Page 40 of Highlander’s Sweet Poison

He wrinkled his nose. “That is how I am to befriend my own wife? By asking how her day went?”

“That is how ye get to know her.” Graeme turned back to the keep. It was about time he learned how his wife had spent her time.

After being told by several of the lasses still working in the kitchens that Jillian had a tray sent up for both of them, he hurried up the stairwell. He still carried the stench of dirt and grime and wet dogs on him and was pleased when he opened the door to his chambers to see a bath waiting for him.

Jillian sat by the fire, her feet tucked under her, while she scribbled on some parchment. Lifting her head, she smiled at him, and his knees weakened just enough to worry him.

Then, she gasped just a little and wrinkled her nose. “The bath is for ye,” she choked out.

With a chuckle, he immediately stripped and sank into the water. Jillian avoided his gaze as she collected his clothes from the floor and scurried to deposit them in the hall. Then, she turned and stared.

“Perhaps I should leave ye to yer peace,” she said as she inched toward the adjoining door.

Interesting, he mused to himself. Since they’d married, Jillian had never shied away from him. What was different about tonight?

“Stay,” he ordered. “Keep me company.”

With some hesitation, she nodded and walked back to her place by the fire. It was to his back, so he deliberately stood in the tub and turned so he could face her while he washed. Again, her cheeks heated, and she averted her eyes.

“Tell me of your day,” he said softly. He wondered what she would keep from him. Would she tell him of Art, or would she hide her male friend from him? Would she tell him of Alan?

No, she wouldn’t tell him. She wanted to fight her own battles, and he respected her for that.

“Yer mother summoned me.”

“What?” Water nearly sloshed out of the tub as he jerked upright. Tearloch had left that out of the report. “She did what?”

“She summoned me,” Jillian repeated with faint amusement. “So I spent a good portion of my day with her and yer sister and her two children.”

Craft woman. Graeme relaxed back in the tub. His mother had sent him a message yesterday saying that she wanted to see his bride, and he’d told her that he would be hunting today. That was his mistake. He’d given his mother an opening.

“And?”

“‘Tis a little intimidating to meet the woman who used to be yer aunt, is now yer mother-in-law, and might believe that ye killed her nephew. Especially when yer sister-in-law is there and clearly hates ye.” Jillian took a deep breath. “But yer mother is a good woman. Kind. Strong. I hope that Annella might come around as well, but so long as her husband hates me...”

Graeme held his breath, wondering if she would admit to seeing him.

“But that is neither here nor there. Ye come from a good woman, and ye have a wonderful niece and nephew. I didnae realize how much I would miss the children of Loch Moran until I saw them.”

“Anything else?”

“I saw Clyde for a bit. It was nice to catch up. Art, as well. I had wondered if there would be any friendly faces here, but it would seem that I have three friends. That is a start. How was the hunt?”

“We were successful. Plenty of haul to last us. I intend to try to plan two more trips before the winter strikes.”

Finishing his bath, he stood and let the water drain from his body. Jillian stared at him for a moment before she rose to get the cloth to dry him. Standing still, he allowed her to drag the cloth over his hair and down his neck. After drying his chest, she smiled almost mischievously and walked around to his back and buttocks and legs.

Sassy minx. She was deliberately toying with him.

Walking around to his front, she kneeled at his feet and deliberately worked her way up his legs until all that was left was his cock, erect and aching in front of her.

“Ready for dinner?” she asked huskily as she stood, ignoring the part that needed her the most.

Two could play at that game. Cupping her chin, he stroked her lips for a moment and then ran his fingers down her dress to cup her breasts. His hands were still wet as he rubbed a wet circle over her nipple until her mouth hung open in a wordless plea.

“Aye,” he said as he took his hand away. “I am famished.”

Irritation flashed in her eyes as he strolled naked to the bed and stretched across it. “My dinner, Wife?”