“She thinks you’re arrogant.”
“Pffffff.”
“Self-centreed.”
“Ridiculous.”
“Irrational.”
“That’s enough.”
“Insensitive.”
“I said that’s enough.”
“Pigheaded.”
“Calum!”
“Dim-witted.”
“Enough!”
Calum stopped speaking. That he wasn’t smiling added no comfort. Damn but the words made James feel like a heel. All he needed to do was present the lass, show how incompatible they were and he’d be done with it. Except, he had never once considered her on a level where she might have feelings. Even deeper than that, she might have formed false opinions about him. Thinking her a vile deceiver was easy. Considering her to be something much less was unnerving. If he allowed himself to go down that path, he would lose more than his self-respect.
When he arrived at Chattan Castle, the steward Andrews informed him Aileana was almost ready. As a distraction, James reviewed the itinerary with the man again to ensure he could contact her should the need arise. From here they would travel together in his carriage. The roads were dry this time of year and passable. One overnight stop was necessary at Perth and they would arrive at Linlithgow Palace late afternoon on the fifteenth. The length of their stay depended on King James and whatever it took to satisfy the man to break the contract.
The irony of the situation was not lost on him. A short time ago he was prepared for a decision like this; one where his king would determine his fate. Hell, he was willing to accept it without question for what he considered the greater good. Somehow that had all changed. There would be a decision. This one he may not be prepared to accept.
Then there was the issue of Fergus. Damned daft MacKay. What a fool he’d been to lend safe harbor to the man to have his hospitality thrown back in his face. He hoped this trip would bear some fruit, and the MacKay would be released. Although it appeared the odds were stacked against both of them now.
When Aileana opened the door to the front courtyard, his thoughts scattered. She looked wary yes, but there was an undercurrent of reproach in her demeanour, or was that his mind playing tricks with ideas Calum put there. Did she think him so foul?
“You’re early my lord. I trust there is nothing amiss to foil our travel plans? Or are you anxious to see the deed done?”
Anxious indeed. He’d misjudged what he saw. She wasn’t wary or reproachful. She was angry. He noted her raised chin and how her breasts thrust up as she marched past him. Her fury fueled his lust. The realization was intriguing. He wanted her. Right there and then he wanted to lift her skirts and bury himself deep within her.
This would be a long journey.
Desire’s familiar pull swept him as he guided her to the back of carriage. As she stepped up, he noticed how her girdle hugged her waist. His fingers itched to slip inside the belt and tug her backward toward him just to see how she would react.
“Nothing at all amiss,” he said. “I only wish to arrive at Perth before dusk.”
Aileana sat on one of the long benches just inside the carriage, but he’d yet to let go of her hand. He pulled her back towards him, bringing her inches from face. She blushed right down to the swell of her breasts, his view enhanced by her angle. Damn, but it made her perfect skin even more inviting to touch. Her eyes flashed fury, amusing him and setting his blood afire.
He released her and helped Gwen inside as the servants loaded their luggage.
He and Calum entered and took the opposite seats from the two women.
James watched Aileana smooth her hand over the cushioned, velvet seats. Reserved for special travel, the carriage was wide and covered with leather. The interior was roomy and comfortable with deep, thick seat cushions. A small woman could easily slumber on one. Watching her drink in each detail was intoxicating. James longed for her to worship his body in the same manner.
“My lords, are we collecting the king on our way?” Aileana asked.
Calum chuckled. “’Twas a gift from my father to my mother a few years back. She preferred the comfort of a carriage to a saddle and my father enjoyed lavishing extravagance, but only when it came to her. He commissioned the most comfortable one he could.”
“He sounds like a loving husband.” Aileana looked down at her hands in her lap.
How could one small comment tug at him?
“Aye, he was a loving husband. I know he would not object to another fine lady possessing it,” Calum said.
James turned toward his brother. What was he playing at?
“I do not ken your meaning, my lord. Are you offering to sell it to me?” Aileana asked.
Calum laughed. “Sell it? Of course not. James and I wish to give it to you. Don’t we, Brother?”