Page 17 of An English Rose for the Highlander
Dominik pulled Rose closer, sinking his hips forward so that they collided with her. What she felt there was unmistakable, if new to her. A tiny gasp broke free, and her husband used it to brush the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. The feeling of him against her was unlike anything else, wild and provocative and demanding.
“You made a joke at my expense at dinner.” What was her mouth doing to her tonight? She could not stop the words, as if this spell Dominik had cast over her pulled everything out. “I did not like it.”
“And I assure ye yet again, lass, that ye are mistaken.” She flicked her stare to him, seeing that devilish light in the green pools, the smirk lifting the corner of his mouth. “I wasattemptingto be considerate. I shall nae make the mistake again.”
Rose glared, but it was playful, the energy light. They were bickering again, but now it felt as if they were two friends, jesting with each other as they always did. What was that?
“If that is how you show your consideration for my well-being…” Rose could not keep the smile from her lips, welcoming the intense presence of her spouse all the more. “I have notes that might improve the outcome.”
Dominik laughed. He actually laughed, and the sound was reminiscent of bells in the summertime.
“Oh, do ye, lass. Och, well, I should hear them then, but perhaps…” He sank lower, his lips now brushing over her own, and Rose’s mind scrambled like an egg. “…Nae just now.”
He kissed her.
The Laird, her new husband and leader of this castle and clan, kissed her. The smooth skin of his lips pressed to hers, and Rose fell apart under them. She was amazed at the profound nature of Dominik’s kiss, the searing heat that licked through her entire body. It was as if with that simple gesture, his soul had claimed hold of hers.
Oh god. Is this…but what about…What if…
It was so incredible, the best she’d ever felt in her life, and still, Rose was terrified, which made no sense at all. She pulled back from Dominik, ducking under his arm and getting to the other side of the room as if she were fleeing fire.
When Dominik turned to face her, Rose could not hide the panic, knowing that he realized he’d caused it as his stare flared before his brows pinched together over his eyes. He studied her, sensing the abrupt shift in her behavior.
“Rose, what is?—”
“I cannot. I…I am sorry, but I simply cannot do this. I am not ready.”
Confusion played over Dominik’s face, and he stepped backward, his expression so grim now that a horrible guilt filled Rose’s chest. He shook his head, and Rose could see the confusion muddying the gleam in Dominik’s eyes that had just been there.
“I daenae understand what just happened, but I am nae a monster, lass. I willnae force ye like some brute.”
Rose relaxed somewhat at that, but the worry and regret still warred within her. She knew this was their duty. God, she knew that a large part of her wanted to—desperately. But she was overcome by fear, not knowing what lay ahead or how her husband would treat her afterward.
Uncertainty would be her undoing. If only she could have better prepared herself.
“But we cannot shirk our duty forever.”
The air left her lungs. “I…I understand. I do. It is only that…I am sorry. I only wish I had more opportunity to prepare.”
Dominik cocked a brow. “Time to prepare? As in ye might like to knowwhenit will take place?”
“It sounds so strange to say it out loud, but…” Rose ducked her eyes before finding the strength to look up at her husband again. “…yes.”
The Laird leveled her with a stare, something solidifying in his mind, and he nodded at her once.
“There is nay need to apologize. Still, there is little choice in this matter. A week?”
Rose couldn’t hide the way her eyes widened. “I suppose that?—”
“A month then, aye?”
She was quick to nod, grateful that the man was giving her any time at all.
“Verra well. Ye will have a month to ready yerself for what needs to be done. I am sure that will bequiteenough.” Dominik straightened his shoulders, reaching for the door behind him as he upheld his air of command. “Then, ye will be mine in truth and deed.”
She could find no words to reply, trembling where she stood and uncertain whether it was solely fear that caused her to shake, or if, undoubtedly, that want was still clinging to her.
“Good evening, Rose. I will see ye in the morn.”
