The Highlander's Destiny (Highland Rogues #2) - Mary Wine Page 0,38

kitchen doorway and argue over something he thought best for her own good. The ride over Faolan’s shoulder might have wounded her pride, but she recognized that he cared about her well-being, or he simply wouldn’t have bothered.

And Malcolm had been intent on…something. She decided it was best not to decide just what the McKay laird had planned to do in the dark in her chamber. Instead, Cora set her sights on the moment she was in, drawing in a deep breath as she paused outside the entrance of the great hall. The moment she’d heard so much about throughout her life was about to take place. She let out the breath she was holding before making sure her chin was level.

And then she went forward to greet her groom.

*

Faolan had never thought to wed.

Well, at least not to marry in the great hall of the McKay. But he was here. The priest was standing at the base of the high ground while Malcolm sat in his chair with a disgruntled look on his face.

His mother would have wept with joy.

Faolan grinned. Perhaps wept wasn’t the fitting word. His mother had been proud and unbridled. She’d followed her heart and never lamented her choice. But she’d never forgiven the slights handed out to her either for being considered a lesser woman.

She’d approve of Cora.

Faolan shifted as that idea went through his brain. He wouldn’t be keeping Cora. So, there was no reason for him to ponder his mother’s opinion on the matter.

Purpose was what defined his life. His mother had raised him to be honest and to always stand by his actions.

He’d promised Cora he was going to see her back to her brother. So that was precisely what he would be doing.

But movement at the back of the hall caught his eyes. Noreen was preening as she tugged Cora by the hand. The first time he’d seen her in daylight, Faolan had noticed how fair she was. Tonight, though, clothed in blue silk, with her copper curls piled on top of her head, Cora Mackenzie looked like a fairy. Her eyes were full of life as she looked straight at him. And then, Cora Mackenzie began to walk toward him.

Christ. He had no idea how he was going to keep his purpose in mind now.

*

“Take the lass’s hands in yers.”

The priest knew his duty. He was conducting the wedding slowly and with reverence.

All around them, the McKays were pressing forward, silently urging the man to hurry.

It was over soon enough the way Cora saw it. For an event that she had spent so many hours listening to lectures about, somehow, it seemed as though it should have lasted longer.

But her vows were spoken, and Faolan looked her straight in the eyes as he uttered the words that would bind them together until death.

“Ye may give the kiss of peace to yer bride,” the priest announced.

Cora stiffened. She’d forgotten about the kiss.

There will be more than a kiss as soon as ye are abovestairs…

She jerked her mind back to the moment. Her heart was pounding. A deep, hard motion that made her feel like the muscle just might break through her ribs. She’d started to pull her hands from Faolan’s as her composure suddenly eroded.

Faolan tightened his grip. He’d looked toward the priest but returned his attention to her when she moved. Something flashed in his eyes. Like a crack of lightning splitting the sky in warning before the thunder boomed.

She started to turn her head, to offer her cheek. Faolan didn’t take it. He angled his head and fit his mouth to hers. She jerked back, but he reached down and caught a handful of her skirt to keep her in place. A startled gasp opened her lips, and he took full advantage of it, pressing a hard, full kiss against her mouth to the delight of the assembled McKays.

They hooted as he slipped an arm around her waist and continued. Somehow, she’d never noticed just how sensitive her lips really were. The connection between his mouth and hers was searing. Her belly twisted in an insane little motion that sent a shiver racing down her body. It kept going until it hit her toes, and they curled inside her shoes. Somehow, she was pressed against him, discovering once more just how hard his body was compared to hers.

Like her curves were fashioned just to give way against his hardness…

Her thoughts dissolved as the kiss continued. It was like