“Is that so?” Elena said with a spark in her eyes. She had spent so much of her time hating Gabriel that she found each thing she discovered fresh and new.
“The Laird is a very complicated man,” Emily said. “But mark my words, he is very loyal.”
“I ken,” Elena said, rubbing the pendant in her hand. She feared if she set it down she’d lose it again. Emily nodded as she finished tidying the room.
“Would ye like me to stay?” Emily asked. Elena watched her fold her hands in front of her and smile.
“Nay, ye may go, thank ye, Emily.”
“Get some rest, M’Lady,” she said as she turned on her heels and left Elena alone in the room.
Elena stared at the fireplace watching the light shift and dance as the fire consumed the logs. She exhaled and looked about the room. Each item now seemed to hold more fascination for her than any book. It was like a game to her now, to find all the hidden things about the room.
Her heart skipped and jumped at each new discovery. From the flower candlestick that reminded her of the ones growing outside to the intricate designs carved at the bottom of the dresser and changing curtain. There wasn’t a single thing in the room that didn’t have a bit of flair to it. The details that Gabriel took with her room melted her heart. It was as if all the memories she had blocked out from her past came crashing down around her. It was at that moment she understood why he wanted her to wait.
“I daenae deserve a man like him,” she mumbled as she nibbled on the food and circled the room once again.
The fire burned down to nothing but embers by the time Elena slipped into her bed. She stared at the ceiling for a moment, feeling as if she were resting in a cocoon. With all her troubles out of her mind, she allowed sleep to take her.
“Gabriel,” she mumbled. He reached for her and pulled her to him. His body was warm to the touch as he pressed her closer to him. Elena’s fingers traced over his chest as her body ached to have him. Gabriel leaned down and kissed her. Her mouth molded to his as his tongue slipped ever so delicately past her parted lips.
Elena’s arms curled around his body like vices, refusing to let him go for even a second. Her leg slipped around his. Gabriel’s hand reached down and brought her leg to his hips. Her body yearned for him as if he were the reason for her very existence. His lips grazed down the length of her neck. Before she knew it, he hoisted her up into his arms.
The bed was covered in white flower petals and the sweet, delicate aroma of the flowers around them filled her nose. With her heart fluttering, she let out a soft moan in his ear. Instantly, Gabriel’s body quivered above her. Hunger filled him. Ripping the bodice from her body, he buried his head between her breasts as his hand slipped between her thighs.
“Tell me ye want me,” he growled. “I need to hear ye say the words.”
“Aye, I want ye. Please, I want ye more than I can stand,” she pleaded as her back arched. Gabriel slid down until his body was nestled between her open legs. Looking down, she caught him flashing a devilish smile at her that sent her heart skipping like a stone across glassy waters.
Throwing her head back, she sucked in quick shallows breaths. Every moment stretched on for an eternity. Her body filled with a passion she had never experienced before. As Gabriel’s head lowered to the place between her legs, Elena’s eyes popped open. Darkness surrounded her. Not even the embers of the fireplace lit the room well enough for her to see.
“Gabriel?” She shot up, worry and concern flooded her as she rubbed her eyes expecting to see him there. Desperation and desire replaced the passion and lust that swelled within her. The room was empty, cold, and still.
Throwing herself back into the pillows, she ran her hands through her hair. Beads of sweat lined her forehead as she panted. The dream was too much for her to bear. She wanted more than anything for it to be real. For Gabriel to be in her room. She looked to the door as she noticed a shadow drifting by.
A light rapping echoed throughout the room shattering the silence. Her heart jumped into her throat. She watched as the door cracked open just a little.
“Everythin’ alright, M’Lady?” Emily’s voice was but a whisper but it sounded like thunder to Elena. The hope of having Gabriel come to her vanished in that instant.
“Everythin’ is fine,” Elena answered.
“I heard noises and come to check on ye,” Emily said. The door moaned as it opened just wide enough to allow Emily to pop her head.
“Aye, all is well. Just dreaming.” Elena sighed. “Just dreamin’.”
“Would ye like some milk to steady yer mind? Or more logs for yer fire?”
“Nay,” Elena said as she pursed her lips into a tight line. “Thank ye.”
“I’ll see ye in the mornin’ then,” Emily said and closed the door. Elena’s chest tightened as she stared into the shadows of the ceiling.
Should I go to him? He told me nae tonight, but I need him so very badly. For only he can give me what I am craving.
Elena shot up out of her bed filled with a desperate need she couldn’t explain. Her fingers curled into the blanket ready to toss them off and paused.
Nay, I’ll nae go. He has respected me and waited, and so must I. But mark my words, Gabriel, when these passions are set aflame again, I’ll nae back away.
Chapter 16