Page 19 of Claimed Highland Brides

"Who is it?" Fiona called.

"The McCormick would like tae see ye," a strange voice replied.

"Aye alrigh'. Give me a few minutes tae get dressed."

The sound of footsteps fading down the corridor was the only sign that the person had heard them. Fiona got to her feet and stepped out of the bath. Julieta came forward to help her dry and get dressed. Then she strode out of the room, hesitating in the dim corridor as she wondered which direction to go. The scuff of a footfall had her jumping as her hand flew to her heart.

"Apologies. I dinnae mean tae scare ye."

"Daividh! What are ye doing here?"

"I...came tae see if ye were alrigh'."

Fiona smiled. "I'm fine. I have had a nice bath."

"Aye. Ye smell of flowers and fresh linen."

Fiona laughed. "I hate tae imagine wha' I must ha' smelled of before."

Daividh grinned. "Day-old flowers perhaps?"

"Ye're an awful man." She hit his arm softly, still beaming.

He spread his arms out. "And yet...here ye are."

Fiona snorted, striding past him with her head held high. "My uncle is expecting me. I must gang tae him."

He turned as well, following her with his eyes. "Oh. D'ye ken where tae gang?"

Fiona shook her head and he immediately fell in step beside her. "Come then. I'll show ye."

Turning to look at him, she nodded her permission and then had to suppress a gasp as his arm brushed against hers. Her breath came short and she had to turn away to hide her suddenly crimson face.

"Is something the matter?" He peered curiously at her downturned face. She shook her head vigorously, allowing her fiery hair to fall forward and further shield her countenance from him.

He continued to stare until she peeked at him from beneath her lashes. Offering her a smile, he nudged her with his elbow and cocked an eyebrow. A burst of laughter escaped her as she lifted her head finally to meet his eyes, her own brimming with mirth. His eyes, half-lidded and dark with desire, dropped to her mouth.

Fluttering her eyes in response, she bit her bottom lip and he watched it disappear into her mouth, emerging moments later wet, plump, and rosy.

He uttered a pained sound as he inadvertently leaned closer, hands closing and opening in almost irresistible need to touch. His mouth went dry as his vision honed in on her lips.

Just one taste. That's all I need.

"There ye are!" The voice startled them and they jumped apart. "I was just coming tae fetch ye. Stupid lassie was supposed tae bring ye tae the great room and she just left ye tae—" The housekeeper's eyes fell on Daividh and widened in surprise. "Oh! I see ye found a worthy escort. Guid day t'ye Mr. Campbell."

Daividh made a very elegant leg. "And t'ye Mrs. O'Brien."

The old lady simmered and blushed, waving Daividh away. "Go on wi' ye." She laughed, taking Fiona's hand and propelling her along toward an ornately decorated door. The housekeeper stopped outside it and turned to Fiona with a smile. "Yer uncle's inside. Dinnae keep him waiting."

Fiona nodded at the old woman's words but she still could not help looking back at Daividh, whose tall frame was just disappearing around the corner. She took a deep breath, fixed a smile to her face, and opened the door.

Her uncle was sitting at a long table. He looked up as she entered and smiled, getting to his feet to greet her. "My dear Fiona!" He surveyed her up and down as he took her hand in his. "Ye're looking much refreshed."

He kissed her knuckles before gesturing for her to sit. "Have ye had some refreshment? I have asked the cook to bring ye some fish and bread."

Fiona's stomach chose that moment to gurgle, though they both politely ignored it.

"Yes thank 'e. That will be lovely."