“Careful, wife,” he ground out. “These conditions of yers are getting out of hand.” His eyes roamed over her body.
She felt naked, even though she was covered in yards of fabric.
Caden leaned in for another kiss, but she turned her head away.
“Need I remind ye that I can make ye obey me?” He gripped the armrests so hard that she felt sorry for the chair.
“Will ye, me Laird? I seem to remember that I have the freedom to do as I wish.” She raised her eyebrows in challenge.
He groaned and lifted her hand to his lips. “Nay, I willnae. But from now on, only call me Caden,wife.”
The way he had called her his wife almost had her begging. But Ava could not back down and lose her freedom. She would be in this marriage in her own terms. No man would command her to do anything.
Still, she said nothing as he helped her to her feet and guided her up the stairs. His hand was rough as it enveloped hers. For a moment, she wondered what it would feel like if his hands touched her body without tons of fabric between them. Would she be able to resist him then?
With each step, her heartbeat quickened. She was shocked that Caden could not hear it. Her headache returned full-force, and she stumbled on a step. Caden swept her into his arms before she had a chance to fall and hurt herself.
“I can walk perfectly on me own.”
“Aye. And I can carry ye. Are ye hurt?” he asked.
She shook her head, unable to look away from his eyes. The glow from the fire downstairs revealed flecks of honey amid the dark brown.
“Good,” he whispered. “That’s good…”
His eyes drifted to her lips, and his grip tightened around her. Ava realized she was resting her head on his shoulder, very close to his neck.
The fire popped, jolting them out of their reverie.
Ava let out a nervous laugh, and Caden gave her the smallest of smiles.
“Let’s get ye to bed then, wife,” he whispered into her hair.
There was that blasted word again.
Soon, they found themselves outside her bedchambers. Caden gently pushed open the door with his foot and crossed to her bed, never breaking their stare.
I’m impressed. He must ken the castle very well.
Of course, he does, Ava. He lives here.
Exhausted and confused by desire, Ava took the time to breathe him in. She was surprised to feel safe in her husband’s arms. Who would have thought that being married did not have to be a battle all the time?
With the utmost care and gentleness, Caden laid her on the bed. Ava swallowed back her exhaustion and fear. All she could focus now was his hands on her body and his breath on her face before he pulled away. Something close to despair pooled at her core. She wanted him closer.
Caden sat on the edge of the bed, his lips parted ever so slightly, as leaned in. Ava closed her eyes, wanting it to last forever, wanted to feel the same as she had earlier.
Being married sure is confusing.
Only, the kiss never came this time. Not on her lips at least. Caden pressed a soft kiss to her forehead instead.
“Goodnight, wife,” he whispered against her skin. The smooth silk of his mask tickled her face.
And just like that, he was gone.
CHAPTER 9
Caden needed space.Time. Alcohol. He went to his study to pour himself a glass of whiskey. He really should not be playing such a dangerous game. But he seemed incapable of staying away from his wife for too long.
