“We’re leaving the celebration?”
“Aye, little one. I thought it best to spirit ye away before they could call for the bedding ritual. I suspect it might embarrass ye.” Although the ceremony could be as simple as the priest blessing the marriage bed, it generally happened in the presence of friends and family after they put the couple into the bed. Tadhg worried a ceremony like this would have been more than his shy bride could handle.
Her relief was palpable. “Oh, Tadhg, thank ye. I hadn’t even thought about the bedding ritual. But what if—what if…”
“What if they call for it anyway? Ye have nothing to worry about, Mairead. I talked to Father Colm about this yesterday. As ye can imagine, he understands your shyness. He agreed to slip away earlier and bless the bed. If the crowd calls for it, he will assure them it has been done.”
They passed through an antechamber before entering his bedchamber. Like everything else at Cnocreidh, the laird’s bedchamber was very large and comfortably appointed. He pulled her into his arms and gave her another kiss. She melted against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her warm response pleased him.
“Ye are so beautiful,” he said as he ran his hands softly over her back and down her sides, ending the journey by cupping her breasts in his hands. “And ye taste so sweet.” He continued the gentle assault on her mouth, sliding his tongue over hers then lightly sucking on her lower lip. He gently rubbed his thumbs over her nipples and they pebbled under his touch. She gave another low moan, responding to his tender ministrations.
He found his little bride entirely delicious, but he needed to proceed very carefully. He lifted the wreath from her head, setting it aside and letting the veil slip to the floor behind her. “Mairead, my sweet,” he whispered between kisses, “I want to see all of your beauty.” He removed her plaid, allowing it to fall to the floor before returning his hands to her breasts, rubbing them lightly again. She arched against his touch.
To his surprise and pleasure, she asked shyly, “Shall I help ye undress?”
“Aye, my sweet, if ye wish.” With trembling fingers she removed the fastening for his plaid, letting it join her own on the floor. Her small hands roamed over his chest and shoulders; the feather light touch inflamed him even through the fabric of his léine. He continued to remove her clothes, his lips trailing kisses over her skin as he did.
When she was wearing only her thin shift, he said, “Mairead, ye take my breath away. Can I see all of ye?” She gave him a shy little nod, and he removed her shift, allowing it to fall to the floor as well. She blushed and glanced down, but he nudged her chin up, and he captured her lips again. Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to the bed, laying her gently on it.
She was a vision. Her thick brown curls lay like a silk cushion under her delicate, lushly curved body. He drank in the exquisite sight for a moment and, although her blush deepened, she didn’t look away from him this time. “My lovely bride, ye please me so.” She gave him a hesitant smile and her silver eyes sparkled.
He removed the remainder of his clothes quickly. Mairead gasped as he pulled his léine off. He lay on the bed beside her and gently stroked the length of her body, planting soft kisses on her face. As she relaxed into his touch, his lips moved to her neck, making her purr with pleasure. Then he continued his journey to her silky shoulder, before finally capturing a nipple lightly with his mouth and suckling gently. She tensed, but only for a moment before she relaxed again.
As he continued to gently lave her pert nipple, she murmured, “Mmmm, I like that.”
“Do ye? Let’s see what else ye might like.” His hand trailed down her stomach until he reached the nest of curls hiding her womanhood. His fingers stroked her softly, and he smiled at the slightly surprised look on her face. She didn’t move to stop him. He slipped a finger between her soft folds, lightly stroking the sensitive bud hidden there and was rewarded by a throaty moan. He reclaimed her lips with his, suckling on her lower lip.
She writhed against him as he massaged the sensitive spot between her legs. Her breath came in short gasps. He could feel the tension building in her—she was close to her release. Paying close attention for any sign indicating she was afraid or he needed to stop, he slipped a finger in her snug passage. Grasping his shoulders she arched against him and cried out his name as her body convulsed in ecstasy. Watching her reach her climax was the most beautifully erotic thing he had ever witnessed, and he ached with need for her. However, he waited, holding her close as she recovered.