Page 66 of The Ruthless Highlander's Hellion
"And the O'Donnell to come to yers," Nicholas added. He nodded at Caelan, who raised his goblet in cheers, then took his seat.
Nicholas turned slightly and offered his hand to Alexandra, his eyes never leaving hers.
“I swear before ye all, I will continue to do me duty as yer Laird, protect our clan, and honor the bond we build this day and every day after.”
A roar of applause erupted through the hall as goblets were raised and feet stomped against the stone floor. Alexandra’s eyes welled with tears as she grasped Nicholas’s hand and stood beside him, smiling at the sea of faces that now felt like home.
The players struck a chord, and music filled the hall. The gathered continued to eat and be merry.
A few moments later, Alexandra lifted her goblet and clinked it gently against Rosaline’s, the music from the hall fading slightly as they stood near one of the side alcoves, half-hidden by a thick velvet curtain.
"To peace," Alexandra said with a smile, her cheeks still warm from laughter and wine.
Rosaline grinned and took a sip. "And to love," she added. "Ye've found yerself a good man, Alexandra. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at ye—he’d fight the whole of the Highlands for ye if he had to."
Alexandra laughed softly, a tender sound that spoke of truth. "He’s the best of men, Rosaline. Fierce, loyal, and yet gentle when it matters most. I dinnae ken how I got so lucky."
Rosaline leaned her shoulder against the stone wall, her expression softening. "Ye deserve happiness, lass. After all that happened."
"Aye, I do," Alexandra said, her voice steady. "With Nicholas, I feel… safe. Nay pretendin’. Nay bargains. Just… me, as I am."
Rosaline’s eyes glinted with warmth. "That’s how ye ken it’s real. And Charles—he’s taken to ye like ye were always meant to be his maither."
At that, Alexandra’s heart swelled. "I love that boy more than I thought I could. When he calls me 'ma,' I feel it in me bones."
Rosaline reached out and squeezed her hand gently. "Then ye’re already a family, with or without the vows. But I’ll admit—I cannae wait to see ye in weddin’ clothes."
Alexandra chuckled. "Aye, I have yet to think of such a thing. Me thoughts were on me brother and his stubborness."
Rosaline smirked and lifted her goblet once more. "To stubborn men, wild hearts, and happy endings."
"To all of it," Alexandra agreed, her heart full.
The torches lining the corridor flickered low as Alexandra and Nicholas slipped quietly from the great hall. The sounds of laughter and music still echoed faintly behind them, but here in the stone passage, it was just the two of them and the quiet rhythm of their steps. Nicholas reached for her hand and laced his fingers with hers, the warmth of his palm grounding herheart that still beat with celebration. She glanced up at him, and his smirk curved as if he’d caught her staring.
“Well now,” he said lowly, tugging her close as they reached his chamber door. “Seems the beast of O’Donnell has captured yer heart after all.”
Alexandra’s lips quirked. “Aye. And I’ve nay plans of breakin’ free from his grip.”
Nicholas chuckled as he pushed open the door and guided her inside. The fire was already lit, casting a soft golden glow over the room, and the scent of cedar smoke hung warmly in the air. Alexandra stepped in, her fingers sliding from his as she walked toward the hearth, turning slowly to face him. He closed the door behind them, his eyes never leaving hers.
“Ye’ve ruined me, lass,” he said, his voice husky and sincere. “From the moment I saw ye.”
She tilted her head. “And yet here ye stand. Nae ruined, but standin’ tall.”
“Barely,” he murmured, stepping close enough for their breath to mingle. “Only because ye’ve stolen all sense from me.”
She reached up, her hands slipping along his jaw. “Then I suppose we’re even. I cannae think straight when I’m near ye.”
Their lips met in a kiss that was neither rushed nor timid—full of the heat and longing that had simmered between them for too long. Nicholas pulled her closer, his hands spreading along her back, drawing her against the breadth of his chest.
Alexandra sighed into the kiss, her hands tangling in his hair as he deepened it. The world outside the chamber faded, leaving only this moment, only this man.
He lifted her without effort, her skirts flowing as he carried her to the edge of the bed.
“Tell me now if ye have any doubt,” he said, his voice low and searching.
“I have none,” she whispered, brushing her lips to his. “I want ye, Nicholas. I’ve never wanted anything more. Now that we are to be wed, I dinnae want to wait to be yer wife in the bed."
