room, not caring how much noise he made as he walked to his chamber. He wanted to hit something, hard, make it hurt as much as he did.
The thought of never being able to be with Abigail wasn’t something he’d ever contemplated, not when she was here, in the flesh, only a corridor away…
He punched his door, the wood creaking, but little else. His hand was another matter. He looked down at it with little concern. Nor did the outburst of temper do anything to numb how he felt. He’d never survive with Abigail under his roof. Now, at this very moment, his body ached to be with her. To make her his once more and bring pleasure to them both.
Damn it. Damn it all to hell.
Chapter 23
She was living in a perpetual state of hell. From the moment she’d stepped into medieval Scotland, each tick of the clock hurt every fiber of her being. The following day made it even worse. Aedan’s gaze had followed her about, watching her, wanting her…
And today would take every strength she possessed not to crumble into a pile of lost hopes and dreams.
“Aline’s chamber is this way, miss.” A servant pointed to a room on the opposite side of the castle to Aedan’s quarters. Abby didn’t delve into the thought as to why she was housed in the room beside his and not his future wife.
She knocked and heard Aline beckon her to enter. The room was as spacious as hers, animal furs covered the bed and parts of the floor. Two chairs sat before the roaring fire, and although the room wasn’t warm, it wasn’t chilly like so many others.
“You wished to see me, Aline?” Abby shut the door, but didn’t venture any farther into the room. She didn’t want to be here in the first place. This woman was the sole reason why she’d never get what her heart wished for. Not that she could blame the woman entirely. Aedan had chosen her, had decided to move on and marry another. The thought brought tears to her eyes and she took a deep breath, less she start blubbering like a fool.
“Come and sit beside me, Abigail. I’m in need of your advice.”
“Of course.” Abby sat, folding her hands in her lap. Aline played with the long plait of hair that came over one shoulder. She smiled, and yet the gesture didn’t meet her eyes.
“I wish to discuss something with ye that is of a personal nature. In fact, there are a couple of things I wanted to know, if you’re willing to discuss them with me, of course.”
Abby swallowed, not sure if she should agree or not. “I’ll be as honest as I can. What is it you wish to know?”
“First, I’d like to know why you left Aedan after the battle. You were betrothed. Surely there was no reason to flee Scotland.”
Abby thought back to the story she and Gwen had come up with. All lies, and yet, they would suit their needs and explain why she was back within their fold. “After the fire, I was called back to the estate where I came from. A sick family member, who eventually passed, God rest her soul, needed me. I couldn’t refuse.”
“I see.” Aline sighed, the sound contrived. “But, I still don’t see why you would call off your betrothal with Aedan.”
“When apart, I realized we would not suit. I wrote to him and notified him that my feelings had changed. He was in agreement.” Abby watched as the words pleased Aline, and she mentally cursed the woman for the bitch she was. How Aedan could endure a lifetime with this woman was anyone’s guess. She doubted they’d last, but then, divorce wasn’t an option so… “What is the advice you wish help with?”
“As to that—” Aline giggled and Abby wanted to scratch her eyes out. “I’d like to know what your opinion is on pre-marital copulation? Aedan and I have known each other for a long time, and there are times when a mere kiss isn’t enough. I know by the feel of him he wishes to do more, when he clasps me hard against his body my own wants nothing more than to be as near to him as I possibly can be. Do you think I should offer him more before our marriage? Would that be too forward? Whoreish even?”
Abby stared at her a long moment, unable to form words. Aline smiled, the laughter in her eyes