Page 161 of Claimed Highland Brides

CONFRONTATION

They decided not to wait but to leave for Braenaird Castle at first light.

“In case the chieftain realizes the gravity of his mistake, we dinnae want him getting to Inchcree before ye do,” Euan told them.

“Aye. The clock is ticking. Let us go to bed.” He reached for Aileen’s hand, leading her out into the cottage at the bottom of the garden. This would likely be their last night alone for quite a while. He had every intention of taking advantage of it.

He closed the door of the cottage and turned to her with a smile. Reaching for her, he pulled her close, looking into her eyes. “How are ye doing? It’s been an eventful time.”

“I cannae even begin to say.”

“How are ye feeling? Are ye…sore?”

Her brow furrowed in puzzlement. “Sore?”

He cleared his throat. “From…this afternoon.”

“Oh! I’m fine.”

“Good.” He led her to the bench and sat her down with a sigh. “We didnae have dinner. Are ye hungry?”

Aileen shrugged. “I could eat.” She got to her feet. “Allow me to see if we have any leftover food. I do believe some meat and bread was left from our earlier meal.”

Heading to the small kitchen, she retrieved the covered tray and brought it. They ate companionably, not speaking much.

“I dinnae want to think for a while. Shall we go and lie doon?” He smiled gently at his wife.

Aileen’s lashes fluttered. “O’ course. An’ ye’re tired.”

“I’m no’ tired. I just thought to go to bed.”

“Oh…” She fought not to blush and failed. He stood up, helped her to her feet, and led her down to the bedchamber. With a smile, he helped her onto the bed and sat down next to her. Leaning in, he planted a kiss on her neck before mouthing his way towards her jaw. She inclined her head to give him more room to work.

His hand snaked upward, squeezing her small breast. She gasped, arching into him before pulling back to look him in the eye. “Do we need to do this again? I thought the marriage was already consummated.”

He frowned, searching her eyes. “Do ye no’ want to?”

Her mouth opened and closed, eyes widening uncertainly. “Do ye?”

“O’ course I do.”

“Really? But I’m no’…ye dinnae have to take pity on me. I ken ye’ll want someone more…”

Barclay chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Ye think I dinnae want ye?”

Aileen looked away, unable to bear being laughed at. Her mouth was dry and she couldn’t say a word. His hand lifted, landing on her cheek, his eyes gentle on her. “I’m sorry. I dinnae mean to make ye think I was laughing at ye.”

“Then what were ye laughing at?”

He shook his head, still smiling fondly. “Ye’re so wise beyond yer years in some ways; in others, ye’re as naïve as a newborn wean.”

She frowned, puzzled at his words. “What d’ye mean?”

“I mean…last night…was it…satisfactory t’ye?”

Aileen looked away, lashes fluttering. “I…it was…exceptional. Beyond my wildest dreams,” she whispered.

“Aye, weel, why would ye think I wouldnae want to do it again?”