He had the audacity to smile. Surely, he loved toying with her as though she were his toy. And damn him if he did not look more handsome each time he did so. She wished his scar scared her. Fear was an easier emotion to manage than the things hestirred.
A knock sounded at the door and he opened it, allowing two men to enter with a wooden tub. Several female servants followed carrying steaming water. As much as she hated to admit it, a bath would be heavenly after two days in the saddle. Her wrists were tender and sore and the heat would soothe away theache.
“I see I have found something that will give you pleasure.” He leaned close to her ear. “I cannot wait to find out what else pleasures you, mylady.”
For a moment she’d forgotten about MacDonald while she eyed the bath—now he held her full attention again. His warm breath on her ear sent shivers down her body. She lowered her gaze to hide the colour that had no doubt crept into her cheeks, if the heat in them was anyindication.
But he was relentless. “As much as I would love to stay and wash every inch of your bonnie curves, Lady Sheona, I must see to the preparations. Any moment, your father or mine will need to be dealt with and there are things which require my attention.” And because he was her worst tormentor, he added, “I beg you, imagine your hands are mine as you washyourself.”
A moment later he was gone and she was left with her mouth agape, staring at the closed door. The maids bustled around her, removing her gown and helping her into the steaming water that smelled of rose hip. Sheona leaned back and inhaled the essence while the heat seeped into her wearybones.
She was exhausted and had not realized just how much until she lay back. A maid passed her a cloth and some soap, which she lathered over her skin. It too smelled of rose hip and she was becoming intoxicated with the scent. Just as she moved the cloth across her breasts, his words came back to torment her. She could not stop herself from imagining his hands caressing her breasts. She sat up abruptly, frightening one of themaids.
“My apologies. I wish to getout.”
“But my lady, you need to be rinsed,” the maidsaid.
“Very well then. Please be quick. I have had a long journey and I wish torest.”
When the maids finished washing her body and her hair, they braided it and tucked her into a soft, down-filled bed with heavy quilts drawn up to her chin. When the bath was removed and the maids all gone, the only sound was that of the crackling fire. It lulled her towardslumber.
Sheona was too weary to contemplate the next day and what would become of her or the feud between the MacLeods and MacDonalds. Something told her a climax was building and none of them would ever be the sameagain.
Just before she fell asleep, she was certain she heardweeping.
