She nodded and offered a soft “Yes.”
“I’ll not promise that I’ll never be angry with ye. That seems the way of husbands and wives at times. But I can assure you, when I’m mad at you, you’ll know it. I’m not the kind of man to let things dwell. I speak my mind right then. But it will only be speaking—occasionally, I may have cause to bluster a bit, but it will only be words. It will never be fists or anything physical.”
She nodded again but didn’t look convinced.
“By the saints, I swear I’ll never lure you off to the woods to punish ye. We might go to our room to have words, but that would be the extent of it. Words. And I’ll hear yours as well. I’m certain you’ll have plenty to yell at me about. I’m not the most observant man and know little of women.”
Again she nodded in agreement, even though it was clear she didn’t truly believe him.
He placed his forehead against hers, making a connection. “These are things you’ll learn about me in time. I only ask that you don’t make me out to be a monster until you have reason to. Is that fair?”
“Yes. I’ll try to remember.”
“That’s something, I guess.” He barely got the words out before a raindrop landed on her cheek. Another fell on his head and another on his arm. “It appears our adventure is over for the day. Let’s get back to the castle before we’re drenched.”
He took her hand and they ran for the horses. He lifted her into the saddle and they made haste back to Dunardry. After they returned, they were each pulled into their own duties the rest of the day.
That evening at the meal they stole glances at each other. Each time he caught her looking at him he offered a smile, and she smiled back before looking away. At times he thought she was flirting with him, but then he remembered the events of the morning and held back on his plans to woo her.
She was afraid of him.
He’d have to be mindful of his next move so as not to scare her. He would give her space and time to settle with him. There would be time for more once she was comfortable.
He shifted as his cock hardened from looking upon her sweet lips. His body craved hers, but he would not claim her tonight. Or any other night.
Not until she wanted him.
He frowned at his food and wondered how he might speed the process along.
Chapter Ten
After the evening meal, Kenna asked Mari to assist her with finishing a gown in her solar. Since it was a gown meant for Mari, she couldn’t very well refuse, though she had enjoyed the playful glances with her husband across the table and would have liked to spend time with him.
When Cameron smiled at her, it wasn’t fear that made her stomach twist. It was something else. Something she hadn’t felt for a very long time. Not since she’d flirted with the groom’s son in her father’s stables.
With distance between her and Cameron, and people all about, it was easier to feel safe with him. Easier to smile and tease him with coy looks. Especially when he offered her his own smiles and smoldering glances.
“What do you think?” Kenna asked, holding up the gown.
Mari smiled indulgently. “It’s beautiful.”
“You lie.” Kenna sniffed. “Embroidery is still a skill I have yet to master.”
“You have mastered many others. This one is of no matter.”
“Do you say that to challenge me? You ken I hate being bad at anything.”
Mari shook her head. She found it ridiculous that Kenna worried over such things. Though she remembered how relentless their stepmother had been in pointing out Kenna’s faults.
“You are an amazing woman, sister,” Mari said with a grin. “And I daresay your husband doesn’t give a fig about the lack of embroidery on his linens. It’s clear he only cares that you’re lying on them.”
They giggled together as they had when they were girls.
Kenna shook her head. “It’s strange that I still worry over it. I know how Lach feels about me. But I still try hard to make sure he has no regrets over our marriage.”
“It’s a waste of your energy. The man is beyond any thought of regret. It’s quite obvious how much he loves you, and I’ve only been here a short time.”
“We both know it’s one thing to tell ourselves something, and another to know it in our hearts as truth.”
Mari nodded sadly. She hadn’t told Kenna about what happened earlier, when she’d lost herself in fear, but it seemed her sister understood.
“Try it on and see how it fits,” Kenna demanded, changing the subject.
“Might I do it in the morning? I fear if I go to my room and take off my gown, I may collapse in my bed and not return for the entertainment.”
“Very well.” Kenna smiled. “Let’s go join our husbands so they don’t forget about us,” she joked. Mari knew Kenna was anxious to get back to Lachlan.
When they returned to the hall, the music had started. Turning to join the crowd, she heard a giggle and looked around to see Roddy and Douglas laughing as they crawled over an imposing figure.
Cameron looked a sight with little boys climbing and hanging from his large limbs. In one hand he clasped a rag where a small dog growled in an effort to pull it from his grip.
“They love him. He is so patient with them. Even better, he tires them out so they sleep through the night.” Kenna laughed.
Watching her husband playing with small children and a little dog brought shame to heat Mari’s cheeks. Her earlier breakdown seemed so silly now. She’d seen the hurt on his face when she confirmed her fear of him. It wasn’t right that he be blamed for the crimes of another man.
Unfortunately, she didn’t
