“Daenae, be embarrassed, lass, ye have nice breasts…” The word rolled off his tongue like syrup dripping from a bannock.
He is teasin’ me.
Eleanor turned her head to glare at him, but regretted her decision instantly when she noted the way he had lifted his leg onto the settee, exposing his groin through the fabric of his breeches. She quickly averted her gaze again and came to her feet, busying herself with the documents that she began to gather.
Images from the time in the cabin flooded her mind. He had been naked then, yet she had not blushed in the presence of his chiseled chest or the sharp opening that led to the line of his breeches.
Saints preserve me. I cannae think such things.
She attempted to compose herself, ignoring the smirk that was still present on his lips. A sudden idea occurred to her as she looked up and returned his smile. If he wanted to play games with her, then she would beat him at his own game. There was no sense in backing down when he clearly got joy from making her uncomfortable.
Placing the documents on the table, she quickly turned to him and smiled, resting her hands on the desk. “Would ye care for some ale, me Laird?” She allowed the corner of her mouth to lift into a half smile as she purposefully pressed her shoulders together, making her breasts pop out.
A frown creased his brow. He had seen this before, and the last time, he had managed to restrain himself. Yet he made no move as he stared at her. “Aye, a dram of ale would be good.”
“Oh, we will be wantin’ far more than just a dram, me Laird.” Her lips turned to a full smile as she turned from him, enjoying the confusion she was creating. She had never been a tease with men in her life, but she was finding the shocked look on his face a welcome distraction from all of her troubles. She walked over to the table with ale and poured them both a mug before carrying it over to him. She waited for a breath, just long enough for him to anticipate her turning around. When she did, she met his gaze, strong and sure.
Callum ran his tongue over his lower lip, making her want to laugh when she realized that her teasing was working. He was utterly enthralled by her, and she secretly enjoyed the manner in which he was looking at her.
She closed the distance between them, allowing her fingers to linger on his for just a moment too long. The sensation almost made her gasp as she pulled back, quickly regaining her composure.
I need to be more careful.
Eleanor cautioned herself before making her way over to her seat. Her movements were deliberate and calculated when she placed the mug of ale beside her chair and sat. She unpinned her hair, allowing her golden locks to fall to her waist.
Callum swallowed hard, licking his lips once again before watching her over the rim of his mug.
That will teach him.
She almost smirked when his gaze dropped to her chest and traveled down to her shapely legs that she stretched out beside her. The thin fabric of her dress was thick enough to keep her warm, yet sheer enough that the shape of her legs and hips could be seen. She ran her fingers through her loose hair, sighing heavily as if she were enjoying the moment.
Changing his expression, Callum placed his mug of ale on the table beside him before getting to his feet.
Uncertainty filled her mind as she watched him close the distance between them.
Leaning over, Callum allowed his lips to form a knowing smile as he leaned closer to her ear, placing his hands on either side of her hips. His hot breath tickled her skin, sending a shiver of pleasure down her spine. “Daenae think that I daenae ken what ye are doin’, lass,” he growled in her ear before reaching up and curling a strand of her hair around his finger.
Eleanor’s breathing deepened as she dropped her eyes, refusing to look at him. She regretted starting the game, yet the irresistible pull that she felt toward him made her core clench as she fought to remain calm. He smelled of rain, sawdust, and old leather books with just a hint of ale and tobacco thrown in.
He leaned closer, allowing his lips to almost touch the tender flesh beneath her ear. “If ye want me, lass, all ye have to do is say the words…” His sentence hung in the air like a challenge, making her heart flutter as her pulse raced.
What do I do now?
She suddenly froze, uncertain of what to do next.
Callum’s lips curved into a smile against her skin before he drew back. Pushing himself up, he looked down at her. “Daenae start games that ye arenae willin’ to finish. If ye ever tease me again, ye shall have to bear the consequences of what happens next.” His eyes were almost smoldering with passion when he looked into her eyes.
Eleanor’s heart skipped a beat as her lips parted with silent words. She wanted so badly to say something smart, yet her words failed her until he turned from her to leave.
Daenae tease me, lass.
His words rang in her ears long after he had shut the door behind him.
I shouldnae have done that.
She sat in silence, thinking of the heat that still radiated through her body.
That woman will be the death of me.
