His Rebellious Lass (Scottish Hearts 1)

She unlocked the door and stepped out just as Cam was leaving the coach. From the look of him he hadn’t been home all night.

His gait was a bit crooked, like a man who’d slept crouched up. His hair was a mess, his clothes wrinkled, and the shadow of a beard covered the lower part of his face. She placed her hands on her hips and regarded his sorry-looking self with a smirk. “Have you been here all night?”

He flashed that crooked smile that always set off butterflies in her stomach. “Guilty.”

She pushed the door back to allow him to enter. “Why?”

He stepped inside and pulled her into his arms. “I tried, I really did. I made it all the way home, and before I could have the carriage returned to the mews I had visions of you being kidnapped again, and I turned right around and came back.”

“I have been here alone for three nights.”

“Not alone. The footmen were here, and they both had guns. I wanted to give you time away from me, hoping you would allow me back into your life if I left you to think things over. But I could no longer stand not being here to see to your protection myself.” They made their way to the empty drawing room and closed the door against the footmen. Whatever needed to be said between them did not need an audience.

“Is Davenport still locked up in the basement at the inn?”

“He was released after the magistrate spoke with him. Those small-town justices are in awe of lords, regardless of their wrongdoings. However, instead of making him wallow in debtor’s prison, I escorted our nemesis to Southampton where he boarded a boat. I stayed until it left the harbor with instructions to the captain that Davenport was not to leave the ship until it docked on America’s shores.”

He cupped her face with his warm hand. Shivers started again. She must really see that the fires were lit soon. “Just one day without you was enough to tell me what I’ve been fighting for months.”

She sucked in a breath. “Yes?”

“’Twas no duty or hardship to marry you, Bridget. I love you. I’ve probably loved you for quite some time. I don’t want us living in separate houses. I don’t want to command you and ignore your wishes. It won’t be easy for me. I am used to being obeyed without question, and I will need you to show me how to change.”

She tilted her head to the side and smiled. “Why not put the money that came to me with our marriage in my name? That would be a start.”

The laughter in his eyes warmed her. He pulled her into his arms. “Done.”

“What?”

“I already did that.”

She was stunned. He really did want to change, and that made her love him more. However, there was still one thing that troubled her. She drew back and stared at him. “What about your charges of my lack of virtue?”

He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I was so wrong. So very wrong, but even if the situation had been what I thought, it doesn’t matter. As long as I am the last man to hold you in his arms and love you, that’s enough for me.”

“Oh, Cam.” Her eyes filled with tears, and her voice hitched. “I love you, too, and want a marriage like you described. We should be partners, not just in this endeavor, but in life.” Bridget ran her palm over his rough beard and tugged his head down for a kiss.

And her world exploded.

They tore at each other’s clothes until they were skin to skin and lying together on the pile of garments they’d shed. He took her with love and caring, with fire and passion, showing her with his hands and mouth how much he loved her.

And with my body, I thee worship.

She loved him back, exploring him with her hands and mouth until they both lay exhausted, flat on their backs, hands entwined, staring at the ceiling.

“Will you come home?”

“To our house?”

“Yes, wife.”

“Indeed, husband.”

Epilogue

A few weeks after Bridget had returned home, Cam took her hand in his and escorted her down the stairs to the drawing room to await their guests.

They were hosting a dinner for a few of Cam’s fellow members in Parliament, who would be departing to the country for holiday.