But the more glimpses she got of his body each day, the more her curiosity grew. She wondered what it would be like when they did consummate their marriage. What would he feel like? Would it hurt?
What would yer braither say about ye havin’ such thoughts about the man who murdered him? What would he think of yer marriage?
Alexander leaned over and placed a hand over hers, interrupting her thoughts. She blinked away the fog, shaking her head slightly, and gave him a somewhat wan smile.
“Greetings, Me Laird.” Her voice was cheery and light.
“Greetings, lass. How’s the wee foal?”
“A beautiful, strong filly, Me Laird. Both mare and foal are doin’ just fine.”
“Wonderful. That’s the first foal by me stallion. I’m nae sure what to name her.”
“Would ye like some suggestions? I really like the name Acco.” Her voice vibrated with excitement.
“Did I ask for suggestions, lass?” he asked impatiently as he stared down at his meal.
“I was only tryin’ to help, Me Laird,” Helena replied, rolling her eyes.
“It’s me filly, soI’ll name her. Dinnae ye worry about it.”
“Is she nae ours, Me Laird?” Helena shot back, her eyes narrowing.
There was a long, tense pause before Alexander turned away from her.
“We leave for the village in an hour, lass,” he grunted, rising from his chair and leaving the hall.
She nodded subtly.
Let her duties as the lady of the castle begin. Perhaps the villagers would be more eager to converse with her than those in the keep.
An hour later, she met him in the courtyard. He was already sitting astride the big bay stallion he favored. She looked around for a brief moment, realizing there was no other horse saddledand waiting. The smirk on his face as he offered her his hand was all the answer she needed—he intended for them to ride together. Again.
Wonderful.
With a huff, she stood straighter, walked over to him, and took his hand, allowing him to pull her into the saddle in front of him. She shifted slightly to get comfortable, but her stomach fluttered when she felt his hard body press against her back.
She wanted to feel more.
“Lass, ye are goin’ to have to quit that if ye want this to be a comfortable, nae awkward ride,” he warned, putting a firm hand on her thigh, which forced her to stop rocking from side to side.
It took her a long second—too long, honestly—to realize what he meant as something hard pressed against her backside. His kilt did nothing to hide it either. Looking at him over her shoulder, his hazel eyes shone bright with excitement.
“Oh!” Her eyes widened in alarm. She felt a blush bloom across her face and neck as it always did whenever he was near. “Apologies, I didnae mean to… That is to say, I didnae… ye ken.”
Alexander’s only response was a grunt. Then, he clicked his tongue, urging the horse to take off.
Silence descended on them, leaving her to mull over her thoughts.
Get it together. Even if ye are married to him, ye cannae be attracted to him. After all, he is and always will be the enemy, nay matter what.
Alexander was grateful that they rode the entire way in silence, and he gritted his teeth when Helena’s soft body rubbed against his. The entire ride was torture. His manhood was straining against his kilt, throbbing painfully since he had refrained from touching her the past few nights.
This lass will be the end of me.
They passed through the small village with its stone homes and crowded market. Word spread quickly, and many villagers stood on their doorsteps, whispering quietly as they got their first glimpses of the Laird’s new wife.
They stopped at the healer’s hut, and Alexander dismounted first, taking the opportunity to adjust his kilt to hide his throbbing manhood. He chastised himself inwardly. If he ground his teeth any harder, he feared they might crack.
