Each word was carefully enunciated, dripping with sensual languor that left a lingering impression. She wanted to damn him to the deepest pits of hell for having a voice that so effortlessly turned from soft murmurs into intense declarations, leaving her hanging on every syllable.
She had never been more tempted to kiss him than at that moment. Her pulse quickened, and her senses were heightened to the brim by his proximity. Every fiber of her being yearned for the closeness that seemed within reach, the forbidden allure ofhis presence. But she managed to resist, remembering what he had done.
She headed for the door, grabbing the doorknob, when his voice called out to her.
“Keira…” she heard him say.
She didn’t turn around. She feared if she did so, she would stay here. She would get lost in his eyes, in his arms. No. She had to think about herself, about not getting hurt.
“Wait for me tonight,” he said, his words hanging in the air, carrying a promise she couldn’t ignore, no matter how much she tried to.
The allure in his voice made her heart race, leaving her torn between what she wanted to do and what needed to be done.
The scent of temptation hung in the air like a dagger, threatening to fall, its fragrance intoxicating and dangerous. She walked out of his study without a response, although her body already knew what she would do.
13
Keira stumbled out of Raphael’s study as if she were walking on someone else’s feet and not her own. The encounter had left her shaken, her heart torn between staying and going. The newfound information rang in her ears, refusing to leave the confines of her mind even for a single moment.
But you are guilty of the same crime.
She frowned, banishing the truth in those words. As she hurried down the corridor, she barely noticed her surroundings until she collided with someone, nearly knocking them over.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she gasped, regaining her composure and looking up to see who it was.
“It’s quite all right.” Violet smiled at her. “No harm done.”
No harm done.
Keira had a lot to say to that, but she managed to bite her tongue in time and merely smiled back at the lady who was being nothing but courteous and friendly.
Keira took a moment to study Violet. She was enchanting with her elegant attire and a poise that spoke of grace. Indeed, Violet was truly worthy of becoming an important man’s wife. An important man such as Laird MacCurtney.
There was a flash in Keira’s mind, and she could see it all in an instant. Violet and Raphael’s wedding bells ringing, and everyone cheering them on, happy to see them together. Her heart clenched, wishing to explode right inside her chest. The unexpected image brought her more anguish than she had ever thought, and she realized that she was treading on dangerous ground.
Despite her initial shock, Keira found herself suddenly drawn to Violet’s genuine warmth and kindness, which she seemed to exude out of every smile, every word, every gesture.
“Where are ye off to in such a rush, Keira?” Violet asked with a playful tone of voice. “One would think the castle is on fire.”
“Oh, no, nothing of the sort.”
Just my heart.
But once again, Keira didn’t voice that thought.
“Say, would ye like to go on a tour of the castle with me? I remember Lady MacCurtney taking me as a wee lass, telling me all about its rich history,” Violet suggested. “Now, I do believe that I had forgotten more than half of what she told me then, but from what I remember, the gallery is absolutely marvelous. Ye simply must see it.”
Keira hesitated for a moment, still grappling with the turmoil inside her. But perhaps a tour would be a welcome distraction, allowing her mind to clear and her heart to find its footing once more.
“That is a wonderful idea,” she agreed.
“Splendid!” Violet exclaimed and locked arms with Keira, immediately leading her through the castle’s hallways.
The aged walls seemed to come alive with stories from centuries past as portraits of noble ancestors looked down upon them, the same ones Keira remembered going past with Elspeth.
“Here we have the gallery of the castle’s first Laird and his wife,” Violet explained, pointing to a magnificent painting depicting a regal-looking couple. “Lord and Lady MacIntyre. They were known for their charitable acts and their love for the arts.”
Keira studied the painting, marveling at the couple’s elegant attire and the pride in their eyes. “Their legacy lives on in this magnificent castle.”
