and linen rags that you use here.” She sighed. “And I’ll miss my cell phone, the technology. Oh, and my studies. I guess you’d call me a scholar in this time.”
“Well, now ye must explain what a toilet is? And once you’ve answered that, what the hell is toilet paper?”
Abby pushed her plate away, not able to eat another bite. Grabbing the wine flask she filled up her cup. “A toilet is a garderobe or privy. Toilet paper is what you use to…you know, to wipe yourself.”
Aedan watched as she took a sip of her drink, his gaze darkening with intent. “I’m not sure if I want to know any more about ye time.” He laughed, pushing a lock of hair from her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“So am I.” Abby stood and pulled him up to follow. “Let’s go outside for a walk. I think there’s a full moon and it’ll be nice to have you all to myself.”
“Are ye trying to lure me to an indiscretion with ye? I’m a gentleman, I’ll have ye know, lass.”
“I don’t believe that for a moment,” she said, clasping him about the waist, the corded muscles of his lower abdomen distracting her for a moment. He was so hard and toned. A real, live fighting machine. “I think you’d love for me to lead you into temptation…”
“Aye, you know me well.” They walked toward the outer courtyard, climbing up a staircase that ran on the outer kitchen wall, leading up to the roof. Aedan dismissed the guard who greeted them at the top and told him to wait until their return.
Aedan leaned against the battlement, pulling her against his chest. She loved the feel of his arms about her waist, the thump of his heart strong against her back. They stood in silence, both lost in thoughts as they looked out onto the Isle of Skye glistening in the moonlight beyond. The few cottages that lay scattered within the forests and along the shoreline had small lights burning in their windows.
Abby looked up into the sky and sighed at the millions of stars that twinkled in the heavens. In Salem where she lived, such a sight was marred by city lights, and with the clear air here in Scotland and not a cloud in the sky, every star shone as bright as the sun.
“I think I could look at this view forever.”
Aedan kissed the skin beneath her ear, nibbling his way down to her shoulder. “Just as I’d wish for ye to see this view forever.”
His kisses made her shiver, and she tilted her head to give him easier access. “Are you certain it doesn’t matter if you marry a woman who isn’t a clan member or a woman of importance from the surrounding clans?”
“Nay. My wife. My choice, as I said, lass.” He kissed across her shoulder, slipping her gown partly off her shoulder. “And I choose you.”
Abby turned in his arms and met his gaze. “I don’t want to be the cause of any trouble for you, Aedan. This time is hard enough already.”
“Ye are not. Trust me when I tell ye, you’re never a burden to me.”
Slowly, he leaned down and kissed her, the slightest touch, a flittering of lips. “I want ye to stay. You know that. And I wouldn’t say I want ye as my wife, unless I was sure of the fact.”
Abby nodded, swallowing the lump that formed in her throat. “I don’t want you to regret your decision. You know I’ll not always agree with you on everything. I’m opinionated, stubborn, very much like you, actually.” She smiled.
“Minx.” He tickled her, and she squealed. As she tried to squirm away, it only made him more determined to torture her, and she ended up more entwined in his arms. “Aye, that mouth needs to shut for a moment.”
She gasped, and he grabbed the opportunity to distract her. His lips took hers, and she was lost. The embrace turned hot, wet, and demanding. Abby lifted herself to be against his chest, wrapping her arms about his neck. Their bodies fit perfectly. Like they were meant to be. Her breasts, pushed hard against his chest, felt full, and she moaned when his hand came up and cupped one, his finger finding her pebbled nipple and rolling it between his fingers.
Her tongue touched his, a melding of mouths and souls. His deep growl caused her body to flush hot, and she willed him to do whatever he wanted with