Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

A s Niall bid his farewell and left Mae's room, promising to return, she closed the door behind him and leaned against it, her heart pounding in her chest. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and a contented smile graced her face. She'd enjoyed every minute of that encounter and hoped they could make a nightly routine of it.

She could still feel the lingering touch of his lips against hers, the warmth of his embrace enveloping her in affection. The butterflies in her stomach fluttered with an intensity she had never experienced before with any other man. Niall was special, intoxicating and she wanted to get lost in his touch.

Her fingertips grazed her lips, still tingling from their fervent kisses. The memory of his fingers in her hair, skimming down her back, and touching her cheek, sent shivers of pleasure down her spine, igniting a fire within her that refused to be extinguished. Mae found herself craving the strength of his arms around her, and the warmth of his gaze upon her.

Mae straightened herself and stepped away from the door. She couldn't deny the depth of her feelings for Niall. Her heart had been claimed and was now owned by a handsome Scottish Highlander. Never in a million years would she have imagined that to be possible. As she climbed into bed, her thoughts still on Niall, she blew out the candle and fell asleep, dreaming of the man who'd stolen her heart.

The next morning, Mae woke with smile on her lips. Her dreams had been almost erotic in nature, and she couldn't wait to see Niall again, however, when she got to the dining hall, she was disappointed to see Brian was there with him. Her shoulders sank, as she gazed at him with longing. She filled her plate and sank down at another table across the room where she could still see him. Every time he looked up, they shared a secret smile that filled her heart with love.

She decided she needed to take action and looked around the dining hall for someone who could help. Her gaze landed on Sally and waved to get her attention. Sally waved back and came over to join her.

"Miss Mae, you're looking spritely this mornin'," she said with a smile. "Did you have a need of me?"

"I have a favor to ask, Sally, and I'm hoping you can do it," Mae said in a hushed tone.

"Whatever it tis, Miss Mae, I'll be happy to help."

"Can you bring me paper and ink? I want to write a note for Niall, and then I'm hoping you'll deliver it for me? Discreetly, of course, I don't want that Campbell man to notice it."

A broad smile lit across her face. "I knew it. I knew you and Niall were getting cozy. Of course, I will help. Willnae take me a jot to get what you need." With that Sally rushed off.

Mae fidgeted with her food, eating a few bites as she waited for Sally to return. A wave of relief passed over her when she saw Sally returning with a piece of parchment, a quill and bottle of ink. "Thanks, Sally, you're a gem. I'll have this ready in a moment."

"I'll finish clearing the dishes an' be right back," she replied, wandering off.

Mae thought for a moment and then decided to keep the note short and sweet.

N~ meet me in the same place as last night. I'll wait for you. ~ M

She wanted to put a heart on it, but then if anyone happened to get a hold of the message it would look more like an assignation, which of course it was, but she didn't want anyone else to know that. She waited until the ink dried and then folded the parchment until it fit in the palm of her hand. Looking up, she caught Sally's gaze and gave her a nod to let her know she was ready.

"Are you finished writing down the recipe, Miss Mae?" she asked, coming over to her.

"Reci—oh, yes. I put it in my pocket. Thank you, Sally." Mae's gaze went to the people walking by her table and realized Sally was trying to distract them for what Mae had really been up to.

"I'll jest return these to the study then." She reached for the ink, quill, and left over parchment, but as she did so, Mae slipped the folded paper into her hand. "I'll get this to him in a moment, let me take care of this first," she whispered under her breath.

"Thank you for their use, I appreciate it."

"My pleasure, Miss." Sally scurried away.

A few minutes later, she returned and headed over to Niall's table. She was careful to stay on his side of the table away from Brian. Mae couldn't make out what she was saying but after a moment, she was lifting the plates and walking away with them. Mae's gaze went from Sally to Niall, and she saw the flash of folded parchment as he slipped the note into the pouch that hung from his kilt. He hadn't read it, and she knew he wouldn't until he was well away from Brian.

As Brian was distracted by a passing woman, Niall slid his gaze to her and he smiled, giving her a wink. It told her that he knew the message was from her. She grinned back and feeling light in her step, picked up her dishes and headed for the kitchen. She couldn't wait to see him later.

That night and every night after for the next couple of weeks, , Niall's evening knock upon her door caused her heart to quicken with anticipation. She couldn't help the sheer joy she felt every time she opened that door to allow him in.

"You never fail to make my heart race, love," Niall confessed, his eyes sparkling with desire and admiration as he pulled her into his arms.

Mae's cheeks flushed, her breath catching in her throat as she allowed herself to be swept away by the powerful magnetism that drew them together.

With each passing night, their encounters grew more intimate, more honest, and more laden with unspoken desire. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, punctuated by stolen glances and lingering touches and passionate kisses that left them both breathless and wanting more.

The sexual tension between them became a palpable presence, filling the room with an intoxicating energy. Their gazes lingered a little longer, their touches grew bolder, and their kisses more passionate as their stolen moments turned to hours. Yet they never went beyond that, much to Mae's frustration. She wanted him and she knew he wanted her just as much. She wasn't sure what they were waiting for, but she knew when they did finally take that step it would be magical.

Mae wandered the herb garden, collecting the various things Mira had tasked her with gathering for the day's meals. Her mind wasn't on her task though, it was on Niall and the intimate evening they'd spent the night before. When she closed her eyes, she could feel his hands on her, taste his kisses on her lips once more. Her cheeks heated at the thought of them taking things a step further.

Breathing hard, she shook her head and returned to her task. A few minutes later, as she reached for another herb, a dark shadow fell across the basket, disrupting her tranquility. Expecting to find Niall's familiar figure, Mae looked up, only to be met with the unwelcome sight of Brian looming over her, a lecherous grin upon his face. A wave of annoyance washed over her, turning her expression into a scowl.

She was filled with disgust as Brian's eyes shamelessly darted to the swell of her breasts in the Scottish attire she wore. Mae's heart raced with anger and indignation, and she swiftly rose to her feet, refusing to allow herself to be objectified in such a manner.

Turning on her heels, ready to retreat to the kitchens, Mae was met with an obstacle she hadn't anticipated. Brian had moved to block her escape, his demeanor oozing with arrogance. A surge of frustration coursed through her veins, but she kept her composure, determined not to let him get the best of her.

With a steely resolve, Mae locked eyes with Brian, her voice firm and unwavering.

"Move aside, Brian," she demanded, her tone laced with an undeniable authority. Though her heart pounded with unease, she refused to let fear cloud her judgment or grant him the satisfaction of seeing her as vulnerable.

Brian's lips curled into a condescending smirk as he leaned closer, his breath reeking of whisky.

"Why the hurry, lass? Can't handle a wee bit of attention?" he taunted, his words dripping with what she was sure he thought was sex appeal.

Mae's jaw clenched, her fist tightening around the handle of the basket she carried, as she fought the urge to give in to her anger and lash out at him.

Drawing upon her inner strength, Mae met Brian's gaze with unwavering determination.

"I have no interest in your attention, Brian," she retorted, her voice carrying a steely resolve. "Step aside or suffer the consequences."

A flicker of surprise flashed across Brian's face, momentarily breaking through his cocksure facade. He took a step back, catching her fiery gaze'. She stared daggers at him, wishing him dead.

Brian's eyes narrowed with suspicion as he confronted Mae. "Why donnae you visit me anymore, Mae?" Brian's voice dripped with the frustration of a thwarted playboy. His question was laced with a desperate need for validation, a confirmation that he still held some power over her.

The idea that he'd ever thought he held power over her was laughable though. Mae's icy gaze met his, her voice laced with the underlying disdain she felt toward him. "I have never visited you , Brian. It was always Niall." Her words cut through the tension, leaving no room for doubt.

As she attempted to step past him, Brian's towering figure loomed once more, blocking her path. His face contorted with anger, his voice growing sharper. "You cannae just dismiss me like that, lass. I am a Campbell, and I willnae be ignored!"

A fiery surge of anger coursed through Mae's veins, her patience wearing thin. She squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "Let me make this as clear as possible. I can and will dismiss you, Brian. I have no interest in you, nor will I ever. Step aside and leave me the hell alone."

Brian's eyes were full of his wounded pride. His voice trembled with a hint of desperation. "You're making a mistake, Mae. I am a Campbell, that buffoon you fancy is nothing but the dregs of society. You are acting very inhospitably toward me and I donnae care for it. Continue and I may just have to take my displeasure of the Donalds treatment of me to the Laird."

Mae's temper flared, her voice sharp and cutting. "You are under the mistaken assumption that I am a Donald. I'm not. I'm a Welles and a guest here, same as you. I don't have to be hospitable toward you, you ungracious disgusting pig. So leave me the fuck alone." Seething, she gave him a final glare and stomped past him, leaving him gapping in shock at her words.