Page 66 of A Highland Bride Taken

“I kenned ye didnae like crowds, but I believed having yer family here would ease the burden. Anyway, ye conducted yerself well today,” he praised. “Ye were the perfect lady.”

“I was so nervous, me heart was trembling.” She laughed nervously. “I am surprised ye didnae hear it.”

“I noticed,” he said with a small smile.

She turned to him in surprise. “How?”

He gave her a wolfish grin and tapped a spot on her neck. “I can see just how fast yer heart beats at this spot.”

She gasped. “‘Tis nae true.”

“Aye,” he said smugly, before leaning forward to whisper in her ear. “‘Tis true. ‘Tis also how I ken when ye are burning with desire.”

His voice dropped to a low murmur that had her heart racing again.

“I see I am correct,” he continued, pulling away from her. “Dinnae worry, wife. I will tend to ye afterward.”

She gasped and slapped his arm playfully, then clapped a hand over her mouth.

“Ye hit yer husband,” he stated calmly.

“I… I didnae mean to,” she stammered. “‘Twas?—”

He burst into loud laughter, surprising her again. It seemed her husband was given to humor easily.

She pouted at him, for he had frightened her with his response.

“I dinnae mind yer outbursts, wife,” he teased. “I will punish ye later, and ‘tis enough for me.”

She shook her head at his playfulness and stepped away from him.

“Do ye think anyone noticed our absence?” she asked with a guilty look.

“Ye worry what they will think?”

“Aye,” she admitted, worrying her lip.

“Ye shouldnae worry. Nay one will think yer husband’s desire improper,” he assured her, just as they neared the doors to the hall. “‘Tis a thing many desire to have, so dinnae fear.”

Returning to the Great Hall after what they had just done, Mabel was struggling to hide her guilt with a serene smile, but at a mere wink from her husband, her cheeks flushed red.

“Ye should?—”

A shout interrupted him and sent a chill down her spine.

“What is happening?” she asked, turning to him. “Is something wrong?”

She noted the stormy expression that temporarily clouded his face, but he turned to her with a calm look that failed to hide the heat in his eyes.

“Dinnae worry, wife,” he told her. “I will take care of it. Ye should find the boys and make sure they’re well.”

“Husband…”

“Dinnae worry,” he said, placing a kiss on her forehead. “Just find the boys and ensure they are well. Trust me, alright?”

She nodded and watched him walk off in a daze, her worry rising. She certainly hoped all would be well. She did not like the stormy look on his face, but perhaps he would tell her about it later.

She stepped into the Great Hall and was immediately confronted by her sisters.