The men start to catcall when he unfolds a hundred-pound note in his hand, showing it to me. Sliding his hand way down the front of my dress until the money rests under the curve of my breast, he brushes my nipple, making me gasp.
Instead of kissing Alex on the cheek, he pulls me against his chest, brushing his lips against mine. The catcalling increases, erupting into cheers when he angles my head up, plunging his tongue into my mouth, capturing my moan.
“Shut it, everyone,” I hear shouted above the crowd. When they quiet down, Robert is standing next to Alex with his arm raised. “I think the time has come for my wee brother tae go ravage his new wife. Otherwise, I’m worried this wedding will quickly turn X-rated.” Before I can process what Robert is saying, Alex bends down, throwing me over his shoulder.
“I cannae argue with yer logic, Robbie!” Alex says, receiving a cheer from the crowd. From my perch over Alex’s shoulder, I can only wave as he walks with me through the crowd as they toss flowers over us. It seems like I spend a lot of time in this position now.
When we get to George’s Land Rover, Alex slides me down his body until I’m once again standing on my feet. Lily wraps me in a bear hug before I register she’s even there. I’m passed around the arms of my friends and family before Alex’s sisters pull me in for a hug. Aiden is the last to hold me close.
“Take care of yourself,” he whispers to me. “Remember, if you ever need anything, I’m only a call away.” He kisses me on the cheek before helping me into the back of the SUV. He shakes Alex’s hand before he climbs in next to me. When George and Robert hop in the front, we drive away from the house.
“So dae ye feel like ye’ve been kidnapped after being pimped oot?” George asks, smiling at me in the rearview mirror. “I always wonder how fun these crazy wedding traditions are for the bride?”
“Now she just has tae take on the three of us brothers tonight tae be done. Good thing Mam didnae have all sons. That could be a long night,” Robert says, looking over the back seat. When I spin around to look at Alex, my eyes narrowing, they laugh. “I’m just screwing with ye,” Robert grins.
“You’re an asshole! And to think, you were going to get to be first!” I snark at him, making all three of them laugh again, Robert grabbing his chest in mock despair. The teasing banter continues as we drive about fifteen minutes down a winding road along the coastline until we pull up in front of a charming little cottage.
Climbing out, Alex lifts me in his arms, carrying me over the threshold of the door. When he finally sets me down, I have my first chance to look around the sweetest cottage I’ve ever been in.
Leaving Alex talking to Robert in the kitchen, I follow George toward the only other room I see. Crossing the threshold, I gasp at what I see. George is folding back the covers on a large king-size bed, framed by four large natural posts on the corners. The floors are stone with large furs thrown down to keep it from becoming too cold. On one wall is a large fireplace complete with a fire laid out if we want it.
“Thetaigh beagis behind that door.” George nods with his head as he smooths down a wool blanket that matches the plaid of his kilt. I don’t know what he’s talking about, because I’m positive by now I’ll never learn their language.
Behind him, my eye catches on the four large French doors framed by heavy drapes. “Dinnae worry, I’ll close those.” George winks at me. I can feel the red creeping up my face so I quickly cross to look in the bathroom. It must have been what George was talking about.
It’s larger than I expect, complete with a clawfoot tub along the far wall and a separate shower with rain heads in the ceiling. I notice two fluffy robes waiting on the vanity along with toothbrushes, toothpaste, and my other toiletries.
“George?” I ask, stepping back into the room. “Where is my bag? It was in the van.” George just smiles at me as Robert and Alex step into the room.
“Ye’re naw gaun tae need it, sweetheart,” Robert says to me with a slap to Alex’s stomach. Great, my red face is starting to make a reappearance. “So ye should be set. We’ll be back tae fetch ye Monday evening for dinner, aye?” I tilt my head, looking at Alex. I haven’t heard anything about dinner.
“Mmm, Alex. I definitely see it now,” Robert says, stalking toward me. I take a step back from him, running into a solid wall of muscle. George’s hands wrap around me, one covering over my chest, the other splayed across my stomach. I start to panic, feeling something hard poking me in the back.
“I promise it’s just my dirk,” he whispers into my ear. What the hell is that? Robert turns in front of me, so I can just see Alex around his shoulder. He runs his hand down my far side, stopping on my hip. I don’t know what crazy, backwoods tradition they think they’re going to celebrate now, but it’s not going to be with me!
“Are ye sure ye dinnae want us tae break her in for ye, Ali?” Robert asks as I start trying to squirm out of George’s grip. “She’s quite a fighter.” My mouth falls open when Alex just laughs.
“Naw, Rob. Just say whit ye have tae say and leave so I can break her in myself,” he says. I narrow my eyes when he winks at me. He’s not going to have to worry about breaking anything in, I’m going to kill him! Robert clears his throat before speaking.
“This is our sister now. Ye will respect her. Ye will take care of her. We were there when she needed saving. We will always come tae her side, even against ye if we have tae. Are ye listening tae us, Alasdair?”
Alex nods his head once.
“Wedding vows can be broken,” George says behind me. “Ye swear tae us here, Alasdair, ye will hold her above all other women. Dae it now, or we take her from ye.” I can feel my tears slowly roll down my cheeks, splashing onto their strong arms. Alex looks at me with concern. “Fuck, Xander, say it! We’re making her cry.”
“Aye, George! I swear. She’s my heart. I could naw more hurt her than I could cut oot my own soul.” I feel George relax against me in a deep sigh. Loosening his grip on me, he spins me around, taking my face in both hands. Bending down, he kisses me on both cheeks before handing me off to Robert who does the same.
“Christ George, ye’ve scared her,” Alex says, pulling me into his arms.
“No!” I say. “They made me feel more loved than I could ever imagine. Thank you,” I say, kissing both men on the cheek. They nod silently before walking into the living area. Holding my hand, Alex follows them to the door.
“Oh, and just in case ye need any help there Allie, ye have my number,” Robert adds with a wink as they walk out the door. We watch them both laugh as they get back in George’s Land Rover. With a wave, they disappear back into the night.
Locking the door, I finally get a chance to look around the living area. Everything about it screams masculine comfort, from the large leather couch to the stainless steel kitchen.
“Are ye okay? When I had tae dae that when George got married, his wife bit me.” Alex says.
Laughing, I answer him, “I’m good. Once I figured out I wasn’t about to participate in some hillbilly foursome anyway. I think the most disturbing thing was whatever was poking me in the back.”
