Page 12 of Betrayed by His Highland Wife

"Dinnae fash," said the girl, smiling.

Her eyes had snared his, but watching them, he got the feeling she had not really intended to. In front of him, the girl's green eyes danced and shone. He could feel her leaning into him.

"The real question is, why did ye bring me here?" she said, with a grin.

William's heart gave a little jolt. Had she just asked why he was in her bedchamber? He could see she was laughing.

"I-I wanted to see ye to yer door," replied William smoothly.

The girl smiled. "Aye, well, ye have seen the door," flashed the lassie, her jade eyes teasing.

A deep sweetness burned through William. She was too perfect. There was something in her eyes and lips just crying out to be touched.

"True enough, fair maiden," said William, with a grin. She was not shy but, still retained a coyness in her eyes. "But I just cannae go wi' out a wee kiss for services rendered."

Her eyes almost jumped out of her head. William began to wonder if he had said the right thing. No matter, it was too late. Pulling closer, the girl hesitated.

"I shouldnae," she said, instantly abashed. In a heartbeat, she had come down to Earth. They both had. And with a crashing reality.

"Aye," said William, with a boyish grin. "Neither should I, but I still will."

He hovered near, offering her a kiss. Gently, his lips nuzzled against hers, but she pulled away.

"Forgive me, madam, ye are too beautiful to resist," said William, his heart beating. The girl remained composed. "But before I bid ye goodnight, there is but one thing."

Now it was just the two of them, her and him, alone, in the hallway to the bedroom.

"Anything," whispered the girl, the ginger in her curls catching the light. She brought her finger to her lip, leading him on.

"Can ye tell me yer name? We are betrothed to marry, yet I only ken ye by yer clan name. I can hardly call ye 'maid' when we are wed."

Taken aback, the girl grinned. "Och," she said softly, as if the thought had not occurred. "I thought ye kent. Well, I am Nora, maid o' Douglas," said Nora, surprised. "Pleased to meet yer acquaintance."

William smiled. "Sleep tight, Nora, maid o' Douglas. Have many sweet dreams."

Shutting the bedchamber door behind her, William gave a sigh. Heading back to the feasting, the lonely creaks of the corridor gave way to a companion. Beside him, Alasdair fell into step.

"Well then, M'Laird, what do ye think?" asked Alasdair, as soon as he saw him.

William said nothing until out of earshot of the rooms before answering.

"She doesnae say much," remarked William acerbically. "But I cannae say I am disappointed."

Laughing, Alasdair concurred. "Aye," he said, "but I expect ye dinnae need much conversation when she is warming yer bed."

Heading back to the main hall, William grinned. The little he had seen of Nora Douglas had been most agreeable. But she was an enigma. Here was a woman he knew literally nothing about, whom he had been instructed to marry. Until recently, he had not been so keen on this situation.

Until now.

Having finally met Nora Douglas, William was intrigued. He did not yet know this mysterious beauty, asleep in his upper bedchamber.

But he could have a lot of fun finding out!

4

The crushed velvet houppelande fell to the floor. Smoothing it down, Nora looked at herself and smiled. The woman in the mirror gazed back, lost.

Since coming here, she did not know who she was anymore. And she had only been here since yesterday. Meeting William had posed her with a problem. An unexpected one. Whereas before, her only thoughts were to dispatch him as quickly as possible, now there was something more.