A Perfect Wife(10)

Duff’s responsibilities as steward meant he could no longer act the fool. And he, as laird, must show more of himself. No longer could he hide in shadows, watching from the corner. All looked to him for guidance at Kinrowan. MacKenzie said people needed to see the man behind the laird. He’d started slow as men wished to see their laird was strong. The women had dimpled and blushed at the few compliments he’d given, praise for their work. He needed practice and would start with Kiera, while they were alone in their chamber.

Malcolm’s heart thudded at the thought of Kiera’s ridicule, but he must trust her, as she did him. Showing his true self to anyone but Duff was dangerous but he must let her see the parts he kept hidden.

“When they took everything from here and shunned me I felt so bad,” she said, speaking to his shirt, hiding her face. “I have said things I am not proud of. It made me ashamed so I hid in my chamber, silent.” She sighed. “I have a wee temper, and when angry I dinna think afore I speak.” Another sigh, this one even deeper. “I will do all I can to be a perfect wife for you, to be the Lady of Kinrowan and make you proud, but I may not always bite my tongue.”

Her words hung heavy in the silence. He noted the last servant leaving had closed the door. Duff removed his mask and stepped behind Kiera, sandwiching her between them.

“If ye promise to nibble and more to make up for yer bursts of temper, we may forgive ye.” Duff rubbed his groin against her arse. “What say ye, laird?”

“Aye, nibbling and whatnot may make us forgive much,” he replied, his tone light.

A quiet giggle, followed by a sniffle, suggested Kiera’s mood had improved. He had one more solemn thing to say before they played. He’d been overwhelmed since discovering what marriage to Kiera meant. He needed a refuge from it.

“I am not yer laird when we are alone in our chamber,” he said. “We must have a place to speak freely. Laird MacKenzie warned me many would say what they thought I wished to hear. I need to ken the two of ye will always speak true.” Duff nodded over Kiera’s head. “I want no lies, mistruths, or refusal to tell all.”

Kiera tilted her head up at that. In this light her eyes were more green than brown. They also sparkled. He braced himself for a touch of her devilry.

“If you are not laird, then I can say and do as I wish.”

“While I am no laird in here, I am still yer husband.” He lifted an eyebrow sternly. “The one ye vowed to obey, aye?”

The green in her eyes deepened like the ocean before a storm. She tried to back up but Duff’s chest was tight against her back. His hands would have held her even without his twin’s help. She dropped her eyes, her cheeks turning pink.

“Um, yes.” She cleared her throat. “There is that.”

“Time for a bath,” said Duff.

She nodded briskly. “Right. Who shall I bathe first?”

Malcolm needed no words from Duff to understand. “Our wife is first for the tub,” he said.

“Me?” She looked from him to Duff. “Do you not wish to ease the dust from your travels while the water is hot?”

Malcolm drew a knuckle over a cobweb in her hair. “We wish to ease the dust from our wife first. Then ye can wash certain parts, which we will then fill ye with.”

Her blush deepened. He released Kiera and backed up, allowing his cock to rise. The relief was immediate. From Duff’s expression, he was in the same state.

“Ye have until the count of ten to get naked,” he ordered.





Chapter Four




“Ten?”

Malcolm nodded at Kiera’s shrill question.

“Now eight.”

Her hands flew to her dusty apron. Once gone, he realized how old and shabby her gown underneath was. He was not one to waste money on elegance but he did wish Kiera to dress comfortably, and well. They’d met with the Kinrowan housekeeper for a quick tour. Mistress Hetty said there were chests of clothes in the attics if his lady wife wished to use them. Then she’d blushed, stammering an apology that of course the laird may wish to buy something new. She’d finished with the warning that they’d not find cloth befitting a lady except at the annual fair, so should bring what they needed.

Malcolm watched her body appear. Had her breasts grown? Her erect nipples seemed darker. He closed his eyes to stop himself from reaching for her. MacKenzie said it would be months until her belly swelled. He’d then asked if she was even more eager for tupping. Malcolm had scowled, refusing to answer. The old laird had laughed, saying her mother had only been eager when with child so he liked to keep her that way. Kiera was their twelfth.