Page 111 of The Duke's Sinful Bride

Yvette’s breath hitched as she held him tighter, her own arms winding around his neck.

“I’ve missed you even more,” Yvette replied softly, her words muffled against his chest as she buried her face into the warmth of him.

They stayed like that for a long moment, the world around them forgotten, as if nothing mattered but the simple comfort of being in each other’s arms again. But eventually, Killian pulled back, his hands still resting on her waist, holding her firmly. His blue eyes, soft with affection, searched hers.

Yvette smiled, her eyes glistening with happiness, as she gazed at the man she loved.

“Where are all your belongings, and your carriage? I don’t want to believe you rode all the way from London on horseback.”

Killian chuckled, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

“My carriage is on its way with Fiona,” he said with a grin, the twinkle in his eyes betraying the teasing note in his voice. “But I couldn’t wait that long to get home, so I just took a horse to finish the journey.”

Yvette laughed, her heart lifting at the sight of him—her husband, so strong, so sure of himself. She shook her head in mock disapproval, but she couldn’t help but admire his determination.

“I hope you didn’t overexert yourself,” she teased, still marveling at the way he had managed to return so quickly, despite the long journey.

Killian winked at her, the same playful gleam in his eyes that she remembered so well.

“A little travel never hurt anyone, love. But seeing ye again, that’s what makes it all worth it.”

Yvette smiled, brushing her hands lightly against his chest.

“How was the journey? How was London?” she asked, her voice soft with curiosity. “I trust the reconstruction is coming along well. I haven’t seen it, but I’m sure it looks better than it ever did.”

Killian nodded, his face becoming serious for a moment as he thought back on the work.

“It’s coming along, aye. The builders have been working tirelessly, and the progress has been good. It’s strange, though,” he continued, his tone thoughtful. “I’ve spent so much time there, overseeing everything, and yet it feels different now. There’s a sense of distance, almost like I’ve been away from what truly matters.” He paused, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that made Yvette’s heart flutter.

“Ye,” he added softly, his voice barely above a whisper, “are what matters most to me. This castle, the renovations—nothing is more important than being here with you and Maisie.”

Yvette’s breath caught at his words. She hadn’t expected him to say something so raw, so vulnerable. She reached out to touch his face gently.

“I’m glad you’re back,” she said softly, feeling the weight of the months without him. “Goodness, I have missed you terribly, Killian.”

Killian nodded, a small, affectionate smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve been counting the days, love. It feels like I’ve been away far too long.”

Yvette leaned into him, pressing her forehead against his. “I’ve been counting them too.”

Fiona’s carriage arrived a few hours later, just as Killian had said it would. As the large, black carriage rolled into the courtyard of the estate, Yvette couldn’t help but smile in anticipation, as she opened her arms wide before Fiona even alighted the carriage.

“Welcome back,” Yvette smiled as Fiona embraced her.

“Welcome home, you mean,” Fiona said with a teasing smile which Yvette returned.

“You only have a week here left, and you’re off to your husband’s house.”

Even as Yvette said the words, she couldn’t believe them herself. Fiona was to be wed in a few days here in Braemore, as per her wishes.

“I have no ties to London,” Fiona had said, “and if I’m to remain there all my life, I would rather wed here.”

It had made sense to Yvette, so it hadn’t been hard pitching it to Killian.

“I am so excited for this week. I trust you will take great care of me,” Fiona smiled cutely, as she took Yvette’s hands in hers.

“I will.”

The next day, Edward, Georgiana, and Aaron arrived, bringing with them a fresh wave of excitement. The evening found them gathered around the grand dinner table in the Braemore Castle’s dining hall.

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