“Maybe, but only if you dance naked for me.”
He blinked and she reveled in catching him off guard. However, Finn quickly regained his composure and winked. “Aye, I think I can promise you that. Although one look at my magnificent cock and you’ll forget all about the dancing and take me into your own hands.”
Shaking her head, Finn looked around the crowd before she could answer and he announced, “And now, Clan Lochguard, it’s time for the First Kiss.”
As most of the crowd clapped, Finn took Arabella’s hand and guided them to the stage. The clapping didn’t die down and Arabella didn’t have a chance to warn Finn. She only hoped she had a few seconds before the act happened.
Her dragon’s snarl told she had better.
Even though Arabella wanted Finn more than anything else she’d wanted in a long time, her heart still beat double-time. Then it hit her—if she and Finn were in the thrall of a mate-frenzy, Duncan could pounce.
She needed to talk with Finn.
Once they ascended the stairs, Arabella tugged Finn’s hand and stood on her tiptoes to say into his ear, “Finn, I need a second.”
~~~
Despite his outward nonchalant appearance, Finn’s dragon was clawing to get out of the mental maze he’d created.
From experience, Finn knew he had a few more minutes before his beast would find the exit point. He wanted to kiss Arabella and whisk her out of the great hall before that happened.
Then his lass tugged him to a stop and asked for a second of his time. A bad feeling pooled in the pit of his stomach. He’d meant it before, about never forcing her, but everything about Arabella’s actions and demeanor had suggested she was ready for the frenzy. If Finn denied his dragon too much longer, he would have to stay away from Arabella until she could accept him.
Turning his head to look into her eyes, he asked, “What is it, Ara? Tell me quick.”
She frowned. “Don’t be snappy. I have something important to tell you.”
Finn glanced to the crowd. Everyone was watching them, but so far, they probably only thought Arabella was nervous.
Looking back to Arabella, he steeled his voice with dominance and stated, “Then tell me.”
When she didn’t glare, he knew something was wrong. She replied, “Maybe you should just kiss me on the cheek.”
With a growl, he leaned closer. “Are you having second thoughts? Tell me straight, Arabella. The whole clan is waiting.”
She shook her head. “No, it’s not me, but what about Duncan? In the thrall of the frenzy, you’ll be vulnerable. He’ll use it against you.”
His face softened. “I have safeguards in place. Not only is Fa
ye in charge of security, Bram is sending some reinforcements as we speak.”
“When did you do that?”
“While you were getting ready.”
She frowned. “Oh. You could’ve told me.”
The corner of his mouth ticked up. “I was too dazzled by your beauty and it slipped my mind.”
Searching his eyes, she finally replied, “Well, try harder to resist next time. I don’t like being in the dark.”
“Right now, I’ll promise almost anything if it means you’ll kiss me properly. Then I can take you home and treasure you as you deserve.”
“Stop it.” The blush on her cheeks stoked both man and beast. Clearing her throat, Arabella lifted her chin. “Well, as long as the clan is taken care of, then let’s give them a show. I don’t want there to be any doubt that you belong to me, Finlay Stewart, and me alone.”
Her possessiveness made his dragon roar inside his maze. Finn had better hurry up or he might end up taking the lass in a closet somewhere and she deserved better.
Placing his hand on her back, he guided them toward the stage. “I can’t wait to see you claim me properly, Ara. Don’t hold back.”