“Is that a complaint, me lady?” He lifted an inquisitive eyebrow.
“Merely an observation,” came the reply.
He leaned in, his voice dropping low enough for her alone. “Observation noted. Though if I recall, ye were the one who demanded this.”
“And ye were the one refusing.” Her lips pouted in a way that made her seem irresistible.
“I never refused,” he said, his lips close to her ear now. “Ye only needed tae ask properly.”
Her breath hitched. He felt it through the hand he held at her waist.
“Ye have a strange notion of proper,” she managed.
“I’m a Highlander,” he said, with a faint smirk. “We make dae.”
She tried to suppress her smile but failed. “So, I see.”
He turned her again, slower this time, letting her settle into the rhythm. Around them, the hall had grown quieter. There was less laughter now, and more eyes watching the laird and his bride move together as though the world had not just fallen apart.
The music slowed to its final notes. Neither moved to step away. For one breathless moment, there was only the two of them. Then, the final chord rang out, and the hall erupted in cheers once more. Baird released her hand, but not before his thumb brushed across her knuckles.
“There,” he said quietly, his mouth curving just enough to be noticed. “It seems I’ve fulfilled me role after all.”
Davina met his gaze, half defiant and half flushed. “Fer once, me laird, I’ll nae argue.”
He inclined his head, and he couldn’t hide the faintest spark of amusement in his eyes. “Careful, me lady. Folk might start believing we’re well matched.”
And though her answering smile was small, he felt something new, uncertain and dangerous taking root between them as the crowd cheered for the laird and his bride.
He leaned close to her. “Come. Ye’ve done more than enough smiling fer one evening.”
She looked relieved. But she revealed just a flicker of it, and then, it was quickly swallowed by the proper composure she wore like armor. Baird didn’t wait for permission. He placed a steady hand at the small of her back and guided her away from the dance area and toward the quieter archway at the edge of the hall.
The moment they stepped out of the crowd, Davina exhaled as though she’d been holding her breath the entire time.
Baird glanced down at her. “If ye like,” he said, keeping his tone casual, “I could show ye more of the castle. Yer new home.”
Her head tilted slightly, and surprise softened her features into an even lovelier form. “I… aye. That would be nice.” She paused, and a small frown knotted between her eyebrows. “I should send fer an escort.”
Baird stopped mid-step and looked at her as though she’d begun speaking in riddles.
“An escort?” he echoed. “Why in God’s name would ye need an escort?”
Davina blinked up at him, every inch the dutiful, well-bred maiden. “Because it would be inappropriate fer a lady tae wander alone with a man.”
He huffed a laugh which was entirely uncontrollable. “Inappropriate?”
She straightened defensively. “Yes. Very.”
“Me lady…Davina.” He leaned in, lowering his voice until his breath brushed her cheek almost inappropriately so. “We’re married.”
She opened her mouth, then closed it again, clearly realizing the flaw in her argument.
“So,” he continued, eyes glinting, “nae only is it appropriate fer ye tae wander alone with me… it’s expected.”
Her cheeks flushed crimson. It was immensely satisfying.
He added in a murmur meant only for her, “Or should I take this tae mean ye forgot about the vows, the kiss? The whole ordeal?”
