“Please, Braither,” he insisted when Caden did not reply, “do this for me, and I’ll be yer liege man of life and limb.”
“Ye already are. But fine,” he growled. “Daenae ye dare thank me, though. I daenae want to hear one more word from ye. Go tell the councilmen of our decision.”
“Thank ye, Braither.” Finlay smiled.
Caden shot him an icy look that sent him running out of the room.
As he rode to the kirk later that day, his heart pounded harder in his ears than his horse’s hooves did against the dirt. When he saw Ava walking down the aisle on her uncle’s arm, he had to turn away and force himself to breathe.
It was painful to stand through the ceremony. He imagined his heart would climb out of his chest and stop beating forever if the priest did not hurry. When the ceremony finally ended, it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
Later that night, it was an absolute pleasure to see her slap Finlay across the face. Now, as he was lying on his bed, Caden could finally admit that he had been jealous. The fact that she had been the one who had the pleasure of smacking that smirk off the little brat’s face was…amusing.
His attraction toward her, though, was rather inconvenient. It would be so much easier if they could both contain themselves. Then, they could do their duty and get on with their lives.
Ava had managed to break all but one rule in one day. He was almost impressed. Almost.
But he also resented her for her ability to charm his nephew so easily. Nathan had never warmed up to anyone besides Finlay and his nursemaid. The fact that his brother had a relationship with their nephew that he could not seem to foster stung more than he cared to admit.
The boy was terrified of him, and Caden had to admit that it pained him. He found himself wishing he could spend a few days hunting. He itched to get away from everyone.
But Ava… Ava was as wild as the wind across the river.
Hewouldtame her.
“But ye cannae catch the wind, laddie,” his father’s voice drawled in his head.
Tonight, Caden lay in his bed, limbs spread out like a child, remembering everything Ava had said, the way she moved, the sound of her laughter. He relished the ghost of her touch and the scent of her that still lingered on his skin.
Then there was the kiss… The way his bodyachedfor her, begging him to devour her. His mind was already filled with more images of her, some real, some of his most desperate, unspoken wishes. Ava writhing below him, begging for his touch. Ava on top of him, with her breasts pushed into his face. Ava sprawled on his bed, spent and satisfied from his ministrations.
Caden shook his head in a bid to clear it. He should not be so impressed with his bride. He was treading on dangerous water here.
He vowed to keep his distance, to protect them both.
Besides, she wouldnae want a monster like me.
Nay, ye must nae think of her. Ye willnae want her. She’s just a woman, nothing more.
CHAPTER 10
Ava woketo the bright sunlight filtering through the window. She blearily peeked her eyes open to find that her husband had not stayed the night with her. She really should not have been as disappointed as she was in the fact. She wanted her freedom, did she not?
She looked out the window to see the snow covering the grounds, exactly as she had expected. A smile slowly spread across her face.
Nathan will be so excited.
Mary knocked on the door and let herself in. “Me Lady, I’ve just come to check that ye’re all right. Ye’ve slept through breakfast.”
“Aye, I’m all right, Mary.” Ava smiled at her. “It was just a long few days, and I needed rest.”
Suddenly, she remembered she was supposed to meet Finlay.
“Ach! What time is it?” She bolted out of bed to change. She was still in the gown from the night before!
“It’s half past nine, me Lady,” Mary replied, her brow furrowing in confusion.
“Bollocks! Can ye help me get ready? I’m going to be late!” Ava was hopping up and down, trying to wiggle her dress down over her hips.
