* * *
Before long, James realized she had fallen asleep. He watched her face. Her flickering eyelids told him she was dreaming and the tender curl of her lips had him hoping the dream was about him.
This eighteen-year-old virgin had shown him more about being a man and sharing his body than every single woman before her. He thought back to the dance and the three words he’d mouthed to her.
For the first time in his twenty-four years, he was in love. He continued to watch her expressions as he kissed her face, her breasts and at last her mouth. He didn’t wonder anymore if she returned his feelings. He could see it in her eyes. He wanted to shout his newfound realization to the top of his lungs, but instead acknowledged the last wishes of an old friend.
“Chattan, you sly fox. You knew all along, didn’t you?”
He made her a silent promise that he would move heaven and earth to find Gawain. That rat would never, ever get close to her again. James pulled the quilts over them and within minutes drifted into pure contentment.
Chapter Nineteen
James and Calum left early to attend the MacKay trial at Edinburgh castle. He could still smell Aileana’s scent on him and couldn’t wait to return to her. It would take precious little for his arousal to peak again, despite the passion they shared last night and again this morning. The trial would provide necessary distraction. He doubted he’d make it to the end of the lane otherwise.
“You’re unusually silent this morning, Brother,” James said to Calum. “Worried about the proceedings or are your thoughts more pleasantly engaged?” Calum and the maid had appeared devoted to one another during the wedding feast, so his frown seemed misplaced.
Calum grunted.
“Oh, I see. Let me guess, you wanted the lass, but she’d have none of you and you don’t have enough experience to convince her otherwise.”
“Wrong again. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t pry me for details of my disastrous night. If you seek distraction please think on your own and leave mine out of it.”
If the circumstance were reversed, Calum would never let up until he got to the root of the problem. Besides, James was too curious to let it go.
“Ah, I could do that and be pleasantly preoccupied all the way to Edinburgh. The truth is, I’ve never seen you so solemn and cannot quell my curiosity. What’s put you in this foul mood?”
“I don’t wish to discuss it, though ’tis unlikely you’ll let it drop.” Calum sighed. “Courting the wench was a mistake. I see that. My image of her was flawed and clouded by the attraction I felt. Believe me when I say, you’re married to the only woman of the two with any virtue to speak of.”
“She’s not a virgin?” James stifled a chuckle. “Is that all?”
Calum didn’t reply.
“I know your sensibilities prevent you from seeing past this aspect of her life but be reasonable man. Do you really like her? If you do, you’ll look beyond her choices as I’m certain she’d look past yours. I know we’ve never discussed your future marriage plans, but I’ve seen you look at her and have never seen you look at any other woman the same way. Don’t throw away something just because your views differ from hers.”
Calum still didn’t reply and James didn’t see the point to push further. His own night was far better than he could have ever imagined. The woman he called wife was more than a match for him in bed. And oh God, the things she could do with her tongue.
She had come to him a virgin, there was no doubt there, but it was a little hard to believe no man had ever touched her before. She was so free with her passion. He shifted in his saddle as images of her desire flushed body flashed through his mind. Dammit, he needed to focus on something else.
Calum brooded. The lad had a lot to learn about women. Hell James had learned his lesson well enough. The thought of Aileana belonging to anyone else was not one he’d wanted to entertain. Now he didn’t have to.
They crossed into Edinburgh and before long stood at the gates of the castle again. It was intimidating to newcomers, especially those brought there by force and not invitation. James thought about the men in the dungeon - most never came out. He’d risked much by approaching the king with his proof and his theory. That risk had paid off thus far, yet caution prevailed. Without knowing who had betrayed the monarch, the trust earned could be lost as easily as ’twas gained.
They were escorted to the hall where the trial would take place. He thought back to the discussion he’d had with the king on the matter. Executing the trial here could work for or against their cause. By having MacKay and his men brought to court, the king would make the decision to release them or hang them without involvement from any other parliamentary or judicial body. Therefore, the man had absolute control. However, he also assumed sole responsibility in the event of an unpopular decision.