Page 9 of The Lyon and the Lass

She placed her glass on the table alongside the chair she’d been sitting in. Even though Kerrigan had said they would just learn about each other and have a good night’s rest, she wasn’t completely sure her idea of a good night’s rest was the same as his idea. She certainly hoped he meant they would put off any completion of their wedding vows tonight.

“Thank you. I am quite tired.” Just in case he had thought of changing his mind.

“As am I, lass.”

She almost snorted because she knew if she suggested they do what was needed to prevent her uncle from pushing for an annulment Kerrigan would most likely beat her up to the bedchamber.

The room was charming, also in good taste as was the rest of the townhouse. Mr. Kendall never mentioned if his brother hada wife, but if he did not, he was a very good decorator. The walls were striped pale green with a soft cream color, and a deeper green carpet on the floor. Dark blue and green window hangings and bed covers contrasted nicely.

The maid had apparently unpacked the few things she was able to sneak out of her room the night of her escape. Her nightrail and dressing gown lay across the bottom of the bed. With a very unladylike yawn, she began to undress, having worn the gown she was able to put on herself, knowing she would not have a maid at Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s where she’d spent the night before.

She washed with the warm water and soft linens the maid had provided and brushed her hair. Feeling overwhelmingly tired, she removed her dressing gown and climbed into bed. She was just pulling the bedcovers up when the sound of the door opening caught her attention.

The nicely sized room shrunk as Kerrigan walked into it. Lord, was the man that tall downstairs? He smiled at her, and apparently having no qualms about undressing, proceeded to remove everything except his braies, for which she was eternally grateful.

He approached the bed, resting his knee on the mattress. “Ye look lovely with yer hair down, lass.” He reached out and ran his thick fingers through the strands. “It feels like fine silk.”

She attempted a smile but was afraid it would come out more like a grimace. Picking up on her mood, he stood and climbed in alongside her. “What I’ve been wondering is how you managed to escape your house.”

“I jumped.”

His brows rose to his hairline “What?”

She grinned. “I jumped. I knotted the bed sheets, then tied one end around the sturdy bedpost and the other about mywaist. Then I dropped my bundle out the window and climbed out after it.”

He shook his head. “How far of a drop was it?”

“I don’t know and I’m glad I didn’t know because I never would have attempted it. In fact, I had no idea how far it was until I was hanging out the window.”

Kerrigan took in a deep breath. “Doona ever try something like that again.”

Christine stiffened. “Ye cannot tell me what to do.”

“Aye, I can, and I will. I am yer husband now and ye are under my protection. Ye are no’ to put yerself in danger like that ever again.”

Well, then.

Apparently, she hadn’t considered how annoying a husband could be. Her papa had not put too much restraint on her. He was always busy and if she had a maid and footman with her, she’d been able to go just about anywhere she wanted. When he was still alive, he’d engaged a chaperone for her, but that was only for balls, and strolls and carriage rides in the park.

“Ye’re lucky ye dinna break yer neck.”

She huffed. “Based on what my uncle had planned for me, that would have been the better choice.”

He grew silent and stared at her for a minute with a very dangerous look in his eyes. She began to squirm. “What?”

“I was wondering if I could get a kiss good night from my wife.”

She slid over a bit, bringing a smile to his lips. “Where are ye going, lass? If ye keep that up ye will be on yer bottom on the floor. Just a kiss.” Kerrigan reached over and pulled her to him. “Come here before ye fall.” He kept pulling until she was flat against him. The warmth from his bare chest invaded her body and her senses. Before she could catch her breath, his mouth descended on hers. Just as she’d remembered, his lips werewarm and soft. He gave her quick little kisses before completely consuming her mouth and her mind.

Almost as if they had minds of their own, her hands slid up his warm, massive chest to encircle his neck, pulling him even closer. He nudged her lips with his tongue and entered, bringing sensations to her that she’d never felt before. Her nipples swelled and she rubbed them against his chest. It felt so good, she let out a soft moan.

Kerrigan cupped her face in his hands and moved her head into a position where he took the kiss deeper. Warmth spread throughout her body, bringing a dampness to her woman’s part. Since she’d been without a mother for so long, she was not certain where these feelings came from, but just her normal intelligence told her that her husband’s kisses were setting her body on fire.

He pulled back and began to kiss her neck, shoulder, the soft skin under her ear. When his hand slid up to cup her breast, she pulled back. They were both panting, and she shook her head. “Not yet. I need a little bit more time. You promised.”

Running his fingers through his hair, he said, “Aye. I did at that.” When he reached for her, she slid over again.

“Nay. I just want to hold ye. We can talk for a while.”