Page 15 of Married to the Highland Devil
“Her name is Yvaine, and I am certain she will be excited to meet ye too.”
He led her to the horse and helped her mount first before he climbed on behind her and continued their ride.
Their next stop was at an inn where they ought to spend the night. Duncan led her into the inn and paid for their night’s stay before joining her and the innkeeper to go to their bedchamber.
It was a small, cramped-up space with wooden floors and walls. Duncan noticed there was only one bed too. They would have to share it, then.
He combed his fingers through his hair and released a deep breath.
“What is it?” she asked. “Did something happen?”
“Nay, nothin’… I just… It is a lovely room,” he lied then took her hand and linked their fingers.
Duncan walked her to the bed, helped her sit, then made sure the door was locked before joining her. They sat in silence, and Duncan could not help but stare at her again.
He could stroke her hair and tucked the strands behind her ear. He could kiss her cheeks and stroke her skin. Duncan wanted to do a lot of things to her, but he could do none.
It is bad enough that I am wedding her for her dowry. I will not take any more advantage of her. How could I?
7
Amelia sat on the bed till their supper arrived. It was a bowl of hot broth, and she enjoyed every bit of it; she was starving. When she set her spoon on the plate, Duncan took it from her.
He was gentle. His hands seemed large, but they were soft, and she wondered what it would feel like if he did more than just stroke her chin.
“Would ye like a hot bath? The innkeeper can make one for ye. It will be relaxin’, and ye will feel more energetic for the journey tomorrow,” he asked.
“I would like that very much.”
He left the chamber, and she smoothed her hands on the sheets to feel them. Amelia realized the bed was small, and the thought of her sleeping next to Duncan made her shiver.
Amelia had met with very few men, and she had not even let them see her face, but the moment she had heard Duncan’s voice, she had come out from behind her curtains.
Something in him called to me from the beginning.
She was still in her thoughts when she heard the door open.
“Yer bath water is ready. Do ye need me to lead ye there?”
She extended her hand, and seconds later, he guided her towards the tub in the room.
“So, do you even know about corsets?”
Amelia was spiraling. Her nerves were all twisted up, and she did not know how to keep still. Talking helped her stay calm, so she needed to say something to him.
“Nay much,” he answered. “But it isnae hard to learn now, is it?”
She chuckled. “At least I know you won’t leave me in them to die.”
“I wouldnae do that,” he answered and laughed with her.
Each hook he removed freed her, and she gasped in relief. When she felt his fingers brush down her spine, she inhaled sharply, stepped forward to avoid his touch, and kicked her leg against the tub.
Amelia groaned out in pain, and Duncan moved instantly, swept her into his arms, and carried her back to the bed.
“Are ye hurt?” he asked then moved his hand to her foot and began massaging it. His hands on her bare skin made her flush ever hotter.
“I am all right,” she managed to say, but the words barely sounded like her own. Her voice was husky, and her nerves had begun to tingle. “It does not hurt.”
