“Why would you leave? This is our chamber now. In the morning we will bring your things here.” Ian’s voice aired the confusion written on his face.
“Not yet, Ian.”
Ian gripped her to his chest. “Aye, Claire. We have spent too much time apart as it is. Nay a moment longer will we wait. I need you with me. I need to ken that at the end of each day you will be here.”
“I will be here, I promise you. I couldn’t stay away if I wanted to. After Tavis leaves, I will bring most of my things in here.”
Ian’s hands stilled. “Why not all?”
“I didn’t want to have this conversation, not tonight.” Claire paused for a deep breath. “There are going to be nights that I will need my own chamber.” Her voice broke as she spoke, and the truth threatened to spoil what had just been so sweet.
“Claire, this chamber is ours, and none other will ever set foot here. This place is ours alone. Every night I will lay beside you and hold you until daybreak.” As her head shook in denial, Ian said, “Keep your chamber, sweeting, if the thought brings you some comfort, but ken that in my heart ‘tis only you. No matter what else, please believe me when I tell you this. I have only to marry the lass. You ken how marriages are made on my lands, but there will never be another night with the woman I am forced to wed. Can you forgive me the one night?”
Claire’s finger traced the dragon on Ian’s chest while speaking, “But you wanted . . .”
He stopped the comment with a hard kiss to her lips. “What I want is you. By my side day and night.” Ian shifted to pull the covers over her shoulder. He settled again to share the pillow as his hand caressed her hip. “You never answered my question. Can you forgive me the one night?”
The pain at the idea of Ian touching anyone, even Mairi, ripped through her being. Somewhere deep down inside, she knew it was more than the single physical act that would pierce her heart. Ian would be married to another woman for the rest of his life. Claire swallowed hard and forced the horrible thoughts from her mind. Wrapped within his arms, there was only love and happiness. Summoning her courage, she whispered, “I knew what I was walking into, Ian. I came to you knowing that. It wasn’t enough to keep me away.”
Holding her close to his warmth, he asked, “What happened to change your mind?”
“Hagan.”
Ian laughed. “Surely you jest with me.”
She lifted her head enough to hold his gaze. “Hagan came to my chamber after the meal. We talked for a while. Basically, he released me from my promise and said that no one would think badly of this, of you and me together, that finding happiness together would be acceptable to everyone.”
Ian glared. “What oath was there between you?”
“On the night we arrived here, Hagan made me promise that I would stay away from you, that I would not ask you to . . .”
Claire’s words trailed off. She was still not willing to say it even after all these weeks.
Ian’s anger was clear in his voice, “Hagan had no right to ask this of you. If he had . . .”
Her lips shut him up with a kiss. “Hagan was right, and you know it as well as I do. Let’s not do this. I don’t want to speak of everything that could make us angry or sad.”
“Aye, sweeting, you speak the truth as always. Nay more talk of things we dinna control.” He shifted to once again lay over her within her legs and arms. “Only sweet words of joy of how happy I am to have you with me tonight and all nights.”
Unlike earlier in the night, the kiss Ian gave her was soft and gentle. It built with a slow steady passion.
“No more words, sweeting, not now. Let me love you, Claire.” Ian’s hands were gentle this time, the frenzy sated earlier. “The words, sweeting, give me the words.”
She loved this soft persuasion, felt his response to her, and deepened their kiss. “I am yours, Ian.” This time as he entered her, it was soft and slow. He moved tenderly and whispered sweet words against her ear. Their hands explored as their kiss mimicked their joining. Their fingers intertwined as the experience heightened. Soft cries of passion filled the air as their bodies found release together.
After Ian had cleaned them, Claire lay with him wrapped around her back. Peace enveloped her as sleep took hold.
Ian whispered, after smelling her hair, “Even now you smell of sweet summer berries.” Her soft sleepy laughter filled the chamber as she told him how those words touched her even in dreams. Claire cherished the feeling of drifting off in his arms.
Chapter 17
Going back to sleep had not been an option. Claire was pulled from sleep just before dawn by Ian’s hands roaming her body. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and the movement of his hands and then his body had taken on a dream-like quality. The words he whispered in her ear were sweet, and the feel of him had been even sweeter. He went back to sleep quickly. She slipped quietly from his arms, amused at how this didn’t wake him, and moved from the warmth of the bed.
Claire felt the loss of Brooke once again. If anyone would have found the humor in looking for a thong in the dark, it would have been Brooke. She imagined the conversation in her mind as she dressed, left Ian’s chamber, and headed for her own.
Neala’s presence in her chamber was the last thing she was prepared for. Guilt over the previous night took hold. How can I face the housekeeper now that my gown is rumpled from a night on the floor? And who knows how crazy my hair looks? Nervous energy flowed through her as her eyes found the housekeeper’s.
With a mere smile, Neala took a clean gown from the chest and urged Claire into the bathing chamber, insisting it would be of comfort. No condemnation, no implication of any wrong, only care. Neala was correct as usual. The bath had been a small slice of heaven. The warm water alleviated the pleasant, achy feeling Ian had left within her. While Neala washed and dried her hair, she spoke only of the tasks that needed to be done and how they should be accomplished. It wasn’t until Neala formally asked if that pleased Claire that anything else was mentioned.
“Why are you asking my permission?” Claire asked.
In her matter-of-fact tone, Neala answered, “I am assuming there has been a change in the household, child. Tell me if I err in my thinking, but I presume ‘tis more than one night you two plan to share. With Aliana still spending most of her time unwell and as Mairi has already expressed no interest and has no skill in running a household, I believe that makes you the woman in charge.”
The woman in charge? What in the world do I know about running this type of household?
Her mind raced as she felt the implication of the words. “Neala, we both know that I don’t have any idea what to do.”
Neala held Claire by the arms as she spoke. “Nonsense. You have learned much and have brought some needed order to this place. So no more talk of that. So, I am correct. There is an understanding between you and Ian.”
Is it possible to blush down to your toes? “Umm, yes?”
“I had a feeling such a thing might occur. ‘Tis obvious the two of you share a bond. Dinna look so guilty, you dinna find judgment from me. As long as you are happy, ‘tis all that matters.”
Neala was calm about everything. She even promised to be present in the mornings to help her bathe and dress, two tasks both women knew Claire was capable of on her own. Maybe this will be okay. Apparently Ian was right, and no one will think twice about us.
The early morning settled peacefully in Claire’s mind while she moved to the desk within the office. Everything from two days ago was still out. She wasn’t sure if Tavis or any of his men would use this room. She had just begun to clean up the papers and books when the door slammed closed behind her.
“Why did I wake alone, Claire?” Ian’s voice was harsh as he entered the study.
Ian’s face was closed off to her, and h
is hands were clenched at his side as he stalked toward her. She answered simply. “I am up every day with the dawn and thought it would be best if I left before anyone else was moving around upstairs.”
“We just went back to sleep at dawn.” A smile crossed his face at the mention of the early morning.
With his body language relaxed, he moved closer, and she placed her hands around his waist. “You went back to sleep, Ian. I didn’t.” Her body warmed immediately as his arms moved to surround her and pull her in for an embrace.
“I woke with fear, sweeting. Fear that you had a change of heart and I would not have you by my side.” Ian’s voice was now softer with Claire tucked in his arms. “And I had thought to wake with you beside me to begin this new day loving you.”
Silently wondering how many times she could blush, she answered, “Well, one of us started the day that way.”
“So it seems.” Ian chuckled as his hands moved into her damp hair. “You have already bathed.” He inhaled her damp hair. “On the morrow when you wake, tell me. I would nay have you sneaking around your home in the wee hours of dawn.”
“I will let you know before I leave. Plus, I did not sneak, as no one else is up that early except Neala.”
With his arms still wrapped around her waist, he asked, “Did you see her this morn?”
“I did. She was waiting for me. I was afraid that she would, well, you know, not be so understanding, but she was. Neala helped me bathe and dress and asked my permission about what needs doing today. Is that really necessary?”
Ian’s hands slid to her face to hold her gaze to his. “Aye, ‘tis as it should be. This place is ours. Together we will make it fine. I am very pleased Neala accepts you and your place by my side.”
“Well, then I’m glad I authorized the day.” Claire’s hands moved into his more-than-damp hair. “You have bathed as well.” She pulled him down to her as she placed a small kiss on his freshly shaven face.
Apparently not willing to settle for the small brush she offered, Ian moved his mouth to hers and deepened the kiss. His body let her know he hadn’t joked about wanting to begin the day loving her. Ian pulled her closer, his hard length rested against her stomach as a soft moan of pleasure escaped from her lips. The next sound they heard broke the moment and ended their burst of passion.
Ian laughed. “You are hungry, sweeting. Why did you not break your fast?”
Lost in his touch, as his hands were on her back and in her hair and his kisses were soft on her face, and with a voice already influenced by desire, she murmured, “I was waiting for you.”
With a look that screamed triumph, he said, “Aye, sweeting. In all ways you have waited for me.” He placed another kiss to her lips. “As my heart has waited for you.”
How does he manage to say such wonderful things to me?
Claire lowered her head to place a kiss on his shirt-clad chest, and her gaze found his feet. She stepped back to place only a little space between them. “I see you found a new piece of rawhide for your boots.”
Looking at his feet and then back to Claire, Ian let his smile answer for him.
“Maybe you should have changed the other one as well. It is rather obvious that one is new.” With delight in his bright green eyes, it was difficult not to laugh.
“Nay, sweeting. Now when I see my boots throughout the day I will be reminded of you and all that we shared last eve. It will remind me of you and the promise between us. Which reminds me, I have something for you.”
Still awed by what he had said, she stilled as he removed the leather belt that held his dagger. As Ian’s motion carried him to kneel before her, Claire asked, “What are you doing?”
He tied the belt around her trim waist and rose to stand. “I am giving you my dagger. Now you will carry a piece of me with you all day, every day. This blade has been in my clan since the first Draig claimed this land. It has been in the hands of every laird since bearing the name and held by the women they claimed.” With a soft kiss, he said, “Now it goes to you.”
Not stopped by his kiss, Claire stuttered, “Ian . . . this should go to . . .”
“This goes to you. There is to be no talk about this. Besides, now I will never have to see your wee hands holding one belonging to another.”
She knew this gift should not be hers, but she was unwilling to argue, as her heart wanted this type of recognition. “Thank you, Ian.” After a quick kiss, the noise of people in the corridor interrupted the moment. “Should I put the papers away? I wasn’t sure if you needed this chamber for”—she stumbled over her words—“if you needed to be in here with Tavis.”
Ian placed a kiss to her forehead. “You are wise to think of such things. Mayhap it would be best if they were placed elsewhere. But not now, sweeting. First we shall eat. ‘Tis still early, and we can enjoy each other as we should at the meal.” He took her hand in his and placed a kiss in her palm, released his grip as they reached the door, and yet kept his hand to the small of her back as they walked to the hall.
**
Has any morning meal ever been so fine, Ian mused. His woman was seated by his side, sharing his plate and the bounty of his table. Never had eggs held such flavor; never had any meal been so perfect. Even the simple talk of his men at another table seemed like music. When Claire’s talk changed to matters of business, he knew he grinned like a besotted fool.
“Good morrow, brother and cousin,” Hagan greeted them as he moved to sit across from Ian and Claire.
None answered as Cerwyn pushed from Hagan’s arms and ran to climb on Claire’s lap. “Larry, eat Larry. I hungry!” The child grabbed the utensil from her hand and helped himself to the food on her plate.
Claire shifted to accommodate the boy. “Hello, Hagan. How is Aliana this morning? Neala said she was trying a different combination of herbs, hoping it would help.”
“Then let us hope it helps. It pains me see to my wife suffer.” With a glance at them, Hagan added, “I trust you both had a fine night’s rest.” Ian saw Claire’s blush and felt the ridiculous grin on his face. Hagan responded with a grin. “I slept just fine as well.”
“Since ‘tis still quiet in the hall, there are a few things we still need to arrange regarding the upcoming marriage,” Hagan said as he filled a plate with food.
“Brother, there is naught to discuss. I believe all has been arranged,” Ian’s tone carried the threat of peace disturbed. He placed a hand on Claire’s leg and hoped to ease the sting of Hagan’s words.
Claire held his hand. “I can leave if you two need some time alone.”
“Nay, sweeting, we are still eating. If there is any left for you, I should add.” Ian quickly dismissed the notion she would leave and gave a quick ruffle to the hair of the wee one in her lap.
“What matters still need to be handled, Hagan?” Claire asked the question Ian did not.
Hagan took his cue with a grateful nod. “‘Tis only a custom or two that needs to be met. The contracts need to be written, and the notification should be delivered to neighboring lairds.”
“What type of notification?”
Hagan continued, “They are simply notified of the upcoming marriage. ‘Tis our way. Some may come to visit and pay their respects while others simply spread the news.”
“We do similar notices where I am from, too. Though most don’t come to stay.” Claire turned to face Ian. “Maybe this should be done. When the riders are done delivering the messages, they could continue on to the mines.”
Her ways were subtle, and when their hands touched, he knew he would do anything, even this, if she asked. “‘Tis a fine way you remind me again of the task to be accomplished.” Unable to hold anything back from her, he said, “I had thought not to embarrass myself with others coming to see what fate has cursed me with. Now that my life has joy,
let us invite them. It would please me to have you meet the men I count as friends and allies.” Ian turned to Hagan. “Send your riders, brother. You ken which clans to invite.”
“I will see to it immediately,” Hagan replied with a smile. He asked with hesitation, “How do you wish to handle the contracts?”
“There is no need for you to fash yourself over those, I have already seen to them personally,” Tavis commented as he sat next to Hagan at the table. “I took the liberty of drawing them up after our agreement was made. We only wait on my men to deliver them.”
Ian knew he should complain as the contracts written for the clan Draig were normally completed in his presence, but this erased the concern Claire would be called upon to help write them. Now there was no need to involve her in that business. “Fine, Laird Tavis. However, before the contracts are signed, there is the matter of the dowry to be settled.” He could feel Claire shift beneath his hand and gave her a light squeeze and regretfully removed his hand.
“‘Tis on the way. My man should arrive any day. Have no fear, all is in motion.” Tavis was oblivious that he covered the table in bits of food as he spoke. “Within the week I should think. Wouldn’t you agree, Nolen?”
Nolen sat next to his laird. “Aye. Within the week and the bride is all yours,” Nolen answered. Ian tensed as Nolen stared at Claire while he filled his plate with food. He could hear more than what the man spoke. “Good morrow.”
“Good morning,” Claire answered quickly.
Ian glared at Nolen as the man stared at her. He could easily read the want in the man’s eyes. It took every ounce of self-control to keep from shouting at Nolen that Claire was his. Suddenly thankful for Cerwyn’s squeals to Claire, Ian knew she would be upset if any viewed her as merely his woman. She was so much more than that.
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