Page 9 of Highlanders for the Holidays
Cathalin’s bridegroom was going to kiss her.
She should have stopped him. But she had to play out this fiction, for her brother’s sake.
At least that was what she told herself as he closed the distance.
But it wasn’t completely true.
She wanted to see what it felt like to kiss a man. And she wanted to pretend, even if only for a moment, that she was just as worthy and desirable as her sister.
When he touched his lips to hers, the cheering clan seemed to fade away. There were only the two of them, connected by their joined hands and their searching mouths. Her eyes fell closed. His light breath upon her cheek sent a current of pleasure rippling through her.
And then he leaned closer, increasing the sweet pressure.
She expected, by his formidable appearance, that his kiss would be rough and aggressive. But the warrior somehow reined in his strength. His lips were soft, tender, and deft. His fingertips gently caressed the sensitive flesh beneath her ear, making her shiver.
As he kissed her, he entwined the fingers of his right hand with hers and drew her closer, until their tangled hands formed a lover’s knot between their hearts. Ysenda felt like warm candle wax, melting into him. Her heart beat forcefully against her ribs. A quiet, joyful moan sounded in her throat as he inclined his head to deepen the kiss.
* * *
No?l never wantedthe kiss to end.
It was mad—the strong, inexplicable attraction he felt to his new bride. His heart was pounding. His mouth was ravenous. He didn’t dare ponder what was happening below his belt.
He supposed he should withdraw soon. He wasn’t even sure public kissing was proper among the Highlanders. Yet he couldn’t pry himself away.
Lady Cathalin was irresistible. Soft and sweet, young and lovely, passionate and willing.
She was the best Yuletide gift he’d ever received.
What he’d done to deserve such a treasure he didn’t know.
But she was his now.
And he didn’t plan to ever let her go.
