Tearing her eyes away from his face, she took in his clothing. The green kilt was a shade that complemented the dress she was wearing. His white doublet was pressed and bright. He looked polished, even more put together than he did on a daily basis.
He’s so handsome.
The thought echoed in her mind when she finally took her place across from him in front of everyone. Leaning her head back, she met his gaze once more, and her breath caught. Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears that she nearly didn’t hear the priest greet the congregation.
“It is me honor to be performin’ the handfastin’ between Laird MacDougal and Miss Morrison,” he said when the song came toits conclusion. “I would like to begin the service by readin’ a bit of scripture.”
As he spoke, Liam swallowed. She watched the way his throat worked, feeling a bit warm where her corset pressed against her skin. He was watching her, too. It might have been the longest he’d gazed at her since the auction. She wasn’t sure what to do with so much attention.
“Ye may join hands,” the priest said after a few minutes, the words the only ones that she managed to catch.
Liam extended his hand obediently. Katherine looked down at his large fingers for a moment. Then, her mind caught up with her surroundings, and she reached out, pressing her palm against his slowly and carefully as if he might snap at her.
His hand engulfed hers, warm and solid. She knew he was strong, had felt his arms around her, but everything felt more acute now. A shiver ran through her, and it took everything to suppress it.
Something in her chest fluttered when she met his eyes. His gaze was soft and thoughtful. It was the first time she had ever seen him look unguarded. The expression disappeared instantly, but a new feeling was quickly developing. She couldn’t name it, nor analyze it here. Not in front of anyone.
Am I blushin’? I think that I may combust if I’m nae careful.
The priest accepted the ribbon from a clergyman and stepped forward. As he wrapped it around their hands once, he said, “May the sun and the Lord bear witness to this union.”
She watched as he wrapped the ribbon around again, his words no longer reaching her. Blood rushed in her ears, her pulse pounding like a war drum. Liam’s fingers tightened, the tips brushing her inner wrist and applying a gentle pressure. Without thought, she held onto him tighter, responding to the warmth of him.
As the priest stepped back, Liam pulled her in closer. Her eyes widened, her head tilting in confusion. Then, as he leaned forward, she realized what was happening.
She didn’t even get a chance to brace herself before he kissed her.
The press of his lips was brief, but it was just as intense as she expected. He felt warm and strong. Before the spark she sensed could turn into a flame, the pressure disappeared. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she could only focus on him. It was as if the rest of the building had vanished.
“I am pleased to present to ye Laird and Lady MacDougal,” the priest announced as Katherine’s lips tingled at the loss.
The small congregation clapped respectfully. Katherine glanced at the crowd, her eyes landing on Lady Agnes. She was watching both of them, a look of motherly warmth in her eyes that made Katherine feel like everything would work out.
The sense of calm didn’t last very long. As the applause continued, Liam whispered in her ear, low enough so that only she could hear, “Ye will meet me in our chambers after we leave the ceremony.”
Katherine nodded, her free hand beginning to shake. She knew what to expect now that she was a married woman, and, strangely, she found that she wasn’t just shaking out of fear.
* * *
I’m nay avoidin’ this.
Liam’s jaw twitched as he approached the chambers he would now share with Katherine. Now that she was his, he didn’t know how he’d keep his hands to himself. Even there at the altar, when they’d been bound together, he hadn’t been able to stave off the thoughts of pulling her closer. Not even the eyes of his people were enough to stop the compulsion. If he could have declined the kiss, he would have.
Now that he’d had a taste, he wanted more. And he had no idea how long he’d be able to keep his composure around her. The ceremony seemed to have lit a fire in his gut that threatened to take over his entire body.
Gathering all of his strength, he opened the door slowly. As he stepped inside, he held his head high. This wasn’t a visit to consummate their marriage. He had a professional purpose for being here.
“Laird MacDougal,” Katherine squeaked from the armchair by the couch. “I wasnae sure when ye’d come.”
As she scrambled to her feet, her wedding nightgown swished around her ankles. It was purple, made from a linen so thin that he thought it might as well be translucent. Her breasts pressed against the fabric, full and enticing. He had to tear his eyes away from her chest, her nipples visible through the garment. His hands curled into fists at his sides.
“Ye may call me Liam if ye please,” he said, unsure ofwhy. By all accounts, the distance would be advantageous. “We are married after all.”
“Liam,” she said, smoothing out the skirt of her gown nervously. His name sounded sweeter than honey coming out of her mouth. Again, she repeated, “I was wonderin’ when ye’d be comin’.”
“There were a few things I had to attend to with me council,” he said, carefully keeping his distance from her, sliding back when she stepped forward. “I’ve come to inform ye that I will be leavin’ tonight.”
“Ye’re leavin’?” she asked incredulously, the trepidation dissolving immediately. The fire that he’d seen at the auction seemed to blaze in her chest once more. “But we were just wed! Where could ye be goin’?”
