"Wife," he said firmly, his voice low enough that only she could hear."It's not what ye think.I admit I have not lived my life as a monk, but I also have not been with any woman for a long time.And I dinnae intend to break my marriage vows to ye."
Fiona tried to pull away."It's none of my concern what ye do."
"Oh, but it is," Connor said firmly, his hands tightening on her waist."Ye're my wife now.I'll not have ye slighted by anyone, not even ghosts from my past."
Then he did something that shocked her completely.He bent down and kissed her thoroughly, right there in front of everyone, his lips claiming hers with a passion that left her breathless and weak-kneed.The crowd roared its approval, making raucous noises and calls until they broke apart.
"Now," Connor said, his dark eyes intense as they looked down at her, "forget everything else and dance with yer husband."
For a moment, Fiona forgot about Teàrlag, forgot about the watching crowd, forgot about everything except the man holding her and the warmth in his eyes that seemed meant just for her.
She smiled, a real smile this time."Aye, husband.I'd like that very much."
***
Chapter 7
The musicians struckup a lively reel, and Connor led Fiona to the center of the floor as the crowd formed a circle around them.For a moment, panic fluttered in Fiona's chest as she realized how exposed they would be, how obvious her limp would become as they moved through the intricate steps of the dance.
"I'm not sure I can keep up," she whispered, her earlier confidence wavering."Perhaps we should choose something slower—"
"Trust me," Connor said quietly, positioning his hands at her waist."I've got ye."
As the music began in earnest, Fiona understood what he meant.Connor didn't simply dance with her; he guided her through each movement with such skill that he bore most of her weight during the turns and lifts.When the dance called for quick footwork, he spun her in his arms so that her feet barely touched the ground.During the slower passages, he held her close enough that she could lean on his strength without anyone noticing.
It required him to stay much closer than traditional dancing demanded, his hands never leaving her waist, his body a constant support for hers.But if Connor minded the intimacy, he gave no sign of it.Instead, he seemed to relish the excuse to hold her, his dark eyes never leaving her face as they moved together.
"Ye're very good at this," Fiona breathed as he swept her through a particularly complex turn.
"I had to be.Ewan made sure I could dance properly before any gathering," Connor replied, then added with a slight grin, "Though I've never enjoyed it quite this much before."
As the dance continued, something magical happened.Fiona's self-consciousness melted away, replaced by genuine laughter as Connor whispered amusing observations about their wedding guests.When she nearly stumbled during one sequence, he caught her so smoothly that it looked like part of the dance, earning cheers from the watching crowd.
Connor found himself studying his wife's face as they moved together, and was startled by what he saw.When had her features become so appealing?He'd thought her plain at first glance, unremarkable compared to the bold beauties he'd known before.But up close, with her cheeks flushed from dancing and her eyes bright with laughter, she was actually quite lovely.Her smile transformed her entire face, and the way she looked at him with growing trust and warmth made something tighten in his chest.
When was the last time I laughed like this?he wondered, spinning her gently as the music swelled.When was the last time I simply enjoyed myself without thinking about duty?He couldn't remember.But here, with this woman who'd surprised him at every turn, he felt lighter than he had in years.
