Page 74 of Claimed By a Savage Scot
Catriona’s eyes glittered mischievously. “Did ye need somethin’, me laird?”
He took one step toward her, his grip on his self-control threatening to crumble entirely.
“Ye look…” His voice was rough. “Almost unreal. Like somethin’ I shouldnae be allowed tae see,” he finished hoarsely.
Heat flushed her cheeks, and the tip of her tongue traveled around her lips, her eyes never leaving his.
The air between them thickened instantly.
Malcolm approached slowly, helplessly drawn toward her. “I came tae tell ye the Forbes are preparing tae leave,” he managed.
“Already?” she said, moving not a fraction as he approached, clearly caring as little about the Forbes as he did.
His fingers brushed her bare shoulder, her skin like warm silk beneath his hand. He nearly groaned aloud.
“Cat,” he whispered raggedly, “I’m barely holdin’ mesel’ back from shuttin’ that door and takin’ ye here on the floor, and damn all else tae hell.”
Her breathing faltered, her chest rising and falling rapidly, the desire in her wide green eyes telling him that she did not want him to hold back
For one dangerous heartbeat he nearly gave in. But then he remembered what was at stake—his one chance at lasting happiness with the woman he loved.
Giving himself a hard mental shake, he forced himself to step away from her.
“We’ve guests waitin’ tae leave below,” he said tightly, his fists flexing.
Catriona sighed dramatically as she pulled up her bodice and began lacing it tight. “Och, ye’re very annoyin’ when ye behave honorably.”
Despite himself, Malcolm laughed softly. “Dress quickly, lass,” he murmured, heading stoically for the door. “Before I lose what little sense remains tae me.”
Catriona descended the keep steps beside Malcolm, one hand holding her cloak tightly at her throat against the cold wind that snatched at it.
The moment they stepped onto the cobblestones, she saw her brother standing with Ewan and the Forbes by their waiting carriage, watching them approach. She felt a shiver of unease at the way his sharp green eyes lingered a fraction too long upon the pair of them before narrowing slightly.
Beside her, Malcolm stiffened almost imperceptibly. Catriona understood his reaction, but she felt little except relief. The Forbes were good company, but she was hoping that once they had gone, Malcolm would finally be able to speak to Duncan and put an end to the agonizing uncertainty between them.
Ewan greeted them first, cheerful despite the chilly weather.
“About time ye got here,” he called over the wind. “I reckon Kenneth was beginnin’ tae suspect we mean tae keep him prisoner.”
Kenneth Forbes laughed good-naturedly, adjusting his gloves and directing a warm look at Catriona.
“With such charmin’ company, I’m nae sure I’d put up much of a fight,” he joked. For a moment, she thought he was about to wink at her.
“Leave the poor lass alone, Kenneth,” Sorcha chided him. “Catriona’s put up with enough of yer flirtin’ these past few days, so give it a rest and get in the carriage. We should be on our way before the heavens open.”
Kenneth grinned and rolled his eyes. “Sometimes, I wonder who’s the laird,” he quipped.
Duncan and Ewan guffawed, and even Catriona could not help chuckling at the pair’s bickering. Her heart went out to Malcolm, who only managed a strained smile.
While the men exchanged farewell courtesies in the gruff manner of lairds and warriors, she went to say goodbye to Sorcha.
“I shall miss ye,” Catriona told her new friend as they hugged.
Sorcha squeezed her tightly. “And I ye.”
The friendship between them had formed so easily over the past few days that Catriona could scarcely believe she had once felt jealous of her. How foolish she had been. Now, she implicitly trusted Sorcha with her deepest secret.
Sorcha stepped back to smile at her, holding her hands, blue eyes warm with affection. “Promise ye’ll write and tell me all yer news. And come and visit me as soon as ye’re settled.”
