Page 17 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander

They’re waitin’… The kiss… How do I do this without provokin’ her anger?

“Lass?” Hunter prompted, squeezing her hand lightly until she turned to look at him. “I’ll end this now.”

“Och—But…” Erica started to protest weakly, but he lowered his head to hers, nonetheless.

“The quicker the better.”

Her lips trembled as they parted, releasing the breath she had been holding in. Hunter angled her face away from the crowd and then tilted her chin up gently. To anyone watching, it lookedlike they had been lost in each other for quite some time, but he had actually planted a light kiss on the corner of her mouth.

“There,” he whispered roughly as the crowd erupted in cheers once again.

“All done?” she managed to mutter.

“All done, Lady MacKinnon.”

He heard her hum before he leaned back from her.

The officiant undid the knot, and Thomas stepped forward first, pulling Erica aside with a grin that barely masked his concern. “Ye’re stronger than ye think, Erica,” he said, his voice low so only she and Hunter could hear. “Dinnae let anyone make ye forget who ye are. Ye are a Kilmartin of Clan McFair.”

His eyes landed on Hunter, and they seemed to have a silent conversation.

A good braither, indeed.

“I’ve got her now, Thomas. She’ll be protected and taken care of,” Hunter promised, extending his hand. Thomas shook it firmly and then reached over and pulled his sister into a hug.

Hunter watched on with mild curiosity, noting the way Erica’s shoulders relaxed. She even managed to muster a more genuinesmile as she hugged her brother back. Her parents approached them next, hugging them both.

“We are so proud, Daughter. MacKinnon, A grand match, indeed,” Tavish choked out, and Alba echoed his sentiments kindly.

However, the look Lady McFair shot Erica was not lost on Hunter. It was as if she was telling her daughter‘Get it together. There’s nay goin’ back now.’

There’s nay goin’ back now, indeed.

Hunter stepped between them, essentially shielding Erica from them as he motioned for them to head to the Great Hall for the cèilidh.

Erica took his arm and went through the motions of acting like the blushing bride, smiling at the guests and even waving at a few, before he steered them into a hidden alcove. To the crowd, it merely looked like the newlyweds were sharing a secret, but Hunter had other plans.

She was standing so close to him now, and her green eyes widened with confusion as he pulled her even closer. “Smile, lass. They’ll think we’re already quarrelin’.”

Erica grinned effortlessly as he lifted a strand of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. She smelled like the garden. Every inhale was a breath of fresh air.

Then it hit him, the guilt nearly suffocating him as it wrapped around his chest and squeezed.

I need to get out of here.

“I think it’s time we took our leave, lass. Tonight.” His voice was rough and unyielding.

“What?” Her mouth dropped open, and a flash of alarm crossed her face. “Leave? So soon?”

“Aye,” he replied, keeping his voice steady and firm, providing no additional details.

“When?” was all she managed to say.

“Now. We will make a show of sayin’ our farewells.”

She hesitated, and he caught the faintest shadow of disappointment in her eyes. “Can we nae stay for a few more days?” Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the plea in it was evident. “Me family… me faither…”

Hunter felt a twinge of sympathy. He wanted to comfort her, but he held her stare resolutely.