Page 155 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Are you mad?"

"I want to avoid the bedding ceremony," he growled low.

She scoffed. "Surely they would nay insist on that old tradition."

"Aye, they would. They're coming behind us."

Lifting her skirts, she hurried up the steps and into the corridor. He caught up to her and lifted her into his arms. She laughed as he carried her over the threshold. Once inside his chamber, he set her down and barred the door.

A moment later, some of his half-drunk clansmen pounded on it and yelled out scandalous things.

Her mouth dropped open.

"You have nay attended many weddings." Brodie chuckled.

She shook her head and grinned. "Just Will's. And our clansmen were well behaved."

"You ken how my clansmen are. Besides, I wish a few moments alone with my lovely wife." Brodie kissed her.

A tingle shivered over her at the word wife. She could not believe he was her husband, her dream come true.

Tears burning her eyes, she kissed him back. "You are the most handsome, romantic, thoughtful husband on earth, and I love you," she whispered against his lips.

"And I love you, my wee warrior wife." He grinned.

She glanced down, then touched the dirk sheathed at his waist. "You kept it."

He quirked his brows. "Of course. Do you think me daft?"

She grinned. "I thank you for loving me."

"There's nay need to thank me for that, my bonnie angel. That takes no effort at all."

After another insatiable kiss, she asked, "What about our guests?"

"They'll be fine. They have plenty of food, wine, and whisky to keep them entertained. Not to mention the music and dancing. We'll go back down later."

"Oh, saints! They all know what we're doing." She covered her burning cheeks. "I cannot face them after we... um... indulge. They will tease us mercilessly."

He shrugged. "Only for a minute or two. Wonder how long they will allow us before they're beating on the door again?"

She shook her head.

His fiery gaze slid down over her body. "We can wait until later if you prefer."

She clasped the lapels of his doublet and pulled him close. "Nay. But we have no time to undress."

Kissing her, he lifted her onto his bed, pushed her skirts up, and proceeded to make love to her in the lengthiest, most drawn out way possible. The restraint of not mussing her hair or clothing, nor his, only made the act that much hotter and more enthralling.

***

WHEN BRODIE AND ELSEA returned to the great hall an hour later, few people noticed at first, then a cheer went up. So, mayhap Elsea's silk skirts were a bit rumpled and his plaid was not pleated as neatly as it had been, but who cared? Then the jeering and ribbing began. He adored Elsea's blushes. But when Brodie grinned or laughed at their jests, they grew bored trying to get a rise out of him and went back to their drinking and dancing.

Brodie and Elsea opened gifts from the guests.

"I wish you'd told me, MacCain," Will said, sitting down nearby. "I would've brought a gift."

"Nonsense. 'Tis nay necessary."