Page 92 of A Flawed Scotsman

His words fell over her, tendrils of warmth fanning. They were only words, she told herself. Something that could be easily swept away by a strong wind.

“Ye made vows before and it did not matter. Ye left me behind.”

“I am a fool.”

Certainly, she would return with him. This wasn’t her home anymore. The hollowness in every part of the home kept her cold and distant. It was not who she was, and she refused to become that woman that kept everyone at a distance.

“Do ye trust me at all?” Esme asked. “Do you believe that I have learned from my mistakes and will not do something so rash again?”

“I do,” he replied. “Return with me, Esme. I cannot live without ye by my side.”

His declarations were foreign, although he’d said he cared for her in the past. Even during lovemaking, Ruari never spoke of emotions or feelings.

Esme didn’t expect it when his lips touched hers, but she accepted the kiss, her eyes falling closed at the familiarity of her husband’s touch.

More than ever, she wanted to be his, to feel protected, secure and comforted. Although tingles of fear prodded her, she pushed them away. She was, after all, the daughter of a laird, a brave archer.

“Ye must remind me regularly of this,” she said. “I wish to hear daily and in different ways how ye feel about me. I need it, Ruari.”

He seemed puzzled, but then nodded. “I promise.”

“I wish to be beside ye if ever there is a need to protect our home. I am a warrior, a fighter who will not hide and simper when enemies approach.”

“I am aware of it,” Ruari said. “Ye may not be beside me, but I do expect ye up on the ramparts with that bow and arrows of yers.”

She considered his words and acquiesced. “Very well.”

“Does this mean ye will return to Ross Keep with me?”

Her lips curved at his expectant expression. “I will return with ye.”

A fortnight later

Her arrow hit the center of the target and Esme grinned at her husband who, in turn, frowned.

Although he was an intimidating fighter, his archery skills were passable at best. Ruari lifted his bow, pulled back the arrow and concentrated on the target. Esme stepped behind him and blew into his ear.

The arrow flew into the air, much too high and impaled into a nearby tree.

“That was not fair. Were ye scared I would best ye?”

Her laughter was bright. “Not in the least.”

“Come with me.” Ruari took her hand and led her toward the house. Together, they raced up the stairs to their bedchamber.

There was a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “Ye can best me anywhere ye please.” Pulling her against him, his mouth covered hers, his arousal evident by the hardness that prodded at her lower abdomen.

When his hand slid down her back to cup her bottom, she moaned into his mouth, molding her body against his.

She then pushed back and gave him a playful look. “Take yer clothes off now.”

Ruari’s lips curved. “I will.”

Moments later, they tumbled onto the floor, both completely nude and breathless. The feel of his skin against hers never grew old. It was exciting to know that anyone could open the door and happen upon them.

Ruari rolled onto his back, pulling her over him. She pushed up, straddling him, then slid her sex against his.

Her husband grunted with pleasure, his jaw flexing.