‘Is it to your liking?’
She nodded, and he raised the rim to her lips again. Instead of tipping the cup, his fingers stopped upon her cheek. With the barest of touches, he caressed the line of her face.
In his eyes blazed the fires of lust. ‘It is also to my liking. I find that I’ve been longing for a taste of it all night.’ He dipped forward and stole a kiss before she could stop him.
Her skin warmed with embarrassment. ‘Riordan, I do not—’
‘Shh.’ He lowered the goblet and stepped closer until she could smell the wine upon his breath. He turned the cup until his lips touched the place where she had drunk. After he had finished, he tossed the goblet to the grass.
His hand snaked around her waist. Aileen tensed, putting her hands up to prevent him from coming too close. She berated herself for letting things go this far. Riordan had made no secret of his desires. It was her fault, letting him believe she wanted him to become her husband.
When he touched her, her skin felt clammy. She tried to push him away, but he kept her locked in the unwanted embrace. ‘Let yourself forget Eachan, Aileen. I’ll take away your grief this night. Let me lie with you.’
She shook her head, turning her cheek when he tried to kiss her again. ‘Riordan, this isn’t what I want.’
‘It’s been a long time for you, Aileen.’ His hand squeezed her bottom. ‘I can give you the children Eachan couldn’t.’
His arrogance fuelled her anger, and she jerked his hand away. ‘Do you believe me incapable of making my own decisions? I know what I want, and it isn’t you. Get away from me, Riordan.’
She could not read the expression in his eyes, but his drunken demeanour repulsed her. For the first time, she grew aware of his size. He could overpower her without the least bit of effort. But she refused to let him frighten her.
‘Let her go.’
Connor strode toward them, ignoring the folk who had turned their heads in interest. Public spectacle or not, he was well aware of Aileen’s discomfort.
‘I am fine,’ she said. Though she held her shoulders with confidence, she clenched her hands together. She looked as though she’d rather be anywhere else than here.
‘This is none of your affair, MacEgan.’ Riordan met his gaze with a challenge.
All this day, Connor had hoped for a way to release the caged energy within him. He wanted to fight someone, to prove that he had not lost any of his abilities.
‘She told you no, and you did not release her. I believe it is my affair, when a man seeks to force a woman.’
‘I would never force Aileen.’ Riordan’s fists doubled up and he circled Connor, searching for a weak point. ‘But aren’t you the one who forced Ó Banníon’s daughter? Quick to accuse, aren’t you?’ He swung at Connor, but Connor sidestepped and the fist met with air.
Riordan threw another punch, and Connor blocked it with his forearm. ‘You’ve had quite a bit of wine this eve, haven’t you, Riordan? It seems to be affecting your aim.’
‘It hasn’t affected mine.’ A feminine fist jabbed him in the shoulder. ‘I did not heal your hands, just to have you break your fingers once again.’
‘He dishonoured you. And I find that I’m wanting to break a few of his fingers.’
Riordan lurched forward, but Connor’s elbow connected with his face. A sickening crunch resounded and a trickle of blood ran from Riordan’s nose.
‘I don’t need to use my hands,’ he remarked. But he paid for his arrogance when Riordan dived, knocking him off his feet. Connor tasted dirt and blood, but he quickly rolled over and leapt to his feet.
‘Enough of this.’ Aileen pushed Riordan back. ‘Both of you are behaving like animals.’
Though she stood between them to stop the fight, Connor’s eyes locked with Riordan’s. He wanted to avenge Aileen’s embarrassment and release his own frustrations.
She left them both behind, walking in long strides. He couldn’t stop himself from watching her. Her long dark braid swung against the blue overdress. The gown flattered her slender hips, dipping at the curve of her waist.
He recalled the inviting taste of her lips. A rush of jealousy invaded at the thought of Riordan touching her, whether Aileen wanted him to or not.
‘She is mine, MacEgan.’ Though Riordan did not begin the fight again, Connor didn’t miss the threat.
‘Is she? Then why did she turn from you?’
‘She turned from both of us. But you’re leaving, while I’m the man who will wait for her.’ With a smug look, Riordan returned to one of the tents, swaying slightly.
