Chapter Seven
Kai could notbe happier. Not only did he have Miran in his arms, but there seemed to be a change in the way she was talking to him, even treating him. She’d been clearly irritated about riding with him, but he hadn’t given her a choice in the matter. And though his body reacted immediately, almost savagely to her soft form leaning into him, he knew it was not the proper time to pursue her the way he wished to. Pure seduction, which eventually would be the way he won her, required a careful balance. Everything must be right, from the location he chose to do it in, to the time of day, and how she felt. Howhefelt.
He gazed down at her, her eyes wide with curiosity and awareness.
“Are ye no’ concerned that we stole away without warning my maids where we were going?”
He clicked his tongue. “The day I start answering to maids, promise to put me out of my misery.”
“Ye are a prideful one, Captain MacKay.”
“About as prideful as you, woman.”
Miran arched her eyebrows.
Keeping her engaged in conversation had allowed them to arrive at the farm without incident. But if he kept wagging his tongue, she might grow restless or ask to go back to the camp.
“Let me guess,” she said as Kai dismounted. “Pride is a desirable attribute for a man but no’ a woman.”
“Depends what a woman has pride in. If in her home and children, then she is an asset to her husband. But if she prances about like a peacock…”
“A peacock?”
“Have you never seen one?”
“Only a drawing, Captain. There are stories about the king of England keeping the birds to seduce women. I hear their plumage is often used to decorate the queen’s gowns.”
“Then you well know the behavior of the animal. He spreads his iridescent tail feathers, colored in blue and bronze, to attract females. His tail vibrates as he struts along, seeking the admiration of any creature that crosses his path.”
Kai lifted her down from the saddle and placed her solidly on her feet.
“Are ye implying I do the same?”
Kai imagined what she would look like in a blue silk gown with her fair hair brushed to a soft sheen and loose about her shoulders, gold circlets on her wrists and a matching chain about her neck, a thousand candles illuminating her natural beauty, with eyes only for him…
“Captain? Did ye no’ hear me?”
Why did he often find himself fantasizing about her? Especially in the setting of a desert palace, surrounded by opulence, dozens of servants willing to cater to her every whim? He’d do the same if she’d only surrender to him—confess how she felt.
“I heard you, Miran. Sometimes you think only of yourself. I’d be a liar if I said otherwise.”
His criticism did not seem to affect her, for she said nothing, didn’t even deny it.
“I think ye mix up the meaning of pride and being proud of who and what ye are.”
He understood the difference, but wanted to hear her explain. “Perhaps. Would you care to tell me?”
They walked together, aware their hosts awaited them near the thatch-roofed cottage a dozen yards away.
“Pride will lead a man astray, Captain. However, being proud of yer family or of yer accomplishments in not a sin. Tis what gives anyone a reason to wake and rise in the morn.”
“Captain Kai?” Colin gently interrupted their conversation.
“I apologize for being distracted, Colin,” Kai said. “I see your uncle and aunt await us at the door.”
“Yes.” Colin appeared anxious. “Ye both are the most important people to ever visit their humble abode.”
Kai smiled warmly and patted the soldier’s shoulder. “Tis our honor, believe me. Lady Miran, do you not agree?”
