Page 33 of The Seer

When there was no answer, Dallis considered leaving. Perhaps Alasdair slept and did not hear her.

Just as she pushed the door open, someone pressed against her back, his mouth on her neck. “I was hoping ye’d come.”

A thrill traveled down her spine and her breath caught.

They moved into the dark room barely inside the door before he began tearing his clothes off. “I want to see ye. All of ye.”

He stood nude in the moonlight and she could not keep from allowing her gaze to soak in every part of his body. He was magnificent.

Despite the warmth from the fireplace, when Alasdair’s gaze met hers, Dallis shivered. Not from cold, but anticipation of his touch.

She stood so still, like a stone carving without any ability to move. Her blood coursed and her heart beat steadily, but Dallis remained where she was. It would be him who’d come to her. Alasdair who touched first, who’d make contact.

Not sure why, but instinct told her to allow it. That it was Alasdair who should take lead through everything tonight. Somehow she sensed that between them, from that day forward, he would be fully exposed and would expect the same in return.

Not that she didn’t wish it, but how could someone allow another into every thought and dream? Was this something normal between husband and wife?

For a moment Dallis thought he’d not move. It was a sort of standoff, not uncomfortable, but almost as if he wasn’t sure what she wanted from him.

“Ye will be my wife,” he stated and since it wasn’t a question, Dallis didn’t speak.

Alasdair looked from her to the bed. “I am not sure how I came to deserve such a gift. Ye deserve...”

“Please don’t say a man of higher station, because if ye believe Cuthbert to be more deserving than ye, I will turn away and walk out the door.”

The corners of his lips twitched. “Ye are a smart lass. No, I do not believe Cuthbert Robertson to be more deserving. Nor did I wish for his name to be spoken right now. What I wish is that ye …,” Alasdair hesitated searching for the next word.

Dallis yearned to be touched, to fall into his bed. However, this night, whatever was said needed to be spoken. Their thoughts and sentiments expressed.

Dallis met his gaze, loving how they’d darkened, the golden flecks almost disappeared. “I dreamed of marrying someone who’d win my heart. Every time the subject of marriage came up, or I attended a wedding, the same thought occurred to me. That I wished to marry a man of my choosing.” She let out a breath. “Never did I think it would happen, that my dream would come true.”

“Would ye have chosen me?”

“Yes, without hesitation.”

Alasdair’s eyes remained on hers, his chest rising and lowering as he listened. His lips parted, but he waited to see what she’d say next.

“Ye are the man I have chosen, and I am the lucky one. Much more than ye know. For my prospects were quite limited, and I expected to marry either the son of the Macpherson, who is as perverse as his father or Cuthbert. That I will marry ye fills me with so much joy.”

At seeing a single tear streak down her cheek, Alasdair rushed to her. “Don’t cry. I didn’t wish to cause ye sadness. Not tonight.”

“I am not sad,” Dallis said with a loud sniff. “I’m happy.”

Relief poured, overtaking her when at last he brought her close, holding her against his body. Every inch of his muscular physique that touched hers taut, hard, and perfect.

Once again Dallis fought against pulling him to the bed. The sun would rise soon and although desire was strong, she wished to know what he thought and wished to say. That they had time and opportunity to spend time alone was in itself a gift.

“Come with me,” Alasdair said taking her hand and drawing her to one of the tall windows. “Look outside to the starry night sky. That is what I see most nights as I fall asleep. The only constant in my life has been the night sky. Alone with only my thoughts, I never dared to dream for more. I vow on my life.” He lifted her face with his right hand, while wrapping his left arm around her waist and pulling her close. “I vow to always remain in debt to yer father for giving ye to me as my wife and partner. And like those stars up so high, to be the constant in yer life as long as I live.”

This time when their lips met, the kiss was passionate, a clash of desire and want as they made it into the bed.

Lifting her, Alasdair carried her to the bed and lay next to her.

They explored, kissed and caressed each other. The passion was palatable, every inch of her body on fire.

Their lovemaking was hard, fast and urgent. Alasdair did not hold back, his muscular body rhythmic in its movements, driving and pulling back, pushing her to limits Dallis didn’t know existed.

Thrust after thrust, their bodies moving in unison, Alasdair continued until he gleamed with perspiration and Dallis could barely remain coherent.