Finlay seemed like a perfectly good outlet for her anger right now, and she knew just how to make him pay. He was not in love with her, of course, but she knew he could not stomach the thought of her having feelings for his brother. His poor rakish soul would be too offended. Aye, it was easier to be annoyed at Finlay than focus on the fact that she was now married, and that her husband had almost kissed her. And oh, she should not forget that he was a fearsome Laird.
She shook the thought away and turned to Caden.
“I’m so glad ye’re here to protect me from this…this man, husband.” She gave him her best smile, hoping he would play along.
Caden’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly through his mask. “Ye’re very welcome, me bride.” He nodded and pushed her chair in with ease.
“Can we please talk?” Finlay took the seat to her right. His soft hands grabbed hers, and he looked pleadingly into her eyes.
Ava drew her hand away. Examining her nails, she said in a bored tone, “Dear husband, could ye get me some wine?”
“Of course, wife.” Caden leaned over her to take the wine and pour some in her goblet. He also smiled broadly at her. So, he had understood.
Smart man.
“Ava, please, look at me.” The plea in Finlay’s voice made her heart ache.
Never before would he have hurt her; she did not know why he would now. He had defended her since they were children trapped in lessons together. Hell,hehad been the one to offer to marry her just to get her uncle off her back. How could he be here now wanting to talk, after betraying and abandoning her at her hour of need?
“Ye’re in Emma’s seat,” she said flatly.
Exasperated, Finlay looked to Caden for help.
“Daenae look at me. Yer seat is on me left, Braither. Me bride will talk to ye when she is good and ready.” An almost deadly glint flashed in Caden’s brown eyes.
For a fleeting moment, Ava was glad she had married him.
Caden almost felt sorry for his brother. But he would not interfere to whatever this was. He’d already forced Ava to marry him, he would not force her to do anything else she had no interest in. He shifted his focus to the cèilidh that was now in full swing.
He truly loved to spoil his people. All the food would be given to the village and guests after, so the celebrations could go on in their own homes. Even the MacFinns would be encouraged to take their share home. There was more than enough for everyone.
Outside of feasts, Caden would never show his love for his clan with overly grand gestures, but he took joy in helping each family in the quiet routine of daily life. His father had always encouraged him to look after the clan first and foremost, and he took it to heart.
The guests took their turns toasting and congratulating the bride and groom. After everyone had their first servings, they demanded that the musicians play songs. Ale, wine, and whiskey flowed around freely, and the guests hooted and hollered for the bride and groom to start the first dance.
“Me Lady.” Caden grabbed his bride’s hand.
Ava looked at their hands, then at him.
“Are ye asking me to dance, husband?”
“I could always demand it, but I think I’ve ordered ye around enough for the day.”
Ava huffed but allowed him to guide her in the middle of a little clearing. They took their positions while everyone cheered.
The musicians began to play, and he led her in a vigorous dance. He could not take his eyes off her. A few tuffs of hair had somehow freed themselves from her long braid and were now framing her face. Her cheeks and neck had flushed, and Caden could not stop himself from looking lower…and lower. A thin veil of respite covered her collarbones, her chest heaved with every breath. He had to admit, she was a great choice of a bride.
When he looked back up at her eyes, she was giving him a knowing look. “Do ye think I’ll do well as yer bride, then, me Laird?”
Great. She could read his mind now too.
“We’ll just have to wait and see how obedient ye are,” he whispered in her ear. If possible, she flushed even more, and he wanted to follow that flush with his hand.
“If ye wanted an obedient bride, ye clearly made the wrong choice, husband,” she said with a teasing glint in her eye. The song came to an end before he had a chance to reply, and he was thankful for that. He was not supposed to enjoy this convenient solution at all.
As she moved to circle around him, her foot stayed planted. A large pop sounded, and she crumpled to the floor.
“Ava!”
