Page 54 of A Virgin for the Highland Beast
Her words were a silken balm, yet as she turned away, slipping into her chamber, the echo of disappointment wasn’t lost on either of them.
20
As dawn’s first light gently nudged Hunter from sleep, his lips quirked into a smile upIwakening. It was a rare morning. The haunting nightmares that were his frequent visitors had retreated into shadowy recesses, leaving him rejuvenated and eager for the day’s promise.
This newfound serenity, he was certain, was the gift of Emma’s presence. Her closeness the night before was akin to a comforting embrace, an experience he wished to relive.
With the image of Emma filling his mind, he felt an enveloping calm, an urge to hold her mingled with the reluctance to let go of his dream state.
Pushing away his bedcovers, Hunter rose, stretching away the remnants of sleep, invigorated in a way he hadn’t felt for ages. It seemed Emma’s influence had the power to dispel his deepest gloom and soothe his inner tumult.
His heart thrummed with the thought of her, the recollection of the previous night banishing all else, as he wondered if she, too, might be pining for his touch.
With a spring in his step, Hunter dressed hastily and made for the dining hall, the zeal in his stride undeniable. The servants cast surprised glances in his direction. Archie’s voice caught up to him,
“Well, now, what’s this?” Archie quizzed, and Hunter’s response was a sly smile that made Archie arch his eyebrows in surprise.
“Good mornin’, Archie,” greeted Hunter in an unusually buoyant tone that made Archie pause.
Confusion was etched on Archie’s features as he glanced around Hunter.
“All right, who are ye and what have ye done wit’ the Laird?” Archie prodded, suspicion etching his features.
Hunter saw the bewilderment in his eyes, as if Archie was looking at a stranger instead of him.
“Ye look different,” Archie remarked thoughtfully as he plucked a dust lint off Hunter’s shoulders and sized him up.
“Have ye been drinkin’ too much again?” Hunter teased.
“Nay, but I didnae drink any less either,” Archie said with a chuckle as he played with the stubble on his chin.
“Will ye stop lookin’ at me like that,” Hunter grumbled, feeling a bit out of sorts.
It was one thing to have his men glance down in fear of him, but to have them study him with suspicion made him a bit uncomfortable.
“Now I ken what’s different. Ye’re a married man!” Archie teased as he gave Hunter a hearty pat on the shoulder. “That’ll put the council at ease. And none too soon, I might add. After yesterday’s fiasco, I can tell ye they were havin’ second thoughts about yer bride.”
“Well, it’s nae like they have any say over the matter now,” Hunter said as visions of Emma flashed in his mind.
He could see her so clearly on her back, her hair sprawled over the loamy peat moss as the silver light of the moon kissed her skin. The thought made his loins ache for her.
“True, nae even the kirk can separate the two of ye now,” Archie said, nudging Hunter with his elbow.
The heat of embarrassment washed through Hunter as he eyed Archie. Did Archie see what happened between him and Emma last night by the lake? Is that why so many of the servants seemed surprised when he walked by?
The panic started to set in, causing Hunter’s heartbeat to quicken.
“And what is that supposed to mean?” Hunter asked, feeling a bit defensive.
“Ye and the lady, ye consummated yer marriage, did ye nae? Now that ye’re joined in the eyes of God, nay man can separate the two of ye,” Archie answered.
Hunter’s palms grew sweaty as his throat seemed to tighten. He never thought about the prying eyes last night and couldn’t help but wonder if Emma had locked herself in her room to get away from the gossip that was sure to spread like wildfire throughout the castle.
“The news will be pleasin’ to the council, do ye nae think?” Archie continued.
“Aye,” Hunter managed to mutter. He cleared his throat and rolled his shoulders back. “Any news to report, or have ye come to comment on me marriage?”
Archie stood straighter. “The lady’s cousin has reached the border. I dinnae think he’ll be a threat any longer.”
