Davina’s face fell with concern, the kind that reached her eyes and sat there, full and warm.
“Hence the marriage?” she whispered. “It was meant tae help with that?”
He nodded. “The Fletchers’ trade routes… their ships… their land. A joining of clans meant survival. Malcolm understood it. It was why he accepted the match so readily.”
She stared at him in silence, absorbing every word. For a moment, he thought she might take offence for some reason.Then slowly, she tilted her head at him. Her voice was playful when she spoke.
“And here I thought ye stepped up at the altar because ye wantedme.”
Although her tone was mischievously humorous, he saw the real question hiding beneath it. His brows rose, surprised by the jest… and even more surprised that she would make it.
She shrugged a shoulder, feigning nonchalance. “But I suppose I was wrong. It was all for the resources.” Then, there was a small, falsely thoughtful hum. “A shame, truly. I had hoped me husband had at leastsomefondness fer me.”
Baird’s heartbeat stumbled once. Then steadied with a heat he did not bother to hide. He moved toward her across the rug until he stood close enough to feel her breath against his chin. She blinked, startled but not retreating.
“Davina,” he murmured, “I didnae realize ye doubted I wanted ye.”
Her lips parted, but no sound came. He reached out, sliding his hand around her waist. He was not pulling, not yet, at least. He was simply touching her. The warmth of her seeped through her gown and into his palm, burning straight up his arm.
“I’ve wanted ye,” he said, “from the moment I saw ye walk up that aisle.”
Her breath hitched.
He leaned in slightly, his forehead almost brushing hers. “The resources mattered,” he allowed. “But ye…” His thumb stroked once at her hip. “Ye were never part of the bargain. Nay man bargains fer something he already desires.”
Color flooded her cheeks in streaks that were beautiful, bright, and utterly undoing.
“Baird…” she whispered.
His voice dropped even lower, a rumble only she could hear. “If ye need proof of how much I want ye, Davina…” He paused, and the moment he did so, his eyes darkened with pent up desire. “I’ll be very happy tae provide it.”
Her breath trembled. She didn’t step away. He felt her lean into his touch, and that was all the invitation his blood roared for.
CHAPTER 31
Davina momentarily melted into her husband’s arms. She was under his spell even before he pressed his lips to hers, telling her how he would show her how much he wanted her.
The wicked man.
That desire was mutual. Without breaking their kiss, he grabbed her by the thighs and lifted her onto himself. She could feel his throbbing manhood press against her, enflaming her desire even more. She cupped his face, bringing him closer, biting his lower lip, only to soothe it with another kiss. He groaned.
She felt him pool her skirt around her waist, and a moment later, he gently laid her on his writing table. That freed up his right arm, which slid across the polished surface, throwing everything onto the floor.
She giggled. “What are ye doing, Baird?”
“Worshipping ye,” he murmured, gripping her hair and pulling her slightly back as to reveal her neck, which he proceeded to kiss.
All she could do was close her eyes and enjoy the sensation of his tongue on her burning skin, while she anticipated what was to come. Her hands flew to him of their own accord, pulling him even closer, feeling his muscles through the fabric of his shirt.
Her fingers fumbled with this belt a little, releasing his from the constraint of his kilt.
“Touch me, Davina…” she heard him murmur, and she obeyed.
She took his manhood into her hand, squeezing and tightening her grip on him. He groaned, pressing his forehead to hers. She was still trembling, but she couldn’t keep her hands off of him. Her one hand played with him, while her other hand traced lines over his chest and abdomen.
Strangely enough, she didn’t feel any shame or embarrassment. And there was not a single moment of hesitation. She was doing what she wanted to do with this man. Their lips parted for only a moment, and he grinned at her.
“Dae with it what ye want,” he told her.
