ye plans today I thought that you were bluffing, but after the meal tonight and your announcement, I see that you’re not.”
Aedan smiled, remembering the roar from his clansmen at the announcement of his betrothal. That he had the support of his people was enough for him. His closest ally, Black Ben’s clan, when joined with his in battle, was a force to be reckoned with, and he certainly didn’t need the support of Clan Grant to secure his future.
War with the O’Cains withstanding or not.
“I’m deadly serious with my offer of marriage to Abigail Cross. I believe she’ll suit me well.” He kept the smile off his lips at the memory of her and their time together. Now that he’d announced his intention, he would ensure they had even more time alone…and undisturbed.
“To say I’m not disappointed would be a lie. I had hopes you’d offer for Aline, but ’tis what it is.”
Aedan poured the man a whisky, slid it across the desk, and leaned back in his chair. “I must admit to assuming a different reaction from you.”
The older man chuckled, downing his whisky in one swallow. “Nay, as much as me daughter is disappointed, I’ll not stand in the way of yer happiness. I’m happy for you and the lass. And of course, I will still support ye should ye declare war on the O’Cains. The bastards are always stealing me cattle.”
Aedan nodded, knowing only too well what the O’Cains were like. “Tomorrow the clans will be leaving MacLeod land, and then the celebrations for Lammas and my sister’s forthcoming handfasting will commence. Of course, you’ll be invited.”
“Aye, two unions within months of each other. Yer father would be proud of ye, boy.”
Aedan nodded, hoping this was true, and yet his father, a hard man, not one to show any emotion other than at the end of a sword, would probably disagree. “Are ye all set for your journey in the morn?”
“Aye.” The older man rose, stretching. “We are. Just make sure ye send word when ye need our help, and we’ll be here as soon as we can.”
“Thank you, I appreciate yer support. Likewise, send word if you’re ever in need.”
Aedan watched the older man leave. Walking over to a window, he stared out at his lands. In the outer courtyard, lanterns burned and the muffled sounds of men could be heard. The meeting with Laird Grant had gone better than he’d hoped. Aline would be disappointed to hear it. He smiled and thought of Abigail, who at this very moment waited for him upstairs…
It had been too many nights since he’d lain with her. He turned to go and stopped as the very woman haunting his every thought walked into the room, sliding the bolt across the door and locking them in.
“Abigail,” he said, watching the sway of her hips as she made her way across the room.
“Aedan,” she replied, running her hands up his chest as she came to stand before him. “I was lonely. I thought I might come and keep you company.”
Aedan chuckled as she started to untie his sporran. “Ye can keep me company whenever ye like. You’ll never have an argument from me on that score.”
“I’m glad.” She pulled him over to his desk, sliding up to sit before him. His hands moved up her legs, bringing her gown to pool about her waist. The pull for him to touch her, to make her come apart in his arms, made her wet between her legs. He cupped her sex and she moaned, biting her lip as he teased her flesh. His heavy lidded gaze pinned her in place as one finger slid between her folds.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said, his eyes cloudy with desire. “I’m in awe of you.”
She smiled, pulling him down for a kiss. His lips took hers, his tongue stroking against hers in a tantalizing rhythm. Using her legs, she wrapped herself about his hips, pulling him where she craved him most.
He growled, letting her go a moment as he fought with the belt on his kilt. It hit the floor with a swoosh. He stood before her, his chest rising and falling in quick succession, his chiselled body all for her and no one else. Desire ran hot in her blood and threatened to make her go up in flames.
Each time they were together like this, it was like opening a naughty Christmas present. He was magnificent, and that his heart was true, beat only for