He pulled her tighter against him. “I’ve grown accustomed to falling asleep to yer gentle snores,” he said, grinning teasingly.
She hit his arm. “Kayden!” she cried. “I donotsnore.”
He burst into laughter. “Indeed. Ye make these delicate little snuffling sounds that are so adorable.”
She pouted at him. “You’re no gentleman to say such a thing to me.”
He chuckled, ushering her into his chambers. “I am a Highland brute, and ye ken it well by now, lass.” He swooped down and picked her up, and she squealed in surprise before bursting into giggles.
He carried her to his bed and dropped her onto it. She bounced up and down, still grinning. Her eyes went to the fire and Rua, who was chasing rabbits in his dreams as he gently snuffled in front of the flames.
She sighed. “I think I’d kill for a bath right now.”
He held up a finger. “Say nay more.”
He crossed to the corner of the room and pulled a cord. “I told them that we might need it tonight,” he said.
“That’s good because I know Betsy’s fast asleep by now,” Lilliana said, lounging on the bed.
Soon, the door opened, and two maids came in.
“Would ye draw us a bath?” Kayden asked.
The maids busied themselves behind a screen, pouring water and making sure it was the right temperature.
“Help me with my buttons,” Lilliana murmured, not wanting them to hear.
She stood in front of Kayden, his knuckles brushing against her spine as he unbuttoned her gown. She had to work very hard not to shiver. It was still quite new to feel his touch on her bare skin.
The maids left with a word of thanks and goodnight from them both, and then Kayden leaned over her shoulder in inquiry. “Do ye want me to join ye?”
She shivered. “Do you think we can both fit?”
He took her hand and led her forward. “I daenae see why nae if ye daenae mind me being close.”
The fire in the bathing chamber cast a warm glow over the ancient stone walls, shadows dancing between tapestries and carved shelves. A copper tub, deep and gleaming, filled withsteaming water, sat waiting, its surface fragrant with sprigs of heather and lavender.
“That’s a nice touch.” Lilliana perched on the edge, dipping a toe in and savoring the heat.
Kayden knelt beside her, eyes mischievous. “If ye linger for too long, the water will cool.” He grinned, reaching for her hand.
She let him lower her into the water. The warmth embraced them both as he settled in behind her, broad shoulders sinking beneath the scented water as she nestled between his legs.
Lilliana giggled as he splashed the water lightly, droplets catching in her hair. “You’re incorrigible,” she whispered, her voice soft in the hush of the deep night.
He smiled, brushing a damp curl from her cheek. “Aye, but ye’re here to keep me in line.”
They relaxed into each other, laughter and quiet conversation echoing off the ancient stone walls, the world beyond the chamber forgotten for a while.
Suddenly, Lilliana giggled softly.
Kayden dipped his head, an eyebrow raised in inquiry. “What’s tickled yer funny bone?” he asked with a grin.
She shrugged. “It’s just… you and I, sitting in this bathtub together,naked…” She shook her head. “It’s not something I would have imagined even last week.”
He chuckled, nodding his head. “Did ye imagine we would bathe with our clothes on?”
She huffed, splashing him with water even as he laughed.
