“Why nae?”
Before she could protest, he pulled her into his arms, one hand on her waist, the other clasping her fingers. He led her in an easy step, guiding her through the motions with a confidence that made it impossible not to follow.
Helena let herself relax, let herself enjoy the feel of his hands on her, the way his strength was always there—controlling but not confining. His touch was firm, his presence commanding, and yet there was a gentleness to it, a steadiness that made her feel as if she could trust him, just for this moment.
“Ye’re better at this than I expected,” she admitted, breathless.
Alexander grinned. “Did ye think I was some brute who could only swing a sword?”
“Well…” She gave him a teasing smile. “The thought crossed me mind.”
He huffed a laugh, pulling her a little closer. “Lass, I can do a great many things well. If ye’d let me, I’d prove that to ye.”
Her breath caught, her fingers tightening slightly around his. There was something in his voice, something deeper than flirtation. A promise.
Before she could respond, a voice interrupted them.
“There ye are!”
Helena turned to see Alice standing at the edge of the garden, her arms crossed over her chest. “Ye cannae be hidin’ out here all night. Everyone’s expectin’ to see ye both dancin’ inside. It’ll show them all that Alexander is well again.”
Alexander sighed, looking down at Helena. “Well, lass, looks like we’re nae finished yet.”
Helena hesitated, her pulse still quick from the way he’d held her, from the things he’d said. But she nodded. “Aye, let’s go.”
They returned to the hall, and as Alexander led her to the center of the dance floor, the crowd fell into an expectant silence. Then, as the music resumed, he took her in his arms and spun her into the dance.
This time, it was different. This time, there were eyes on them, but Helena didn’t care. She only felt the strength of his hands, the heat of his gaze, and the way she was exactly where she wanted to be.
Helena couldn’t dismiss the anticipation she’d felt all day. The night had finally approached, and she was waiting anxiously in their chamber, dressed in nothing but her linen gown. She lay in the soft bed, the scent of Alexander and the crackling fire surrounding her as she nestled under the linens and quilt.
She didn’t know what to expect, but she knew that Alexander had always made her feel good. Every time, he had been gentle and patient, and she knew that her real first time would be no different. Despite all of that, she couldn’t stop quivering, snuggling further under the bedcovers.
When the latch of the door clicked, Helena could feel her heart lurch in her throat and her stomach flutter with nerves. Alexander walked in, and their eyes met, his strong features softening as he shut the door behind him and locked it.
Unexpectedly, he shed his jacket, boots, tunic, and breeches until he stood in nothing but his long linen shirt, his dark hair falling over his ears.
“Dinnae be nervous, lass,” he said, his voice equally kind and commanding.
Then, he closed the gap between himself and the bed, slipping under the covers and pulling Helena against his bare, hairy chest.
“I… I cannae help it. W-We’re… consummatin’ our marriage tonight.”
“Shhh,” he murmured, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Trust me, wife.”
She blushed, gently kissing his lips as he rolled her onto her back. She instinctually opened her legs, allowing him to positionhimself between them. Her legs were draped over his thighs as she ran her fingertips through his dark hair.
Their kiss deepened, and soon his tongue was teasing hers, coaxing it into his mouth. She eagerly reciprocated and was breathless when he finally pulled away, sucking on the exposed part of her neck. His tongue slid down her collar and laved at the swell of her breasts.
“A-Alexander…”
“Enjoy yerself,” he purred, smirking up at her as he slipped her nightgown down her pale shoulders to expose her breasts.
He sucked one into his mouth, teasing the other with his fingers, roughly pinching her nipple as she arched her back.
The sensation spread through her like lightning, intense and shocking. She wanted more, whimpering against his hair as he nibbled and sucked on one nipple and then the other. She was squirming in his arms when her swollen nipple popped out of his mouth, and a smirk formed on his lips.
“Ye’re doin’ great,” he encouraged, peeling her nightgown off her and throwing it aside as he took off his shirt.
