“They say waiting is good for a soul. It builds character.”
Sin smiled at that. “Aye, but you went to such effort on my behalf that it would be remiss of me to not enjoy it.”
She snickered at that. “Blaming me, are you? Now there’s a fine thing. Very well then, we shall go, but tonight after we sup, you are mine.” She raked a hungry look over him that sent even more heat to his groin. “All mine.”
Sin hissed at the seductive look on her face as he pulled her to her feet. “When you speak like that, milady, you send chills down my spine.”
“Stay in this room with me, and I shall send more than that down your spine.”
His body reacted instantly to her words, growing hotter and harder than he’d ever been before. Against his will, he glanced to the bed and imagined the look of her naked and beneath him. “You are an evil temptress.”
She took his hand and kissed his knuckles. She ran her tongue over his flesh, sending waves of lust burning through him before she nipped his skin with her teeth. Then, she pulled him toward the door. There was an evocative swish to her hips that made his body sizzle even more.
“Any time milord is tempted, just let me know.”
Grinding his teeth to stave his desire, he very reluctantly let her lead him from the room.
They headed back downstairs. But instead of the family they had left, the hall was packed full of clan members who stood about talking until their voices were united into a loud, resounding drone. People stood in groups, laughing and bantering. Dogs ran loose between legs as people ate and drank while five men had taken up pipes and drums to play in one corner.
Callie froze at the sight, half-scared of why they were there. But as soon as the crowd saw Sin, a cheerful cry of greeting echoed in the room.
“You didn’t tell us you’d saved the town, lad,” Aster said, stepping forward to clap him on the back.
Sin bristled and she quickly noted just how uneasy he was with all the attention. “I didn’t really.”
“And he’s modest too,” Peg said.
“Why didn’t you tell us you were a Highlander?” Angus asked. “And a MacAllister, no less. We should have known our Callie wouldn’t-”
“Angus,” Callie said, cutting the man off before Sin grew any more agitated. “What are all of you doing here?”
Morna came forward, leading a herd of servants bearing baked goods and treats from the village. “After the two of you left, the village decided it was time for a wedding celebration.”
Sin looked bewildered by it.
Morna smiled up at Sin. “Then after we got here, Aster told us this is the anniversary of your birth, so now we have a double celebration.” She went off to direct the servants.
Smiling, Callie approached her husband who was looking almost sheepishly at the ceiling. How very strange. “Is something amiss?”
“Aye, I am wondering at what point the roof will collapse down upon us and kill us all.”
She frowned at his doomed prophecy. “I beg your pardon?”
Still, he continued to inspect the walls and ceiling. “Nothing good comes without a steep price. I’m merely afraid of what limb I shall have to sacrifice for this moment.”
She shook her head at him. “Ever the pessimist.”
“Relax.” Braden handed him a mug of ale. “I would say you’ve paid the price and this is the reward.”
Sin didn’t believe it for a minute. Something bad was going to happen. It always did. Every time in his life when he had thought himself safe or even at peace, something horrible had disrupted it.
He watched as several of the villagers cleared a space in the center of the hall where people could dance to the music the five men played. Food and drink flowed freely while everyone made merry with the day.
Sin watched as woman after woman came up and talked to his wife and oddly enough spoke to him as well.
Oh, this was evil. Truly, truly insidious.
He half expected the devil himself to crash through the wall and swoop Callie up and run away with her.
