Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (most difficult books to read txt) 📕

men finished cooking and passed around skewers of meat. After eating her fill, she leaned back enjoying the warmth of Ian’s body. The warriors told stories and their jokes were becoming bawdier. Katherine eyed Dorian leading Deanna away from the men to a secluded area near a tree. She turned and watched Claudia giggling with a new man from Ian’s group. Katherine yawned, and Ian lifted her up from his lap. “Let’s go to the tent. The men are getting restless and want to speak more freely, some of their conversations may become improper.”

Katherine snorted. “If the jests I heard were not improper, I would hate to hear the ones that were.”

Ian smiled. “Hence, why we are taking our leave.” He gently pulled her in front of him protecting her while they walked to the tent. She entered the small structure covered with blankets and he lay beside her closing the flap—leaving them alone and away from prying eyes.

“You smell so good and feel so soft.” He breathed her in as he held her close to him. Leaning back, his gaze roamed over her face.

She stiffened feeling nervous at their closeness. His face was practically touching hers. The tension was strong and they both surrendered to the seduction. She felt his lips brush against hers. His kisses were slow and skillful. As he opened his mouth, they became more forceful and she could feel his need possessing her. He released her mouth moving his kisses to her neck, the sensation was intoxicating, and she liked it. His mouth moved down her throat giving her chills and causing a soft moan to escape her lips. His hands roamed to the neckline of her dress and he began to pull it down placing kisses on his descent. She gasped uncomfortably at the liberties he was taking and tried to pull away. “Stop.”

He stilled with a frustrated sigh and lifted his head. “Forgive me. I lost myself. I have never wanted a woman more than I want you right now.”

She straightened her dress and brought her knees up to her chest covering herself with a blanket. “No, please forgive me. I am just not ready for such affection. I should have stayed with my sister tonight and kept myself covered.” She reached for her bags and tried to crawl out of the tent.

Ian reached for her and pulled her back on top of his lap. Burying his face into her neck, he whispered, “Please don’t leave.”

Her eyes burned with tears. She was embarrassed and tried to wipe them away, but a sob escaped, no matter how hard she tried to keep it in. He rubbed under her eyes with the tip of his thumb. “Don’t cry. I just want to hold you.”

She leaned against him as they lay back down. He held her against his chest running his fingers through her long hair. Sniffing, she tried to calm her nerves. “You must think I am an exasperating young girl who knows nothing about the world.”

“On the contrary, I think you are quite extraordinary. And for the first time my life, I may be in danger of losing myself to a woman.”

The next morning, she woke alone. Ian was gathering his men and cleaning up the camp. She could hear Deanna speaking to Claudia outside of her tent. She peeked out as they laughed. “We were just getting ready to wake you. Let’s go wash up.”

The women left the camp and Claudia spoke incessantly about a man named Clyde from Ian’s group. After cleaning up, they ate a small breakfast and loaded their saddlebags. Katherine insisted on riding with her sister to Ian’s visible disappointment. She needed to speak to Deanna about her womanly duties and was frightened. No one had explained to her the actual act of mating.

Chapter 8

They did not stop for lunch only a short reprieve for their horses to rest. Ian tried to approach Katherine with mundane conversational topics, but she refused his advances and kept her eyes from meeting his. She stayed near her sister, making excuses not to walk with him when he asked her for a few moments of her time. Her sister held on to her arm tightly and the women kept to themselves. Ian was visibly frustrated and stormed off to his men barking orders and rearranging the saddlebags.

The group was on their way shortly afterward. Katherine rode in the back of the group with Claudia. The next few hours went by quickly until they finally came upon the castle surrounded by a quaint village bustling with activity. Dorian announced they were near his clan and sent messengers up ahead to announce their arrival. Ian’s group accepted Dorian’s offer of hospitality to stay over a night for rest before moving on to their home the next day.

As the group rode through the village, many of the villagers welcomed the men home. They stared at the women and Ian’s group with apprehension but offered to take their horses to the stable.

When they reached the keep, Dorian unmounted and hugged an older woman. “Aunt, may I introduce a few friends of mine, Deanna and Katherine. They will be staying with us a for a while. Please show them our hospitality.”

The woman smiled. “Of course.” She looked at the women with a warm smile. “I am happy to make your acquaintance.”

The women curtsied, and Deanna replied. “We are happy to make yours as well.”

Dorian’s aunt looked back to him. “Your sisters went to McKenzie’s wedding last night. They should be home shortly.” She motioned towards a couple of servants who eyed Katherine and Deanna with caution as one of them motioned for the women to follow them inside to a private chamber.

Upon entering the door, one of the women turned to them. “I will order a bath for both of you. You can rest, and we will have your bags brought up. If you need a fresh