Page 52 of The Cruel Highlander's Bride
“So many things, Ciara,” Magnus groaned, reminding her of all the things to come tonight.
He squeezed her hip slightly, and even that light touch was enough to send a fresh wave of arousal through her.
With a deep breath, Ciara leaned back into her husband as they sat, and thankfully, the rest of the cèilidh passed without incident or further embarrassment. Shortly after they returned to the Great Hall, people began to approach them with offers of congratulations and their goodbyes, until only their families and a few stragglers were left.
“A successful cèilidh, I’d say,” Elspeth stated as she walked over towards them, with Olivia and Ciara’s family in tow.
“Aye, I agree,” Magnus muttered in a tone for Ciara’s ears only.
Her blush, of course, gave them away immediately, and Olivia giggled.
“I feel like I’m goin’ to burst,” she groaned, plopping unceremoniously down in the seat next to Ciara.
“Maybe ye shouldnae have had quite so much cake, then,” Alexander pointed out, his harshness surprising even his sister.
But Olivia gasped and then laughed. “What would be the point of that?”
Alexander grumbled in response.
“As much as I appreciate ye all celebratin’ with us, I think it’s time for me bride and I to call it a night,” Magnus announced.
Ciara had started to lean against him once the day had finally caught up to her.
Magnus stood up to emphasize his point, still supporting her weight. With that, everyone bid them goodnight, but he never once stepped away from behind her. Even when her mother and sister approached her for hugs, Magnus remained a silent presence behind her.
Laird Gunn was the last to leave. He didn’t say anything else, just pulled Ciara in for a tight embrace and shook Magnus’s hand.
When it was just the two of them, Ciara leaned even harder against Magnus and let out a heavy sigh.
“I’m exhausted,” she moaned.
Magnus rubbed soothing circles on her back. “Do ye just want to sleep tonight, lass?” he asked quietly.
She didn’t hear any disappointment in his voice, but it snapped her right out of her exhaustion. She practically flew out of his embrace, shaking her head earnestly.
“Nay, nay,” she breathed when they stood face to face.
Magnus tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ears and gave an amused smile. “Are ye sure?”
“Very sure,” she swore.
If there was anything that would drive her exhaustion away, it was thoughts of Magnus’s touch.
“Well, if ye’re sure,” he teased, that smile turning far more alluring. “I need to head to me study, get out of this feckin’ clothes, and sort out a few things related to the villagers. But then…” He paused. “Then I’m goin’ to come find ye and make good on some of those promises. Many things I’ll do to ye, Ciara, and soon.”
Ciara swallowed heavily and nodded. “Soon,” she whispered, a plea and a promise.
She waited as he turned and walked out of the room, choosing to take full advantage of her last look at him in his finery. Magnus turned back in the doorway and shot her a wink. And with that, she practically ran back to her chambers, nervous excitement filling her.
There was no way she’d ever not be nervous, but she trusted Magnus, and after today, she knew he was the person she wanted to give herself over to. If he could make her feelthatgood with just his fingers, well, this was going to be a very good night, indeed.
With an excited squeal, Ciara barged into her chambers and set about getting herself ready. She took a quick bath and combed out the long strands of her hair. Remembering Magnus’s words in the sitting room, she left the dark strands down, already dreaming about his hands back in them.
She slid on her best nightgown, a dark blue silk piece that contrasted beautifully with her pale skin.
Ciara took a few moments to admire her reflection in the mirror. She looked powerful and confident, not at all like the blushing, inexperienced woman she so often thought herself to be. Messing up her hair just the slightest bit gave her an even wilder look that she knew Magnus would love.
When she was as ready as she would ever be, she turned away from the mirror, her stomach still churning with that mix of nerves and excitement. She headed to her sitting room and curled up in one of the armchairs. And then she waited…
