Page 78 of The Highlander Steals a Virgin
Nina didn’t step in fully.
“I left ye some warm bread and a honey pot as well on a tray just by yer bed,” she said gently. “And a bit of salted oatcake. Thought ye might need something to steady ye after a night out with them fools.”
Amara didn’t look up. She couldn’t. She just nodded, water lapping against her collarbones.
Nina hesitated, then added, “Whatever’s weighin’ on ye, miss… the fire and water kens how to best get through it. Let it do the work, aye?”
Amara blinked. Her throat tightened.
Then Nina stepped back, the door closing behind her with a softclick.
Alone again, Amara watched the fire flicker, her heart aching.
When Amara finally climbed into bed, her hair still damp and skin flushed from the heat of the bath, she lay facing the wall, eyes wide open. Waiting. Listening.
Hopeful that Rhys would come to her chambers again.
Nothing.
No footsteps. No door creak. No knock. Two nights in a row, nothing.
Still, she waited. Just in case.
Sleep claimed her sometime in the middle of her watching the fire fade. And when morning came, it was Nina’s voice, gentle and lilting, that roused her.
“Lady Amara?”
She blinked groggily, rolling over.
The fire had been rekindled. Sunlight filtered in through the narrow windows, warming the stone floor. A soft green day gown had been laid out across the bed. The scent of chamomile filled the room once again — a tray waiting near the hearth.
Amara rubbed her eyes. “What time is it?”
“Midmornin’,” Nina said with a smile. “The laird said to let ye rest, but wanted ye ready by noon. He’s asked for ye to meet him in the courtyard, if ye’re willin’.”
Midmornin’? I guess the whisky and ale hit me harder than I thought…
“I’m willin’,” Amara murmured, sitting up.
“Aye, I thought ye might be.” Nina winked and turned toward the tray. “Now eat up. He’s had Cook prepare it himself. At least that’s what I was told.”
Amara’s stomach rumbled loudly, and Nina laughed.
“I’ll give ye some privacy.”
Once alone, Amara stretched and swung her legs out from beneath the coverlet. Her eyes fell to the tray.
Warm bannocks, soft cheese, honeyed pears, and a pot of tea. She smiled to herself as she poured a cup, already knowing what the note would say before she picked it up.
Thinkin’ of ye. See you soon. – R
She pressed the folded paper to her lips.
A knock at the door startled her.
Nina peeked her head in again. “Ye’ve another visitor.”
“Another?”
