by Galen, Shana
Stratford, who was looking rather teary-eyed himself, laughed at that as she’d intended.
“And of course, I shall worship you with my body and endow you with all my worldly goods. But most importantly, if the baron should ever so much as look at you with disapproval, I will give him such a dressing down that his ears will burn for a week.”
He pulled her close and held her tightly for a moment. “You are sure to become his favorite daughter-in-law,” he murmured, and she laughed. “What do we say to conclude? There is no one to pronounce us man and wife.”
She wrapped her free hand around him. “I think you simply kiss the bride.”
“I have been wanting to do that for ages now.” He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her softly and gently. Their hands were still clasped, tied lightly with the string, but he twined his fingers with her other hand, kissing her until they were both flushed and a bit breathless. He took the string binding their hands and tossed it over his neck like a loose neckcloth. Then he led her to the ledge where he’d laid the blankets and lowered her until she was on her back and he lying beside her.
She’d wanted him to continue where he’d left off—his hands under her skirts, his mouth on her breasts—but he began to kiss her gently and sweetly starting at her forehead and moving down. When he reached her mouth, she kissed him back, deep kisses that seemed to go on for hours and said more of what they both felt than words ever could.
Finally, he moved lower, kissing her neck and her shoulder and her collarbone and then the slope of her breast. He laid his head there, then lifted a hand and cupped her, teasing first one nipple then the other into a peak. Heat flooded her sex, making her squirm with need. “Stratford, I want you.”
“Don’t rush me. This is our wedding night. I want you to remember it.”
“We are in a cave in Scotland. How can I ever forget?” But perhaps actions would persuade him faster than words. She reached between them, found the fall of his trousers, and opened it.
“Now you’re not playing fair,” he grumbled into her breast. With a laugh she took his erection into her hand and stroked. He groaned and pushed into her touch. Then his mouth closed on her nipple, sucking hard and eliciting an equally insistent pull from between her legs.
He seemed to know what she was feeling because his hand slid up to her knees, parting them, then finding the gap in her drawers to cup her sex.
“You’re wet and hot,” he said, moving to lick her other nipple.
“I want you.”
“Then you shall have me.” He moved over her, reaching both hands under her skirts to remove her drawers and dropping them beside her. “One day, when we are in a proper bed chamber, I want to see you wearing those—and only those.”
“Should I be scandalized?”
“You will be when I show you just what I want to do with you when I have you wearing just those drawers.”
Heat burned through her. “What do you want to do with me now?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
He pushed her skirts up, edging her legs open with his body as he settled between them. Emmeline had never expected to feel fear, but when he was in that position, she suddenly felt quite vulnerable and uncertain. He kissed her gently. “We’ll take things slowly,” he said as his hand glided up her thigh and stroked the burning flesh between her legs. “You like this?”
“Yes,” she said.
“I won’t do anything you don’t like.” His fingers played her, one moment stroking firmly and the next feathering lightly. She forgot her fear when his thumb found that pearl of pleasure, and she couldn’t stop her hips from rocking into him. She could feel his hard manhood pushing against her leg, and when his fingers entered her, she wanted it to be him.
“I want you inside me,” she breathed as pleasure began to uncoil through her.
“Not yet,” he said.
“Soon,” she demanded. “Please.”
But he ignored her demands and continued his gentle assault, until she was practically crying out with need, and then crescendoing with it until she cried out and bucked hard against his hands. And just when she had peaked, she felt him enter her. Not all the way, just enough that she realized he’d replaced his fingers.
“Am I hurting you?” he asked.
“No.” Their eyes met. “It doesn’t hurt at all.” How strange that women always talked about the pain of their wedding night. When this was all pleasure and—he moved deeper, and she went still.
“Am I hurting you now?”
“It’s definitely uncomfortable,” she said. “Is that all?”
He lowered his forehead to her shoulder. “No. There’s more.”
She lifted his face so she could look in his eyes. “How much more?” The look he gave her said this was only the beginning. She nodded and clenched her jaw. “Very well. Go ahead then.”
He laughed. “You are the very picture of endurance.” He reached between them and stroked the place where their bodies met. Even though she’d just climaxed, the feeling was pleasurable. “I told you I shan’t do anything you don’t like.”
“I like that.” She kissed him, and his mouth was warm and inviting. She wrapped her arms about his neck and willingly opened her legs further as he stroked that place that gave her the most pleasure. She felt his hips move, pushing deeper, and though the intrusion stung slightly, she found that she trusted him and that every time he inched deeper, he did something wicked with his hand or mouth that distracted her enough until finally he groaned and had to bite his lip.
“What is it?” she asked. “Are you hurt now?”
“God, no. I’m sheathed to the hilt and you feel so good I can hardly stand not to move.”
Emmeline, curious now, moved her hips slightly and felt more than a little discomfort. But the pain was minimal. He pulled back slightly then moved forward again and she gasped. There was the pain.
“Do you have to move?” she asked.
He gave her a pained look. “That’s rather the point.”
“I see.” She considered for a moment. “Perhaps if you distract me...”
“How shall I do that?”
She slid her foot up the back of his thigh and wrapped it around his hip. The pressure lessened when she did that, and his blue eyes darkened to near violet. “With your lips.” She nipped at his lip, and he moved in what she thought must be a purely instinctual rhythm.
“Sorry.”
“I can see how it will be pleasurable,” she said. “Next time.”
“Yes.” He slid his hands under her bottom, adjusting their position so she was actually a bit more comfortable. But he was also pressed harder against her, and this time when he moved, he slid against that pearl, and she clenched her hands on his back. His gaze was hot on her face, watching her, noting what she liked. He moved again, sliding against that place where she needed him until she was arching to gain more friction.
“Emmie,” he rasped. “You have to stay still. I can’t—” As though his body moved on its own, he pressed against her again, and she gasped.
“Harder there. Right there. Yes.” He thrust deeper, and though there was pain there was also a flash of pleasure.
“Oh, Christ,” he groaned. “I can feel you. I can’t...” He moved within her, and the pain was there but mixed with the pleasure she was hardly aware of it. Then he cried out, and she looked up at him, at the play of light on his face as he climaxed.
He was beautiful. And he was hers.
Finally, and forever.
Twenty-Two
INES
“You have to eat something,” Emmeline told Ines. She had returned only a couple of hours ago, and she had not stopped smiling. When Ines had asked if Fortescue apologized, Emmeline said they were to be married. Ines had been genuinely happy for her friends, but she did not want to sit across from them and Duncan and his horrid mother for two hours.
“The housekeeper brought a tray earlier,” Ines said.
Emmeline gave
her a look. “Which you did not touch. I saw it.” Emmeline pulled Ines to her feet. “Come down or Murray will probably come up after you. Besides.” She reached for Ines’s hair, tucking a piece behind her ear and bringing another piece over her shoulder. “When he sees how pretty you look, that will be the best revenge.”
“I do not want revenge.”
Emmeline raised a brow. “Yes, you do. And if you do not, I do. The man is a fool. Let him see what he is missing.”
“He is missing nothing, just a silly girl with silly ideas.”
Emmeline took her shoulders. “You are not silly, and neither are your ideas of romance. You made me believe in romance, and that is no small accomplishment. Please, please come down to dinner.”
“Fine.” She had to go. If she stayed, then everyone would think she was ashamed. She was not ashamed of what she and Duncan had done. She loved him. She knew he loved her.
But as Catarina had told her on more than one occasion, love was not everything. Sometimes love could not conquer all.
“You will come then?” Emmeline asked. “Good.”
Ines straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin, determined not to be cowed by Lady Charlotte. For the first time since she’d left London, she had wished Benedict had found her. If he’d found her, they could be on their way home by now. She’d never have to see Duncan or his awful mother again.
She and Emmeline reached the drawing room just as Lady Charlotte was leading the party into the dining room. She greeted Emmeline and nodded to Ines, her eyes flicking across the room. Ines followed Lady Charlotte’s gaze and spotted Duncan. He was standing beside Stratford, and as usual, he made an imposing figure, especially dressed as he was. She tried not to stare, but she had only ever seen illustrations of Highland dress. Duncan wore a dark green coat and linen neckcloth. The belt around the coat secured the green and blue plaid with faint stripes of red that he’d draped over his shoulder. It matched the kilt he wore, which fell just above his knees. Below his knees were flat soled boots, probably more for show than actual use as they looked too thin to offer much protection in the elements.
He had shaved and his hair was pulled back into a queue. His amber eyes met hers then moved away. Ines tried to slow her heartbeat. Her heart seemed determined to betray her. It still loved him, even when her mind begged it to stop.
Duncan took his mother’s arm, escorting her. Fortescue took Emmeline’s, and Ines moved to walk behind. But Fortescue shook his head. “I’d be a lucky man to have two such lovely ladies on my arms. Miss Neves?” He held out his free arm. Feeling grateful for his kindness, she took it and allowed him to lead her to the dining room.
When she entered, Lady Charlotte stood behind her chair, her son behind her, waiting to seat her. But Lady Charlotte was staring at something on the table, and too late Ines realized exactly what it was.
She’d forgotten to tell the housekeeper not to leave the box on the table tonight. She should have told her to give it to her mistress after Ines was gone. But it was too late now. Lady Charlotte lifted the wooden box and looked around the table. Everyone stood, as no one dared sit before Lady Charlotte.
“What is this?” she asked.
Ines did not want to answer, and the rest of the party looked questioningly at each other. Ines did not need to answer. The lady would know soon enough when she opened it, and Lady Charlotte did not wait for an answer at any rate. She flicked the small gold latch aside and opened the box. For a long moment, she stared down at the contents. Ines felt her face flush and burn. She wanted to sink under the floor when Lady Charlotte lifted the lace from the box and held it up. There was no question what it was or who had made it.
“What is this?” Lady Charlotte demanded. Her gaze rested on Ines for what seemed a very long moment. Ines was aware all eyes were on her, and she swallowed. Words deserted her.
Emmeline broke in. “I am certain Ines meant it as a thanks for your hospitality. Her lace is highly prized.”
Lady Charlotte looked at Ines again, and Ines took a breath. “It is a gift. They are lace cuffs. I thought they would look pretty on the dress of your daughter. Then I thought why not give them to you as a thank you.” She looked at Duncan, but he was staring at the lace in his mother’s hands. “I asked your housekeeper to leave it on the table tonight. It was before...” She trailed off.
Lady Charlotte looked at her son, seeming to want him to speak. Was it possible she wanted him to defend Ines?
Ins shook her head. Now she was acting truly foolish.
Finally, Lady Charlotte looked away and her hand shook before she dropped the lace back into the box. Ines prepared for her to return it. Surely, she would not want any sort of reminder of Ines. Perhaps she would throw it in her face or throw it in the fire.
“Christ and all the saints!” Duncan exploded. “I cannae do this.”
Ines jumped at his outburst, and everyone but his mother turned to stare at him. Lady Charlotte took her seat, looking almost relieved. “You have something to say, Duncan?”
“Nae tae ye, Mother.” He shook his head. He looked at Ines, and she stared back at him, hoping her glare was harsh. She wanted to hurt him as much as he’d hurt her. Duncan’s look softened as he stared at her, and then he was moving toward her. Ines started to back up, but Duncan was too quick. He caught her hands and held her. Then, to her shock, he knelt before her.
“Stand up, Duncan!” his mother said, her voice like iron.
Somehow Duncan ignored her. He looked up at Ines, and no matter how much she tried to look away, it was his face that she wanted to see above all others.
“Lass,” he began, then shook his head. “Ines. I owe ye an apology. I faltered when I should nae have.”
Ines did not speak. It was not enough. She wanted to forgive him, but his words were not enough. Her heart still hurt. It still felt hard and unyielding when she looked at him.
“It’s strange, aye?” He glanced at Fortescue. “I never faltered when a line of soldiers fired at me, but last night, I hesitated.”
Fortescue gave him a sympathetic look, but Lady Charlotte was becoming more agitated. She stood. “Duncan, sit down.”
He ignored her and looked only at Ines.
“I love ye, Ines. I love ye heart and soul.”
Ines gasped. Or perhaps she sobbed. She just knew her heart lurched hard in her chest.
“I wanted tae tell ye last night. I tried tae show ye instead, but I wanted tae give ye the words as well. I’m giving them tae ye now.”
“Thank God,” his mother said. Duncan turned to look at her, then put his arm about Ines’s shoulders. Ines stood still and frozen, not shying away, but not accepting his touch either.
“Mother, ye ken I love ye and respect ye.”
Lady Charlotte blew out a breath. “I know that. I’ve been waiting for you to tell me what you feel for her.”
Duncan frowned, looking confused. “I should have said before. I should have stood by her side last night. It’s where I should have been from the start. I ken I’m a failure in yer eyes. Ye sent me tae London tae find a titled English bride, and I fell in love with a Portuguese lacemaker. But ye of all people should understand love. Ye felt it once with my father.”
Lady Charlotte gripped the table hard then eased down into her chair, looking suddenly older and frailer.
“I’ve spent years trying tae atone for my mistake. I ken if I hadnae run away that night, yer husband and my father would be at this table now. I never wanted tae disappoint ye or defy ye again, but I have tae. I love Ines Neves, and I want tae marry her.” He looked down at Ines. “If she’ll have me. And if ye dinnae approve”—he looked back at Lady Charlotte—“then I’ll accept that and we’ll leave right now. But I willnae ever leave her side again.”
Lady Charlotte sat back, nodding resolutely. The room had gone silent except for the crackling of the fire. Duncan went to his knees again and took Ines’s hands. “I dinnae deserve ye, lass. I dinnae ken if ye can ever forg
ive me, but I swear if ye’ll have me for yer husband I will nae give ye a moment’s regret.”
Ines realized everyone was looking at her. She looked down at Duncan. There was still pain when she looked at him. He’d hurt her, and that would not disappear in an instant. But more than the pain was the love. She loved him too. First, she’d loved the idea of him. Then she’d loved the look of him. And now she loved the man himself.
“I love you,” she said. “Sim. Yes, I will marry you.”
Duncan rose to his feet and pulled her into his arms. And then she was off her feet as he lifted her up and swung her around. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him, and he kissed her back, and in that moment, she felt her heart soften and melt and she fell in love with him all over again.
Somewhere a door slammed open, and Ines supposed Lady Charlotte had fled the room. But then she heard a familiar voice. “Take your hands off my sister-in-law.”
DUNCAN
Duncan had known Lieutenant-Colonel Draven would arrive. He just hadn’t thought it would be during the happiest moment of his life. He broke the kiss and stared at the dining room door where Draven stood, his gaze dark and full of anger. Just behind him, Duncan spotted Jasper, his black mask covering the burn scars on his face.
“Put her down,” Draven said. “Get your pistol and meet me outside.”
Duncan lowered Ines to the floor and pushed her behind him, wanting to protect her, though she needed no protection from her own brother-in-law. “Sir, I want tae...” Duncan knew that was not the way. He began again. “May I have yer permission tae marry Miss Neves?”
“No,” Draven said. “You will be too dead to marry anyone.”
“Sir,” Jasper said from behind him.
Draven pointed at Stratford, who was now standing at the table. “You here too? Did you formulate the plan to abduct my sister-in-law?”