Just before the Lindsays had left over a week before, Darack had discovered that one of the Lindsay clansmen had slipped a hidden knife into the dungeon cell when they'd first been locked up. Alec had used this blade to pick the lock of the cell door, break out and attack Darack. Chief Lindsay had promised to have her clothing and trunks transported back to Rornoch within the next few weeks. She was thankful she would never have to visit Lenor Castle nor the Lindsays again.
During the wedding feast and the many toasts from Ewan, Dugald and others, Darack could not keep his eyes off her. He often kissed her hand or squeezed her knee beneath the table, making her more and more excited to get her husband alone.
During their first dance as husband and wife, he whispered into her ear, "I must slip you out of here soon."
"Aye." Her heart pounded with anticipation, for it seemed like forever she had waited to be intimate with him.
"As soon as everyone else is distracted," he said.
When the music changed, the floor filled with many other dancing couples. "We'll go back to the table. Then, when no one is watching, we'll slip up the stairs to your chamber," he said.
She nodded. Finally, they put their escape plan into action. Her heartrate soared as she sidled toward the stairs then, lifting her skirts off her feet, ran up toward her chamber. Once inside, she watched out the crack of the door and moments later, Darack joined her. Both of them inside, he quickly barred the door and kissed her.
A great commotion in the corridor distracted her, then people pounded on the door.
She pulled back. "Good heavens!" She blushed, her mouth dropping open. "They are madmen," she whispered.
"Aye. Prurient madmen." Darack grinned and lifted her into his arms. "We need no witnesses to our consummation."
"Of course not." Although she knew such a thing was quite common, especially for chiefs and lairds, in order to prove any heir who was conceived was indeed the groom's.
"I want you all to myself." Darack placed her on the bed, lay down beside her and kissed her.
Soon, she was tugging at his doublet. "I want to see you… unclothed." Heat rushed over her and she knew she must have the deepest blush ever, but she was more than ready to find out what the marriage bed with Darack was all about.
"As you wish, m'lady." He grinned, leapt off the bed and started discarding his wedding finery.
She leaned up on her elbow, enjoying this shocking show immensely. When the last article of clothing was cast aside, Darack stood before her in all his scarred, muscular glory. Of course, she had seen much of his body when he was injured, but not that most masculine part which now stood at attention.
"Good heavens," she breathed.
"Your turn." He came toward her and she covered her face. She could not seem to stop laughing as he untied her wedding gown. Joy, excitement and a bit of embarrassment made her giddy. Within a minute or two, she was as naked as he was. He lay down next to her, his hot skin near scorching hers. She opened her eyes and looked into his, only inches away.
"Oh, Darack, you feel heavenly against me. So hard," she whispered, running her hand down his arm to his waist and… dare she do it… his hip.
He kissed her, long and languid, while stroking his hot fingertips over her skin… her back, her hips, her thighs, sending tingles spinning out in the wake of his magical touch. Growling, he sank his tongue into her mouth as if she were the most delectable dessert he had ever tasted. Placing his large hand on her derriere, he dragged her even closer, tight against that very hard male part of him she was so curious about.
She wanted to know everything about him. Pulling back a bit, she slipped her hand between their bodies to touch his erection.
He hissed. "Saints, lass."
"I want to touch you."
"Aye, but only if I can touch you at the same time." His eyes were so dark with passion, she could hardly see the color.
"Very well."
While kissing her, he stroked his hand up her inner thigh to the spot which tingled with an insane need for him.
"You are so ready," he growled.
"Ready for what?" she asked, though she knew he meant the bedding. Still, she loved teasing him.
"I'll show you, and you'll enjoy it. I promise." When he arose over her, her eyes popped open and her gaze dropped to his erect member.
"Wait!" she said.
"What?"
