He nodded slowly as he stared at her.
“Have faith that everything is going to be fine. Trust that your guards will do the right thing and protect your son and protect me. But they do have a life of their own. You do realize that you have caused them to miss out on important events. Felix has not seen his family since you had him posted at my door. How many lives are you’re going to uproot because you’re scared?”
“How is it that ye’re so wise?” Jude asked as he brushed the back of his fingertips over her cheeks.
“I have my moments,” she said with a hint of a smile. Jude leaned down and paused inches from her lips. Their eyes met and, in that moment, Cleo realized there was more than just fear coursing through him. He loved her unconditionally and completely. She didn’t wait for him to kiss her. She stretched up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.
A low moan escaped his mouth. She found her body willing to consume him. Once again there was a hunger to his kiss that excited her.
Pulling away, Cleo glanced up at Jude. Dropping her hands from his face she drifted down to his trews and hunted for the fastener that would release his manhood. With each passing second, she found her body yearning for him. She craved his attention and wanted him to want her.
“I know you are stressed but there are ways to relieve that stress,” she said with a crooked little grin.
“Are ye sure you want to do this?” Jude asked. “After all, I’ve treated you so badly these past few weeks. Ye’ve barely looked at me twice.”
“Perhaps it is I who have been treating you poorly by ignoring you and not fully understanding why you gave such cruel orders.”
Cleopatra ran her fingers under the hem of Jude shirt. He shivered under her touch as her fingers drifted up his torso to his chest. Her heart quickened as she found herself undressing him. “Let me help you forget your troubles my love.”
20
“How do you feel?” Jude asked as Cleo snuggled into the nook of his arm.
Her body felt amazing to the touch. It was so soft and delicate. Ss she pressed up against him, he smiled. Jude couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have such an understanding woman in his life. Although she had every right to be angry with him, he was pleased to know her ire wouldn’t last forever. Cleo shifted from the nook of his arm to his chest and began running her fingertips over his bare skin.
“Wonderful,” she said. “Who would have thought there was a cure for irritation?”
“Are ye sayin’ every time ye get mad at me, I should take ye to this bed and have me way with ye?”
Cleo shrugged and let out a slight giggle. “It couldn’t hurt.”
Jude squeezed her tightly to him and pressed his lips to the top of her head. Her innocence never failed to amaze him.
“Do you suppose we could stay like this all day?” Cleo asked as she lifted herself up briefly to gaze at him. Batting her eyes, Jude knew she was trying to persuade him to stay. Yet there were pressing matters he had to deal with, and it pained him to have to say no.
“I’m afraid the night has slipped by us,” he said stroking his fingers through her hair. Jude looked toward the window to find the soft orange morning light was trickling in through the window. “There are things I must attend to.”
“I’m sure Hugh is thinking that I have kidnapped you,” Cleo said. “I haven’t seen you spend much time with him either. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a bit jealous. Perhaps you should squeeze some time in today for him? You have to know he too has been vying to get out of the castle.”
“He understands that I have things to do to keep this castle in order and the Clan secure. But perhaps ye’re right,” Jude said as he glanced down at her. “He might be thinkin’ I’ve spent all me free time with ye.”
“I don’t want to be the cause for the two of you not to get along,” Cleo said propping herself up onto her elbow.
“Rest easy, love, ye’re nae comin’ between us. If anythin’ ye’ve completed us,” Jude said.
“Is that why you asked me to marry you? For Hugh’s sake?” Cleo asked with a playful smile as she tilted her head.
“Of course, daenae ye ken?” Jude answered as he pulled the pillow out from under his head and smashed her with it.
Cleo’s laughter filled the room and Jude couldn’t help but laugh with her. The sun light trickled through the curtains and started pushing the dark shadows away. Jude sighed heavily as he turned his attention back to Cleo.
“I’m sorry, me love,” he said begrudgingly. “The day will soon get away from us and there is much for me to do.”
Cleo nodded as she lowered herself back into the pillows. “I know. You are the Laird after all. I’m sure that you will find plenty to keep yourself busy. I, on the other hand, will just have to wither away from boredom.”
“Is boredom what will take ye from me?” Jude asked with a chuckled. “What a pitiful way to go.”
“You could save my life and stay a bit longer,” she said as Jude slipped off the bed.
“When ye make it a matter of life and death, how am I to say nae?” he answered as she plopped back down on the bed and he showered her with kisses.
“Stop,” Cleo said as she gasped for air. Her face was bright red from laughing as he tickled her ribs to make her squirm.
“Then ye’re safe now?” he asked
