9
I finished my lonely dinner and retired for the evening. My footsteps were loud as I walked up the stairs and down the north wing hall to the glistening light that lay at the end of the passage. My heart beat furiously in my chest and I clasped my hands in front of me. I came to the doorway and stepped inside the bright light.
The room was lit only by the great fire within the hearth. My laird sat in his chair by the fire with his seat partially turned towards the door. His attire was fresh and clean, and the careworn look in his eyes was gone. He smiled at the doorway as though he expected my entrance.
“Good evening, my love,” he welcomed me. He leaned towards me and opened his arms. “Won’t you come inside?”
I fought against the urge to rush into the caresses his open arms p
