He grinned again but didn’t argue. Jane succeeded in tying the laces and made a move to head out.
“That’s done all wrong, my lady. And I reckon it’d raise eyebrows if anyone sees ye on yer way out.”
Jane cocked her neck to see, and he was right. She sighed as she realized she'd have to untie everything and tie it again. Darach immediately approached her.
“‘Tis high time ye accept my help.”
“That’s very considerate, but nae—” She broke off as she became aware of him stepping up to her. Her eyes narrowed, and she hugged her arms tighter around herself. “Nay!”
“Ye dinnae make the rules here, lass. I do. It would be in yer best interest tae remember that. I wouldnae risk a loss of advantage that rumors of losing yer virtue can give me in my bargain with yer faither.”
She swallowed, suddenly very overwhelmed by the sheer size of him so close to her. She felt heat spread through all her body as he reached toward her and turned her around.
“Jane,” he said softly as he touched her shoulder. “Have ye always been scared of spiders?”
“Aye,” she trembled underneath his touch. She felt warmth flushing to the roots of her hair, but it wasn't just embarrassment—it was the tenderness of his touch. “They are dreadful, hairy creatures and a symbol of trouble.”
She gasped silently, afraid that she’d lose all her breath as he leaned his head down, and she could feel his hot breath on her shoulder while he tied her laces.
“Nay, a spider is a symbol of hope and perseverance. They’re little things that will survive even if the world dies. Ye’ll find them in cracks and crevices, still finding reasons tae live.”
The mix of his soft voice and accidental touches was an unsettling sensation. A sweet flame burned throughout her, quick and fast with no relief. Her body hummed with delight, and she felt like her skin was too tight, begging for his touch.
“When ye stepped in here, I couldnae speak because I was astounded. Yer golden locks and fairness… ye remind me of a sunray in the morn. Ye remind me of the hope that a new day brings.”
His words filled her with longing. It was a new sensation that completely erased the rest of the world from her mind—his words and touch were the sole survivors.
“My lady, yer laces are tied.”
A sudden emptiness besieged her at the loss of his touch. She turned around to look at him. His dark eyes blazed with fire. He promptly turned away from her and started toward the door.
“Darach?” she called out softly before she could stop herself.
He turned back to her, and suddenly, all the words dried up on her tongue. She didn’t know how to address the pull she had to the man sheshouldfear.
“Thank ye.”
“A pleasure tae serve ye, my lady. And if ye need a really interesting read, ye’re free tae pick from that side.”
Jane’s eyes followed where he pointed. “I will. My sincerest thanks tae ye.”
He smiled and gave a short nod, then turned on his heel and left the room, slamming the door with a bang. Jane flopped into the chair behind her and sighed.
That had not gone the way she had intended. She was supposed to be far from the Robertson keep by now. And instead, the laird who’d abducted her was helping her with her dress in the privacy of a library.
Nothing had gone according to plan, and she suspected nothing would, not when it involved Darach Robertson.
CHAPTERTWELVE
His mind was still ringing with her image. Her scent still filled his nostrils. He could still feel her lush curves close to his body whilehe helped her with her dress.
It didn't matter if he closed or opened his eyes; he couldn't get rid of the memory of her warm skin beneath his touch. Even after he awoke and sought a cold bath to relieve the discomfort, read through battle plans in his study, and completed the keep's provision accounts, he was still hard and aching for her.
The woman had haunted him all through the night. “Bampot,” he muttered at himself as he abandoned the study and made his way toward the cellar.
Longing after a woman was causing him to sulk, and he was anything but a sulker. It was best that he be rid of her as soon as he could and, in the intervening period, create some distance from her. A good coupling was what he needed. He’d spent a long time without a woman. He had taken no one since the death of his wife.
Aye, that must be the issue.