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

to rest for the night. Ian took some furs and laid them by the fire. His men followed with their furs. He came to the horse to help Katherine dismount. Her legs were unsteady, and she nearly collapsed from the hard riding. He picked her up and carried her to the fire to lie beside him. He whispered in her ear, “It will be hard for me not to touch you tonight. But my men are too close by for comfort. We should be alone tomorrow night. My friend is the captain of the ship we will be sailing on and should have a cabin for us to use. Have you ever been on a ship?”

She shook her head. “I have always wanted to sail. I look forward to tomorrow.”

He kissed her cheek and tucked her into his arms. One more day and she would know him as a wife. No longer a girl, but a woman of seventeen. A little apprehensive of what would be expected of her the next night, she tossed and turned unable to sleep.

The next morning, they awoke early and started off toward the coast. By afternoon, Katherine was exhausted and happy to taste the salty air. They walked along the docks and came across a few rough looking men. The larger one of the bunch approached Ian and hugged him. He was missing his front teeth and had a long beard pulled together with a band. His clothes were disheveled, and his smell made her eyes water. He shook his head looking at Ian with admiration. “The infamous Cold-Heart. It’s been too long, my friend. I was shocked when I received your missive.” He smiled and then looked at Katherine. “Is this your woman?”

Ian smiled squeezing her hand. “Yes. She is mine. This is Miss Tolland. I was pleased you received my message. As you know, I trust few people.”

The man nodded. “I owe you my life. My ship is your ship. Come let’s load the horses and I will show you to your room. One of the townswomen cleaned it up for you and changed the stuffing on the mattress with clean linens. Your men can sleep below with my men. I will sleep in the storage room.”

Ian smiled, and they followed the captain onboard. The captain’s quarters were small but clean. Katherine was happy about that. Ian left her alone to change and told her they would eat in their room after the ship sailed. They should be in Edinburgh within a day or two depending on the winds.

Katherine eyed a bowl of water on the table in the corner. She took a towel and cleaned her face and neck. She dug through her satchel and decided on her green gown. After dressing, she tried to calm her nerves by lying down on the bed. Soon she felt the ship move and the rocking motion put her into a deep sleep.

“Katherine?” A warm whisper invaded her dream. She opened her eyes, startled, trying to get her bearings. A panicky feeling was quickly relieved when she realized that Ian was smiling down at her. “Are you well?”

Katherine sat up trying to adjust her eyes to the light. “Forgive me, I fell asleep.”

He leaned over and brushed a kiss on her forehead. “It all right, my love. I have checked on you a few times and let you sleep. It’s getting late and most of the crew have retired for the night. I wanted to make sure you ate something. Are you hungry?”

She nodded, and he went to the table and took some bread and cheese. Accepting it, she chewed on the hard crust and then accepted some ale from him. “The rocking of the boat had made my stomach a little queasy. This bread should help.” He joined her and ate some bread as well.

After eating, he stretched out on the bed and patted the space beside him. Suddenly, her nerves took over. They were alone and the look in his eyes gave away what was on his mind. Not knowing what to say or do, she wrung her hands. “Ian, is it possible to take care of some private needs and change?”

He came out of his stupor and sat up. “Of course. I will leave for a few minutes and be back soon. Most of the sailors use the head, but I will not allow you to. There is a chamber pot under the bed. One of the sailors will empty it in the morning.” He stood up and closed the door.

Katherine was a little embarrassed, but painfully aware that she needed to relieve herself. She quickly took care of her personal needs and changed into a clean shift. She did not bring a night rail and was unsuccessful in making her shift cover more of her body. Instead, she opted to crawl into bed and cover herself up with the blanket.

A few minutes later, she heard a knock and told him to enter. He ducked under the doorway towering over the small space in the room. “Are you cold?”

She shook her head. “Not too much. I didn’t have time to pack properly and forgot a night rail.”

A grin lifted the corner of his mouth as his eyes raked over her. “Not a problem. I will keep you warm.” Ian slid off his tunic and breeches, and Katherine looked away embarrassed at his nakedness.

He slid into the bed next to her. “Katherine, don’t be nervous. We will go slow, and if you want me to stop, I will.” Katherine clutched the blanket near her chin. Ian rubbed her arms and then gently took her hands, prying them away from the blanket.

“You’re beautiful, let me look at you.” Katherine stiffened and was unconsciously shifting her body away from him. Ian brushed a soft kiss on her lips while holding her hands, preventing her from covering herself. She allowed him to kiss her and open her mouth with his tongue. His kisses were intense