Katelyn remained calm. Though heat still showed in her cheeks and the tiniest bead of perspiration sat in the dip of her neck—and how he longed to lap at it—she appeared serene. He envied her composure. He throbbed with unspent tension and simmering fury. All had been so perfect until Gillean had interrupted.
She nodded and took Gillean’s arm. “I bid ye good night, Finn,” she said over her shoulder. Only he could have caught the flash of sorrow in her dazzling eyes. None knew her like he did.
“Good eve, Katelyn.” By some miracle, he managed to sound formal.
He eyed their progress up the stairs and slumped against the table when they were out of sight, both hands thrust into his hair. What had he done? Her fragrance—lavender and desire even cut through the herby air of the kitchen. Likely, he’d remember it forever. But soon enough Gillean would be the one enjoying it and where would that leave him? He had to push her out of his mind. He had nothing to offer—a distrusting broken man was no better than Laird Gillean. He slammed a fist into the wooden table. He had to conquer this need for her. What other choice did he have?
***
The woman slept silently as Tèile fluttered over her. She studied Katelyn’s relaxed features. Interesting, no need for dreams here. She already dreamed of Finn. Tèile scratched her head. Things had gone so very wrong. None of it was going according to plan and while they were clearly made for one another, too many outside influences had got in the way. Tèile was at a loss as to what to do. The sidhe council would be furious but as much as the council liked to think they knew everything, they never quite understood the workings of the human heart. So often, they went against their fate. It frustrated most faeries but she reckoned she had a better understanding than most. So much time in the mortal realm had taught her much, she thought with a huff.
She settled on the pillow next to Katelyn’s head. It was the first time she’d been able to rest with Katelyn. Normally the woman tossed and turned so much Tèile risked being hit or squashed. But Finn’s attentions had soothed her nightmares. Very interesting.
It was no good. She’d have to do something big. Something that would take some proper magic. She looked forward to dusting off her fingers but the risk was great. Fate could change yet again. Still, she was a green faery. Meddling was what she did. Soon she’d have this wrapped up and she could return and truly celebrate her success.
Her grin expanded when she considered how the council would react. They never really had faith in her matchmaking abilities. If she hadn’t been just a little bit naughty and played a few jokes on some of the council members, they never would have sent her here.
But she’d show them….
Chapter Seven
Stretching, Katelyn sucked in a breath and opened her eyes. She sat up abruptly when she noted the flickers of daylight seeping in through the shutters. Sweet Mary, she’d slept all night. She lifted the blankets and her chemise to study her legs. No bruises or scratches.
A hand to her lips, she felt their puffiness as she recalled the previous evening. All her dreams had been of Finn. The man had practically taken over her thoughts. Without a doubt her good night’s sleep had been down to him.
She sighed and climbed out of bed, padding across the cold wooden floor to the washbowl in front of the windows. Mae must have already been in. Clean garments and water awaited her. Katelyn flung open the shutters, pleased to note the day was fresh but clear skied. The clean scent of a new day and nature greeted her and she drew it in, chest rising with a deep inhale.
Washing quickly, she rubbed herself down with a cloth and wrapped the linen about herself. The dress Mae had placed out for her needed lacing at the back and it would be difficult to do herself. She shrugged. She’d manage though.
Linen clutched around her, she turned her attention to the open window. Several stories up, she had a good view of the surrounding countryside. Grey rocks sprouted from the ground like wild flowers and sheep mingled amongst them.
The men strode about the bailey below and she searched hard for Finn but saw no sign of his fair head and wide shoulders. Ach, she had so hoped to catch sight of him before running into him again. The previous evening had astounded her. Never before had she felt such a need for a man. Never longed for someone with a craving that made her ache all over. She needed more.
Not that she could have more. Finn was still in love with his wife and hadn’t he declared he would never fall for her? Why did she long for someone who likely only had a passing fancy for her body? Not to mention they’d nearly been caught by Laird Gillean. If he suspected anything, he never said so. Bute’s fate rested on her shoulders and she would do well to remember that. More was at stake than her overwhelming desire for Finn.