Page 21 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
“Then I’d simply talk more. I could keep us entertained all the way back to yer castle. Ye forget I’m one of six Kilmartins.”
“Is that so?” He leaned back in his seat, watching her as she tried to bait him further.
Her cheeks were so flushed from the cold breeze, and the way she bit her lower lip as she considered her next question kindled a fire in his groin.
“Aye,” she uttered, undeterred. “Though it seems I’m destined for nae more than a few one-word answers…”
A second passed before she grinned as though she had quickly come up with her next question and started to lean forward.
Christ,she’sa piece of work, this one. Let’s see how she reacts when I do this…
Hunter moved almost on instinct and leaned forward, closing the space between them. The air in the carriage thickened, and her cheeks reddened further as her lips parted in surprise.
Despite his best efforts to keep his tone neutral, Hunter felt his pulse quicken as he held her eyes.
Erica cleared her throat, a hint of frustration creeping in as she tilted her head, determined not to back down. “Ye are makin’ this far harder than it needs to be, I’ll say that much.”
“And what did ye expect? A ready-made husband who would answer all yer questions on command?” Hunter challenged, a trace of annoyance accentuating the tenor of his voice.
“I expected a man with somethin’ more to say than nothin’ at all,” Erica shot back, though he noted the softening of her voice—a crack in her feigned irritation. “Or at least one with a bit more… interest in conversation.”
“From what we ken of McFair’s children, Lady Erica is far more reserved than her younger siblings. Tavish and Alba Kilmartin had ensured her good upbringing. She’d be the perfect obedient bride.”
Hunter recalled one of his councilmen talking about her before he agreed to compete in the games.
Reserved and obedient?Right.
He let his gaze linger on her just long enough to coax the color back to her cheeks. “Och, I’m interested, lass,” he murmured. “Maybe ye are just nae askin’ the right questions.”
That caught her off guard, and she fumbled for a moment, her words failing her as she tried to regain her footing. “Perhaps I’ll ask again, then,” she said, leaning back and crossing her arms over her chest, though her bravado faltered slightly. “When I’m ready, of course,” she quipped.
Hunter leaned back as well, returning to the window. It was a small victory, though it felt anything but.
I could devour her reactions, look at that color on her cheeks… and the way she squeezed her thighs together under her skirts.
The tension continued to build as they spoke in fits and starts, each attempt at conversation prickling with unspoken challenges. Hunter was feeling every nerve, every thinly stretched strand of restraint, until she finally admitted, “I’m famished.”
He smiled to himself.
Just as I expected.
The carriage stopped moments later. He was the first to step out, offering his hand to help her down. Erica hesitated for only a split second before accepting it, her hand fitting snugly in his. Again, the touch was brief, but it was enough that he could feel the lingering warmth as she met his eyes, her lips curled into a slight, mysterious smile as though daring him to say something more.
“Enjoying yerself now?” he asked, his voice low.
“Och, very much,” she replied breezily, victory lighting up her face. “Ye ken, I didnae think ye would listen.”
His eyes narrowed slightly as he took her hand once more, and he felt a small thrill at the fact that he had the upper hand. “Ye may nae have noticed, lass, but I’m nae particularly keen on listenin’ to demands.”
Erica tilted her head back, clearly unfazed. “Only when it’s about yer comfort, I reckon?”
Hunter let go of her hand but kept his eyes fixed on hers for a moment longer than necessary, another silent challenge passing between them. “We’ll see how comfortable ye find yer new home.”
“Och, I’ve nay doubt I’ll be just fine, Me Laird.”
“I have nay doubt,” he echoed mischievously, and he heard her breath hitch.
“A village stop, then?” she quipped, letting her hands rest on her hips. “I guess it’s better than ye starvin’ us all the way to yer castle.”
