Page 48 of The Shadow Path
It was Duncan. She recognized the smell of metal and fire with an earthy undertone. He smelled of the forge and fresh soap.
Her back rested against his broad chest, and his arms wrapped around her. Their legs were tangled together, and Carys had the vague memory of changing into a nightgown by the fire and pulling him into bed beside her. She hadn’t wanted to be alone.
“Carys.”
“Shhh.” She kept her eyes closed. The bed was warm, and the covers over them were heavy. Resting in Duncan’s arms felt like being encased in a weighted blanket with the added benefit of smelling his soap.
“What kind of soap do you use?” she murmured.
“My soap?” There was a laugh in his voice.
“Aye.” She mimicked his accent. “Your soap.”
He pulled her closer and sighed. “Hmm. Mary makes it from goat milk, I think. She uses whatever kitchen herbs are in season. This batch was made in the summer. I think it has rosemary.”
“Can I get some?”
“Yes.” His teeth nipped her ear. “But you have to come to Murrayshall House.”
“That’s fair.” She turned a little and looked over her shoulder. “Did you sleep with me all night?”
His green eyes shone. “Aye, I did. I tried to leave, and you seemed put out. Pulled me right into bed and then fell asleep in minutes.”
“Well…” She snuggled back into his chest. “You’re very comfortable.”
“I’m glad you slept well.” He inched back. “You needed it.”
Carys wiggled closer.
Duncan scooted away.
She glanced over her shoulder. “What are you doing?”
Duncan raised an eyebrow. “Ah, lass, it’s morning and you’re not the only one who woke up.”
“Not the only…” Oh. As she cuddled closer, she felt what he was talking about. “Ah. I understand.”
“You don’t seem to be moving away.” Duncan didn’t move either.
“Neither are you.” Carys pressed her lips together and tried to contain her smile. As she’d expected, Duncan was as well-endowed as Lachlan, but his body had a mass and weight to it that made everything about him new and intriguing. His arms were different. His chest was more muscled.
She scooted back and wiggled a little.
“Hmm.” Duncan’s morning voice was a delightfully smooth rumble that made her ears purr. “Carys Morgan, you’ll be the death of me.”
She pulled his arms around her shoulders. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Duncan chuckled low in his throat. “Be a menace then.”
Her mind flashed back to the night before. “You were yelling at me.”
“You scared me witless. You disappeared from the banquet, and not even Cadell knew where you were. What the hell happened?”
“Let’s just say that I’m no longer in debt to the Crow Mother. She decided last night was the time I needed to pay up.”
“Hmm.” Duncan let out a low, unhappy grumble. “The power of that fae woman worries me.”
“Doesn’t matter anymore.” Carys closed her eyes and let out a sigh. “It’s done. Debt fulfilled. Bargain finished.”
