The meal passed and they spoke of Ord Dubh and his father’s wish that he move there soon. He did not want to mention betrothals or wives to her. As she asked questions about the southern holding, he wondered if she would move into his keep and be with him there? As he finished the savoury stew, he knew there would be time for all of that.
‘So, have you decided to keep it?’ he asked, as she cleaned the table, washed the bowls and put things away.
He was more familiar with the large keep, a large family and servants to do what she was doing, but watching her fascinated him. This is how it would be to live with her. Not that the son of Connor MacLerie would ever be allowed such a wife or such a life, but it appealed to him in some way he could not explain.
‘I have only decided to live here for now. Muireall’s cottage is too small to add me to it. She even asked if I would give this house to her and Hugh and live in hers instead.’ A smile brightened her face and made her eyes sparkle. ‘I think she was serious.’
‘It is yours, though I wish you would keep it for yourself. Mayhap take in your friend’s family as boarders?’
Catriona looked around the room and then at him, her unease clear in the way a frown marred her brow. She took a step towards the chair and then back. Another in the direction of the door and then back.
‘What is wrong?’ he asked, approaching her and fighting the urge to take her in his arms. Would resisting that urge ever get easier for him? Or would he reach the point when he gave in to it?
‘I ken not what you expect of me now. What should I be doing?’
‘Have you never had a time of leisure to yourself, Cat?’
She shook her head. A forlorn expression darkened her eyes now as she shrugged. ‘I am not accustomed to being lazy or free from chores or errands to be done. I would rather work hard.’
‘Ciara said she invited you to visit with her. That will be hard work.’
He’d learned his letters and numbers as he’d learned how to wield the sword. For him, it took little practice to read or write, but he watched as others struggled with each. Aidan did not underestimate just how much effort would be needed to master such tasks. And, in working with Ciara, he knew that his cousin would include other topics and introduce Cat to others who were influential in the clan.
‘I would not want to embarrass you if I failed. Not if her offer to me was truly in regard for you,’ she said.
‘Again, you miss my point, Cat,’ he said. ‘Just as this is your house, spending time with my cousin, learning to read or write, is for you. Those skills could help you when...’ he paused just before uttering the words he’d first thought of—I marry ‘...when you might need them.’
She thought on his words and nodded. He’d seen signs of her bright mind and had no doubt that she would succeed at whatever task she set herself to.
‘But you have not told me what you expect from me when you come here if, as you say, you will visit each night.’
‘I expect nothing other than your good company,’ he said. And that was true. In that moment, he did want only that.
A laugh escaped from her, a wonderful sound to his ears, and she gifted him with the smile he’d wanted to see. It was the first sign of joy in her face in weeks.
‘And you expect me to believe that? After you have all but promised to seduce me into your bed?’
She did not appear to be opposed to it, so he would bide his time. ‘I would not mind that either,’ he admitted.
Sometimes, in battle, a warrior must sacrifice in order to win the war. Aidan could tell this was one of those moments when a retreat might be the strongest move he could make.
‘I will take my leave of you,’ he said, stepping back. ‘If you ask what I expect of you, I would say I want you to make this house your own.’ He nodded and turned to the door, but her words stopped him before he could take a step.
‘Aidan,’ she said in nothing more than a whisper. ‘Kiss me.’
He shook his head, standing his ground when his body urged him otherwise. He tried to speak, but words dissolved before he could say them. He only knew that if he kissed her, he would have her. As long as he stayed where he was, she was safe.
Did she know the danger that she faced right now? Clearly not, for she began to take one step and then another towards him, all the while his breaths becoming laboured as though he was going into battle. Then she was in front of him, gazing at him with desire and curiosity, and only a few scant inches separated them.
‘Do not do this, Cat. If I begin, it will not end with a kiss. I will not be satisfied,’ he said. Knowing his proven abilities to give pleasure to the women who’d shared his bed, he assured her, ‘You will not be satisfied.’
‘Kiss me. I pray you, kiss me now.’
He’d warned her. He’d given her notice that he would not stop at just a kiss. It was in her hands now. Then she said the words that threw his world off-kilter.
‘I trust you, Aidan,’ she whispered.
Aidan shrugged. ‘More fool you,’ he said as he fell towards what he knew would be his damnation.
