Page 36 of Wedded to the Twisted Highlander
As they walked side by side, the soft thud of the Laird’s boots on the stone floor was the only sound accompanying them. Out of the corner of her eye, Astrid stole glances at the Laird as her emotions oscillated between fear and curiosity.
What would happen behind closed doors? Would he be rough with her? With every step, Astrid could feel the tension mounting. Her stomach twisted into tight knots that no fisherman could untie.
Following the Laird down the dimly lit corridor, Astrid started to wonder where exactly they were going. Although she had never been to the Laird’s chambers before, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was someplace different.
“Where are ye takin’ me? I have never been to this part of the castle before,” Astrid said, a hint of fear lacing her tone.
Violent images of the Laird betraying her flashed through her mind. Her body tensed as they stopped before heavy oak doors.
“This is the east wing of the castle,” the Laird explained. “I’ve had it renovated, but I just never got to move things into it. Ifigured this could be our part of the castle from now on. There’s more than enough room for Melody to have her own room as well.”
Astrid’s heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t sure if he was trying to keep her separated from Melody or if he was trying to be nice.
“Ye speak of rooms?” she managed to get out as he pushed open the doors.
“Aye. Ye’ll find four rooms in this wing of the castle. I figured ye and Melody would share one. Or if Melody wants her own room, she may have one. A room for me, and a spare for a servant if ye wish. Then again, if that doesnae suit ye?—”
“It’s fine,” Astrid blurted out, stepping up to him.
She placed her hand on his forearm as she stepped into the foyer. Her eyes widened. This wing was massive, with the rooms branching off from the entrance. Astrid couldn’t help but notice the smirk on the Laird’s face as he gestured toward one of the rooms.
“Would ye like to have a closer look?” he asked, his voice seductive and slick like a tongue trailing down her spine.
The air around her seemed to vanish as her mind went blank. It was as she had hoped, to be able to stay with Melody while keeping up appearances. Now, no one would know when she slept with her husband or even if she did.
“Is it nae to yer likin’?” Thomas asked as Astrid cupped her hand over her mouth.
“I’ve nay complaints my Laird,” she answered.
“Then why the shock? Ye look as if ye were expectin’ us to be in one chamber,” he said. Astrid bobbed her head as she swallowed hard.
“Ye made yerself very clear in me study, and I have every intention of grantin’ ye yer wish. Ye asked for space, and I have given it to ye,” the Laird said, his voice dripping with a seductive charm that seemed to wrap around her like a velvet cord. “I understand that ye may nae be comfortable bein’ so close to me, but I cannae stay in me old chambers when me wife is here.”
“I understand,” Astrid murmured, trying to stifle the desire rising within her.
Her pulse quickened at his insinuation, and she felt the room growing hotter by the minute.
“Ye’ll find that our rooms are connected, however,” the Laird added as he stepped into the bedroom.
Astrid followed him and spotted the massive bed in the center of the room. It looked like a cloud. How she wanted Melody to see it.
“I can have that boarded later if ye like.”
“This looks as if ye had renovated the wing wit’ a family in mind,” Astrid remarked, noticing how the wing would be perfect for a small family. The adjoining room would make for a perfect nursery. “What happened?”
Confusion flashed across the Laird’s face. He cocked his head as she ran her fingertips over the dusty mantelpiece.
“Did ye have a family before and boarded this wing up?” she asked.
The Laird shook his head.
His eyes followed her as she moved around the room, taking moments to admire certain paintings or items.
“This was me parents’ wing when they ruled the clan,” he added, his voice unexpectedly soft. “A storm ripped the roof off last season and damaged it. It’s taken some time, but I’ve managed to restore it—it looks decent now.”
Astrid stared at the Laird. She couldn’t believe her eyes or her ears. How could he be so kind and caring, yet so fierce and powerful?
“Ye’ve done a spectacular job. Although I never saw what it was before, I’m glad to see that it’s still here.”
