Seduced by the Laird (Conquered Brides Series Book 2) by Eliza Knight Page B

food to break your fast.”
    “His lairdship?” Kirstin asked.
    “Laird Buchanan. He serves Robert the Bruce.”
    “Whose castle is this?”
    “Eilean Donan?” The woman chuckled as servants filed into the chamber. “My where did ye come from, lass? The Bruce is holding the castle.”
    Kirstin tucked her knees up to her chest. “I am from Skye.”
    “A fairy, then.”
    That made her smile. As a child she’d often run through the fields of heather pretending to be a fairy. “My name is K—Kay.”
    “Well, Laird Buchanan says we are to see to your comfort. I’m Anne if ye need anything.” The maid put her hands on her hips and started ordering the servants about.
    “Thank ye.”
    “Ye’re a lady. I can tell by your speech.”
    ’Twas on the tip of her tongue to tell the servant she was a lady born who’d taken sanctuary in an abbey for the last six years, but she kept that part to herself. “Aye. I got lost. Your laird was kind enough to give me shelter for the night.”
    Anne nodded. “He’s a kind man.”
    The crew of servants finished setting up a bath and filled the table with what looked like a feast for a dozen men, not simply her.
    “Shall I help ye with your bath, Lady Kay?”
    Kirstin shook her head. “I can manage.” When Anne started to leave, Kirstin called out to her, “Can I have a cinnamon stick?”
    “Aye. I’ll bring ye some up.”
    As soon as she was alone, Kirstin stuffed a fruit tart into her mouth, crumbs spilling, she was so hungry. She gulped down a glass of goat’s milk, then shrugged out of her chemise, sinking into the warm depths of the bath.
    Dried lavender and rosemary floated on top of the water, their scent calming.
    Kirstin washed with the ball of soap and linen cloth, and when Anne returned with the cinnamon stick, Kirstin scrubbed her teeth, then stood from the tub, reaching for the thick linen left to dry herself. A fire in the hearth warmed the room so she didn’t freeze from the water on her skin. She climbed from the milk-soapy bath, feeling clean.
    But there was a problem. The only clothes she had were the dirty chemise and dark woolen gown—both were nowhere to be seen.
    Oh, no…
    Was this when the ‘nice’ Laid Buchanan would return, holding her hostage, naked? If he’d not used her body the night before, would he now?
    A knock sounded at the door, and she tossed the towel aside and sank quickly back into the tub, unsure of how else to hide herself so that her skin was no longer exposed.
    “My lady?” That voice, his, stroked over her skin in such a delicious way, she might have questioned whether or not she’d initiated what could have happened the night before.
    “I am not presentable. Do not enter,” she called.
    “I will not look. I promise.”
    “Nay!”
    But he was opening the door. Backing into the room. Facing away from her. Not looking.
    She narrowed her eyes, waiting for him to turn around. To grab her out of the tub and—
    Why did that thought send a shiver over her skin? Wanton, wicked woman!
    He carried something that he laid down on the bed. Kirstin’s eyes widened when she realized what it was. A new chemise. A new gown.
    “The other ones looked as though they’d seen better days. Our tailor was able to discern your size and had these taken in for ye. I’ll leave ye to your bath.”
    “Wait!” She sat straighter in the tub, then sunk quickly back in when she realized sitting up exposed the tops of her breasts. She had to know what exactly had happened between them. “Did we… Did I…”
    He chuckled softly, still facing away. “Nothing happened, lass. I’d not take advantage of ye. As I said, ye’re safe with me.”
    “Why are ye being so kind?” She was confused, and yet she felt drawn to him.
    “Because. I have a sister. If she were to wash up on shore, I’d want someone to do the same for her.”
    Kirstin smiled, feeling suddenly warm. And safe. Safer than she’d felt in years. “Thank ye. I dinna know how I