Fergus smiled back at her.“Perhaps so, but the fact remains chastity is of less import here than further south.”
“You were chaste.”
“I felt it fitting.It is clear that Isobel did not share my view.”He sobered and she wished his honorable choice had been reciprocated.“What would you do otherwise?If you do not handfast with me, how can I protect you?How will you live in this land?”
His concern made Leila’s heart clench.“And how will you provide an heir to your father if you do not take a woman to wife?”
“Exactly.I know he would see the succession ensured, and I think sooner would be better.”Fergus held her gaze, hope in his eyes.The warmth of his thigh was close to her own, making Leila wonder if she accepted a fool’s wager.She knew she would only fall more deeply in love with Fergus over that year and a day.Indeed, it might destroy her to have him put her aside, especially if she had borne him a son.
Fergus took her hand in his and appealed to her, his voice husky.“I would give my father this gift, Leila, even if the match is only one of convenience.”
That he appealed to her for the sake of his father’s contentment could not be resisted.Fear was like a stone in her gut, but Leila knew naught was ever gained without taking a risk.That kiss hinted to Leila that they might find love in this match, regardless of Fergus’ expectation.She did not doubt that physical intimacy could lead to an emotional bond—indeed, if she declined to meet Fergus abed, he might seek pleasure elsewhere and she might lose the chance to win his heart.Could she help him to heal from Isobel’s betrayal?
Leila chose to take the risk.
“You think your father would accept a child with Saracen blood as his heir?”she asked, already guessing the answer.
“I do,” Fergus said with a nod.“You saw his greeting of you.He rode to the east when I was young, though I will let him tell you of it.As you can see, he harbors no ill will as a result of his experience.”
Leila nodded.“I look forward to that tale.”She dared to put her hand over his.Fergus turned his hand, capturing her fingers with the warmth of his own, and her heart leaped for her throat.His gaze warmed and his thumb slid across the back of her hand in a smooth caress.Desire unfurled within her, a need so potent that she could not believe he was immune to the spell he cast.Leila’s pulse raced and she watched Fergus swallow.He fixed a hot look upon her, one so ardent that she flushed to her toes.
He did desire her!That was a start.
“A year and a day it will be then,” Fergus murmured, his voice so low that Leila’s blood nigh boiled.He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, his sweet caress sending a welcome fire through her.“We shall tell them now and celebrate the handfast at the feast tonight.”
And she would begin her conquest immediately.
“Surely such an agreement demands more than a kiss on the hand,” Leila whispered boldly.She watched as Fergus paused, then smiled when his eyes darkened.His gaze dropped to her lips, then she saw his pulse at his throat.Leila took encouragement where she found it.
She would wager that his reaction was not entirely because he had been chaste.
But she would have to prove that to him.
One night at a time, she would conquer his heart.
Leila dared to believe it could be done.She reached to touch her lips to his, just as she had before, and felt satisfaction when Fergus slanted his mouth over hers and drew her close.
Just as he had before.
Nay, he kissed her even more thoroughly, which made her heart pound with satisfaction.
She had a year and a day to claim Fergus completely.
Let her quest begin.
It might have beena balm to Fergus’ pride if Leila had readily agreed to his offer, but he admired that she had sensible concerns and wished to know his answers before making her choice.He had made one betrothal impulsively, following his heart and his father’s timely suggestion, and had to believe that a thoughtful choice might be a better one.
Truth be told, it could not be worse.
What he could not fully explain was his sense of triumph in her final agreement.It must be a question of pride.And his heated reaction to her kiss was surely fed by his long bout of chastity.By the morning, such physical distractions would be dismissed.It would be better for him to confront Isobel then, for his thinking would be clear.
As he led Leila back to the hall, Fergus was already wondering where he could find a suitable husband for her.Not in his father’s hall, to be sure, for there was only Iain, Xavier and Murdoch.He would have to find occasion to take her to another keep or a meeting.He had time to make her a good match, and that was no small thing.
He was certain that he would not love again, and he knew she wanted a loving match.Theirs might evolve into affection, but Fergus was determined to make Leila’s dream come true.She had left everything to begin anew, after all.
He had a year and a day to find her the husband she deserved.
His father looked up, eyes bright with curiosity, when they stepped into the hall and Fergus called to him “Father!I am a fortunate man this day indeed.”
