Page 79 of Laird of Flint
“Aye. Like I’m floatin’ on a cloud.”
“Where else would an angel dwell?”
“Awww.” She sounded pleased.
That pleased him. But flirting with her was a mistake, considering how easily aroused he was.
“Ye, sir, have a smooth tongue,” she said.
All the better to lick your delicious skin.
That was what he thought. But Carenza was an innocent. Not some randy wench to be wooed with nasty innuendos. So what he said was, “You inspire me, my lady.”
She giggled. It was an adorable sound. The opium must be relaxing her.
“I feel so…so happy.”
He couldn’t help but smile at that. “What makes you happy?”
“My animals,” she said on a sigh. “My animals make me happy.”
Animals, as in more than just Hamish? How many did she have?
Before he could ask her, she began listing them, poking up a finger for each one. “I have Hamish the coo. But ye already know him. I feed a squirrel named Scarlet who comes to the courtyard. I’ve just set Pokerounce and Blancmange free to sleep for the winter. They’re hedgepigs. I give table scraps to Troye, my favorite hound. In the courtyard, there’s a crow who likes to bring me gifts. And a friendly fox comes round now and then if I’ve got a bit o’ meat.” She paused to emit a luxurious yawn. Then she stopped counting and continued in a drowsy voice. “O’ course, I’m fond o’ the new wee lambs…an’ piglets…an’ calves. I haven’t named them all. I used t’ have a spider called Tidy who kep’ my window free o’ bugs. An’ Twinkle the rat comes to m’ chamber ev’ry night for a wee bite.”
He raised a brow. “You have a rat in your chamber?”
“Mm-hmm.” Then she gasped and lifted her head to look at him with wide eyes. “Och! Don’t tell my Da. He’ll be so upset.”
Hew thought the laird would be far more upset over his daughter reiving cattle than feeding rats. But he didn’t tell her that.
“I won’t breathe a word.”
“Y’re a good man.” Her eyes turned all soft and dreamy. “I’m so glad y’re here.”
“I’m glad I’m here too.”
Mostly because someone had to keep her from leaving the room in her condition.
The opium had definitely taken control of her. Opening her mind. Softening her heart. Relaxing her tongue.
“Y’re very handsome,” she said.
His lips twitched with amusement. “Thank you.”
“An’ strong.”
He nodded, not knowing how to respond.
“Good-hearted. An’ generous. An’ full o’ honor.”
“You’re too kind.”
“Bold an’ brave.” She pondered hard. “An’ handsome. Did I say handsome?”
“I believe you did.”
“Veryhandsome.” She caught her lip under her teeth. “I like your hair. An’ your eyes. An’ the way ye smile.” Then she waved him forward with a flutter of her fingers. “Come ’ere. I have somethin’ to tell ye.”
