'Promise me.' His voice grated against her ear.
The agony in his voice drove through her sexual haze. 'I promise,' she whispered.
He groaned his approval, then thrust inside her with one forceful surge. He whispered love words against her ear as he withdrew and then drove back into her.
Jamie clung to him, chanting her own love words, and when she knew she was about to find her release, she cried out his name.
Their surrender was absolute, their passion appeased. He stayed inside her a long while. Even after his breathing had slowed and his heart had quit hammering he still didn't move. He didn't want to lose the scent of their lovemaking, didn't want to quit holding her.
For the first time in his life, he was content. He under stood what that meant, yet instinctively rebelled against admitting the full truth. It was too soon, he told himself. Far too soon. It would weaken him, make him vulnerable… He wasn't ready.
Jamie felt Alec tense against her. He eased her back down to the ground, then turned away from her to gather their clothes. She caught only a glimpse of his dark expression. 'Alec?' she whispered. 'I didn't please you just now?'
He immediately responded to the worry in her voice. 'You pleased me very much, wife.' His voice was rough with emotion.
Jamie didn't ask him any more questions until they were both dressed. 'Why are you frowning so? If I truly made you happy-'
'I'm frowning because you told me you were feeling inferior. I never, ever want you to think such ridiculous thoughts in future, wife. Where in God's name you ever came up with such an ignorant idea-'
'You called me inferior,' she reminded him, thoroughly puzzled now.
He had the audacity to look surprised. Jamie's eyes widened in reaction. 'You called me insignificant, too. Don't you remember, Alec?'
He shrugged. He went to collect their mounts, but he was smiling now instead of scowling. His gentle wife had sounded so incensed.
'You can't even keep track of your own opinions?'
'Not opinions,' he called over his shoulder. 'Insults, love.'
'You admit insulting me then?' she shouted, chasing after him.
'Of course.'
He let out a shout of laughter when her unladylike expletive filled the air.
She was more horrified by her shameful blasphemy than he was. She apologized profusely.
He laughed right in her face.
Jamie didn't know what to make of him now. She turned her back on her husband and walked over to Wildfire. Alec Kincaid was the most impossible man in the world, she decided. Didn't he realize how much she wanted to hear him say that he cared for her?
Jamie gained Wildfire's back and picked up the reins. She suddenly remembered Alec's hard demand that she never try to leave him again.
He did care. She whirled around to look at her husband, thinking to shout that very thought. His arrogant grin changed her mind. He didn't realize he cared, she guessed, and he'd probably just get angry with her if she dared instruct him in his true feelings.
Jamie let out a lusty laugh. He'd have to settle in first. Then he'd see the lightness in loving her.
She nudged Wildfire before he could question her further. Alec grabbed her reins, then shook his head.
She gave him a resigned look.
'Listen carefully, love. Up,' he said, pointing behind him, 'is Kincaid land.
Down is England. Got that?'
She bit her lower lip so she wouldn't smile. 'I've got it,' she finally agreed when he continued to stare at her.
He let out a long sigh, then pulled Wildfire along as he changed directions.
'No, you haven't, love,' he muttered.
Jamie did smile then. Lord, she felt good. She didn't even care if Alec lost his temper with her in future. She certainly didn't mind his insults, guessing now it was his way of protecting his own feelings. No, she didn't mind his contrary ways at all.
The reason was simple to understand.
He'd just called her his love.
Chapter Thirteen
Alec was scowling when they returned to the stables. Jamie was smiling. Gavin stood next to the priest on the steps of the castle, watching the pair.
'She's giving him fits,' Gavin remarked.
'I heard she threatened to put her dagger in one of the McPhersons,' Father Murdock said.
'She did,' Gavin answered. 'She's courageous, bluffing the old laird and his men the way she did.'
'Why do you think it was a bluff?'
'Well, of course, it was a bluff. She couldn't possibly know how to throw a dagger.'
'You're very like your laird, Gavin, for you've taken on all his judgments. He's already drawn his own conclusions about Lady Jamie. I'd keep my mind a bit more open if I were you. If she says she could put her blade in someone, then I think I'd believe she was capable. She'd have to be protecting someone else, though.
Aye, she's much more skilled than you and Alec credit her. Mark my words, boy.'
'Alec complains she's too gentle,' Gavin countered.
'She's strong, too,' Father Murdock answered. 'She isn't going to settle in as peacefully as Alec believes, either. The sparks are just beginning to fly.'
Both Gavin and Father Murdock turned to watch Alec assist his wife to the ground. Alec held Jamie much longer than the task required, and from the way the two were staring at each other, neither the priest nor the soldier wished to interfere. The two men turned and strolled away, both of them grinning like simpletons.
Alec knew he should get back to more important duties. Still, he couldn't resist brushing his mouth across hers just one more time. He might have kissed her again if Donald hadn't intruded. Alec handed the soldier Wildfire's reins. Jamie bowed and started to turn away. 'Where are you going now?' Alec asked, just to keep her close another minute or two.
'To change my torn gown,' Jamie answered. 'First I must go and fetch some candles, though.'
Alec thought he might walk along with her, but Donald changed his mind. 'Alec?
If I might have a word with you?'
'What is it?' Alec asked. He pulled his stallion toward the interior of the stables.
'It's milady's mare,' Donald began. 'I hate to burden you with such a paltry problem, but I'm at a loss as to how to control the stubborn animal. She isn't eating. She's going to break a leg sure as certain trying to get out of her stall. She's already torn three slats apart.'
'Then put her in another stall,' Alec suggested.
'I've already tried that,' Donald answered.
Alec could hear Wildfire butting against the wooden slats. He led his stallion over to the damaged stall. Jamie's horse eased her tantrum as soon as Alec reached out to stroke her. 'She's calm now,' he remarked, smiling.
''Tis because your black is near her,' Donald answered. 'When she can see him or smell his scent, she settles down. She's used to him. I was wondering, milord, if we might try putting the two of them together.'
'He'd kill her.'
'I don't think so,' Donald rushed out. 'And she'll take ill if she doesn't start eating.'
Alec decided to test Donald's suggestion immediately. If the stallion tried to harm Wildfire, he could intervene before real damage was caused.
