to face her, and never once looking away, he quietly removed his boots and hose, his shirt, and his kilt. They fell to the floor unnoticed.
The illumination of the single candle glowed over his nude body. His face and form were the likeness of a powerful statue of Atlas, upon whose strong shoulders she could rest her weary heart.
The flickering light played on the firm planes and valleys of his muscled torso. It slid down his flat abdomen. Lower still, it faded to shadow in the short dark hair curling at the base of his manhood. His thick muscled legs were spread slightly apart and hid none of his erection. It rose aroused and full, leaving no doubt of his virility.
The sight of him lit a flame of want in the pit of her stomach. Yet she yearned for him in more than just the physical sense. Could she really trust her heart to him? She needed more than just this fire his body inspired. She needed love and trust. Dear God, please let him truly care.
Her heart raced in anticipation and she had to remind herself to breathe. Lying there, she rubbed her hands across the blanket the way she wanted to touch him, lingering and sure. Nothing could tear her gaze from him.
He walked over to the bed. It creaked as he slid down beside her. Tenderly, he pulled her to him. No words. No rush. Just his embrace. For several minutes, he simply held her close in contented silence, stroking her hair with a light touch, lifting strands of it to his lips and rubbing them across his face.
She sent up a silent prayer of thanks for his patient, easy manner. Sighing, she snuggled deeper into his embrace.
Alexander kissed her temples, then her face, and down the side of her neck to her shoulders. Everywhere his lips touched, they blazed a trail of pure, hot sensation, leaving her skin tingling. Katherine's heart beat in her throat. She could think of nothing but him, only him.
Slowly, he unlaced the bodice of her bed gown. Sweet Mary, how she wanted him, needed him.
His hands whispered over her shoulders and down her arms, to her hips. When he reached her thighs, his fingers glided over them in ever growing circles, leaving her breathless. His fingers grasped her gown then stopped. He lay there motionless gazing into her eyes. Unhurried. Waiting.
Why had he stopped? Her gaze locked with his as she reached out and covered his hands with hers. Certainty boiled in her veins. Slowly, she pulled his hands up her legs.
The bed gown slid upward. Cool air whispered across her burning flesh. For a moment, the fabric clung at her hips then slid beyond her waist and higher still. Her nipples tightened in anticipation.
Katherine leaned forward, and with one last tug, she was free of her confining clothing. With a shiver of anticipation, she lay back against the bed, exposed and unashamed.
Alexander's eyes darkened and seemed to smolder with an inner fire. He cupped her face reverently in his hands. "Katherine, I want you to know what it is to feel true joy between a man and a woman. I vow I will not hurt you. Never again."
Little by little, he bent toward her until their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. Then he lifted his head and gazed at her as if he sought to memorize the very sight of her. His mouth curved into a compassionate smile; one of giving rather than taking. "Ah, my love, you take my breath away." He kissed her chin, then down to the hollow of her neck, and across her shoulders to her breasts. Slowly, his warm lips surrounded her nipple.
Katherine moaned softly. Never before had she known such a wondrous feeling. His mouth was hot, moist. The feeling intensified as he continued to lick and suckle while his hands explored her body.
Alexander rose to his knees beside her. Leaning over, he suckled her other breast then slowly slid his tongue down her side to her hip.
Her breath caught in her throat and her body trembled as he continued downward. He blazed a trail of kisses down her leg. Gradually, he lifted her foot and kissed her instep, blowing his hot breath over her skin.
Her toes curled at the heated touch of his lips.
He did the same with her other foot, then gradually eased one of his legs between hers spreading them apart, and lowered himself until his body covered hers.
Katherine tensed, remembering the last time they'd been together thus. She fought back her panic at the feel of his immense body and hard muscles forcing her deeper into the mattress.
Alexander looked into her eyes and whispered, "Shh, lass. Be at peace. I vow I want only to please you." He slid his other leg between hers. He didn't rush to take her though 'twas obvious his body was ready.
His tongue stroked her nipples in a hot, wet caress. He slowly blew on them; his warm breath made them tighten and tingle. With infinite care, he kissed her breasts and nuzzled his face between them. A wondrous excitement invaded Katherine's senses. Her skin felt flushed. Hot. She gazed at his body and her passion grew.
The physical joining didn't come next as she'd expected. Surprised, Katherine watched as he continued to slowly kiss his way down the center of her body; over her ribs, past her waist, below her hips. Heaven help her, his kisses were traveling to the very edge of her womanhood. She trembled with anticipation.
Alexander spread her legs wider as his eyes sought hers. "You are so beautiful. I want you to know all the beauty you possess."
His words touched her heart. She felt cherished, loved. His patient, loving touch bound her to him as no chains could.
She watched as he slowly bent his head then cried out as he began to nuzzle her slowly, teasingly; his warm breath caressed her and heightened her desire. All at once, he buried his face in her, his mouth closed over the spot of her aching need. Dear God! What was he doing to her? Her body began to tingle. Sizzle. Burn. She writhed under him. Never had she wanted anything more. Needed it more.
Suddenly, her body came alive with passion. The feelings he awakened in her were more glorious than anything she'd ever imagined. She moaned and pulled at his arms to draw him closer. It was as if she stood on a cliff top, being buffeted by the wind. Soon. One more breath of desire and she would plunge over the edge and plummet into bright oblivion, like a fiery comet hurtling through the summer sky.
Alexander seemed to sense her need. He suckled and licked faster, laving her with his tongue.
Katherine gripped his shoulders. Her body tensed and she gasped for air as lights exploded behind her eyelids in a fiery maelstrom. She felt herself spiral into the night as hot, electrifying sparks shot throughout her body.
As she reveled in the rapturous sensation, Alexander thrust into her. He was thick and full and hard.
New vibrations pulsed ins
ide her. With every stroke, the intensity heightened. He moved erotically, boldly. She felt wanton and wild with abandon. Yes! The feeling grew stronger and magnified until it totally engulfed her. It blazed a fiery path of wonder and sent her whirling again through space. Dear God. Yes! The feeling surpassed the previous heights to which he'd just taken her and she screamed out his name in sheer ecstasy.
**
As Katherine cried out, Alexander finally allowed himself to let go. His wall of indifference and need for control crumbled and smashed to earth. His mind and body blazed with the sensations she alone brought him.
Suddenly, he was there. His overpowering release sent his emotions soaring into a whirling vortex swallowing him completely; his mind, his body, his soul. Gasping for air, he spilled his seed and collapsed beside her.
Time and place returned slowly. They floated back from the furthest reaches of heaven and lay together, silent, but for their shared breaths. Eventually, their heartbeats slowed and allowed them to regain their senses.
Alexander whispered to her as they lay together in each other's arms. "Katherine, my Kat, my love. Never have I felt that way before. You have carried me to heaven with you, wrapped in your angel's wings."
Breathing a blissful sigh of contentment, he pulled her into the shelter of his arms and buried his face in her golden hair. Weary, they snuggled together and fell asleep in each other's arms.
**
"My lord?"
The distant voice calling through the chamber door awoke Katherine. She blinked and stretched, bumping into Alexander. He lay awake beside her, fingering a lock of her hair.
She felt heat warm her face as he smiled and spoke in a low husky tone. "Good morrow, my love. 'Twould seem my chambermaid seeks entrance. Shall I let her in?"
"No! I mean, can you not ask what she wants? I must return to my chamber and dress before I face the serv… that is, before I begin my day."
He grinned and kissed her forehead. "Ah Kat, you have naught to fash over. What happened between us last night was as it should be and none here will think otherwise." Winking, he added, "Perhaps we should let them become accustomed to it by spending the rest of the day in bed."
Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1) Page 23
