His teasing remark reminded her that they were husband and wife and that they would be sleeping together tonight. Unless there was some way she could prevent it, at least for a little while. He was, after all, a stranger to her and the thought of sharing such intimacy with him unnerved her. She could not delay long in joining with him for their vows had to be sealed, but it would not hurt to wait a day or two, though she had given her word, so what choice did she have?
“I look forward to tonight and discovering how delicious you will taste.”
His words had her stomach clenching tight and a rush of gooseflesh rushing over her. She immediately employed his tactic of changing the subject. “I went to talk to Rona.”
It worked. His blue eyes fired a deeper blue, his nostrils flared as he sucked in a breath and she could not help but think how devilishly handsome he was when he looked about to explode.
Hunter fought to contain his abrupt fury. He could have a terrible temper much like his father, though he had learned to control it as he matured. He had hated when his father ranted and raved and struck out at people. He had sworn to himself he would never be like him, never lose his temper, be mean-spirited, and he had done a fine job of it. But his wife was tempting his control.
“That was foolish,” he admonished, keeping a tight rein on his words and forcing his anger to subside.
Patience’s temper flared, though she did not conceal it. “More foolish if I had not taken the opportunity to find out what Rona knew about my sister. She made a remark about Heather being enslaved by the Dark Dragon, and I was not about to dismiss it as irrelevant without finding out if she actually had information that could help me.”
“Rona is a foolish woman, who more surmises than speaks the truth.”
“So I learned, but I also know that somewhere, somehow she had heard something regarding my sister and any bit of information may just be the piece I need to find her.”
Hunter glanced at one, then the other warrior who had suddenly appeared to either side of him and Patience. She settled his curiosity without him having to ask.
“My warriors have been made aware that there could be an attempt on your life by your family and your death blamed on the Clan Macinnes.”
“Like you, I can look after myself,” — he leaned over to whisper— “but I must say I would not want anything to happen to me before I had the chance to make love to you.”
She did not respond, since she was at a loss as to what to say.
“You must admit there is an attraction between us.”
Patience signaled the two warriors to ride ahead. This was a conversation meant only for her and her husband, and she intended to keep it private. She turned to Hunter as soon as the warriors took a position a few feet in front of them. “You are attracted to every woman you see.”
He laughed. “Not true, though most women are quite lovely and unique in their own way. That can make a woman even more attractive. But that is the past and you are my future, and I have thoughts only for you.”
“Your tongue charms much too easily,” she accused.
“But truthfully,” he was quick to add. And just as quick to ask, “Do you fear making love with me?”
“Do you always change the subject so abruptly?”
“Do you always avoid responding?”
“Do not worry, husband, I will do my duty.”
Hunter laughed. “Oh, mo chridhe, it is not duty that will bring you repeatedly to our bed.”
“So you think you can please every woman?” she snapped.
“I do not think I can, I know I can, but I am only interested in pleasing one... my wife.”
“And what if you do not please me?”
Hunter laughed again, harder this time. “That will never happen.”
Patience’s hand fisted and she had all she could do to stop herself from throwing a punch that would surely knock him off his horse. “What if I find that particular wifely duty not to my liking no matter how much you boast about your exceptional skills?”
His smile faded, though it didn’t disappear entirely. “If you truly disliked sharing the intimacy part of our marriage with me, then I would only seek your bed when we decided on another child. Otherwise, I would find my pleasure elsewhere.”
Why did that disturb her? She knew of some women who were pleased that their husbands found their pleasures elsewhere and only troubled them on occasion. The idea, however, did not sit well with her.
His devilish grin returned in full force, along with his cocky confidence. “But believe me, mo chridhe, you will not be able to get enough of me.”
One punch, just one punch, and she would send him flying off his horse and that would make her feel so much better.
“I can see the passion stirring in your eyes now for me.”
“Something is stirring,” she mumbled.
Hunter kept a sharp eye on her tightly fisted hand, prepared to duck if she should throw the punch she obviously struggled to contain. He could not help but tease her, though there was truth to his words. It was easy to see that his wife was a passionate woman. It was evident in all she did and would be even more so when he introduced her to the pleasures of the flesh. And he planned on making the introduction memorable.
“You will be glad you wed me,” he said with certainty.
She turned a huge grin on him. “But will you be glad you wed me?”
~~~
They arrived at the McFarden village just as it was settling down for the night. Edna McFarden took charge of seeing to Hunter’s mother and as soon as she learned that Patience and Hunter were wed, she insisted on having a cottage prepared for them.
It was pointless to argue with her, so Patience smiled as if pleased by her generosity and hurried off to instruct her warriors. They were setting up camp on the outskirts of the village and guards had already been posted, though no one could see them.
She truly did not expect Greer and his warriors to openly attack the McFarden village. He would wait until they were a distance away, and then make it seem as if a Macinnes warrior killed Hunter and they came to his defense. And the only way to stop that was for her to stick close to Hunter and prevent it from happening.
Edward spoke to her briefly, assuring her that all was well in hand. He thought the same as she did, though precaution would still be taken, since one never truly knew what to expect of an enemy.
Her warriors were so well-trained that there was little left for her to do, and she wished she could simply bed down in the camp with them for the night. She was tired and the pain in her arm from warding off the blows of the tankards thrown at Una had begun to hurt or perhaps it was that she finally had time to notice the pain.
Edward approached her. “All is seen to here. We will be ready to leave at dawn. I will see you then.”
Patience felt as if he was dismissing her, then she realized that he was letting her know that she need not linger there since it was her wedding night. She left the camp reluctantly, wishing she had given more thought to marrying Hunter. Her thoughts dragged along with her steps. Had there been a way to avoid marrying him? Had she been foolish to rush into what she had believed was the only solution? She was responsible for her clansmen and life could be difficult enough in the Highlands without adding another battle to it that could possibly prove to turn into a raging war.
No matter how she looked at it, her only alternative had been to wed Hunter, and her father had advised her that he was the least harmless of the McLaud brothers. And she had set rules down to him, instead of a husband setting rules on her. She supposed she should be grateful that he would be an easy one to handle. He was also easy to look upon, had a generous smile, and seemed to have a pleasant nature, unlike his brothers. Why then did she still have reservations?
Edna hurried over to her. “Your husband has declined my offer of our cottage for the night, though graciously thanked me for my generosity. He confided in me that he has something special planned.”
“You are a lucky woman,” Edna said her smile growing. “He seems so intent on pleasing you and claims you stole his heart when he first looked upon you.”
McFarden approached, slipping his arm around his wife. “Una McLaud asks for you.”
Edna hurried off after a nod and a smile to Patience.
“My wife is as gullible to Hunter’s charm as are most women, though not you,” McFarden said, “and I am glad to see that. You sacrificed and married out of duty to your clan and I admire you for that, for you prevented certain war and have saved the lives of my clansmen.”
Her doubts vanished with his words, though she reminded, “My sacrifice will matter little if I do not get my husband home alive. And you must keep watch over the McLauds, since they cannot be trusted even more so now that our clans are joined. Greer truly wants no part of us, so send word if he does anything that disturbs you.”
“I will keep a watchful eye,” McFarden assured her.
“And I will send needed supplies to you with a few of my warriors who will visit for a while.”
McFarden nodded slowly. “Your father should be proud. You are truly a fine leader and warrior. It would be my honor to serve you.”
Patience rarely was startled by anything said to her, but his words gave her a start, her eyes widening, though not that he could detect the difference. She had trained herself to contain her response to any and all things. It made it that much harder for any foes to deal with her.
“And it would be an honor to serve in any battle with you,” Patience said, for the man had proven himself worthy, “though I hope that does not prove necessary.”
“A prayer to the heavens that it be so.”
They exchanged a few more words, and then not being able to delay the inevitable any longer, she went in search of her husband. She walked slowly through the village, realizing once again how needy the people and dwellings were and she was eager to see that they got what they needed.
She spotted Beast, sitting to the side of a door to a small cottage. She assumed Hunter was inside and approached the door cautiously, since Beast kept a steady eye on her. She loved animals, though it was her sister Heather who had a fine way with them. It was as if they sensed her loving and caring heart and sought her out.
Patience stopped before reaching the door. If this dog was going to be a steady companion to Hunter, it was best she made friends with him. She approached slowly, her hands down at her sides so that he saw that she posed no threat to him. He was big, his chest broad, his rigid stance intimidating, and his large ears flopped over, softening him a bit. His paws were a size and he had yet to finish growing.
“Good evening, Beast, I am Patience, and I am pleased to meet you.” She extended her hand out slowly to him and his nose reached out to sniff it. She gave him a minute to accept her, and then rubbed behind his ear. When he turned his head for her to scratch behind his other ear, she knew she had won him over.
She crouched down beside him and gave him a good rub. “I hear you will be staying with us until you can go home to Saundra.”
His head shot up and he licked her face, as if understanding and happy to hear the news.
The door to the cottage opened and Patience was surprised when Una stepped out. Beast went immediately to her side.
“So, you have made friends with Patience,” she said, rubbing the dog’s neck. “He is a good dog. Saundra trained him well and he is a good and faithful companion to the lonely lass.”
“She does not fit with the McLauds,” Patience said what she had surmised upon meeting the lot of them.
“I fear she never will,” Una said sadly. “But one must endure for that is the way of arranged marriages,” —she smiled— “unless you are lucky to wed a man like Hunter. You will not regret marrying my son. He is a good man as I remind you repeatedly.”
“You are prejudice, Mum,” Hunter said from behind Patience.
“Of course I am.” His mum laughed and Patience could see where he got his amiable smile. “Now then, Beast and I are going to settle down for a good night’s sleep so we are both well rested for tomorrow’s journey.”
Hunter stepped around Patience and went to his mum and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Sleep well.”
She nodded and smiled and ushered Beast inside the cottage, closing the door behind them.
Patience felt a rush of dread gripping her chest. She was alone with this man who was her husband of but a few hours. While she certainly did not fear him, she also did not know him. And how did she share intimacy with a stranger?
She was about to ask him where he intended they sleep since he had declined Edna’s offer of her cottage when she recalled what Edna had said, “What nonsense is this that you told Edna that I stole your heart when you first looked upon me?”
“My heart near exploded when I first laid eyes on your beauty.”
Patience laughed. “It was not your heart that was ready to explode.”
“So your eyes were elsewhere that day.”
“So was your attention, and it was not my beauty keeping you stiff.”
“But it will only be you keeping me stiff from now on.” He reached out to take her arm and she winced and pulled it away.
Hunter’s eyes narrowed and reached out again, though took hold of her arm far more gently this time. “Let me have look.”
“It is nothing.” She tried to free her arm and though he did not hold her tight, there was firmness to his grasp that she could not escape.
“It is something when you gasp in pain and refuse my touch,” he said. “Now let me see it. I will not hurt you. I would never hurt you.”
Gone was his usual cajoling tongue replaced with a tender strength that persuaded far more seductively. So much so that she surrendered her arm to him.
He pushed up her shirtsleeve and nearly winced himself, her arm was bruised so badly. “This has gotten worse. Have you been in pain the whole time?”
“I have noticed no pain.”
“Or you ignored it.”
“That is a distinct possibility with all that has gone on today,” she confessed.
He stepped closer to her and with one fluid motion his arm slid around her waist and tugged her gently to rest against him. And she did not protest, since she found him quite comfortable to rest against, but then she was tired.
His fingers began to gently probe the bruise. “I want to make certain no bones are broken. You will let me know if I am hurting you.”
There was some pain as his fingers moved along her arm, but it was his caring touch that she felt the most. His fingers stroked and probed, moving in a slow rhythm along her flesh, and her body relaxed more and more with each stroke.
She fought to keep her eyes from closing, though her head grew too heavy to keep it erect and she had no choice but to rest it on his chest. She pressed her face against his shirt, enjoying the scent. Too many men had pungent odors about them, not so Hunter. Pine and earth mixed with another scent she did not recognize, though favored greatly.
Feeling comfortable and safe, she allowed her eyes to close for a moment.
“You are exhausted,” Hunter said, feeling her grow limp against his body.
She would not deny the truth. “I am.”
“You are a wise warrior to admit it.”
She liked that he not only acknowledged her warrior skills, but complimented her on them as well. It was nice that he thought her beautiful, but it touched her heart that he admitted and admired that she was a warrior.
Her eyes flew open when he scooped her up in his arms, and she raised her head to glare at him, a sharp retort on the tip of her tongue.
“Please allow me to be a gallant husband and see you bedded for the night.”
While he sought permission from her, there was firmness to his tone that threatened that he would see it done no matter her re
sponse. Then she recalled that tonight was her wedding night and she had a duty to fulfill.
Patience sighed. “Of course you can bed me, after all, I must see to my wifely duty.”
“I want you performing no wifely duty out of obligation,” he said, carrying her through the village that had gone quiet for the night. “It is desire, fiery passion, hunger that I want to see in your eyes and feel in your body for me. And tonight you are too tired for us to share any of that.”
“Are you telling me that we will not seal our vows tonight?”
“Do not sound so relieved,” Hunter said with a laugh.
“You must admit this is a sudden and difficult situation.”
“It is only as hard as you make it.”
A smile tickled the corners of her mouth. “And you do turn hard so easily.”
Hunter glanced down at her, a wicked smile highlighting his handsome face. “Instantly for you.”
“I might have to make you prove that,” she said surprised by her teasing words, but enjoying the banter with him.
“And I would prove it over and over and over again.” He stopped by a small lean-to and lowered her slowly, keeping his arm around her waist until she stood on steady feet.
Patience glanced at the small three-sided structure. Fresh pine had been spread across the ground in the lean-to with blankets covering the pungent pine. She turned to Hunter.
“It is not much, but the blankets are clean, the pine fresh, and the night air perfect. It lacks privacy, but that does not matter for you are exhausted and need rest.”
“You prepared this before you knew I was tired.”
“I knew you were exhausted the moment I saw you dismount your horse. Besides, I heard not a protest from you once we arrived, another sign of your exhaustion.” Hunter moved to the blanket and held out his hand to her. “Come, you need sleep.”
She hesitated and again was surprised by her words. “I have only shared a bed with my sisters when I was young. Otherwise, I have slept alone.”
“You will sleep alone no longer.” He reached out and took her hand, gently tugging her to him. He lowered her down to sit, then joined her. “Get used to my arms, mo chridhe, for you will find them around you often.” He took her in his arms and lowered them both to lie on the blanket.
Highlander's Rebellious Love Page 7