Page 118 of The Highlander Who Protected Me

When she kicked off her shoes and started to clamber up on the high mattress, Royal went as stiff as a hitching post. Then he snatched the coverlet and sheets up under his arms, as if to safeguard his virtue.

“Ainsley, what the hell are you doing?”

“I should think it obvious even to a man all but insensible from drink.”

“I’ve barely had a drop!”

She sat tailor-style next to his legs, trying not to jostle him. The bed was so wide that she could choose to put considerable space between them, but she had an almost desperate need to be close. More than anything, she wanted to snuggle up and kiss the grumps from his stern mouth.

Sadly, he seemed disinclined to accept her affection. In fact, he was all but glowering at her.

“I’m not going to have my way with you, if that’s what you’re worried about,” she said. “So you needn’t bristle like your outraged maiden aunt.”

“I don’t have a maiden aunt.”

She tapped her forehead. “I will file that for future reference.”

He sighed. “Ainsley, you should not be in here, much less sitting on my bed. It’s not proper.”

“Royal, I’m your lawfully wedded wife. It’s quite shocking that I hadn’t yet seen your room until now.” She glanced up at the expansive canopy with its elegant draperies. “And this bed is perfectly splendid. It does give a girl some interesting ideas, if you know what I mean.”

A surprising flush bronzed his cheekbones. Although she was simply trying to tease him into a better mood, she had to admit he looked altogether enticing with his broad shoulders showcased by the fine linen nightshirt, and a nice sliver of chest exposed by the gap of his collar. She’d never really seen a man’s naked torso before, and her fingers itched to play with the dark hair that dusted his brawny muscles.

Still, she had no intention of throwing herself at him, knowing her nerves would likely get the better of her. The idea of cuddling with him, however, was enormously appealing. She suspected they both needed comforting—if only he was willing to receive as well as give.

Her husband cleared his throat. “I suggest you get those ideas right out of your head. I’m in no condition for any sort of . . .” He paused. “I’m not sure what you’re proposing, come to think of it.”

“I’m only trying to tease you out of the sullens, my dear sir. You’ve had an exceedingly trying day, and I’m truly sorry for that.”

“I thought no more apologies?”

“There’s no need for you to apologize to me, certainly. You’ve been an absolute saint since the day I reappeared on the doorstep of Kendrick House. But I do wish you would let me abase myself at your feet, especially now that I’m sitting right next to them. I’ve been an awful pill, Royal. How you continue to bear me is the question.”

His gaze warmed. “It’s not your fault, love. You’ve been under a great deal of strain.”

She waggled a hand. “The strain is partly my fault. Angus is responsible for the other part.”

“I suspect he wouldn’t agree.”

“You’d be wrong about that. Your grandfather and I had a little chat, and we owned up to responsibility for our bad behavior.”

Royal’s eyebrows shot up. “You did?”

She nodded.

He settled back onto the plump cushions propped behind him. “Did you get him drunk first?”

“Believe it or not, we simply talked. In fact, we had barely insulted each other even after twenty minutes of conversation.”

“Amazing. I hope I won’t have to keep falling off my horse to enforce the truce.”

Ainsley laughed. “I will certainly keep you apprised. But I do think Angus and I have come to an understanding.”

He looked dubious. “So, what did you two talk about, aside from mutual guilt?”

“You.”

“As I feared,” he said, reaching for his glass. “I hope he didn’t tell you any outlandish stories.”

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