Enraptured by the Highlander

His thumb dropped under her jaw, “Ye could come with me.”

“I…” she trailed off.

“Ye dinnae have to decide now,” Caelan replied mercifully. “I ken it’s a lot to consider now, but try and find out about the tunnel’s existence and when you find it, find where it leads to.”

“You’re that confident about this tunnel,” she said.

“As much as I am that I am innocent of yer brother’s death,” Caelan nodded in surety, hoping she would act on his word.

“Then any plans or evidence about that tunnel should be in my father’s office,” Adelaine said. “My father has a lot of old records that he used to show my brother to teach him about the Earldom. I’d imagine that somewhere in there should be a plan detailing the estate.”

Caelan searched for any sign of hesitancy in her eyes but found none, he only saw steadiness. Smiling softly, he rested his hands on her hips and felt the curve under his hands. “Thank ye, Adelaine.”

“I don’t want you to pay for something you have not done,” she replied.

He moved to kiss her again, but she stopped him by resting a hand on his chest. “I know you want to kiss me again but…did I do it right? I wasn’t sure.” Her face, neck, and even the tips of her ears were flaming red. “And tell me honestly.”

He couldn’t resist teasing her, “Ye was fair, but ye may need a good deal of practice before ye get it just right.” He waggled his brows, “And ye can get that practice if ye want.”

She smiled and pressed her lips to his but then Caelan took over and claimed her mouth with a long kiss, deep and sensuous. Her tongue curled around his and she even suckled at his lips. His laugh rumbled in his chest.

“Nicely done, lass, I’m impressed,” he said against her lips. “Tell me what ye find in yer faither’s office, lass.”

Her cheeks were still red but lessening to pink, “I will.”

Caelan slipped his hands up her hips to the tiny dip of her waist but stopped from moving to cup her tempting behind. “I daenae want to let ye go, but I must.” Dropping a soft kiss to her cheek he whispered in her ear, “Come again.”

She slipped away from him and he mourned the loss of her body heat but he knew she had to go. Adelaine went to the stairwell and came back with her maid. He briefly met her eyes and she went pink. No words were exchanged between them there was no need for it. He was sure that everything she needed to know about him Adelaine had told her.

She managed to close the door and as the maid hung the key back on the hook after they had locked it. Adelaine reached through the bars and touched his arm. “Take care, Caelan.”

As her back disappeared through the stairwell’s threshold, he turned to look at his prison with new eyes. A fire for freedom began to burn in the pit of his gut. He began to taste fresh air, the ability to run, the feel of a sword’s handle in his palm and the freedom of a galloping horse under his thighs. The hunger grew and he prayed Adelaine would find the gateway to his freedom.

He had offered for her to come with him because he knew that her father would not take his daughter’s actions lightly. Plotting with a prisoner of war to escape was treachery and if the King got involved and did deem him the criminal the Earl thought he was, she would be committing treason. He would protect her in Scotland. His whole Clan would protect her, but she needed to come with him willingly. The second reason, one he knew she wasn’t ready to know yet was that he was falling in love with her and wanted her by his side.

“Will ye come with me lass?” he murmured. “If ye save my life, I will certainly save yers.

Chapter 13

Not knowing how much time she had until her father’s return, Adelaine decided to trust Caelan’s words and go search for those plans for the tunnel he was sure the estate had.

Sadly though, it was too late for her to start the search. The sun had gone down and her father’s office faced the east. The room would be pitch black and if she was to search that night, she would have to carry a lamp with her and that would possibly draw attention to herself. She would be asked why she was searching for her father’s room at such a late hour and what was she searching for. Those were questions she wanted to avoid so the search had to be slated for the next day. She hated it but there was no other way.

“You’re right, My Lady,” Martha said quietly as they hurried over the snow-dotted walkway. “He is handsome.”

Her heart fluttered as Caelan’s face flashed before her. “Thank you for helping me open that gate.” Adelaine had not told Martha exactly why she had wanted to speak to Caelan face-to-face, but her lady’s maid had not questioned it, and for that, Adelaine was grateful.

“Should I get supper for you, My Lady?” Martha asked as the entered the first room.

“Yes, thank you,” Adaline replied while making her way up to her quarters.

As she went to her room and Martha to the kitchens, she blushed anew at the memory of how sinfully good it had felt to be wrapped in Caelan’s arms. His chest was firm, and his arms solid. His hands, fitted over the curve of her hips, felt so right. Her arms had wrapped around his back, she had felt the flex of the muscle there. His shirt had covered her back so she had not felt the scars that she knew were there.

Another reason to help him escape. I don’t want him to face more torture.

She took off her coat and donned her thick nightgown and nightcap when her maid entered. “Martha, have you ever thought of what it would be like to go overseas?”

“Can’t say I have, My Lady,” Martha added as she set the tray on the table. “Nor have I traveled farther than Northumberland. Why?”