Page 82 of Enchantment of a Highlander

He led her up a private side stairwell leading to a single door—the door to his room.

He pushed it open and revealed a massive stone room with a large bed she could not draw her eyes from. She stepped inside and the door clicked closed behind her.

The air hung thick with moist heat and the scent of a masculine spice.

The warmth of Alec’s body behind her pressed through the soft cloth of her gown. They were far enough away from the kitchen to no longer hear the clatter of dishes or hurried calls of the servants. His slow, steady breath sounded quietly in her left ear and the fire popped and snapped in the silence.

“I hope ye dinna mind.” He nuzzled her neck. The heat of the room grew more intense.

Thunder cracked somewhere outside, and that was when she saw the large bathtub in front of the fireplace. The sheets lining it draped over the sides like the petals of a flower and steam curled from its glass-smooth surface, promising exquisite luxury.

He hugged her from behind. “I want ye, Celia.”

Evidence of his statement pressed against her, nestled at the curve of her buttocks. She arched back against him with a hungry instinct. He groaned, a low, desperate sound that snared her desire.

“You expect me to bathe in front of you?” Her voice was husky when she spoke.

He nudged his face into her hair and his chest swelled against her back when he breathed in her scent. “I expect to bathe together, Celia.”

Together.

Her mouth went dry.

Like they’d done at the lake, but instead of a cool caress, they would have sensual warmth cradling their coupling.

“I dinna plan to take no for an answer.” His fingertips skimmed over her hardened nipples, once, twice, three times. Her body strained of its own volition toward his touch, eager for more.

“We should hurry before the water cools.” He shifted behind her and the heavy thud of his boots sounded against the floor. He strode toward the bath with his back facing her and pulled off his leine. “Ye coming?” The white linen fell to the floor.

He rotated midstep so he walked backward, his chest facing her.

Celia’s throat went tight with longing. The firelight caressed his muscular torso, exaggerating the already impossibly hard lines. He grasped his belt and slipped it free. The kilt around his waist spiraled off, revealing his solid thighs and the source of his arousal.

He stood without shame, his body strong in the muted light. She couldn’t move, not when he was so beautiful, not when her gaze settled on the proud display of hardened flesh. Every part of the man flexed with raw power.

He stepped into the bath and set the water rippling around his knees. Small waves lapped against the sheet covered sides. Glittering eyes fixed on her, he sank into the water and leaned against the sloping back of the tub.

“It feels verra nice.” He stretched his arms out across the ledge and settled deeper back. The muscles of his arms glistened with a sheen of water and bathing oil. “It could feel nicer still.”

Any lingering hesitation evaporated like the spiral of steam curling over Alec.

Her fingers trembled as she unlaced the front of her gown. This was not like the time at the lake when she’d wanted to sate a desire. This was not like last night when her fear of losing him had overwhelmed her.

No, this was different, because now she knew she cared.

She slipped off the bodice, the skirt, and, finally, the chemise. Alec’s jaw hardened.

She stared at his half naked body rising from water so still it reflected his glorious physique.

Now she cared too much.

“Get in the water,” he said, a command more than an invitation.

And so she took her time obeying.

She walked slowly, purposefully, reveling in a flash of power all woman must feel when they understand the draw of desire.

Alec watched her with intently focused eyes, his chest rising and falling and sending ripples through the water.