Their breathing quietened, the haze of their desire began to recede and, slowly, he eased her against him, and they lay together in the peace that followed, their limbs entwined, their hearts still beating fast, the air warm with everything they had shared.
Whatever had existed of the walls between them, built over weeks of secrets and mistrust, finally crumbled.
They slept in one another’s arms until the cold, grey, light of dawn crept into the bedchamber, stirring them from their dreams.
They were sharing breakfast when the sound of shouting brought them to their feet. Wrapping her robe tight around her in sudden terror Selene rushed to the window just as Kenneth tugged on his clothing.
MacLeod banners rippled in the wind.
Halvard’s colors.
Kenneth met the men at the gates, his expression a mask of caution. He was joined moments later by Callum.
Halvard’s leader rode forward, behind him stood a contingent of no more than half a dozen soldiers. This was a far cry from the numbers in the pack that had besieged Castle Duntulm the evening before.
“What brings ye and yer men tae Duntulm?” Kenneth enquired, keeping his tone light and his suspicions guarded.
The man dipped his head politely.
“I am Baird MacLeod, cousin and advisor tae the Laird Halvard MacLeod. I am here on his business. Tae whom am I speaking?”
“I am the Laird Kenneth MacDonald and I assume this business of yer laird concerns meself.”
“Indeed, Laird MacDonald. It concerns ye and the Lady Selene Montgomery, who I believe is yer guest here at Castle Duntulm.”
Kenneth signaled to the guard and moments later the creaking iron portcullis was slowly raised.
He swallowed the lump forming in his throat.
These men were the escorts he’d been dreading. The men who would take Selene to Raasay.
Once Baird MacLeod had dismounted, his horse had been taken by the grooms, and his men were being seen to by two of Kenneth’s men-at-arms, Callum and Kenneth escorted him into the keep.
First things first.
“After sailing from Raasay, I daresay ye would welcome a little nourishment. Before discussing yer business wi’ me, please join wi’ meself and me advisor and captain, Callum MacLean, fer nourishment and warmth in the dining hall.”
The man grinned. “Aye. I would be most grateful tae ease the empty space in me belly and warm me hands at yer fire.”
Leaving Callum to seat this new guest, Kenneth excused himself. Selene would be waiting anxiously to hear what was happening.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Selene was waiting, dressed in a fresh gown, her hair brushed and braided, when Kenneth returned. From her vantage point at the window, she had recognized Halvard’s standard waving in the gentle breeze. She’d observed the meeting between Kenneth and Halvard’s man and deduced that this was not another imposter waving a false banner. It could only be the escort sent by her brother-in-law to escort her to Raasay.
She threw her arms around Kenneth as he opened the door to the chamber. He held her briefly, then shook his head.
It was clear from his frown and the grim line of his mouth that the news was exactly as she’d surmised. Her heart twisted.
She could barely form the words her heart was forbidding. “Is it… the men to escort me… to Raasay?”
He nodded.
Her heart plunged all the way to the cold flagstones beneath her feet. The idea of leaving Duntulm –leaving Kenneth– hit her with devastating clarity.
She did not want to go.
Kenneth was speaking and she could scarcely comprehend what he was saying.
