Page 32 of In Bed with a Highland Brute

“Well, ye have my thoughts on the matter,” Eloise said, drawing his attention to her face once more. “Ye must think of what ye want too.”

Now, his mind went wild. If they were married, there would be no barrier between them, and certainly no obstacle to the two of them sharing themselves completely. The idea of seeing her without such a corseted gown on was infinitely more possible, even more alluring.

He imagined himself backing her up against the wall behind her now, pressing their bodies together as he explored her. As he ripped off the gown and that corset, would she moan as he explored her? If he touched her, kissing down her chest and taking one of her areoles in his mouth, would she moan and urge him on? Maybe cling to his hair as he did so?

“Murdoch?”

“Ah, I’m thinking.” He turned away from her, walking around her in a small circle as he wracked his brains, trying to think what to do.

If he married Eloise for convenience, she might never share her body with him. That would mean producing an heir to the clan would be entirely on Clyde’s shoulders.

That is nae bad thing. Maybe even Clyde could be laird someday.

The possibility was a comforting one, something that warmed Murdoch. There was also the possibility that maybe he and Eloise would be physical someday.

As long as nae feelings were involved. I willnae risk affection fer her.

“Aye.” Murdoch abruptly turned back to her. It was so sudden that she wobbled on her toes, and he realized that she had followed him a little in his pacing circles around the room.

“Aye, what?”

“Aye, maybe we should be married fer convenience.” He held up a hand to her. “But this would be just like our business deal before. It is simply a matter of each of us having what we need from one another. Our secrets stay hidden, and neither of us would be forced intae marriage with others.”

“Aye. It sounds like a deal tae me.” She offered his hand to her, ready to shake.

He took it, without hesitation, and shook firmly. Her hand was small, and petite compared to his own. He could grow accustomed to such a delicate touch, all too easily. It was a far cry from the ruthlessness of the battlefields.

“Then we are agreed.” She smiled and released his hand, taking that soft touch with her.

A knock at the door drew their attention.

“Who is it?” Murdoch called.

“It is I,” the Irish accent of the healer called from beyond the door. “I believe ye sent fer me, sir?”

“Oh.” Eloise affected another fainting fit. Murdoch hurried to catch her, wrapping an arm around her waist before she could drop to the floor.

“Come in!” Murdoch called as he lifted Eloise into the air, trying not to make it seem as if she had recovered from her fainting spell implausibly quickly. “I am glad ye are here, Wilson,” he called as the old healer stepped through the doorway. “I fear me betrothed has had a little too much liquor, but I’d like tae be certain.”

“Of course, let’s take a look at her. Please, lay her down on the bed.”

Murdoch carried Eloise to the bed, all too aware of the feeling of her in his arms. She was soft, easy to carry, and something in what he had said startled his own mind.

My betrothed, that is what I called her. It seems that is what she truly is now.

As soon as the healer was done with his check of Eloise, he left the room. Eloise had enacted coming around slowly and was sat up on the pillows, drinking from a small cup of tea that the healer had pressed into her hands. She sat with her legs curled under her, staring at Murdoch as he prepared for bed.

“Well, a lot has happened tonight,” she said conversationally as he stepped into the garderobe to wash. He splashed his face and when the water dripped down his waistcoat, he pulled it off, popping open the buttons. “Tae think of Avery’s face when he entered the room… oh, what are ye doing?”

Murdoch dropped the waistcoat to a nearby coffer and reached for his shirt, pulling it over his head.

“I am performing a jig. Eloise. What does it look like I am doing?”

“Aye, yer wry tone is as humorous as ever,” she said with equal dryness. He smiled and glanced over his shoulder at her, seeing that she was staring at his bare back. Her hand appeared to tremble around the teacup as she raised it to her lips. “Ye are undressing.”

“I am preparing fer bed.”

“Ye can sleep in yer clothes.”