Page 24 of A Laird and a Gentleman

“You’ll need to get out of your clothing before you fall ill.”

She felt heavy and weighed down still as she tried to move. “I can’t even lift my arms.”

He was wet himself, but he grabbed a bathing sheet and set about drying the moisture from her hair. “Mistress MacInnes will return soon.”

“I want her to care for herself before she takes care of me. She is older, more fragile. I don’t want her to suffer any more of a chill than she already has by giving me her stole. Call for Estella or Petunia.”

“The entire staff is busy helping settle the villagers.” He sat down beside Mariam and scooped her into his arms and leaned back against the head of the bed, cradling her. “Let me try to warm you then while we wait for Mistress MacInnes.”

“Thank you for believing in me,” she said, nestling her cheek deeper into the hollow of his shoulder. “I didn’t think I could do it until I remembered how you looked at me in my dream.”

“How did I look at you?” Cameron began to stroke her hair.

“With complete trust.”

“I do trust you.” His arms tightened around her.

“I think you trust everyone, which is why you let the villagers into your castle despite my warning.” She paused. “They are here for me, you know.”

“I can and will protect you.” His voice was smooth.

“Because it is your duty?” she asked in a dry, brittle voice.

“Nay. Because I want to, Mariam.” The last m of her name rolled off his tongue to shiver down her spine. She was suddenly aware of the heat of his body even through their wet clothing, aware of the way her breasts pressed into him. He smelled of rainwater and sunshine and musk. The mixture was strangely familiar and reassuring. Her heart fluttered as the slow, warm brush of his breath caressed her cheek.

She pulled back and looked up into his face. She stared at him, trying to think of something to say. He was so strong, so in control, and so unlike herself. “I don’t want to keep you if you have other responsibilities to tend to.”

“I want to be here . . . with you.”

Her heart thudded against her chest and crept into her throat. “You’re so . . .” The words caught in her throat. She wanted to say handsome, but instead settled on the next thing that came into her mind: “Kind.”

A smile pulled up the corners of his lips as his eyes held hers. “Kind is not how most men wish to be remembered.” Slowly, carefully, he angled his head and lowered his mouth until she felt his breath on her lips. Her eyelids closed at the touch of his lips to hers.

As soft as the morning mist, his mouth molded over hers, moved with breath-stealing sweetness. He reached up and bracketed her head with his hands as he deepened the kiss.

Unsteadily, she laid her hand against his chest and felt his heart beating thickly against her palm. His mouth opened over hers and he stole between her lips. She could feel his warmth and tasted a hint of honey mixed with apple. He gently coaxed her lips farther apart, and as he did, her legs trembled. All her thoughts fled as everything inside her focused on the intoxication of his kiss.

A sound rose from her throat as she leaned into him, wanting more. Her arms stole around his shoulders, pulling her body tight against his chest.

A sudden knock registered in her brain moments before the door opened.

Cameron released her and sat back, leaving Mariam dazed and disoriented as she registered another presence in the chamber.

“I came as quickly as I could—” Mistress MacInnes froze at the sight of them on the bed, so close together. “Forgive me. I thought you were alone, Mistress.”

Cameron moved off the bed, his dark eyes shuttered. “I was doing my part to keep Mariam warm until you arrived, my good woman.” He bent and offered the chatelaine a bow. “I will leave you now so that you may help Mariam into drier clothing.” He turned back to Mariam and said, “Meet me belowstairs when you are changed.”

“But—”

“You have nothing to fear,” he said to Mariam as he turned back to the door.

Mariam brought her fingers up to press against her tingling lips as she stared after him. Cameron was so certain he could protect her, but she wasn’t convinced. Since the villagers had entered the castle, she could feel a dark energy that had entered as well—one that fed off cruelty and violence. It was the same energy her father gave off whenever she was around him. She shuddered, attempting to shake off the notion of her father’s presence.

Mistress MacInnes closed the door behind Cameron. “Shall we get you out of those wet clothes?” She turned toward the bed. Her eyes flared wide. For a moment she hesitated before she continued forward. “What is it, Mariam? What has you so upset?”

“I’m not upset.” Mariam struggled to regain her composure even as an uneasy feeling prickled the back of her neck. “This day has had far too many ups and downs for my liking. If it were up to me, I would want nothing more than a bath and an early night in bed.”

Nessie came to sit beside her on the bed. “There is nothing to fear and no reason to hide. I’ve seen the villagers for myself. They left their weapons in the outer courtyard and are currently dining in the great hall. They do not seem vengeful or even contentious anymore. I think m’laird’s hospitality surprised them, deflating their anger.”