Page 13 of Scottish Rose: Coira

“Good. Then the first thing you need to do is relax. And stop gripping your night-rail as if it were a lifeline.” Reaching out, he unclasped her fingers, taking her hand and dropping it to her side.

“I am no’ sure how to relax,” she admitted.

“Then let me teach you.” He caressed the side of her face, lowering his head and placing kisses down her cheek and to her neck.

Coira’s head fell back as his strong arms held her securely, his fingers gently kneading her shoulders.

“Do you like that?” he mumbled into her hair.

“Aye,” she said, with her eyes still closed. His hands slowly moved down her back, stopping to rest on her rear. Then he gently cupped her cheeks and pulled her up against him. That’s when she felt his aroused form right through the towel. Her eyes sprang open. When she looked down, she realized he no longer wore the towel. Her gaze shot back up to his face. “Y-ye’re naked,” she said in a breathy whisper.

“Aye,” he answered in a seductive tone. “That’s a crucial part of consummating a marriage.”

“I suppose so.”

“Now, it’s your turn.”

Her grip shot up to her neckline again, but he grabbed her hand in his to stop her. “Nay, Coira. It is time. Trust me.”

She thought about it. He was her husband now and, sooner or later, she would be expected to consummate the marriage. He had been gentle and kind to her so far, so there was no need to believe he would act differently.

“I do trust ye,” she told him, dropping her hand to her side, letting him unlace her bodice and slip her night-rail down her arms.

In one motion, he let the gown fall to the floor, pooling around her feet, leaving her stark naked.

“That’s more like it,” he said, letting his eyes roam down the length of her body. “You are beautiful, Coira.”

“I am?” she asked, hearing her heart thumping loudly in her ears.

“Aye. You are.” He swept her up in his arms and carried her to his bed. Laying her back against the pillows, he covered her body with his, kissing her and making her forget she was frightened. His hands slid down to cup her breasts, and then his mouth took over, his tongue and lips bringing one nipple to a peak. A tingling sensation ran through her body, settling in between her thighs. “There you are,” he said, coaxing her to release her inhibitions and welcome this union. “Embrace it, Coira. This can be an extraordinary thing if only you will let it be.”

“I will,” she said, relaxing and coming to life all at the same time. His hand caressed her womanly mound, and she pushed up against him liking the way it made her feel. And after more kissing and touching, he asked her the question she did not think he would ever ask.

“Are you ready, Coira?”

“I am,” she told him, feeling now as if she wanted to continue to make love with her husband. In his embrace, she was no longer frightened. Instead, she felt comfortable, aroused, and, most of all, safe.

He slowly entered her then, starting out with gentle rocking. She welcomed him in, tensing slightly as his movements turned into thrusts.

“Trust me, and accept me,” he said in a gentle voice, slowing the lovemaking until she relaxed and accepted him. His hands slid down her body, curving around her hips. “You are my wife now, Coira. I want you to crave the consummation as much as I do right now. If I have to, I will wait.”

“Nay, dinna wait,” she told him, afraid he might pull away and they wouldn’t finish. “I want to be yer wife in every way. I accept ye, my lord . . . Lance . . . Husband.”

They moved together as one as the dance of love continued. Once Coira stopped being so afraid, she enjoyed it and felt a part of her longing for more. It didn’t hurt. It felt nice. And then something surprised her. She felt a new sensation flowing through her and heard herself release a moan of desire.

“That’s right. Let yourself enjoy this, Coira. Close your eyes and surrender to your passion.”

She decided to do just as he suggested. He was her husband now and she his wife. The thought no longer frightened her but instead made her happy. He brought her to life and made her feel special. Her body craved him now. Lust filled her. She moved her hips to meet him. Keeping her eyes closed as he suggested, she focused on the feelings he brought to life within her. Coira surrendered to her passion and no longer tried to fight it. She surrendered to her fear, and enjoyed making love with her new husband. And just as he found his release, the thought of the possibility of conceiving a baby with Lance made her so excited that she shattered in his arms.

The dog howled at the same time, releasing any possible tension that was left in the room, making them both laugh once again.

“We are now husband and wife,” said Lance, rolling on his side and pulling her closer. “With me as your husband, Coira, you will never have to be afraid of anything again.”

Coira hoped that was true. However, something in her gut told her that as long as she stayed at Liddel Castle, there was always going to be fear from the past lodged in her brain.

Chapter 6

“Are ye sure about this?” asked Coira from across the room as she finished dressing. Lance felt vibrant and full of energy this morning and as if he could tackle anything. Last night, they’d consummated the marriage, and he came to the realization that he now had a wife. And a very beautiful one at that.