Page 35 of The Beast

Beatrice giggled when Orla attempted to tell her what to expect. The young woman had never been with a man, but she claimed to have caught her brothers in the act several times. “I tell ye, Lady Beatrice. The lass was yellin’ but in a good way. Seemed to be havin’ the time o’ her life.”

“Orla, when ye marry, I cannot wait to hear what happens on yer wedding night.”

“I have no prospects yet, but I will find a kind man one day,” Orla informed her.

Hair brushed out and wearing a white nightgown, Beatrice climbed on the bed to wait for Duncan. It was only a few moments later that he tugged the door open and walked in.

“I have to get the door fixed,” he mumbled and then stopped in his tracks upon seeing her sitting up in bed, legs crossed. “What are ye doing? Are ye not supposed to be laying down?”

Beatrice shrugged. “I have no idea how I am expected to pose.” She chuckled. “Will ye pour some honeyed mead for me. It will help with my nerves.”

“Aye, of course.” He poured mead into two small glasses and neared the bed. Once she took hers, he climbed onto the bed and leaned back on the headboard.

The liquid trailed down her throat immediately warming her insides. Although she felt a bit calmer, her stomach continued to flutter every time she looked to her husband.

He took the glass and slid from the bed. Then to her shock, he blew out every light in the room leaving them in darkness.

There wasn’t even moonlight as she heard him fumble with his clothes.

“I cannot see anything,” Beatrice complained.

“It is easier for me to sleep with no light in the room,” Duncan replied.

Beatrice huffed. “We are not to sleep right away. We have to… well ye know.”

“I am aware,” he replied tightly.

She flopped back onto the bed to wait for him to join her. After her eyes adjusted Beatrice could track Duncan’s movements. He undressed slowly as if measuring every movement. She wondered at his hesitation.

If he was as nervous as her, the consummation would be awkward. However, it had to be done and she expected once they got to know each other better, things would be easier. Finally, he joined her, his large body seeming to take the entire space. Beatrice turned on her side to face him.

“It is strange not to see ye clearly. Are ye sure we must have complete darkness?”

Instead of a reply, he touched her cheek and his mouth pressed on hers. Duncan pushed her onto her back while continuing to kiss her. His hand slipped under her nightgown and then slid up the outside of her left leg. Beatrice could not help but shiver at the intimate touch, her body hummed with expectation and at the same time, she was scared.

His breaking the kiss brought her attention back to him and she lifted her arms to allow him to remove her nightgown. She was completely bare, then again, so was he.

Duncan moved closer, but did not climb over her, instead, he continued to caress her body, his callused hands causing tingles of awareness.

Air left her lungs when he cupped her sex and Beatrice gasped. It was unexpected, but at the same time, she had no idea what should happen.

His fingers slid up and down her center and she fought to remain still while biting her bottom lip to keep from making any untoward noises.

Seeming satisfied at whatever he did, Duncan came over her. “Put yer arms around my neck,” he instructed.

Beatrice did as he said but could not think past the fact he pulled her legs apart and settled between them.

His breathing was harsh, fanning across her face as he fumbled with something. She expected it was what Isobel had informed her. That he would take his hardened sex and enter her.

At this point, she was so scared a tear escaped and she squeezed her eyes shut. It was not exactly the right thing because then all she could do now was feel and smell.

A part of him, she assumed his sex prodded between her legs. Then he pushed in. Despite his slow movements, it was uncomfortable and a bit painful to be stretched.

“Just do it please,” Beatrice exclaimed when he hesitated. “I know the first time it will hurt, and I would rather it be over.”

Duncan cleared his throat. “I am sorry.” The first attempt to thrust in did nothing, his sex remained in the same place. “Ye are very small. I am not sure if this is right. To hurt ye like this.”

Despite her efforts, she moaned at the rather invasive sensation. It was not exactly painful in that moment, if anything it was a bit comical. Beatrice pressed her lips together and forced herself to relax.