Page 32 of Married to the Highland Devil
His fierce tone made her melt a little. It was insanely seductive, being trapped in his embrace like this. The tickling fear that resulted from it was a tantalizing one.
Amelia knew he would not hurt her physically, but it did not make him any less intimidating.
Tears pricked her eyes now.
What do I need? How do I tell him it is his presence without sounding like a blabbering fool?
Amelia sniffed then pushed her longing aside. “Actually, I shall need access to the garden and some items I can use to make tonics.”
“Ye have access to any part of this castle,” Duncan said to her. “Ye arenae a prisoner.”
“I shall also need another room where I shall work.”
“Done,” he agreed.
“That will be all.”
Neither of them said anything after that, and Amelia nibbled on her lower lip, knowing that his gaze was on her. She could not see him, but she could feel the burn on her skin, and it raised her pulse to a full race.
“I shall also need to write a letter to my father,” she continued, “to inform him that I have arrived safely and that I am well.”
“Yvaine can help ye with that.”
Amelia nodded and heard his sigh. She wanted to ask him about the village, and the raid.
What had happened? Who would do that to him?
She did not know much about Duncan and his people, but judging from the time they had spent together, she could tell he was not a terrible laird.
“Will that be all?”
“Yes,” she answered with a nod instead of voicing the thoughts in her mind. It was better she did not bring it up. Duncan had made what he wanted very clear the last time.
Their marriage was one of convenience. When the time was right, they would have children and raise them together as that was expected of her.
The thought of having children with him formed a huge lump in her throat, one she could not push down. She could barely get through the day without thinking of his kiss.
What would it feel like if he did more than just kiss me?
“Go in,” Duncan said now and leaned past her to open the door.
She swallowed hard and turned away from him. He came into the chamber with her and closed the door.
Amelia knew he was waiting to hear if she needed his help, and she did not think she could stand having him around tonight without breaking down and asking him all the questions on her mind or reaching out to touch him.
“Send for Dahlia,” she said through the tightness in her throat. “I do not want you here.”
He said nothing, but when she heard the door close behind him, she crumbled to her bed and curled into a ball before letting out a deep breath, hoping that would relieve her aching heart.
15
Duncan decided to take a break from his study as he had spent most of his day there trying to finish with his tax reports and planning his new defense strategy to protect his clan’s bordering lands.
Truth was, he locked himself away because all he thought of was Amelia. She tormented him. Her smile… That laugh. When he had looked outside his study window earlier and spotted her with his mother and sister roaming the castle grounds, he had known he was in trouble.
Duncan combed his fingers through his hair now as he walked out of the keep and into the garden for fresh air. Even the flowers made him think of her, and he did not expect to see her standing in the middle of the garden, singing to herself, when he got here.
Goodness. Is there no escape from her?
