“People actually do. You simply haven’t seen it yet. I did mention my travels.” She’d loosen him up.
He growled then muttered, “Here, at least let’s do this where we can’t be seen.”
Ahh, success. Her Highlander had a soft streak no matter how big and tough he looked.
“I cannae believe I’m giving in to you.” He ushered her into a hidden alcove behind the dais.
“Don’t think of it as giving in, but instead coming on board. It’s a great way to start our relationship.” She snuggled against him. “We’ll even call this our first dance.”
“A relationship?” He swayed ever so slightly to the playful tune.
“Mmm-hmmm. Don’t you think our handfast warrants being called one?” She certainly did, although what a shame to have agreed simply to a friendship. Oh, the things he likely knew and could teach her. Hold on. Any relationship she embarked on with him wouldn’t have any lasting consequences. She had protection. And until Annie had fixed what she’d done, she may as well enjoy herself.
“More so by the second, lass.” He slid a finger under her chin, lifted her gaze to his. “This handfast was forced upon us, but that does no’ mean we cannae benefit from it in some way. If both parties were willing.”
“Tell me what you mean, exactly.”
“I’ll make it abundantly clear.” He leaned into her until her shoulders grazed the paneled walls behind. “Since we spoke this morn, I’ve become aware of you in ways beyond friendship. If you wish a relationship then I wish one too.” His husky voice held dark, sensual promise.
“You truly mean that?” Please, please, mean that. “Because I could easily be swayed to your way of thinking.”
“Aye, and ’tis you who has the most beautiful eyes.” He pressed his hands flat against the wall either side of her, dipped his head and completed the trap. “I want the right to sleep in your bed, or I should say, to keep you in mine.”
Oh, yes, yes, yes. “I’ve waited a long time to be with a man, so I have one stipulation. I won’t accept you sleeping with anyone else while we’re together. Can you accept that?”
“If you wish.” He pressed his body against hers and she tingled everywhere they touched. “I must kiss you.”
He covered her mouth with his, his lips so achingly soft. Oh, the taste of him swarmed her senses. She wanted more. He licked her tongue and his desire had her arching against him. She couldn’t fight this attraction, didn’t even have a hope of doing so. “Okay. Your bed. Now. We have a new deal.”
He swept her into his arms and bounded up the stairs to his chamber. Carefully, he set her on the end of his enormous four-poster bed dominating the room. “Are you sure, Anne?”
“At the speed you ran, I better be.” She stroked the thick fur pelt underneath her.
“I am.” He removed her slippers then tugged her up and turned her around. He unlaced her stays, his warm breath feathering across each inch of skin he exposed.
“You seem rather experienced with dresses, not that I’m complaining.” She clutched the front so it didn’t slip.
“I’ve wished to remove this one since the moment I saw you in it.”
“Well take your time. I haven’t done this before.” Great, now was not the time to get nervous.
“I’ll take immense care.” He spread his hands over her hips. “Turn around.”
Her heartbeat raced. She was ready for this. Beyond ready.
She turned.
Anne faced him, and Alex took one of her hands in his. She still clutched the fabric over her breasts. “You have naught to worry about. I’ll never hurt you. Pass me your other hand.”
“It’s not worry. I’m not sure how to explain this, but it feels like I’ve been waiting a lifetime for this moment. That makes no sense, but neither does me being here.”
“You’re here because you’re mine.” No matter the agreement in place, she was his.
“Yes, yours.” She let go and her dress slithered down and clung perilously to her hips.
“I want to touch you. May I?”
“Stop asking and start doing.”
He cupped her breasts, their fullness almost spilling out of his hands. Groaning, he thumbed her peaking nipples. “This morn I ached for what you now offer.”
She lifted onto her toes and with the lightest of caresses, touched her lips to his. “Then take and don’t hold back. I’ve been alone for too long. No more.”
His cock pushed toward her as if trying to spear through his plaid. He had to have her now. He licked her nipple. Hell, she tasted divine, like the sweetest nectar, and naught could halt him from sucking her harder.
She shivered and arched fully into him. He feasted on her, but it wasn’t enough. He gorged on her other breast.
“Oh my.” Her breath whooshed out. “That feels incredible.”