Page 76 of When A Laird Loves A Lady
“Well, then they should simplyprocure some,” he said and pulled her toward him to kiss her on the lips. Ashis hand slid lower to cup her breast, she gently pushed him away. She wantedhim very much, but she wanted to discuss this first.
“They are afraid to do so becauseFiona told them that she was head of the kitchen and she’d gather all thesupplies or appoint someone to do it, but she has not done so.”
Iain grunted. “Did ye tell themye’re mistress of the castle now and to follow yer command?”
“In my own way. I think it’s bestto show them they have nothing to fear by gathering what the kitchen needsmyself this first time, but I’ll need help.”
“Ye need me to help ye?” hemurmured as he nuzzled her neck.
She blinked at him in surprise.“Heavens, no! I’d not ask you to waste your time on such matters, but I willneed someone to carry the heavier things. I wanted to make sure it would beacceptable if I asked Archibald to help me.”
Iain stopped kissing her neck andmet her eyes. “Nay. I’ll help ye.”
“You’re sure?” she askedskeptically, aware the offer was only made out of jealousy.
“Aye,” he replied, slipping hishand back under her clothing and cupping her breast. His fingers moved deftlyand quickly over the hardened nub. “We’ll go at dawn, and afterward, ye canshow me what ye ken of shooting a bow.”
Marion’s eyes widened. “Really? Doyou have that much time to give me with all your training?”
“I will always have time for ye,Marion,” he responded, his voice low and husky. And before she could tell himhow pleased she was, his mouth claimed her breast and all her thoughts fled,save one: her husband certainly knew how to pleasure her.
The next morning, after several hours of gatheringwhat the cooks needed and then taking the stores to kitchen—to the delight ofthe cooks—Iain and Marion set out into the woods adjacent to the castle. Whenthey arrived at a lovely spot dotted with trees, Iain pulled two bows from hissack. One of them was the perfect size for Marion, and she could not help butwonder if it had been Catriona’s.
It must have shown on her face,because as Iain was passing her the bow, he said, “I had Graham make it forye.”
“What?” she gasped. “When? Therehasn’t been enough time for such a task.”
Iain chuckled. “Aye. Graham islightning-quick and excels at making all weapons. I asked him to make these thenight we arrived.” Then Iain produced a dagger that Marion had not even noticedbefore. “I also had him make this for ye to replace the one Angus gave ye.”
Tears filled Marion’s eyes as shetook the dagger in her free hand. “Iain, I’m so touched.”
He smiled. “Good. I’d hoped yewould be. Look at the dagger’s hilt.”
She handed the bow back to him, soshe could do so.
“Teaghlach,”hesaid when she looked at the inscription. “It meansfamily, and ye are a part ofmine. An important part.”
Marion’s hearttugged and she sniffled, even as he lowered his head and brushed his lips tohers. “Vow to me ye’ll never forget it,” he said.
She lookeddeep into his eyes, wondering if this was his way of offering her something inplace of his love, but she pushed the thought away and concentrated on thegoodness of his gifts. “I’ll not forget. Now, shall I show you how I canshoot?”
“Aye. And thenwe can practice using the dagger. Yer skill needs a bit of work.”
“Don’t letAngus hear you say that,” she grumbled.
Iain laughed.“He taught ye fine, but now ye’ll learn from the best.”
“You arrogantman,” she said with a chuckle.
Much later,Marion realized Iain’s words had not been arrogant at all, but simply truthful.His skill with the dagger and the bow amazed her, and as the sun set, theygathered their things and walked hand in hand through the woods.
“That was thebest day I’ve ever had,” Marion said shyly.
Iain stoppedand pulled her into his arms. “It was a perfect day, aye?”
She nodded.
“I never didanything like this with Catriona,” he said, surprising her with his openness.Marion didn’t comment, hoping he’d reveal more, and he did.
