"Aye, but such has happened before and they ken the way to cure the lad of his fancies. We had a cousin afflicted with such fancies and they soon set him aright, yet didnae kill all that makes it so sweet. Do ye ken what I mean?"
"Aye, the ideals remain but the foolishness is gone. ‘Tis the best way for, aye, there is good in the fancies the boy holds. Do ye ask first?"
"I best do so.” She pulled out of his arms and stood up. “I will ask Robert to send his mon to our father. I dinnae think Fither will refuse the boy."
Iain watched her hurry away and sighed. He was letting his jealousy show but he could not help it. His only comfort came in the fact that Tavis acted much the same. It was a hint of his feelings, however, that he would be wise to hide. Shrugging, he decided a man did not have to love to be possessive. Islaen had an excellent understanding of men, a rather uncomfortable one at times, and he could console himself with the thought that she would not read too much into his jealousy over the youth.
As soon as the youth was gone, Iain decided he would go to Muircraig. He had lingered at Caraidland to see that Islaen had healed completely, in mind and body, after Fraser's attack. Once sure of that he had lingered because he had not wanted to leave her alone with the young, ardent and handsome Gamel. Soon that reason would be gone for Iain was also sure that Alaistair would accept Gamel.
Heading out of the hall he decided to go soak in a hot bath. He was restless and he knew why. Islaen was healed enough to make love to and he ached to do so. With his emotions still in such a turmoil, Iain knew it would be dangerous to hold her close and make love to her, just as he knew he would surely do so before he fled to Muircraig.
Watching her brother, Duncan, ride away with Gamel, Islaen looked over her shoulder at Iain. “The thorn has been plucked out."
"Verra amusing. T'was not only my side that thorn pricked."
"Nay. I noticed Tavis was in high spirits today."
"I swear, the lad was more annoying than Alexander,” Iain grumbled as he escorted Islaen back inside.
She laughed softly, then frowned as she realized they were headed to their chambers. “Why do we go here?"
Gently pushing her into the room, then shutting the door, he murmured, “Ye are all healed from that attack, are ye not?"
Beginning to grow suspicious, Islaen answered, “Aye, I have been for a few days. I thought ye kenned that."
"Aye, I did, but I was being gallant."
"Ah,” she watched him start shedding his clothes and knew she was going to go along with what he so clearly planned, “and ye arenae planning on being gallant anymore?"
"I dinnae ken. Ye will have to tell me—after."
"After? After ye bathe?” she asked brightly as he moved to stand before her wearing only his braes.
He ignored that and looked her up and down. “One of us is overdressed."
"Aye, but I will soon mend that."
With a soft laugh she swiftly undid his braes. “Better?"
She giggled as, with a soft growl, he picked her up and tossed her onto the bed. By the time he finished removing her clothes most of her playfulness was taken over by desire. Holding him close and savoring the way his skin felt against hers, she met and returned the hunger of his kiss. Her hands moved over his lean frame with an ill-disguised greed until he caught them in his, stilling them. She met his gaze and caught her breath at the passion revealed there.
"Now, that is better."
"Ah, but is it gallant?"
"Ye can tell me in a minute."
"Only a minute?"
"Ye are feeling pert, arenae ye?"
Rubbing her feet over the back of his legs she smiled and tugged his mouth down to hers. “I have ne'er heard it called that before."
Iain laughed softly, then kissed her. Islaen quickly lost the last of her playfulness as he took them to the sweet oblivion all lovers sought. It was not until her mind cleared and she was holding him close, their sated bodies still intimately joined, that she began to get a little suspicious. She had the sinking feeling that Iain's impetuous lovemaking was spurred on by plans to leave for Muircraig again.
Nuzzling her neck and enjoying the feel of her so intimately close, Iain began to think of a way to gently tell her he would be leaving for Muircraig in a few hours. Making love to her only strengthened his conviction that he had come close to breaking all his rules. Keeping the distance between them that he felt was necessary left him feeling empty and alone. It was a great temptation to end that.
"I must return to Muircraig,” he said softly as he kissed her neck and felt her tense briefly.
