Page 20 of Never Kiss a Highlander

‘Twas a subdued group who left the kirk and returned to the keep. Her da had no’ spoken to her since his announcement the night before that the wedding would still take place this morning. With a different groom.

“‘Twill no’ be so terrible, Alison,” Finn said as he bent to speak into her ear as they strolled to the keep. “I believe we will get along well.”

“Aye. As long as I obey yer commands.”

He drew in a deep breath. “I doona mean to make them sound like commands, wife. I am merely concerned about yer safety. ‘Tis dangerous times.”

She nodded. He could wrap his orders in any sort of “caring” cloth he wanted to, but she knew what they were. Commands. Orders. Demands. Rules.

They took their seats at the dais, Mairi on her side and Robin next to Finn. Once they all settled in, and the food started to arrive from the kitchen, her da, Robin, Craig, and Finn became involved in a deep conversation.

She wondered if her da would take the time and effort to speak with her sometime today. So far, he’d said nothing since he ordered her to marry Finn.

She shivered, once again feeling the embarrassment at being caught half undressed in Finn’s arms the night before her wedding to another man.

A man who brought his mistress with him to his wedding.

Since Finn was now her husband, she assumed he would take on the laird’s position when her da died, which had been intended for Sinclair.

She knew nothing about it at all because, being a woman, whatever animosity between them and the Sinclairs that may have come from the broken betrothal agreement, that information would not be passed along to her. Women held no status, had no control, and had no use.

Including when their men wanted them to be married off.

The food had been consumed and the tables pushed away for dancing. “Are ye feeling better, Alison?” Mairi touched Alison’s hand.

“Aye. ‘Tis always better when these things are o’er. ‘Tis the anticipation that causes the most anxiety.”

Finn turned from her father and leaned in close to Alison. “We need some time together before the raucous group in the corner begins to demand the bedding ceremony.” He nodded toward the warriors toasting the bride and groom and each other.

Her eyes grew wide and she shook her head. “Nay. I doona want that.”

“Alison, I am the second-in-command and head trainer for the warriors. Do ye think we will get away without it?”

“Merely tell them nay.”

He chuckled. “They have consumed much ale, wine and whisky. There won’t be telling them nay.” He stood and held out his hand. “Come.”

She linked fingers with his and he walked her off.

“Where do ye think ye are going with the lass?” One of the warriors shouted. Immediately mugs began to pound the table.

Finn raised his hands, a smile on his face. “We are only going for a walk.” He tugged Alison’s hand. “Hurry.”

“‘Tis too cold to walk outside. We can go to my bedchamber.”

He stared at her. “Ach, too much temptation, sweetheart. I really want to talk, but, with that distraction, I’m afraid verra little conversation will take place.”

She felt her face flush, which only made her husband of a few hours chuckle.

“We shall use the library next to my da’s solar.”

With them both taken up with their own thoughts, it was a quiet walk to the library. Once they arrived, Finn placed his hand on her lower back, immediately bringing heat radiating from that spot to the rest of her body. He reached behind her and closed the door. “At least there is no bed here.”

Again her face flushed. But this time, with the memory of Finn’s large warm hand on her back, she began to understand a bit about how desire worked. She’d never experienced that with Archie Sinclair. But then, the man had never even kissed her. Not that she had wanted him to.

Finn waved to a chair. “Can we sit?”

“Of course.” She took the comfortable chair facing another one just like it.