When Connor finally made his way to the bridal chamber, he paused outside the door for just a moment, gathering himself.Then he knocked softly and entered.
***
Chapter 10
The heavy oak doorclosed behind Connor with a soft thud, the sound seeming to echo in the sudden quiet of the bridal chamber.Candles flickered from every surface, casting dancing shadows across the stone walls and the large bed that dominated the room.
Fiona stood by the window, her hair loose around her shoulders and gleaming in the candlelight.She had washed in a warm bath with scented soap prepared by the clanswomen and now wore a long robe over a shift of fine white linen.Though her cheeks were flushed with nervousness, she looked up at Connor with a smile that was both shy and welcoming.
"Wife," Connor said softly, moving toward her with eager steps.
"Husband," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, but steady.
Connor's heart hammered against his ribs as he took in the sight of her.The golden light played across her lustrous hair.He had never felt such a mixture of desire and nervousness, not even in his first battle.
When he reached her, he gently took her hands in his, stilling their nervous movement."We need not rush anything, lass.We have all night..."
The kindness in his voice seemed to ease some of her tension."I confess, I am nervous," she whispered, her cheeks flushing pink.
"As am I," he admitted, surprising them both with his honesty."But not because I dinna want this, Fiona.Because I want it too much."
Her eyes searched his face, and whatever she saw there made her step closer."I want this too, Connor.I want...ye."
The simple words undid him.His hands came up to frame her face, thumbs stroking across her cheekbones."Ye are so bonnie," he murmured."More beautiful than I ever imagined when I was raging like a fool about this marriage."
A small smile curved her lips."And ye are not quite the ogre I expected either."
He laughed softly at that, the sound breaking some of the tension between them."Only mostly an ogre, then?"
"Perhaps half," she teased, and the sparkle in her eyes made his chest tight with something he dared not name yet.
His lips found hers then, gentle at first, then more insistent as she responded.Her hands fisted in his plaid, pulling him closer, and he groaned against her mouth.When they broke apart, both were breathing hard.
"Will ye let me undress ye, wife?"The word felt strange and wonderful on his tongue.
Her blush deepened, but she nodded.His hands moved to the belt of her robe with infinite care, untying the sash and letting the garment fall open.He pushed it gently from her shoulders, leaving her in only the thin shift that clung to her curves.Connor's breath caught in his throat at the sight of her.
