"And I'd like ye fully conscious," he murmured, "for all the things I intend to do to yer body."
The heat of it moved through her from her ear down to somewhere considerably lower, and she sat very still and did not look at him.
"On second thought," Una replied, reaching for the nearest jug, "I think I need a few pints."
Cormac roared with laughter, pulled the jug clean out of her reach, and before she could protest he kissed her, deep and deliberate, one hand cupping her jaw, in front of everyone.
Loud whoops and boot-stamping sounded from around the room.
When he drew back his eyes were dark and his expression was a promise.
"Oh no ye don't, ye hoyden," he said."Not tonight."
Una looked at him and felt the shiver run all the way through her body and pool between her thighs.
They shared several heated glances, gentle strokes, and stolen kisses until Cormac could take no more.Without warning he swept Una into his arms and declared to the crowd that he and his new wife were off to bed.
That was met with raucous cheers.
Una clung to Cormac as he bolted up the stairs.
***
Chapter 17
Bedded
Cormac did not sether down at the top of the stairs.He carried her down the corridor, shouldered the door open, and kicked it closed behind them.The room was warm, candles burning, the bed turned back.The celebration below was a distant rumble that had nothing to do with the two of them anymore.
He set Una on her feet.
Cormac wanted it all.He had known it since the moment she had walked down those stairs toward him in her wedding gown: that fierce, almost feral certainty that she was his and he intended to make sure she knew it.He wanted to make love to her until she had no doubt of it.Wanted to plant his seed so deep inside her that it took root, wanted to see her belly round with his bairns and raise them alongside her.Cormac felt possessive in a way he had no words for and did not try to find any.
He kissed her then.
***
