The Scotch Series: The Complete Series (Scotch #1-3) - Penelope Sky Page 0,53

really did respect that woman. I didn’t initially, but she forced me to with that quick wit and superior intelligence.

Ariel pressed her lips tightly together, ending the conversation. She never apologized for her wrongdoings. She moved forward, her head held high. Not once since we’d been working together did I hear her admit to being at fault for anything.

Her silence was enough. “Thank you.”

“So, you’re taking her, then?” she asked again. “That’s your final decision?”

“Yes.”

She pulled out her phone and made a few notes. “I’ll arrange for her gown and have Frans take care of her hair and makeup. She is a pretty girl—but we’ve got to make those features show.”

Back to business, like usual. “Her features already show. But now we’ll make them pop.”

I returned to Stirling Castle late that evening after I finished a meeting in downtown Glasgow. I’d been gone all day, and I wondered what London had been up to since I’d been away. She usually stayed in the bedroom most of the time, wanting to avoid the other men I employed. They were instructed not to touch her unless necessary, but I understood her unease around them when I wasn’t near.

I greeted the men in the drawing room before I went upstairs to the royal chambers. I reeked of cigars and scotch, but I liked the smell from time to time. Brought back memories from a long time ago.

I walked inside and found her sitting in the living room, a book in her lap. Her hair was pulled over one shoulder, and her legs were crossed, looking elegant. She hadn’t heard the door, so I took the opportunity to stare at her in her natural state.

She licked her fingers before she turned the page, and I found even that arousing. “Hello, Lovely.”

Her head snapped and she looked over her shoulder, seeming embarrassed that I caught her off guard. “You were gone for a long time…” She closed the book and left it in her lap.

“Had a few meetings.” I sat in the chair beside her, my arm moving over the back of the couch and resting against her neck. She wore leggings and a t-shirt with her hair in a braid. Even in shapeless clothes, she was still beautiful.

She didn’t flinch at my proximity. She just accepted it—like she was supposed to. “You smell like a cigar.”

“I had a few.”

“Smoking is bad for you. Or do Scots not believe that?”

The corner of my mouth rose in a smile. “Didn’t realize you cared so much about my well-being.”

“I don’t.” She set the book aside, breaking eye contact with me. “Just hope you don’t smell like cigars all the time. Not my favorite scent.”

“Have you ever had one?”

“Can’t say I have.”

“There’s a first time for everything, right?”

“I’ll pass.” She rested her hands in her lap.

I stared at her lips and noticed the plumpness of her mouth. I had kissed her countless times, but I always wanted more. My hand moved to the back of her head, and I held her in place as I leaned in and kissed her. The second I touched her, I felt the electricity course through my veins. Even soft kisses, the tender and sensual kind, brought me to my knees. I wasn’t sure if it was her, me, or both of us together.

Her lips moved with mine slowly, slightly trembling at the touch. She took a deep breath, her chest rising against me. When she breathed into my mouth, I felt the heat of her embrace. I knew these kisses made her tremble just the way they made me tremble.

I pulled away then ran my fingers through her hair as I looked her in the eye. “I have a dinner to go to Saturday evening. I’d like you to accompany me.”

She opened her mouth to argue or ask questions, but she abruptly closed it again, knowing she didn’t have any say in the matter.

I actually pitied her. “You can speak freely.” My fingers continued to move through her soft hair, and I realized I missed her. I missed the smartass comments she used to make. I even missed the way she would insult me so easily. I missed the fiery, strong, and fierce woman I abducted months ago.

“What’s the catch?” she whispered.

“There is no catch. I want you to be yourself—sometimes.”

“How generous of you…” She stared at me coldly.

I leaned in and kissed her again, curious to see what she would do. Like I suspected, she kissed me back with the same