The ceremony was flawless, from the vows exchanged to the harp music filling the air.
As Evangeline allowed Camren to guide her to the head table, conversations around them were as light as the air.
She met his gaze for a long moment. “As lovely as this all is, I must admit to wishing to be away from it.”
His lips curved. “And alone with me?”
“As much as I look forward to getting to know you better, what I meant is that I am not used to being the center of attention.”
“Beautiful women should always get all the attention. Brides are the reason everyone attends these things.” Camren squeezed her hand.
Across the room, her aunt and Lord Monroe stood with another couple. Although without Prudence, they seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Her parents wandered through the garden, greeting the small number of guests.
Rose was nowhere to be found and Evangeline strained to search for her. “Where is Rose?” she asked Camren. He scanned the area.
“I presume at the same place as Gideon, who is also missing at the moment.”
“Oh, my.” Evangeline gave Camren and incredulous look. “Do you really think so?”
The rest of the festivities included cutting the cake, chatting with the guests and seeing off the clergyman. It seemed too soon when it was time for the newlyweds to be sent off themselves.
Evangeline had changed into a lighter pale blue gown and, along with Camren, they climbed into his carriage to head to his townhouse. Camren informed her that Gideon would be staying at his newly acquired home until they returned to Scotland.
“Are you bringing a maid with you?” Camren asked, looking out of the window.
“Here she comes.” Evangeline motioned to a frazzled Fran, who was assisted onto the bench next to Camren’s driver.
Evangeline wanted to giggle at the way Fran waved at the group gathered as if it were she who was being seen off. Camren didn’t seem to notice anything, until she nudged him. “Wave.”
They both did and, finally, rode away from the wedding ceremony and the home she’d lived in her entire life. As excited as Evangeline was at the prospect of a new start, she couldn’t help the tang of sadness the moment brought.
“Other than your maid and my steward, we will be alone this evening. I wanted to ensure it would be comfortable and not overwhelming for you.”
Evangeline nodded and let out a breath. “Thank you.”
“The housekeeper and the chambermaid will return in the morning. So there is no need to fret over breakfast.”
Was he rambling? Evangeline slid a look to him, and he took her hand and squeezed it. “If you wish to wait for us to… be together, I understand. Our marriage is not traditional, so I am willing to take things at your pace.”
She leaned into him and put her head on his shoulder. “Thank you. It means a great deal to me to hear you say that. How do you feel?”
A deep chuckle rumbled in his chest. “I want to be with you and make you my wife fully as is customary. To have a wedding night. At the same time, I know we do not know each other well.”
“I want to start our marriage being honest. I appreciate your candor. I will spend our first night in your bed as your wife.”
He squeezed her hand and nodded.
The carriage came to a stop and the driver opened the door. Fran stood by the side as Evangeline emerged, assisted by Camren.
The townhouse was dim with just enough light for them to make their way inside and up the stairs.
A woman fetched Fran and they disappeared, leaving Evangeline and Camren alone.
“This way,” he said as he took Evangeline’s elbow and they climbed up the staircase. The thuds of her heart echoed in her ears.
He opened the door and led her into his bedroom. The room had obviously been cleaned recently, the bed perfectly made. Although the room was definitely masculine with no frills, it was nicely decorated.
“Can I help you undress?” Camren came close to her, his gaze on her. “Or would you like to summon the maid?”
“I can manage.” Evangeline placed a flattened hand on his chest. “Do you require assistance?” Her lips curved when he frowned.
“No.”
“Good,” she replied, lifting to her toes and pressing a kiss to his jaw. “I don’t wish to help you, but instead watch as you undress.”
His chest expanded at her words and he turned his head and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was tentative, seeking acceptance.
Evangeline wanted to prolong their first time, so she moved her mouth to the side of his and pressed her lips there.
“Toying with me?” Camren teased. “What is this game we play?”
She didn’t respond, but instead turned away. “On second thought, I do require help with the buttons.”
Chilled air caressed her exposed skin as each inch of fabric fell away. Camren’s warm mouth trailed down her back, teasing, nipping and licking a path.
Arching and allowing her head to fall back, Evangeline could not contain the soft moan that escaped or the shivers of anticipation flooding her senses.
Just as he reached the last button, she stepped away and turned. “I can continue on my own. Thank you.”
The darkening of his eyes gave him a feral look and she knew not to toy overmuch with him. Moving closer to the bed, he stood with hands to the sides.
Evangeline allowed her gaze to travel over his body. He was quite devastatingly attractive.
Heart thundering, she lowered the top of her dress, pushed it past her hips and let it fall to the soft carpet. Next, she bent at the waist and removed her shoes. It was more a ploy to give him a clear view down the front of her chemise as it would have been easy to kick them off.
When she straightened, instead of removing her chemise, she pulled pins from her hair, allowing the tresses to fall about her shoulders.
His gaze never left her as he removed his boots and cravat. Each movement was precise, making her wonder if that would be how he made love.
Although he unbuttoned the front of his breeches, he didn’t remove them. A delightful tease, Evangeline considered following the light feathering of hair from the center of his stomach to the hidden place.
He closed the distance between them. “I cannot wait. Remove your clothes, vixen.” Closing his mouth over hers, Evangeline lost control and ran her hands down the wide expanse of his back. He was warm and strong, each inch wonderfully smooth under her hands.
When her palm slid over a scar, she decided it would be something she’d have to ask about later because, in that moment, he lifted her up and carried her to stand beside the bed.
“Too many clothes,” Camren muttered, pushing her chemise down her shoulders, the light garment easily falling to her hips.
She pushed it down and, upon straightening, stopped to gawk as he pushed his pants down.
Before she could take him all in, once again she found herself in his arms. Evangeline wanted to protest, to see all of him, but at the first touch of skin against skin, she lost her ability to speak.
His hands roamed over her body as his tongue delved past parted lips. They remained standing, exploring one another with hands, fingers and lips.
“I want you so much,” Evangeline said and gasped when he lifted her again, this time lowering her to the bed as he climbed in along with her.
His body was instantly over hers, the weight perfect as she fought to keep her eyes open and take in his darkened eyes. “You are so very beautiful. Perfect in every way.”
Camren hungered for her and didn’t care about her past nor did he seem particularly bothered by her leg.
Lifting up to place weight on his thighs, Camren took to her breasts, holding them with both hands, suckling at one and then the other.
Sensations that had been buried for so long surfaced, molten hot trails blazing paths to her core and down both legs.
Struggling to keep from losing herself completely, she lifte
d her hips to him, asking without words for their bodies to join.
Camren met her gaze for a moment and smiled down at her.
At first, the nudge was gentle, his hard member seeking entrance. Camren pushed into her and hesitated. Although her body expanded to accept him, Evangeline stiffened, a bit fearful as he was much larger than Avery.
Unsure of what to expect, she let out a long breath as he pushed in with one strong, fluid thrust.
Evangeline gasped at the fullness, her body relaxing around him. It was absolutely marvelous how wonderfully they fit together.
Within moments, he was driving in and out, a steady rhythm so utterly perfect that tears filled her eyes.
“Oh-oh-oh,” Evangeline repeated and cupped his bottom with both hands, urging him to drive deeper.
His deep, happy grunts intermingled with her higher exclamations as they continued to move, the pace faster as they inched toward culmination. Evangeline lost the fight first, cresting and falling, her body shuddering with release.
In a fog, Camren’s moan permeated and he thrust deep twice before spilling.
Rolling to his back, he pulled her against his side and kissed her temple.
“Ummggghhh.” His incoherent mumblings were cute and Evangeline smiled.
She pressed a soft kiss to his jaw. “I agree.”
They fell into an exhausted slumber until the middle of the night when, upon sensing someone beside her, Evangeline was startled awake.
The soft snoring, although a bit jarring, announced her new life and the man she’d be sharing a bed with for the rest of her life.
Her lips curved when he smacked his lips and rolled to his back. She couldn’t make out his features in the dark, but his moonlit profile was as perfect as he was.
Evangeline snuggled against her husband and, within minutes, fell back asleep.
Sometime later, she woke when an arm snaked around her waist, pulling her against him.
Chapter Twelve
Camren opened his eyes and blinked as sunlight hit his face. Normally an early riser, it was rare that his room would be so bright when waking. He turned slowly to his new bride. Fast asleep, her hair askew and pink lips slightly parted, she was enticing.
Admittedly, he’d fantasized about waking up to her and what she’d look like unencumbered by hair pins or clothes. In reality, she was more breathtaking than any of his fantasies.
The rumpled blankets surrounded her like a nest, and he leaned closer, enjoying the sight of her pert breasts.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly and shifted, continuing to sleep. Camren placed his lips at the top of her right breast allowing his mouth to linger on the satiny skin. Already, his erection was so hard it was almost painful.
“Mm mm,” Evangeline’s eyelids lifted slowly, and her lips curved. “Yes.” Her soft whisper gave the permission he needed to sink himself into her and live out the fantasy of waking up to a beautiful, sensual siren.
They made love lazily until the need for completion sent the pace to quicken.
Evangeline lay sprawled over his chest as he traced circles on her soft skin.
“We should get up,” Camren said. “I smelled breakfast quite a while ago. Flora, the housekeeper, is here.”
Evangeline peered up at him and again he wanted to make love to her. “I am very hungry.”
He admired the view of her slipping from the bed and walking across the room. Her body was delightful. Pert, full breasts, a small waist and ample hips.
She pulled a robe on and gave him a flirty smile. “You have no idea how alluring you look, laying there watching me.”
He crooked a finger. “Come here.”
“No. If we don’t get dressed now, we will miss breakfast,” Evangeline replied and hurried behind a screen in the corner of the room.
During breakfast, each time their gazes met, a flush of heat traveled through Evangeline’s body. Her mind scrambled to grasp that the handsome man on the other side of the table from her was, indeed, her husband.
Unlike her, he seemed nonplussed, giving his valet, Daniel, instructions on what to do that day. He had business to attend to which, in Evangeline’s estimation, could have been left off for at least a day.
She tapped her finger on the table and both men turned to her. “What am I to do here alone all day if you plan to attend to business?”
The men exchanged confused glances.
“Perhaps visit with your friend?” Gideon had arrived and provided an answer, making the other men in the room let out relieved breaths.
Evangeline pinned Gideon with a glare. “Thank you for pointing out something my poor, feeble mind could not conjure. What I am attempting to point out is that your friend here…” she motioned to Camren, “… and I got married yesterday. It is customary for newlyweds to spend time and get to know each other for… oh, I don’t know… at least several days.”
The room went silent. A maid who stood at the door giggled and quickly raced away.
“Yes,” Camren replied. “You are correct, dear. Other than a quick dash to the docks to meet about business, I do plan to spend the rest of the day here.”
When she lifted an eyebrow, Gideon cleared his throat. “Or I could go.”
“Or Gideon can go.” By the crinkle between his brows, Camren did not like the new plan.
Evangeline stood and rolled her eyes. “I am going to visit my mother for the rest of the morning. Carry on and do as you wish. I would prefer the company of someone who wishes mine.”
At entering the bedroom, she stifled a chuckle. Men were such strange creatures.
Camren entered and came up behind her. “I apologize. We can spend the day together. Go for a ride to Hyde Park. I do wish to spend time with you. It was thoughtless of me to not consider that I was leaving you alone the day after marrying.” Camren wrapped his arms around her waist and nuzzled her hair. “Forgive me.”
Evangeline turned in his arms and looked into his eyes. “If you must conduct business today, then do it. Your mind will be elsewhere if you do not.”
After a soft kiss, he shook his head. “No, we shall postpone business for a few days. Gideon is going to meet with the man I planned to see. I will follow up in a few days.”
A painful twinge woke Evangeline early one morning. She winced as her injured leg cramped. The room was cool as the fire in the hearth had waned, so she snuggled deeper into the blankets.
Camren stood beside the wardrobe. He was shirtless and seemed at a loss as to what to wear.
They’d been married just seven days and, already, Evangeline was accustomed to his daily presence. His muscles bunched and smoothed as he pulled on a shirt he’d chosen, and she was disappointed when his smooth skin was covered.
“What is that scar on your back from?”
He turned to her with a slight frown. “Sword fight. I was young and should have known better than to turn my back.”
“How barbaric. Why were you in a fight with swords?” Her eyes rounded as she imagined him fighting, warrior against warrior, atop a horse.
“It was a competition. We have Highland games that take place yearly, I often compete.
She studied him for a moment. “Only men would consider something that could kill you a game.”
“True,” he said with a grin. “It makes one’s blood rush, which is enjoyable.”
Nearing the bed, he leaned forward. “I have a business meeting and will be back in a few hours.” When his mouth took hers, she reached for his neck and pulled him closer.
“Don’t tarry.”
“I most definitely will not.” His gaze moved to where the blankets had slipped, exposing her breasts. “I cannot fathom the thought of leaving you neglected in any form.”
Evangeline pulled up the bedding and shook her head. “Be with care.”
When she sat at the breakfast table minutes later, the housekeeper entered and brought her eggs and toast.
“How are you today, Flora?” Evan
geline asked the older woman.
“Very well, indeed, My Lady.”
Since the first time it was used, the title gave Evangeline pause. For some reason, she’d not given thought to the fact she was marrying a titled man. “I am glad to hear that, Flora. Can I ask, have there ever been any dogs or cats here?”
“Only horses,” Flora said with a smile.
“I am considering whether or not to bring my cat, Lucille, here. You see, my cat is quite attached to me. However,” Evangeline hesitated. “That cat is set in its ways.”
The woman nodded. “Cats are adept at adjusting to their surroundings. I have two myself.”
Evangeline smiled widely. “I knew there was something endearing about you.”
The woman chuckled.
“I think I will go visit my mother today and get her thoughts on it. Would you happen to know Martha Downy?”
“I do, My Lady,” Flora said. “She is a friend of mine. We see each other at the market. She has asked about you and told me you are a very nice person.”
Her chest tightened. Other than her parents, she missed Martha so very much. Fran had been sick for the last few days, so she’d had little interaction with anyone familiar.
“How is Fran?”
“About the same, she is lingering. It is best you remain away from her as whatever ails her could be contagious. Her mother came and is caring for her in the cottage house.”
It had been generous of Camren to allow Fran and her mother to remain there while Fran recovered. The young woman had been a bit sickly of late, which made Evangeline worry about taking her to Scotland.
“What, exactly, do you suppose is wrong with her?” she asked Flora.
The housekeeper shook her head. “The doctor said her lungs were not filling with air properly.”
Upon arriving at her parents’ home, Evangeline hesitated at the front door. It felt strange that it was not her home any longer.
“Good morning, darling.” Her mother appeared and hugged her tightly. “How are you?”
“I am well. Very worried about Fran. She is not getting better.”
Her mother sighed. “We have been praying for her. Martha is quite upset about it, as well. You will have to hire someone to look after your needs until Fran gets better.”
The Lyon's Laird: The Lyon's Den Page 10
