Page 63 of The Ruthless Highlander's Hellion
“This feels good?” she asked with an innocence but knew that she meant to draw desire from him with her words.
“Oh, lass, ye ken ye drive me to the edge with yer questions. Yer touch is like heaven on me,” he said.
She felt more confidante in her new skill as she held him just a little firmer in her grip and moved faster.
A loud moan escaped his mouth as he released and she felt the power of having a Laird in the palm of her hand.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“It’s a fine day,” Nicholas said.
“Aye, it is,” Alexandra smiled.
He looked at her to see that she was glowing, and he smugly felt proud that he put that glow on her face by providing her with her every wish.
The morning sun warmed the garden paths as Nicholas walked beside Alexandra, Charles skipping ahead with a stick in hand, pretending it was a sword. Birds chirped in the hedges, and the scent of rosemary floated from the kitchen garden. Alexandra brushed her hand along a blooming rose bush, her smile soft.
"I still cannae believe Erica turned out to be the Lady all along," she said.
Nicholas exhaled, nodding with quiet relief. “Aye… that turn of fate saved us a bloody clan war. The men are restin’ easier now,and I sleep with both eyes shut.” He glanced over at her, the wind teasing a lock of her hair. “Ye’ve handled it all with grace, lass.”
“I’ve sent word to Rosaline, me brother's wife.” Alexandra added, her voice measured. “She’ll break the news gently to him. He’s bound to be shocked, but less so if it comes from his wife.” She paused, then looked sideways at Nicholas.
Nicholas chuckled, catching her hand in his. “Ye should have sent a weddin’ invitation with that letter,” he said. “I’ve waited long enough, Alexandra. I want to marry ye—soon.”
Before Alexandra could respond, Charles turned with wide eyes. “Does this mean… ye’ll be me new maither?” His little voice was filled with hope, and he stepped closer, his hand clutching hers.
Alexandra knelt so she was eye level with the boy. She smoothed a bit of hair back from his forehead and smiled warmly. “Aye, laddie. I’d be more than delighted to be yer maither, if ye’ll have me.”
Charles flung his arms around her, burying his face in her shoulder. “I already do!” he said with a giggle, voice muffled in her gown. Alexandra laughed, holding him tightly, eyes wet with joy.
Nicholas stood a few steps back, watching them with something heavy and tender rising in his chest. In that simple embrace, he saw the truth—Alexandra had already become a mother to his son, with or without vows. The lad loved her with the easeof someone who had found home again. And Nicholas, in that moment, knew his family was whole.
"Let's sit here on this bench and admire our good fate," he said.
Nicholas sat down, his arm resting lazily around the back of Alexandra. Charles sat beside them, swinging his legs as he devoured a honeyed oat cake, crumbs dotting his tunic.
Peace, once so foreign to Nicholas, now nestled itself in the quiet moments like this—moments where laughter came easier, and the shadows of war and loss stayed at bay. Erica had returned to McLaren Castle, and Alexandra had not wept for her, only smiled with pride.
The days passed on in this blissful glee. Until one day, that changed when shouts were heard from the walls.
“Sinclair banners! Approachin’ from the north road!”
Nicholas strode swiftly toward the ramparts, climbing up. He peered at the horizon. Then glancing over his shoulder, she saw Alexandra run into the courtyard.
“It’s yer brother,” he called down to Alexandra. “I see him and Lady Rosaline ridin’ at the front.”
The gates creaked open moments later, and through them rode Caelan Sinclair, the Laird himself, with his wife beside him and a dozen men behind. His eyes were like stone as he dismounted,his gaze fixed on Alexandra. Rosaline slid off her horse more gently, offering a warm smile toward her sister-in-law, but Caelan stormed forward, boots thudding against the stone.
“What in God’s name were ye thinkin’, lass?” he barked, eyes blazing. “Acceptin’ a marriage proposal from the very man that stole ye?”
Alexandra stiffened but didn’t flinch. “Nicholas saved me. He kept me safe and treated me with more respect than a captive.” Her chin lifted in defiance. “And aye, I said yes. I’ll be marryin’ him, whether ye give yer blessin’ or nae.”
Caelan’s jaw worked furiously. “Do ye ken what kind of scandal this brings upon the Sinclair name? Ye want to marry the man that… that-"
“That killed the brute who threatened us with war?” Alexandra snapped. “Aye, I do, and I’m glad of it.”
“Watch yer tongue,” Caelan growled. “Ye speak like a lass who’s forgotten where her loyalties lie.”
