Wicked Laird (Brethren of Stone 2)

her like this, all she could muster was confusion. “But…Blair…that other…woman,” she tried to explain herself but he kept kissing her. “Ye didn’t…want to get…involved.”

“Things change, Elle. Ye didn’t want to marry either. Do ye want me now?” He pulled his head back to look into her eyes. There was the look again, pinched with worry, exactly like it had been at the wedding. Could it be that he had been worried she didn’t want him?

“I want ye, Blair. But I don’t deserve ye.” She’d laid out the truth.

His chest swelled with breath against her own. “That isn’t true. Yer strong and kind. Beautiful and ye’ll make the finest lairdess of any woman I ken.”

“Do you…do you want me then? As yer wife?” She forgot to breathe as she waited for his answer.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait for long. “More than anything.”

“Then why was our wedding such a sad affair?”

He held her face in both of his hands. “I was worried ye were trapped in a marriage ye didn’t want.”

“So was I.” She leaned in to kiss him. “Worried about you, that is.”

Blair shook his head. “Unbelievable.” Then he didn’t wait for her response as his lips captured hers again.

Blair knew he should sleep. It had been a long, busy day and tomorrow would be just the same. What was more, making love to his wife should have sapped every last ounce of energy he had. But he couldn’t let himself close his eyes.

She lay in his arms, her head resting on his chest. Her breathing was deep and even as her warmth and scent wrapped him in a soft cocoon.

Gently, he brushed back her hair and stared at his wife, taking in every detail. He couldn’t get enough of her as his hand slid from her hair and traced the curve of her shoulder, then slid down her arm.

As much as he needed rest, he required this more. It was as though his touch was forging a bond between them, one that would never be broken.

He did manage to sleep for a few hours but as the sun peeked through the window, she stirred in his arms.

He woke immediately, pulling her closer.

Her arms tightened around his middle. “Blair?”

“Aye, love?” he softly asked, kissing the top of her head.

“Am I really your love?” She propped her herself up on his chest then, her hands sliding under her chin.

“More than ye could possibly know, Elle.” He leaned forward to claim her lips with in a kiss. “I love ye with all my heart.”

When he lay back down, she gave him a glowing smile. “I love you, too. I promise to do my best to make ye happy.”

“Ye already have,” he brushed her hair again and then pulled her more fully on top of him. “Listen tae me. You and Ailean, ye’re my family now. It’s my job tae make ye happy. Both of ye.”

She rested her hands on either side of his face as she nibbled her lip. “Blair. Ye are keeping me safe. Yer doing all that a woman could ever want from a husband. But me…” her voice tapered off.

“Elle,” he rumbled, giving her another kiss. “I don’t need anything more. Yer more than I ever hoped for.”

She gave him a nod but her eyebrows pushed together as she nibbled on her lip. “If you really think so.”

“I do.” He rolled them onto their sides. “I’m staying on the beach with ye today. We’ll find more men together or we’ll make do with what we’ve got.”

That lifted the frown lines in her face. “I’m so glad,” she said as she wrapped her arms about his neck. “Today will surely be a better day.”

Chapter Eighteen

Elle stood and watched as another post was placed into the ground. It was back-breaking work but the men seemed happy to have work and pay. It felt like the beginning and it filled her with joy to know that not only was her life getting better but the people in her village would all prosper too.

Shading her eyes, she smiled into the sun. Perhaps the break in the grey spring weather was the cause of her newfound optimism. As she looked, however, she noticed riders up on the dunes. Was it the cavalry men from the base?