Page 32 of To Wed a Witch
Chapter 8 – A Marriage in Truth
Bhaltair knocked, thenentered the room and froze in the doorway.The reason being that he had to take a moment to catch his breath.Sìne stood with her back to the fireplace, staring at him with a mix of nervousness and longing.
"I thought ye were abed?"
"I...I was, but I could not settle.So, I decided to..."
"Pace the room?"he asked, before casually crossing the threshold and closing the door behind him.
"Aye.'Tis silly—I mean, 'tis not as if I am a blushing maiden, but my...my nerves are still frayed a little."
"'Tis understandable.Is Aidyn asleep?"Bhaltair asked, desperately trying to find some topic of conversation to prevent him from throwing her over his shoulder and ravishing her like a brute.
"Aye, after her warm bath, she nodded off quickly.As long as she is clean, fed, and dry, she rarely fusses through the night."
He nodded with a soft expression, then made his way to the adjoining chamber, taking a peek in at Aidyn.When he returned to Sìne's side, he took her into his arms and kissed her gently on the lips.
"Dinnae be nervous, love.We'll take things slow.I'll not harm ye."
"I ken it, but I'm afraid ye may not enjoy it."
He chuckled deep and low then."'Tis not possible, wife.Believe me."
"How do I ken that?"
"Well, perhaps I should put ye out of yer misery and show ye instead."
She gasped."Aye, I suppose that would be good," she rasped as her heart began to beat furiously.
Bhaltair nodded, then stepped a few paces away from her.He needed to keep some distance between them lest he lose all semblance of control too soon.He then slowly began removing his plaid with methodical movements until he was standing before her in just his thigh-length léine."Good.That's...good."
Sìne was mesmerized by his movements in the firelight.He was tall and strong and determined.His léine came down to just above the knees, but his muscles were powerful and strong.Even partly clothed, it was a sight to behold.
What would he expect of her?What would he think when he saw the evidence of her past written on her body?She dared not move as she wrung her hands, trying to decide what to do.
"Sìne," Bhaltair said softly."Come here."
She went to him, stopping just within arm's reach.In the firelight, she could see the pulse beating in his throat, the way his hands clenched and unclenched at his sides.
"I need ye to ken," he said, his voice rough with emotion, "this is not duty for me.This is not obligation or necessity.This is want, pure and simple."
"Bhaltair..."She reached up to touch his cheek, marveling at how he leaned into her palm."I want ye too.But I must tell ye something first."
His eyes searched her face."What is it?"he asked, wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her closer.
Heat flooded her cheeks, but she forced herself to meet his gaze."As ye ken, I dinnae come to ye untouched and bearing a child changes a woman's body.I have marks on my skin.I dinnae want ye to be disappointed when ye see—"
