He wanted her. Not just physically—though God knew that want was there, burning hotter with every passing moment. But he wantedher. Her sharp mind. Her stubborn courage. The way she looked at him like he might be more than just the monster everyone believed him to be.
And that terrified him.
"Dance!" someone shouted. "The bride and groom must dance!"
Magnus cursed inwardly. He'd known this was coming, it was tradition, expected. But the thought of holding Ada close, of touching her in front of all those witnesses while his control hung by a thread...
"We dinnae have tae," Ada said quietly beside him. "If ye dinnae want tae."
Magnus looked at her. Saw the understanding in her eyes. The willingness to spare him this, even though refusing would draw questions and gossip.
"Nay," he said. "We should. They'll expect it."
He stood, offered his hand. Ada took it, her fingers small and warm in his.
They moved to the center of the hall. Musicians struck up a traditional Highland tune, slower than the wild Norse dances Magnus preferred, but manageable.
Magnus placed one hand on Ada's waist, held her other hand in his. She fit against him perfectly, he noticed. Not too tall, not too small. Just... right.
"I dinnae ken this dance very well," Ada admitted as they began moving. "Me faither never bothered teachin' me."
"Just follow me lead."
"I'm nae very good at followin'."
Despite himself, Magnus smiled. "I've noticed."
They moved together, finding a rhythm. Ada stumbled once, and Magnus caught her, his arm tightening around her waist. She looked up at him, her face so close he could count the freckles across her nose.
"Sorry," she whispered.
"Dinnae be." Magnus's hand slid lower on her back, not improper, but close. "Ye're daein' fine."
"I dinnae feel fine. I feel like everyone's watchin' us."
"They are watchin' us. We just got married."
"I ken that, but—" Ada's breath hitched as he pulled her slightly closer. "Magnus."
"Aye?"
"What are ye daein'?"
"Dancin' with me wife." His voice dropped lower. "Is that nae allowed?"
"It's…ye're very close."
"We'll be much closer later taenight."
Ada's cheeks flamed red. "That's nae what I meant. Ye cannae just say that."
"Why nae? We're married now. I can say whatever I want."
"Ye're impossible."
"So I've been told."
The music swirled around them. Magnus was aware of nothing but Ada—the warmth of her body against his, the way her hand trembled slightly in his grip, the pulse beating rapidly at her throat.
