Page 27 of Anice’s Bargain

He leaned close to her, the cedar scent of him spicy and delicious. He whispered in her ear, his voice so deep and sensual, it elicited delightful chills dancing over her skin.

“I know ye’re spying on me.”

* * *

James settledback in his seat, expecting Anice to protest about his accusation. At the very least, to continue to feign innocence. He had not, however, anticipated the carefree laugh.

Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were flushed with drink. “Is it so very obvious I’ve been following you?”

James considered the way she shadowed his every move, appearing at the exact location he happened to visit. He chuckled at her lack of discretion and nodded. “Aye, verra obvious.” He leaned in close once more, enjoying the tease of her delicate jasmine perfume, and lowered his voice. “Are ye spying on me?”

She laughed again and traced the rim of her goblet with one long, graceful finger. “My father told me to. He said if I did, you’d be sure to—” She tucked her lips together, as if physically stopping herself from saying more.

“I’d be sure to what?” James lifted his cup to his lips and drank with enjoyment of the finest wine he’d ever consumed in his life. His blood hummed with inhibition, and he was completely at ease, happy to be in the company of this incredibly beautiful woman.

She matched his posture and leaned closer; her blue eyes slanted with a coyness that made his groin tighten. “Do you not like me going everywhere you do?” she whispered in a breathy voice.

How she lured him, beckoned him with the sly glance, and the slow arcing of her finger over her goblet’s rim. He wanted that finger to trace as delicately down the length of his body, teasing him into arousal, their bodies naked, their hearts racing. He swallowed, unable to reply.

Her gaze shifted away, to her sisters who danced together near the musicians, leaping and clapping in their revelry. A wistful smile touched her lips.

“What if I told ye I do like it?” He was flirting, and he didn’t give a bloody damn. Wine and lust ran hot in his veins and left him bold.

“Do ye want to dance?” he asked. In truth, he hadn’t danced much in his life, but it looked to be easy enough.

“Aye, I do.” Anice pursed her lips. “But you are forewarned that I do not dance as well as Ella.”

He looked toward the cleared space where her sisters danced. Discerning which sister was Ella was impossible from his vantage point. Leila’s dark head made her easy to identify, but the other two young women wore their blonde hair in braids twisted around their heads, and white gowns. He certainly couldn’t identify one dancing better than the other.

“I dinna dance as well as her either,” he offered.

Anice grinned up at him. “I promise not to be disappointed.”

Together, they rose. Piquette remained under the table, happily gnawing on a large bone. Much as James liked the large dog, he certainly didn’t need him underfoot while dancing. It would be hard enough as it was with his limited skill.

In fact, it was impossible. He didn’t know any of the proper movements and continued to trip over himself for the better part of the first song. At least until Anice took his large, clumsy hand in her small one and carefully guided him through the steps. Her dress glittered like the night sky as they moved, and several times she put his hands to her narrow waist.

Whatever part of the dance that bit was, he liked it best. He wanted to remain thus, with his palms secure against the silky fabric, sensing the heat of her body.

But she pulled his touch away with a smile and spun around. “Do you see?” she asked with flushed joy. “It’s just like fighting. You learn the motions and you repeat them.”

Aye. Like fighting. That he knew. And then it all suddenly made sense. Instead of a parry, it was a leap. Instead of a jab, it was a step.

By the fifth song, he was dancing, truly dancing, like a bloody courtier. And he was having a jolly time of it. The night passed quickly with laughter and more wine until the music ceased.

“I believe the feast is over.” He spun Anice one final time. The hour could not be as late as it was, not when he still had so much unspent energy.

“It would certainly appear as much.” She came to a stop and gazed up at him. Her face glowed with happiness and her eyes were locked on his.

God, how he wanted this woman. To draw her against him, to let his hands skim over that lovely gown and taste those lips smiling so radiantly.

“Will you walk me to my room?” Anice asked. “Piquette seems to have abandoned me.”

Indeed, the large dog was no longer under the table with his large bone.

“As ye’ve been deprived of yer escort, I think I ought to ensure ye are seen safely to yer room.” He offered his arm to her.

“How chivalrous.” She slid her hand into the crook of his arm. “After all there could be marauders or reivers.”