Gently, he caught her hand, the long lace-edged sleeves of her gown draping over her wrists as he tangled his fingers with hers. “Last eve,” he began, “you lay in my arms without a stitch of clothing on. I want that again this night, to have you in my bed.”
“That all depends on our coming conversation. First we need to talk about Ethan and Gavin. I’ve successfully compelled Gavin. He seeks shelter elsewhere until this storms breaks, then once the weather clears, he’ll continue on to Dunscaith Castle where I’ll meet him and my brother. Ethan and I will ensure Gavin is stopped, that you’ll never come under attack from him again, that his chief ensures it too.”
“I’ll never allow you to travel to Dunscaith alone. You’re my mate.” He raised her fingertips to his lips. “Never will you leave me again.”
“’Tis quite normal for the males within the bond to worry about their women in such a way, although I know how to look after myself, have done so for a very long time. There is no need to worry about me. Instead, let’s clear the air between us. You have secrets you need to share and I wish to hear them this night.”
“Trust does no’ come easy for me, Ella. I want your word that what I share with you will go no further than us.”
“Of course.” She gripped his shirtfront, tugged him closer, all rosy-cheeked as she breathed fast. “I’ve already told Ethan about our bond taking form and he of course guessed you must hold fae blood somewhere in your line, just as I already have. He’ll never speak of it to another. You can trust him with your secrets, just as you can trust me.”
“None of my men are aware I hold fae blood, other than for Hamish, and that is the way it needs to stay.” Through the front door, his men trailed in and a serving maid showed them to their tables. “There’s to be no word spoken about our bond with them. Understood?”
“Aye, understood.”
“Here we are. Your meal, Mistress Ella.” An elderly woman with a loosely tied brown apron covering her ample waist and gray hair coiled into a knot atop her head, set a tray down on the scratched wooden surface. “Mutton stew and fresh bread, and another cup of honey-sweetened tea for ye.”
“You’re a treasure, Miriam.” Ella grinned and accepted the food, picked up a spoon and dunked it into the stew. She moaned as she ate her first mouthful. “Mmm, this is delicious and exactly what I needed.”
“Ye voice sounds so much better already.” Miriam set a bowl of stew before him. “Welcome to Scalpay, sir. I’ll tend to your men as well.”
“Aye, please. You have my thanks.”
“You’re most welcome.” Miriam bustled across the room with her tray and disappeared through the side door into the kitchens.
Ella scooped up her bread, dunked it in her stew and took a dainty bite.
He ate his own stew, the richly flavored juices hearty and delicious. “I have an admission,” he mumbled as he ate.
“I’m listening.”
“In the past, whenever I’ve met a woman who remotely appealed, I couldnae do more than steal a few kisses afore being overcome with the urge to step away from her.” He’d certainly never allowed a lass to touch him, and when he’d approached his brother about the issue, Coll had decreed he’d never been able to tumble a lass proper either, even feared he’d might never be able to.
“Those who are mated can rarely abide the touch of another, no’ unless their mated one has chosen willingly to forego their bond, or of course if they’ve lost their mate due to death. Only then is it possible to move on. I’ve only ever allowed your touch, will only ever allow it.” She set her spoon down, her voice a seductive drawl across his senses, her sweet presence even more so.
“I wish for your touch.” All he wanted to do was drown in her heavenly brown eyes, the flecks of gold twinkling so bright.
“Then we should speak, although in private. Move along and allow me out.”
He shuffled off the bench, took her hand and aided her to her feet.
“Meet me in my chamber when you’re ready. First floor, third door on your right.” Her compelling voice swirled so sensually around him, her decree to meet him one he couldn’t turn down, not that he wished to.
“I shall be there as soon as I’ve collected my belongings from my galley.” He leaned in and kissed her, licked across her tongue then delved deeper and molded their mouths together until she clutched his arms, her breathing ragged.
“Goodness, I love your kisses.”
“I love yours.” Rough words, his mind still hazed by the sheer joy of touching her so freely. His men watched on and he reveled in the moment. No longer did he need to hide his desire for her.
“From this day forth, Duncan MacKenzie, you’re mine. Never will I forego our bond.” Whispered words between them and he cherished each and every one.
“Aye, I’m all yours, as you’ll soon be all mine.”
Chapter 5