Their heartbeats counted out time as they returned to normal, both of them gasping for breath. Evander gently pulled back, then leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek.
“Did ye like that?” he whispered.
“It was wonderful,” she responded, closing her eyes and wrapping her arms around his neck. “I love ye, Evander.”
He kissed her neck, and she shivered delightfully at the scratch from his beard.
“I’ll say it again as often as I must from now on, love, but I suppose this will be the first time. I love ye too, Skye. Even if ye do drive me a wee bit mad.”
She chuckled. “Ye wouldnae have it any other way.”
“Nay, I wouldnae.”
“I think the rain has stopped,” Skye observed.
They had all but fallen asleep, tangled up in the warm blankets together. Her cheek rested against his bare chest, and she found herself listening to the rhythmic thud of his heart.
“So it has,” he answered drowsily, his fingers moving absently through her hair. She closed her eyes, leaning into the sensation.
“Shall we show the contract to me braither?”
Evander chuckled, the noise tickling through her chest. “What, now?”
She reddened. “Naenow. I mean later. Tomorrow, perhaps.”
“Well, I thought the contract was just for us. Still, we’ll get a proper marriage contract drawn up tomorrow. How does that sound?”
She tilted her head to look up at him through half-lidded eyes. Thoughtfully, she slid her hand up his chest to stroke the rough stubble on his cheeks.
“I think ye need a shave,” she whispered.
He gave a throaty laugh. “Fergus said the same. Speaking of which, I’d better write to him and tell him that ye will be coming back with me. That will cause some celebration in the keep.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I… I’m glad to be going home.”
He kissed her forehead. “I’m glad to be taking ye home, me love.”
Raised voices echoed outside, making Skye flinch and sit up.
“That’s Hunter,” she whispered in a panic. “Did ye lock the door?”
“Of course.”
The knob jiggled, and somebody thumped on the door.
“Skye? Are ye all right in there?” came Hunter’s angry, muffled voice.
“Aye, Hunter, I’m fine,” Skye answered, trying to sound calm. “Daenae come in.”
“Is he still in there with ye? The storm is over, the rain has stopped, so he’s leaving. Now.”
Skye cleared her throat. “Actually, I think Evander is going to stay a wee bit longer.”
There was a beat of silence on the other side of the door.
“What?” Hunter sputtered, sounding thoroughly confused.
There was a short kerfuffle, and then Helena’s voice came through the door. “Never mind, ye two take as long as ye need. Hunter, ye can come with me now.”
