Page 50 of Betrayed by His Highland Wife

Nora gave him a look. She forced herself to smile—again—but already her cheek muscles were draining. It was hard to keep in character for so long. Hiding her true heart was an immense effort; every minute of it hurt.

"Aye," said Nora, forcing herself to take a sip. She damn near choked on an onion, coughing, and brought a handkerchief to her mouth. Quickly, she spat it out, unable to swallow the food.

Despairing, she smiled at William, who was watching her with intent.

"Och, 'tis nae that bad, is it?" he jested, but his eyes were wary and unsure.

Nora straightened up. The last thing she wanted to do was to cause him any alarm. She must try harder. Taking a sip of wine, she steeled herself for the onslaught. Quickly, she sipped the pottage down, at least most of it. Then, presenting a smile to her beloved, she looked triumphant.

"'Tis most gusty compliments to the cook," she said, pushing the bowl away.

William fixed her with his bright blue beam. "Braw," he said with a smile. Under the table, he scrambled for her hand. There, he held it as her heart rate shot up a notch. The feel of his skin on her own, stroking her, did things to her. Already, she was unsure. Just being near him for so long was making this hard.

Laughing, she looked around. Thank God, most of the other diners had gone. They did not stand on ceremony in Duncan Castle, at least most mealtimes. Or perhaps William had encouraged them to leave. Either way, the hall began emptying until it was just the last few.

Now in the sparsely filled hall, William felt emboldened to move closer. Holding hands under the table, he fixed her with his beam.

"About last night," he began, his light eyes sparkling in the dim light. Nora felt her stomach tighten. This was the last conversation she wanted to be having. The memories of their night together needled her greatly. She had spent the night in his arms. They had not gone too far, but the thought that they never would now, made her pause.

She needed him. Bile came up in her throat as William toasted her.

"I raise my cup to ye, lass," he said, smiling. "For yer discretion an' style…"

Nora blushed. Across the long table, she noticed the blond advisor, Alasdair, looking over. Does he know what happened last night? she wondered. It looked as if William had told his friend everything. Feeling unsure in her heart, Nora turned back to William. Would he do that to her?

Five seconds later, she had her answer. Slyly, William whispered into her ear, "Dinnae fash, lass. I didnae tell anyone. Ye can trust me." He grinned.

The sheen of his skin against hers gave her sudden goosebumps. Nora sighed. She didn't want to be there. She wanted to be alone, just with him, somehow explain everything out.

"But I cannae wait until tomorrow, when we are wed, an' when we can be wi' each other properly," he said, looking at her with a knowing wink. "Tomorrow...I cannae wait!"

Nora's heart went up her throat. The thought of their impending nuptials did nothing to calm her. If only there could be some other way. But looking boldly at William, she knew there could be no other.

"Me too, William," she said, taking his hand fully and squeezing it. Below the table, his other hand found her knee. Now he was caressing it, sending strange sparks of desire all below her. This must stop. This had to stop. She was not sure how much more she could take.

But she did not have to pretend when she turned to William with a longing gaze, then fixed him with her sweetest kiss.

People were watching. She didn't care. Did not care and could not stop. He did things to her. The sensation of his caress, the touch below the table. The look he sent her. It was all too much. Nora felt herself take leave of her senses. Softly, she embraced him, stroking his cheek and discovering his stubble. She grinned, teasing him on.

And William did not disappoint. He kissed her deeply and fully, so much that she felt a rush come upon her. Sighing, Nora sank into the kiss, almost resigning herself to his passion. But, of course, it came to a stop. Slowly, she disengaged from him, the soft traces of his lips still upon her. A mad ache took her from the waist to the hips.

With shaky knees, she forced herself up and smiled formally, even managing a bow.

"Thank ye," she said, her eyes glinting in the light. "For everything."

William stared.

But this was all she could manage. Before he could say another word, she had hitched her skirts and darted into the dark night outside.

Shutting the door, she choked back a sob.

This will be the last I see of him.

15

The sun climbed the skies in the Duncan estate, etching its blades into William's scorched eyes. He had awoken early, stunned by the light. Blinking gradually, he had fought himself to wake. Everything was intense—the song of the birds in the rafters, the breeze rustling in the trees. Branches near the window brought their scent with a promise of summer in the air.

He came to slowly, drinking in the scents. His dream had been delicious; Nora and he getting wed. And when he had awoken, he realized, with pride, that it was all real!