Page 27 of To Wed a Witch
"Back at MacKay Keep ye said...ye said...there's no need to consummate the marriage seeing as everyone believes Aidyn is yers."
"Sheismine, and so are ye."
"Well, I assumed ye meant ye wanted this as a marriage in name only, and well...I dinnae ken why ye're so angry when ye were the one who left me the moment we arrived.I ken ye are busy, so I'm not complaining.I'm just trying to explain why I moved to the other chamber."
"Ye were to think that I had clan matters that couldn't wait.Matters that had been neglected during my absence."His voice was rough with frustration."I was seeing to the very problems that made this marriage necessary in the first place."
"I understand that!I dinnae even ken why we are arguing."
"I'm angry because I shouldn't have to tell my wife that she belongs in my bed!"he growled.
Sìne felt her breath catch, her pulse racing at the heat in his eyes.
"Ye cannot blame me when ye did not make it clear," she snapped.
"Then let me make it clear now."He stepped closer, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body."This isnota marriage in name only, Sìne.I took my vows and I intend to enjoyeverypart of this marriage, including bedding my wife."
"Oh...ye do?"she asked weakly.
"Aye, love.I do.When I said we did not have to consummate our marriage on the night we wed, I was trying to be considerate.To give ye time to become accustomed to me.But believe me, I have always had every intention of having a real marriage."
"Then ye truly want me in yer bed each night?"
"Love?"He cupped her face in his large hands, his thumbs brushing over her cheekbones."I've been going mad wanting ye.Every moment since we met, trying to be honorable and give ye time to adjust.Do ye think that is easy?"
"I thought ye were just being kind—"
"Kind?"He let out a harsh laugh."There's nothing kind about the way I want my wife."
Before she could respond, he crushed his mouth to hers in a kiss that was nothing like the gentle touches they'd shared before.This kiss was hungry, possessive, full of barely leashed desire and frustration.
When they finally broke apart, Sìne was breathless and trembling.
"Do ye understand now?"he murmured against her lips."This is a true marriage, Sìne.In every way that matters."
"Aye," she whispered, her voice shaky."I understand."
His expression softened slightly as he brushed a strand of hair from her face."From now on, Aidyn sleeps in the small chamber there."He pointed to the adjoining nursery chamber where her cradle stood."It is quiet and warm so she will not be easily disturbed, but we are close by should she need us.It also means we still have privacy for ourselves.Paisley can use the chamber next door, and the room across the hall is yer solar.But ye, wife, sleep beside me in my bed every night.Is that clear?"
"Very clear," she replied.
"Good."He kissed her forehead gently, the tender gesture in stark contrast to his mood."No more misunderstandings between us."
Sìne stammered, "Did ye...I mean...that is...do ye mean to couple with me...right now?"
Bhaltair burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?"Sìne asked with a scowl.
"Love, ye look as if ye're marching to yer doom.So, no...tonight ye get one final reprieve from my attentions."He smirked."I can see ye're flustered, and ye've had an exhausting day.Tonight we merely rest.But come tomorrow, it begins in earnest."
Sìne felt sheer relief.She was rather flustered now and extremely nervous, but Bhaltair giving her this night to just settle and get used to being in a new place was more than generous.And coward that she was, she would take it.But then she thought about what he said.
"Wait?What begins tomorrow?"she asked.
"My plan to seduce ye, of course!"
Well, if that didn't make her womanly parts just spontaneously combust.
