Page 74 of The Eagle

“A toast,” Darach announced.

As each of his brothers spoke and Stuart had to keep swallowing to keep from showing emotion. This was the end of a portion of his life.

Now it was time for him to forge ahead to what came next.

Chapter Twenty

“Lay still beneath him,” her mother said. “It will be over soon enough.” She blushed and patted Cait’s shoulder. “Ye are attracted to him and that will help.”

“Mother, ye act as if I am about to head to the gallows to be executed.”

Her mother’s eyes rounded and the other women in the room giggled.

“It should be very pleasant and enjoyable,” Beatrice exclaimed. “If it is not let me know. I will ask Duncan to speak to him.”

Ella laughed. “I believe we do not have to explain anything to her. Stuart has ensured she is well satisfied.”

“Ella!” Lady Mariel looked to Cait’s confused mother apologetically. “I am afraid my daughter has never been one to hold her tongue.”

There were knocks at the door and loud cheerful voices.

“We must go.” Beatrice and Ella pulled Lady Mariel and her mother out the door.

Moments later, Stuart was shoved in by a group of rowdy brothers, who laughed just a bit too loud.

Stuart’s eyes narrowed and he turned to glare at his brothers. “Go away.”

They exchanged a couple of crude barbs before finally being pushed out and the door locked behind them.

“Sometimes we act like lads.” Stuart smiled while shaking his head. “It is the first time we’ve had a proper wedding and I believe everyone is overly excited.”

Cait sat in the bed hugging her legs up to her chest. “Everything has been so wonderful, but at times it felt as if the celebration had little to do with us. I believe everyone celebrated personal victories and that is quite extraordinary.”

When he began to undress, she could not look away. She tried, but inevitably, her gaze would slide back. First, he sat and removed the boots, followed by stockings, and then his belt. He lowered his breeches and then sat down to pull them off.

Once that was done, he stood again. The pale linen tunic fell to just above his knees giving her glimpses of his muscled legs.

Stuart met her gaze. “I want to see ye remove that garment.”

“I was told this is what men prefer,” Cait replied, genuinely surprised. She had been led to believe, the man was always fully naked, and she would remain partially clothed.

“I prefer ye bare,” he said as his fingers curled at the hem of the tunic. As the fabric inched upward, she followed the progress.

His muscular thighs were enticing. Between them his sex hung, nestled upon a plump sack. She watched with growing anticipation as his flat stomach and wide chest were exposed. When Stuart pulled the tunic off, he stood before her fully bare.

“Come,” he held out a hand inviting her from the bed.

Cait obeyed, feeling a bit exposed despite wearing a night rail. It was made of fabric so thin, it was almost see-through.

“Ye are beautiful,” Stuart proclaimed, his gaze raking over her. “I am a very fortunate man.”

Taking a cue from his actions, Cait slowly untied the strips at the neck and pushed the garment down from her shoulders. It slid easily. Exposing her breasts. The dip of her waist. The flare of her hips.

Upon seeing her remove her nightgown, his sex hardened and lengthened. Breathlessly, Cait slowly pushed the night rail past her hips allowing it to slide down her legs to the floor.

There was something freeing when his gaze roamed over her body and she saw the arousal not only in his expression but the effect on his sex. It rose hardening before her eyes.

“I want ye so much right now,” Stuart said, and she smiled in amazement that this beautiful man was her husband.