He gave her a wary look. “Are you planning on upsetting me a lot?”
She pursed her mouth and stuck up her chin. “I just might. I can’t be content only being your wife in the bedchamber. I’m afraid you might find me quite demanding.”
“How demanding?” he asked as if he were having a tooth pulled.
“Very.IfI agree to come back, I’m afraid that things are going to be different.”
He gave her a pained look. “You aren’t going to make this easy, are you?”
“I’m afraid not.” He inclined his head for her to continue. “Occasionally, I might wish you to show me affection before your clansmen.”
Now he winced. “Surely, that isn’t necess—”
“A tender look, maybe a brief kiss. Nothing that should be too difficult.”
“You won’t be the one listening to MacSorley around the campfire.”
“I’m sure you are man enough to handle it,” she said unsympathetically. Fearsome warriors shouldn’t whine. “And at times I might wish to offer my opinion about subjects you are discussing.”
“As long as you agree with me.”
“Even when those opinions don’t agree with yours.”
His mouth twitched. “In private you may contradict me all you like.”
She nodded. “That seems reasonable.”
“Is that all?” he asked, looking like a man who was being walked to the executioner’s block.
She shook her head and gazed up at him, hoping she didn’t sound as vulnerable as she felt. “I must demand your heart as well.”
“You have it,” he said without hesitation. She forced herself not to move. He made a pained face. “I’m going to have to say it, aren’t I?” he asked.
She nodded. “Afraid so. I really must hear it if I am to believe it.”
“You are a cruel woman.”
“Not cruel. Ruthless.” She grinned impishly. “I learned from the best.”
Then he did something she’d never thought to see him do, something that she would never forget for the rest of her life. Her husband, the proud chief, king to his clan, the greatest warrior of his age, took her hand and knelt on one knee before her.
“I love you, Tina. I may not be the knight you wished for, but come back to me and I vow that I shall strive to prove my love to you every day for the rest of our lives.”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Do you mean it?”
A wry grin spread across his handsome face. “Considering my current position you have to ask?” He grinned. “Aye, love, I mean it. I love you with all my heart.” She knew he’d never said those words to anyone in his life. “Will you give me another chance?”
She nodded.
He let out a groan of relief, pulled her into his arms, and didn’t let go until he’d proved it to her. Over and over again.
