A/N: Hello everyone. I'm back! I'm sorry for my absence, I took some time off from here for personal reasons. But now I'm back now and resuming working on the stories. I know you guys have been anxious to see what happens since last chapter and now you can find out. I hope you guys enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 29: Hot Bath

The celebrations had carried on throughout the night, causing Christine to stay up all night long. The music was loud enough to keep anyone up, but her mind was constantly thinking. And being in a tent alone, all she could do was think. Only once did someone come in and that was only of her guards to give her some food. He hadn't said anything to her, just set the food on the table and left the tent. She was happy for the food, but she still felt like a prisoner. I'm pretty much a prisoner. Over the hours, she felt herself getting tired. Eventually, she fell asleep on Erik's bed.

The sound of voices outside woke him from his slumber. Blinking his eyes, he lifted his head slightly to look around. Slowly, he sat up and groaned as he felt a headache come to him. Rubbing his eyes, he tried to wake up. Put his feet on the ground, he lifted himself up. Walking over to the flaps, he pushed one out and groaned as the sunlight hit his face. Muffling a curse, he waited until his eyes adjusted to the brightness.

"God, this sun." He groaned, feeling the aftermath of too much ale. He needed a nice bath…and food. His stomach started growling. Morning meal wasn't ready yet so he would have to wait until it was served. But the bath could be arranged. Seeing the tent in view, he noticed a few soldiers leaving the tent. Curious on why men were leaving his tent when he wasn't there, but a woman was. Walking over, he stopped the soldiers.

"The lass asked for a bath, sir. We just deliver the tub and water for her." One of the soldiers told him. Motioning his head, the soldiers knew that he wanted them gone. Watching them rush away, he sighed and opened the tent flap. Stepping into the tent, he saw the tub that Christine asked for…and Christine in the tub. Hearing movement, she turned to look to see who it was. Gasping when she saw him, her hands quickly went to cover herself.

"You should announce yourself before barging in!" She scolded him.

"This is my tent, lass. I don't need to announce myself." He walked over to his trunk to fetch a towel and fresh clothes.

"Yes you do, since you are sharing a tent with a woman." He was tempted to say something but decided not to. "Do you mind?" She asked, not wanting him to see her naked body.

"I've seen women naked before Christine."

"But not me."

"Almost I did." He reminded her. "And that chemise can get very transparent." He pointed to her chemise that was laying on the bed. "Move forward in the tub." He ordered her as he started removing the shirt. Before protesting, her eyes gazed on him as the fabric revealed his chest and stomach. She remembered those muscles against her. His hands went to remove his plaid, unbuckling the belt.

"W-What are you doing?" She asked.

"Taking a bath." He answered. "Might as well not waste the water." Her cheeks turned bright red as she realized what he was meaning; taking a bath with her.

"You can't."

"I can." He dropped the plaid. "And I will." She tried to force her eyes away, not to look at his naked form. Though her head wouldn't move, she closed her eyes instead. Her ears picked up the sound of the water and she felt his legs on either side of her. "Lean back and I'll wash you." He said. Her body refused to move, not wanting his touch. "Christine?"

"Did she…did you…?" She couldn't finish, but he knew what she was asking. Her head turned to look at him over her shoulder, needing to see his face.

"No she didn't." He spoke the truth. He had gone in her tent but he couldn't do it. He had apologized to Rhona and said he was too tried from the travelling. He had left her tent and spent the rest of the celebrations in another tent, alone. Christine could see the truth in his eyes; it made her relax…and trust him. Her arms fell from her chest and she found herself leaning back until she felt the hardness of his chest. She couldn't believe she was sharing a bath with a man, especially a man who the enemy. Hearing the water move, she turned to see his hand grab a cloth and soak it. "Relax, Christine." He whispered in her ear, making a shiver run down her body. How could she relax?

His touch was gentle and slow. He started with her back and shoulders, taking the cloth and slowly running it along her skin. His other hand stayed around her waist, his fingers along her stomach. Reaching behind, she moved her hair out of the way to let him wash her back. She didn't know if it was his gentle touch or the hot water or a combination of both, but she felt so relaxed. How could someone who can kill with his bare hands be so gentle? Sighing in content, she leaned more into him. She couldn't help the soft moan that escaped her lips as she felt his lips kiss the back of her neck. Tilting her head, it gave him better access to her neck. Closing her eyes, she completely slumped against him. His hand dropped the cloth as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Not feeling the cloth anymore, she lifted her head to look behind her at him. Tilting his head, he looked at her, his eyes staring into hers. Leaning in, his lips softly kissed hers. It reminded her of their first kiss years ago at the prison, how gently it was. As he kissed, he felt something tug on his heart. Something that he never felt before and it scared him. He wasn't the only one who felt it, she felt it as well. Breaking the kiss, he thought the feeling would stop but it didn't. He still felt that tug on his heart.

"Dè tha sibh a 'dèanamh dhomh? (What are you doing to me?)" He asked her. Her lips slightly parted as her hand reached up to caress his check just under his mask. He flinched slightly but relaxed into her palm. Smiling softly, she rested her head back on his chest. Her hand fell from his cheek to find his, laying over his fingers. Letting out a sigh, her eyes slowly closed as she felt the most relaxed she has ever been. With her in his arms, he felt at peace for once. He knew he should push her away, but the feeling of her in his arms, it felt so right. I'm in trouble…

So Erik didn't spend the night with Rhona

Reviews are welcome