Page 61 of Kilted Abduction
“How did ye ken what he was about tae say?” she asked.
He shrugged. “Because me braither is predictable. A rake, yes. But a predictable one.”
“Huh,” Ciara said.
It was a plausible enough explanation, but something about it didn’t sit right with Ciara. It seemed to her like he knew what Kai was about to say before the words had even crossed his lips. And Kai had looked away awkwardly. She had always known there was something peculiar about the brothers, ever since she hadfirst met them but there had been so much happening that she had no longer dwelled on it.
Ciara shook it off, and turned to Magnus. “We need tae get ye out tae have some mindless fun.”
“I dinnae have time fer mindless fun.”
“Ye need tae make time fer it,” she said. “Yer whole life is rigid and structured. Me God, look at the way ye eat… it’s rigid and structured too. One bite of meat. Dip yer bread and eat that. Then eat yer vegetable. Over and over, ye eat yer food the exact same way like it’s how ye’ve been ordered tae eat it.”
A grin flickered across Magnus’ lips. “I never noticed.”
“How could ye nae have noticed. I saw it the first time I saw ye eat.”
“Ye need a new hobby if ye’re watchin’ me eat that closely.”
“There’s wasnae much else tae dae when I was yer prisoner.”
Magus chuckled. “Fair enough, I suppose.”
Magnus ran a hand over his face and let out a heavy breath then picked up his cup and took another drink. Ciara wanted to find a way through the seriousness that seemed to envelop him. Shewanted, more than anything, to make him laugh. To make him see the happier, lighter side of life.
And she silently vowed to herself that she was going to help him find it.
CHAPTER THIRTY
The castle was still and silent as Ciara slipped along the corridors. Morning had not yet dawned and the world beyond the castle walls was still dark. She moved swiftly down to Magnus’ bedchamber and opened the door. The flickering light from the torches on the walls in the corridor fell on the sleeping man, whose breath was soft and even. Ciara took a moment to gaze at him, admiring how handsome he was, but more so, enjoying the peaceful look on his face.
The corners of Magnus’ mouth were curled up, as if he was smiling, and Ciara wondered for a brief moment what he was dreaming about. She was so used to seeing him with his brow furrowed and jaw clenched that seeing his face unlined and free from worry was unexpected. He looked almost boyish. Sweet. Her pulse raced a little faster as she gazed at him and a pang of longing and desire echoed through her heart.
Doing her best to set that all aside, Ciara swallowed hard and stepped into his bedchamber. She wasn’t sure she should bedoing what she was about to do, but she had vowed to herself that she was going to teach Magnus how to smile and enjoy life more than he did. This seemed like a good time to start. She just hoped he’d be receptive to her idea.
Creeping to the side of his bed, she reached out and touched his arm, shaking him. “Magnus, wake up. Magnus?—”
Before she’d finished her sentence, Magnus jerked awake. His eyes flew open, and he produced a dagger from somewhere as he jumped up. The thin blanket that had been covering him fell away as he stood on the bed looking down the point of his blade at her. A sharp squeak burst from Ciara’s mouth and her cheeks burned so hot she thought her face might actually catch fire as she gaped at him.
“What in the bleedin’ hell are ye doin’?” he shouted.
Ciara knew she should tear her eyes away, but she felt physically unable to. Her body was not taking commands, and she was left to stare at the stark-naked man standing over her. Her face flushing furiously, she gestured to him.
“Ye—ye’re naked, Magnus.”
He looked down at himself and his eyes widened as if he only just realized he wasn’t wearing a stitch. Magnus took a stumbling step backward and fell off the bed, landing hard on his backside with a loud grunt. His dagger flew out of his hand, landing across the room with a ringing clatter and a string of curses erupted from his mouth. He grabbed the thin blanket he’dbeen sleeping beneath and wrapped it around his naked body and glared at her as he tried to regain some shred of his dignity. Ciara blushed furiously but couldn’t keep the smile off her face as the image of his body was seared into her mind.
“What in the bleedin’ hell are ye doin’ in here?” he shouted.
“I—I—why are ye naked?” she asked. “Dae ye always sleep without clothes?”
“Aye. I dae!”
“Why?”
“What does it matter? What are ye doin’ in here?”
A giggle passed her lips as she belatedly turned away, trying to banish the image of his strong, naked body from her mind. She was unsuccessful, which only made her blush even more.
