Page 34 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“I could help,” Evelyn offered, though her skills in the kitchen were functional at best. Gwennie had turned up her nose a few times at the meals Evelyn had created while they were living in the village.

Mari pointed at her sister who was elbow-deep in dough. “Don’t feel obligated to assist. If they need us, they will ask.”

Evelyn relaxed as the wine was passed around.

“Let us officially welcome you, Evelyn, to the kitchens, where the women rule. We’re so happy to have you join us,” an older woman named Millie said with a cheery smile.

They all held out their cups and she swallowed around the lump in her throat to say, “Thank you, truly. It means so much to be accepted into your circle of friendship.”

After the wine was consumed, Evelyn relaxed deeper into the warmth of the drink and the comradery.

Kenna shared a letter she’d received from Dorie. “You wouldn’t have met her, for she married Bryce after your visit.”

Evelyn nodded, recalling the visit.

It was clear they all missed the other woman, their friend. Evelyn couldn’t help but worry she’d make a poor replacement. She heard her father’s harsh words echo in her mind. He’d made her doubt herself. But she was not worthless, or a disgrace here with these women. She was one of them.

She forced a smile, promising she’d not let her father ruin her new home as he had her other one.

The chatter continued around her, but she didn’t feel pressured to participate. The group seemed content to let her observe. It seemed the older women who worked in the kitchens were quite fond of telling naughty tales of their husbands. Kenna and Mari laughed and occasionally shared a small intimacy, but nothing like the blatant stories of the others.

“…and if he thought swatting me on the backside was a way to get me to listen, he was wrong. I’ll disobey him at every turn now, just so he can spank me and what it leads to after.”

Evelyn’s cheeks heated. Surely, the woman didn’t seriously enjoy being manhandled by her husband. The thought of such a thing sparked a memory of her time with the McCurdys, and her breath caught.

Mari patted her arm. “Don’t worry. No one expects you to share anything. They’re more than happy to do all the talking.”

Evelyn nodded, though Mari had misunderstood what had caused Evelyn’s distress. Or perhaps she had understood, because she cleared her throat and spoke in her soft, cultured voice that barely sounded like a Scot.

“My first husband was a monster. Because of him, I can’t bear the thought of being touched roughly. I prefer Cam’s gentleness. It always surprises me how tender a man of his size can be. The way he puts my needs first. Always.” She gave a crooked smile. “Unless I demand he let me have my way with him and pleasure him first. Occasionally, I tie his hands above his head so I may torment him.” She shook her head. “I’m always the first to give in. The man has the patience of a stone.”

Millie snorted and waved a flour-coated hand. “Please. I care only if my man’s cock is like a stone.”

They all laughed, but Evelyn was intrigued by the thought Mari had planted in her mind. Evelyn having Liam spread out before her. His hands tied to the bed so he could not touch her. How safe she would feel knowing she was in complete control of the encounter.

She’d be able to run her hands over the dips and valleys of his hard chest and stomach. She still couldn’t imagine anything more than touching him.

She thought of the kiss they’d shared the night before and how much she looked forward to kissing him again.

Perhaps even tonight.

Chapter Fifteen

Liam was late going to their room that night because one of his men had been injured and he needed to see to him.

Thinking about the possibility of kissing her again had him hurrying once he cleared the stairs. He’d thought of nothing else the whole day. His men had noticed his distraction and teased him about it.

They didn’t realize how close their crude jests were to the truth.

When he entered, she was sitting on the bed in just her shift. Her long hair was braided over her shoulder, and his body stirred. Until Gwennie shifted on the little bed and let out a sigh in her sleep. He stepped closer and took a seat on the edge of the bed.

“I’m sorry I missed the meal. I feel it’s my place to stay with my men while they’re being tended by the healer if they’re injured on my watch.”

“Of course, a very honorable thing. I saved you cheese and bannocks in case you were hungry.”

He couldn’t hide his surprise that she’d thought of him.

“Thank ye.”