Isla was tired, but exhilarated. From the look in Alex’s eyes, she could see the same was true of him.
Both knew what was in the other’s heart. No words needed to be said.
Alex extended his hand, and when Isla took it, he led her into the castle and up the steps to his bedchamber.
The moment the door closed behind them, Isla could control herself no longer. She had fantasized for too long about his body, his touch… and now, at last, she would learn of them firsthand.
As they kissed, her trembling and eager fingers fumbled with the buttons of his tunic. The moment she’d managed to bare even the smallest sliver of his left pectoral, her hands slid over it, groping and clawing his skin.
His palms pressed against her lower back, drawing her so close to him that she could feel him throbbing for her. The sensation made her delectably damp between the thighs, and sent a tingle deep into her core.
No, this was nothing like it had been with Kenneth. That had been curiosity more than anything, a tenderness and exploration between trusted friends.
This was a red and roaring fire, and she wanted to be consumed by it forever.
His breath was warm against the side of her neck, and it sent heavenly ripples through the rest of her body. Her nipples were painfully hard against her dress. Each time they scraped the delicate fabric, she shuddered ecstatically.
Alex was bare from the waist up now, and working to free her from her clothes as well. While he did, she showered his chest and shoulders with kisses, adoring every inch of him. The dress fell to her ankles and she stepped out of it, kicking off her slippers so that she could stand fully nude before him.
His eyes smoldered with his need for her, and he swept her up into his burly arms, carrying her over to the bed. She felt as weightless and carefree as a cloud in his embrace, and shenuzzled his neck, allowing her eyelashes to bat and tease at his skin like wayward butterflies.
The laird set her down upon the mattress and gently took hold of her knees, spreading them apart. He positioned his head between her legs, and when he began to use his mouth on her, it was all she could do to keep from fainting at the sensation. His tongue found her most sensitive spots with little difficulty, and she curled locks of his hair around her fingertips, arching her neck and closing her eyes.
His arms wrapped around her thighs, and he continued to twist and plunge his tongue against her delicate folds, relishing the way her legs bucked and spasmed, the hushed moans and whimpers that escaped her lips.
She quivered, and when their eyes met again, he could see how she ached for him. She licked her lips invitingly.
He climbed up until their noses were inches apart, their sweat-slick hair falling together upon the pillow. His right hand cupped the back of her neck tenderly, and she nodded almost imperceptibly; she was ready for him.
Alex thrust himself into her, and she cried out his name sharply, feeling him penetrate her more deeply and intimately than she had ever believed possible. Her dalliance with Kenneth had not prepared her for this kind of sheer joy, as though every nerve in her body was standing on end and singing.
An angelic choir, brought forth into existence by the joining of their bodies.
And so the voices grew louder and clearer, keening rapturously along with the quickening rhythm of the lovers’ hips… until the crescendo came with their shared climax, ringing and echoing within their hearts as surely as the sounds of their passion echoed against the walls of their chamber.
Heralding the commencement of a new era, one built upon the foundations of their love, as firm and beautiful as red marble.
A week had passedsince the wedding, and during that time, Isla and Alex had found themselves settling into a comforting daily routine.
Alex tended to remain awake long after Isla went to bed each night, poring over documents and petitions in his study, sometimes with Kirk or Bryan, but more often on his own. He would make notes regarding his personal findings and inclinations with regard to handling these affairs, then do a bit of reading before going up to their bedchamber to join Isla in slumber.
For her part, Isla generally awoke long before he did in the mornings, and took those opportunities to enjoy a bit of private time. More often than not she’d spend an hour or two in the library, then take a brisk stroll in the gardens outside of the castle’s walls, making conversation with the servants and gardeners about their duties that day.
By that point, the laird had generally awakened and dressed, and so they would take breakfast together in the dining hall. After that, they would adjourn to the study, where she would look over his notes from the previous night and discuss them with him. He valued her counsel greatly, and heeded it often, for he delighted in her wit and perspective. Between them, they were able to resolve all of the matters before the clan in an orderly fashion.
The members of the Oliphant Clan quickly gained a deep respect for her, and appreciated how her approach to thingsenriched Alex’s overall leadership. Even Douglas had fallen silent in his criticism of his son, and though he still offered no praise, the lack of scorn was enough to cheer Alex considerably. He took to visiting the old man more often and asking after his health. When he was met with grumbles and half-hearted curses in return, he was pleased to discover that they no longer had any effect upon his mood or sense of self-worth.
At last, he felt truly free to be himself.
This was reflected in his cheery smile and joyous whistling as he took his place at the head of the dining table on this breezy and blustery morning, with Isla at his side. Today, they were joined by Bryan and Kirk, who had important matters to discuss.
“Moira remains weak and confined tae her bed for the moment,” Kirk reported, “but the healers continue tae maintain she will recover fully within months.”
“That is excellent news indeed,” Isla spoke up. “I’ve been visiting her regularly, speaking with her and reading aloud tae her. She is heartily sorry for all she did on behalf of Romilly MacGregor, and swears she would do anything tae make up for her actions.”
“As well she should,” Alex muttered darkly. “I am still not entirely certain what ought tae be done with that woman once she’s healed. I’m nae inclined tae forgive her.”
“I am,” Isla told him earnestly. “Her treatment may be one of the first and most crucial ways tae show your clan that ye are different from your father… that ye are more willing tae rule with compassion and fairness than violence and fear. She did terrible things, aye, but she has been punished enough for them, surely. I believe she ought to have her previous position back as well, if she wants it.”
