"I think ye will find your father in here," came Cameron's voice just outside the library.
Elise stiffened. Marcus yanked her skirt down as the door opened. She squeezed her eyes shut just before Marcus's gaze settled on his father.
"You chose a fine time to visit the library," Marcus said evenly.
"Aye," Cameron replied. "So it would seem. You look well this evening, lass," he added.
She buried her head in Marcus's shoulder, not quite stifling an oath.
"I think you had better do something about your lady's speech," Cameron said. "She's beginning to sound like a sailor."
"Was there something you wanted?" Marcus asked. "Kiernan," he exclaimed.
His muscles tightened and Elise realized he was rising. She grasped his shoulders.
He relaxed and said, "I'll be out directly. Give me a moment." The door closed with a soft click, then he said, "You can open your eyes now, love. They have gone."
Elise opened her eyes while shoving at him. "Get up for God's sake."
He obliged. "Only a moment ago, you didn't want me to rise."
She sat up. "Your son—he saw me."
"Elise—"
She shot to her feet. "Good Lord, you shouldn't have—"
"Now, love, 'tis not all that bad. You were fully clothed after all"—she groaned and plopped back down onto the couch—"and, truly," he went on, "this has been a household of men for many years. We aren't shocked by a little love-play."
Elise shook her head harder this time.
Marcus gave her a gentle look. "You can't avoid him our entire marriage."
Her stomach did a flip.
"I'll take full blame for the situation."
She paused. "That is the truth."
"Aye," he agreed.
She kept her gaze fixed on him, but she was imagining his son's face as he stared down at them, Marcus on top of her while she arched toward him. If she could only leave the castle tonight. But even an hour's absence would be noticed. Not nearly long enough. She remembered how they had tracked her clear to Glasgow and the damned pawnbroker.
"Leave Kiernan to me." Marcus's voice jerked her back to the present.
She eyed him doubtfully.
He smiled. "Don't concern yourself over it, love. 'Tis nothing."
Elise rose. "I'm going upstairs to change."
"But you look beautiful."
"I can imagine just how I look," she grumbled.
His gaze traveled the length of her, his expression taking on a masculine pride, which started a quiver in her stomach—and reminded her that his son had caught them when that same look was on Marcus's face.
Chapter Fourteen
When Elise finally stepped from the stairwell, Marcus had to remember to breathe. Pleasure rippled through him at seeing she had worn her hair loose. Her creamy skin, luminous against the soft brown of the modest gown borrowed for this occasion, radiated a sensuality, which revived the memory of their earlier lovemaking. Low bodice met high waist, emphasizing the curve of her breasts. The dress hung loosely around her slim body, transforming her into an ethereal creature drifting toward him. She stopped beside him and smiled at his son. Marcus watched Kiernan's acute scrutiny of her as introductions were made. She extended a hand as graciously as any duchess.
"Madam." Kiernan took her hand and brought it to his lips.
Her face lit with enchantment and Marcus breathed a sigh of relief that her misgivings seemed to have evaporated.
"Why, sir," she said, "I believe you are a heartbreaker."
Kiernan blinked in surprise.
"You didn't tell me he was such a rogue, Marcus. I wager the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
Marcus smiled. "Kiernan is very much his own man."
Her expression softened. "Perhaps, but that raven's hair and those eyes…"
Memory of similar words spoken to him by her upon their first meeting stole over Marcus.
"They must be your mother's eyes." She smiled at Kiernan.
Marcus snapped back to the present.
Cameron joined them, his raised brow testament that he had overheard the comment. Marcus looked from his son to Elise. It hadn't occurred to him she might speak of Jenna. He had never spoken to her of his wife, and she had no idea of Kiernan's sensitivity concerning his mother.
Kiernan angled his head. "You are correct, madam. I did, indeed, inherit those traits from my mother."
"I see," Elise nodded. "But there's more." A corner of her mouth twitched upwards. "She imparted something of herself to you. A piece of her soul, perhaps." Kiernan looked genuinely shaken and Elise's smile turned gentle. "It is heartening that you carry her with you."
He looked hopelessly at his father but was doomed to find no solace there, for Marcus was as surprised as he.
"Well, now, Kiernan," Cameron's deep voice broke in, "what do you think of your father's future bride?" He gave Kiernan a crack on the back and winked at Elise.
Marcus noted the blush that crept up her cheek and wondered at a woman who could be so bold one moment, then so reticent the next.