“Oh, for Heaven sake! Just rip it off!”
He sucked in a breath. “But my love, the servant who made it worked so hard on it. We do her a disservice if we destroy it.”
His teasing served to increase her urgency. Reaching around, she grasped the top of the bodice on either side and pulled hard. Satin buttons flew to and fro across the room. She slid out of the rest of her clothing and focused on removing his.
The sight of his naked body stirred her passion to great depths. She was self conscious because her breasts were fuller and her belly slightly rounded from the bairn she carried. James’s expression smouldered as he drank in every inch of her. He finished removing his clothes in one sweep and gathered her up to carry her to the bed.
He kissed her jaw, moving down her neck to her breasts, his mouth skimming her heated flesh. He seemed to want to go slow, but she would have none of it. Her body writhed under his, urging his heat closer.
“Will we hurt the babe?” he asked.
“Certainly not. But if you’re worried, Gwen told me I can ride you.”
James coughed and gasped.
“Ride me?”
Though his words sounded shocked, Aileana watched his body’s eager response. His hands were already moving to grasp her hips.
“Aye, ride you like a horse.”
He chuckled and kissed her hard on the mouth. She loved the way he touched her new curves. She would never love any man like she loved this one. She might never remember all the moments they’d shared, but she was satisfied that she remembered enough for them to move forward and make new memories.
They moved together as he entered her, clinging to one another as if they were the last people on earth. Their unleashed passion wasn’t satisfied until many hours later.
They lay together as the sun rose, gazing into each other’s eyes. A tear slid down her cheek.
“What is it?” James asked.
“I want to meet her.”
“Who?”
“Our daughter, the little girl in my dream, I want to meet her.”
“I’m sure we will.” As he spoke his hand moved over her belly.
“But what if this is a boy?”
“Hmmm. Let me think. What could we possibly do if we have one child and want to have more?”
She smiled. “Aye, but how many more?”
“Well, if you insist, we will make love and have babies until you get the little girl in your dream.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise. We can start right now if you like.”
She was shocked he was ready again considering the night they’d shared.
“But I’m already pregnant.”
“Well we have to be sure we’re doing it right for when you’re not pregnant, don’t we?”
She grinned and climbed on top of him.
“Can I ride you again?”
James’s body jerked in response.
“You can do anything you want with me,” he said. His voice was husky and thick.
“Do you promise?”
“I promise to love you as long as the sun rises and sets.”
Later still, she woke to find him staring at her. She shifted her head to view him better and grinned. “My lord, is something amiss?”
“There was.”
“Oh, and what was that?”
“Me.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I was so blind when your uncle first approached me. I thought the answer to my future lay with the king, but instead I have been given a kingdom by a wee lass with golden hair who is as strong as any chief I’ve ever known.”
“James.”
“I expect you by my side, Aileana.” His smile disappeared. “And I look forward to hearing your thoughts and sharing my responsibilities with you. My parents had a special partnership. I’ve always wanted that, but never knew such another woman could exist. Until I met you.”