“Then why are ye here, Lady Mary?”
Having known Mary for most of his childhood, he knew she had always been interested in him, and her mother had made it clear for years that theirs would be an ideal match.
“I only meant to commiserate, Me Laird. We can all see ye’re unhappy with this match, though what compels ye to honor it, we cannae understand.”
“First of all, Lady Mary, ye ken nothin’ about what I feel,” he declared, squaring his shoulders. He could see the fear flash in her eyes as he stepped closer. “And secondly, yer presence here, in me castle, is undesired. Ye should prepare to return to yer home with yer family.”
CHAPTER 7
The following day,Katie was still troubled by the previous night’s events. She found solace in the soft light filtering through the windows of the guest room, casting gentle patterns on the stone walls. The quiet of the castle was a stark contrast to the chaotic emotions she had been wrestling with. She wanted to embrace the beauty of Scotland, but the constraints of her situation made it difficult.
She had spent the night dreaming of the lush countryside, of rolling green hills and mist-shrouded valleys. The natural beauty surrounding the castle, the rugged landscape stretching out in all directions, was breathtaking. It was a land of contrasts—majestic mountains, serene lochs, and ancient woodlands, all bathed in the golden hues of the morning sun. Despite the grandeur, she felt trapped within the confines of the castle and its obligations.
Her dreams were also haunted by images of Aiden—his bright eyes, lustful gazes, and hands that roamed over every inch of her flesh. She had dreamed of his lips trailing across her collarboneand her chest, and the thought of his tongue teasing her breasts sent shivers down her spine. He’d been in her dreams nearly every night since they’d met, and they had slowly turned from distress to pure pleasure.
That morning, she woke up surrounded by his scent, tingling from head to toe as she remembered the way his fingers had kneaded and massaged her most sensitive parts, the way he’d nipped and growled. The way her body had responded to every overwhelming sensation had made her cheeks flush long after she’d awoken.
When Griselda appeared, offering her kindness and understanding, Katie felt a glimmer of hope.
“If ye wish to find some solace,” Griselda said, her tone gentle, “please feel free to use me study. Ye may have all the privacy and materials ye require. We have many good books and volumes. Me husband was an avid reader, even if he didnae seem so.”
Katie’s heart warmed at the gesture. She then remembered Leah’s letter that Aiden had given her. It included Leah’s latest book and Katie wanted to read it, to provide feedback and to find some comfort and small joys in admiring her friend’s hard work.
“Thank you, Lady Griselda. That is exceedingly kind of you. I would love to use your study.”
“Wonderful, me dear. Come…”
After grabbing her copy of Leah’s book, Katie followed Griselda to a small study near the main hall. The room was quaint and filled with warm light. It had a large wooden desk with a plush chair, an array of writing supplies artfully arranged on the desk, and a small window that overlooked a beautiful garden. The scent of blooming flowers wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of fresh ink and paper.
Katie sat at the desk, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. She took a deep breath and began to read, eager to enjoy the fruits of Leah’s labor. She didn’t know how long she had been reading, but she’d devoured the book, unable to put it down until she’d read the final page with a wide smile on her face.
It was brilliant, beautifully written, and captured the imagination of any romantic. Katie felt a rush of pride for her friend and immediately decided to write her a letter, the flickering sunlight fading as she lit some candles. It was a while later, after writing to Leah about her book and being in Scotland with Aiden, that she left the study to find something to eat.
When she emerged from the study, the scent of roasting meat and cooked bread embraced her as she made her way to the hall. When she reached the narrow stairwell, she ran directly into someone and tried to apologize.
When she realized it was Aiden, she stepped back, waiting for him to pass. When he didn’t and stood firm and unspeaking, she ran out of patience. She walked past Aiden, slipping down the thin staircase and as far away from him as possible.
The wonderful world of romance, love, and excitement seemed very far from her reality, but she wanted to linger in it as long as possible.
Aiden hadn’t expected a warm greeting from Katie, since she’d been subtly avoiding him the whole day. However, as she passed him in the hall, her direct snub had been icy and scathing.
Where had she been all day? With who? She wasnae in her chambers earlier…
Aiden watched as she emerged into the hall below, interacting with the castle staff and soldiers. The beast inside his chest roared when he glimpsed the swell of her breasts and listened to her laughter ringing like a bell throughout the castle.
Aiden watched, stunned, her friendly demeanor earning smiles and praise. However, the soldier she had been speaking to had become a little too friendly, causing the ache in his chest to grow.
He descended the stairs quickly, his eyes immediately landing on her. The soldier was being sociable, and she was smiling, but the situation did not sit well with him. She didn’t offerhimsuch a smile.
“Oh, I’ve not seen enough of the castle grounds,” she chimed in, and the soldier’s eyes widened in shock. “But I’d like to.”
“I could escort ye, Me Lady. There is a beautiful rose garden, a large park nearby, and of course the forest and hills of the huntin’ grounds.”
“Oh, I’d love that.” She nodded. “But first, I must eat. I’ve been occupied all day.”
“I’m sure they will bring ye some food, Me Lady,” the soldier assured her, still not noticing Aiden. “Shall I fetch one of the maids?”
“Please,” she said. “And after, you can escort me through the grounds…”
