He stepped into the passageway and closed the door after himself
Aye, ’twas time to leave. She eased out of her warm cocoon, picked up her satchel propped against the wall and set it on top of the bed. Flap unbuckled, she pulled out a pair of navy breeches and wriggled them on then fastened the ties at her waist. The loose-sleeved white shirt fluttered over her head and she shrugged on a supple brown rawhide coat, one that would protect her well from the weather since the sky still remained so overcast. Once she’d laced her knee-high black leather boots and strapped her dagger at her wrist, she poured water from the jug into the basin and splashed her face. She cleaned her teeth with a salt and mint paste, combed her hair and wove it into a long plait then searched for something to secure it with. Duncan’s white tunic lay snagged on the corner chair, the one he’d worn just afore speaking vows with her. She tugged one dangling tie free and with a soft smile, secured her plait with it.
From the wooden rack near the fire, she collected the remainder of her dried clothing and folded everything away in her bag, left her satchel near the door and gathered up Duncan’s scattered belongings. She packed them away in his bag too, but left out a pair of pants, tunic and a jerkin for him to change into.
“Hamish is informing the men of our coming departure.” Bare-chested, the fur barely hanging onto his hips, he returned with a tray in hand and knocked the door shut with his hip. “One of the maids brought us our morning meal.”
“Wonderful. I’m famished.” She took the tray from him and set it on the side table. “Dress if you wish.”
“I’ve also given Hamish orders to ensure none of my men wear our clan tartan while we sail along Skye’s coastline. The banner at the center mast is to be taken down as well. We’ll travel with all stealth this day.” He sauntered to the bed, let the fur drop and gave her a tantalizing view of his firm buttocks, although all too soon he drew his black leather pants and tunic on, slipped his padded jerkin over his shoulders and fastened it at the front. Sword belted at his hip, he hid other various weapons around his body, those that every battle-hardened warrior wore.
“I’m relieved all precaution will be taken.”
“I’d rather we had no need to travel to Dunscaith, particularly since my last journey there didnae go so well.” He scrubbed a hand across his bristly jaw, crossed to the basin, dipped a cloth into the water and wet his jaw. With one brow arched at her, he said, “Yet had that battle never occurred, I wouldnae have met you, and that moment I’d never take back.”
“Nor I either. Allow me to shave you.” She joined him, pushed his shoulders until he eased down and perched on the edge of the table. Nudging his legs apart, she nestled in between them and picked up the bar of soap.
“No woman has ever shaved me afore.” He settled his hands on her hips, the black leather of his pants molding his strong thighs.
“I should hope not.” She snuggled deeper into the V and he smoothed around to her backside.
“I would trust no other with a blade so close to my neck.”
“Your trust is appreciated.” Giggling, she built a lather with the soap and smeared it across his sharp black stubble, slid her dirk free from her wrist sheath and turning his cheek with one finger, held the blade nice and close to his skin.
“You hold so many skills, and it appears shaving is amongst them. Is there aught else you can do which you’ve yet to tell me about?” Back and forth, he caressed her bottom, the bulge in his pants growing thicker and longer.
“I can climb trees with ease.” She ran the blade in a smooth line down, from his ear to his chin. “Scale cliffs too. My grandpa taught me and Ethan.”
“Well, no more tree or cliff climbing for you, no’ unless I too am there.”
“Even though we’ve wed, I willnae allow you to mollycoddle me.” She ran the blade right under his nose, tapped his jaw shut before he could answer her back then lifted his chin with one finger and slid the blade down his neck in long and even strokes. Once done, with not a whisker remaining, she dabbed his skin with the cloth, cleared the last of the suds away and sheathed her dagger.
“I’ll ensure your protection as I see fit, Ella.”
“As I’ll ensure yours.” Leaning into him, she murmured, “I’ve never needed someone to catch me when I fall.”
He slid one hand around the back of her head, his fingers sliding through her hair. “Now we’ve completed the bond, if you fall, I fall.”
“Then I will simply take all care to never fall.” She dotted kisses over his nose and cheeks. “Mmm, now your skin is all smooth and unable to abrade mine.”
“If you ever need me to shave, simply ask and it shall be done. ’Tis time I fed you.” He eased up, caught her elbow and guided her to the table and their waiting meal.