She wanted to go home.
James had insisted they not travel just yet, and she longed for distraction from the intensity building between them. She’d earned his forgiveness and without an immediate threat to her safety, discovered a desire for him without measure. Unfortunately, he was not willing to give in to it. He said it wasn’t right.
He wanted her to remember their intimacy before they resumed that part of their relationship, but she experienced an undeniable desire surging through her every time he came near. Wasn’t that important too? She’d been denied long enough.
As the bride and groom passed, Aileana stole a glance at James and caught him staring at her. For one brief moment they were the only two in the world.
Many of the men involved in her search left after Gawain was captured, anxious to return to their responsibilities at home. The ones who stayed were those most loyal to Fergus and James. Among those to leave was Colin. His sister, Nessia, Aileana learned, was the widow of the late William MacKay.
“Will you give your sister a message for me lad?” Fergus asked him.
“Of course I will Fergus. You just need to tell me what it is.”
Fergus smiled.
“Tell her all is well and I’ll return shortly.”
Colin grinned at Fergus as he went to do as he was asked.
“Is she the pretty, black-haired lass who couldn’t tear her eyes away from you the entire time we were at MacKay House?” James asked.
“She what?”
James laughed and walked away from him. Fergus looked as though he was about to follow and force an explanation, but James had moved into Aileana’s embrace for protection. James and Fergus behaved like comrades—brothers.
Aileana looked back toward the street and sighed. James sat beside her and kissed her head while brushing a lock of hair from her face.
“What is it?”
“I keep thinking about a wedding.”
“Go on,” he said.
“There was a dance?”
“Aye, we danced.”
“Take ‘er upstairs?”
Her whispered words brought a huge smile to James’s face.
“That’s right, love. On the night of our betrothal ceremony. One of my clansmen yelled those words.”
Aileana was pleased with herself. This memory was special for with it there was no doubt it was real. All the others had been foggy, but this one was crystal clear.
“You know, in your condition, you shouldn’t be out of bed too long.” His deep voice rumbled in her ear, sending thrilling shivers down her neck. “I believe I can make a reasonable excuse for us to retire early.”
Aileana raised her eyebrows.
“I still think we should give it some more time before we are intimate, but you can always check to see if my kisses are still like they were in your dream.”
James nuzzled Aileana’s neck as he spoke those words. She was disappointed he still would not make love to her, but was satisfied to be in his arms.
James and Aileana retired to their chamber. He removed her clothing his own and crawled into bed next to her. The heat coming from his body was intoxicating and she sought to absorb more.
“Aileana, what are you doing?” James asked.
She snuggled closer. “Getting warm.”
“Aileana, don’t,” he said as she pressed her firm breasts against him. He looked so serious and worried that she relented and pulled her body back a little from his. Lying together in each other’s arms would have to suffice. For now.
“Tell me about our courtship,” she said, hoping he would welcome the distraction. She was right. His resulting smile thrilled her. God that man’s smile was intoxicating.
“Well, you couldn’t keep your hands off me, like now, and I had to relent and marry you,” he said.
“That’s not possible!”
“It is true, I swear. You were all over me and kissed me whenever you could find the opportunity. You were quite scandalous in your wanton behaviour, Lady MacIntosh. I believe I saved you from a most embarrassing reputation. It was a sacrifice, but I would not see a lady dishonoured.”
“Oh indeed! Would not see a lady dishonoured would you? Well aren’t you the chivalrous gentleman?”
“Aye, I am. You know I was a virgin on our wedding night,” he said, but the gleam in his eye suggested there wasn’t likely much truth in his statement.
She cast her eyes downward. What if she never recovered her memories?
“What is it?” James asked.
The concern in his eyes made her heart twist.
“I want to remember,” Aileana said.
James tightened his hold on her and she lost herself in his embrace. The scent of his skin, the feel of his hard body, even the steady thud of his heartbeat calmed her.