He held her closer, their bodies touching in a way that conveyed a depth of connection words couldn’t even begin to capture.
“I love you, too, Raphael,” she murmured. “More than anything in this world.”
The world around them seemed to fade into the background as they continued to dance, their hearts and souls entwined. At that moment, the cèilidh was their own private celebration, a testament to the love they had discovered, and the promise of a future filled with happiness and endless devotion.
After their dance ended, Joan and Avery pulled Keira away from him, but Raphael didn’t mind. In fact, he planned on using that time to have a drink and find Dallas and Jasper in this commotion of people, but before he could do any of that, he felt someone’s strong hand on his shoulder.
When he turned around, he found himself facing Keira’s father.
The Duke extended his hand to his new son-in-law. “Welcome to the family, old boy,” he spoke cordially. “I want you to knowthat the past is in the past. What happened should remain there. We live in the present, and that is what we should focus on. With that said, we—that is, my wife and I—are very happy to have you as part of our family.”
Raphael had to admit that he hadn’t expected such a cordial welcome, but he would certainly not refuse it. He shook the Duke’s hand with genuine gratitude in his eyes. “Thank ye. It is an honor to be married to yer daughter.”
The Duke continued, his tone filled with paternal affection. “I know you will take good care of my daughter. She means the world to us, and I can see now that she means the same to you. Please, always make sure that she is safe.”
“That is what I plan on doing,” Raphael promised. “I will make her happier than she has ever been, I promise ye that. Keira is the greatest treasure in me life.”
Their handshake and their words sealed a silent but profound understanding between them, a commitment to love, protect, and care for Keira. Raphael knew that this heartfelt conversation was a poignant moment, symbolizing the union of two families and the bright future that lay ahead.
As the night wore on, the guests gradually bid their farewells, each departing with smiles, well-wishes, and fond memories of the beautiful cèilidh that marked such an important event. The grand hall, once alive with laughter and merriment, began to quiet down.
Raphael and Keira, now united as husband and wife, watched as their loved ones left, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the love and support that surrounded them. The cèilidh had been a perfect celebration of their love, and as the final guest departed, they were left with the promise of a future filled with happiness and endless possibilities.
Hand in hand, they stood in the grand hall, now bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, and looked forward to a life together that would be filled with love, adventure, and shared dreams.
In the quiet intimacy of their bedchamber, Raphael and Keira stood close together, their hearts still racing from the excitement of the evening. The soft candlelight cast gentle shadows, creating an atmosphere of sensuality and anticipation.
Their eyes met, and in that shared gaze, they could feel the magnetic pull between them. Their journey had finally made a full circle, and they were now exactly where they were supposed to be—next to each other.
“Keira,” Raphael whispered in a way that sent shivers down her spine. “I’ve been waitin’ all evenin’ to have ye only to meself…”
“You have me all to yourself, for the rest of our days together,” Keira assured him as he drew her into his arms, his touch tender and filled with a longing that had been building for far too long.
His lips, soft and inviting, met hers in a kiss that was needy and passionate, igniting a spark of desire that had smoldered beneath the surface. Keira’s heart raced as she surrendered to the kiss, her fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer.
Their connection deepened, and at that moment, the world outside their chamber seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, entwined in the intoxicating dance of love and desire.
Raphael undid the buttons of her gown skillfully, one at a time, and each time his fingers grazed her skin, the sensation felt like molten lava being spilled onto her.
His lips continued to caress hers, then they traveled to her ear, his tongue playing with her earlobe. Her entire body was ablaze, and she knew that the moment had finally come for her to become his in every way possible.
Moments later, her gown pooled around her feet, leaving her naked to his gaze. Yet, it didn’t feel strange at all. It felt more beautiful than anything else as his eyes drank in the sight of her. He rid himself of his own clothes, then picked her up and laid her on the bed.
“Ye are more breathtaking than I could have imagined,” she heard him say. “No word would ever do ye justice…”
Hearing him speak in that low, husky voice of his made her starved for his lips again, starved for his touch. Raphael’s hands on her was unlike anything she had ever felt before.
He adjusted himself between her thighs, spreading them with his knees. His hands caressed her pebbled nipples softly, while their tongues danced to the sound of music only the two of them could hear.
“Oh,” Keira gasped softly as her hands found his shoulders, resting there.
His deft fingers found their way down her breasts, her stomach, and between her thighs, where she needed him the most. His touch was light as a feather, caressing her tender mound gently, coaxing her to open up to him and welcome him inside of her wet heat. Her entire body trembled at the thought, at the sight of her handsome Highlander on top of her.
His fingers continued to tease her, to caress her. He was stroking her in a way she couldn’t even imagine, and her hips rose to meet his touch. He smiled at this.
“Ye like this?” He smirked against her lips.
“More than you know,” she breathed.
