Scot to the Touch (The Hots for Scots #7) - Caroline Lee Page 0,43

to surrender to the—

Nay!

Nay, some things needed to be said first!

So, marshalling her strength, Katlyn pushed herself upright once more. “We’re here to catch Davina, are we no’?” she blurted.

He blinked, obviously surprised. But after a confused moment, he nodded. “Aye. She’s up to something, and I need to ken what. I—” He blew out a breath, hesitated, then lifted his chin and held her gaze. “I am no’ proud to admit that I took her virginity. ‘Tis clear she doesnae like me, but I’m keen to ken why she—”

“First of all, oh-great-lover-of-women, ye didnae take her virginity. She gave it— Och, nay.” Kat broke off, shaking her head. ‘Twas not Davina whose virginity was in question here. “Aye, she is up to something suspicious, but ye are no’ involved. She doesnae like ye, because ye are such a rake.”

He appeared so confused, and Katlyn knew it was time to swallow down her shame and tell the truth.

“I should’ve told ye from the beginning, Kiergan. I ken why she doesnae like ye. ‘Tis because ye are famous for being a lover, for bringing unimaginable pleasure to so many. She kenned, with ye being her only option here at Oliphant Castle, she could no’ marry ye, because ye’d never be true to her. At least…” she dropped her chin and mumbled, “ ’tis what she told me. I’m sorry I didnae tell ye when ye first asked.”

Though if she had, she wouldn’t have gotten to experience the fun of investigating the mystery with him.

His right hand dropped to her shoulder, and he began absentmindedly rubbing her upper left arm with his other. She didn’t think he was aware of the movement, but it was bringing her comfort and warmth as he frowned thoughtfully.

“I can be true,” he finally said. “ ’Tis why I suggested marriage after the night we shared. I confess I dinnae want to spend my days with a woman who hates me, but my nights…” He shook his head and switched his gaze to the opposite wall. “Och, love, I shouldnae even be speaking to ye about yer sister, and I’m sorry.”

“Nay, ‘tis me who owes ye apologies. More than I can count. I like being with ye, Kier. I like being yer friend, yer partner. ‘Tis why I didnae tell ye earlier.”

His lips tugged up on one side as he dropped his gaze to hers. “I love being yer friend, Kat.” His hand on her arm dropped to her waist and his thumb began to make small circles against her linen-covered skin, which made her shiver with longing. “I love being with ye. Which is why I have to ken why yer sister came to my room—”

“She didnae,” Katlyn blurted, before she could think better of it, and then closed her eyes on a wince so she didn’t have to see the hurt in his eyes. Best to just get it all said. “ ’Twas me. I’m the one who came to yer room that night, who climbed atop ye and forced ye to give me such pleasure.” His thumb had stilled its teasing touch, and her heart ached. “Davina had told me she didnae want aught to do with ye, but whispered of yer prowess, and I…”

“What, Katlyn?” he asked in a hoarse whisper when she trailed off.

Ashamed, she dropped her chin. “I didnae want to die a virgin.”

With her eyes closed, she couldn’t see his reaction to her declaration, but she felt him tense.

“Ye used me.”

It wasn’t a question, but she nodded. “Aye,” she whispered, admitting the truth to herself as well as to him. “I ken how people usually react to my curse, so when ye guessed ‘twas Davina who’d come to ye, I didnae correct ye.” God forgive her. “I’m so, so sorry.”

In the increasingly long silence, she was certain she could hear her own heartbeat. Could he? Why didn’t he say something?

Blessed Virgin, her shame was nearly overwhelming.

But then…

“Unimaginable pleasure,” he whispered.

Her chin jerked, and her eyes flashed open, although she was staring at his shoulder. “What?” she managed.

“Unimaginable pleasure. ‘Twas what ye said to me that night in my bed. I thought ‘twas Davina, so when ye used that phrase later, in the daylight, I assumed ‘twas just something ye two had shared.”

She swallowed. “Nay. ‘Twas me,” she whispered again.

He blew out a breath, and to her surprise, he released her shoulder, lowering touch until his fingers brushed against her hip. On the other side, his hand dragged up her side,