Page 62 of Her Highland Tutor

Henry nuzzled at her lips, teasing another kiss from her.

"Right this second," he insisted.

Taking her hand, Henry rushed from amidst the dancers and snuck them through the festivities. Dodging Sir Gregory's watchful eye and a speculative look from Coira, the pair of them made it to the servants' doors before anyone truly noticed.

Anyone save Laura.

Belle spotted her watching them from her seat at the head table.

A pretty woman who looked a lot like Henry in all the best, feminine ways, Laura was a charming woman with a gentle nature, and Belle had instantly loved her. The feeling seemed mutual. For, as she watched her brother dart away with his new wife, there was a smile of sweetest contentment upon her face.

Through the corridors, the two of them dashed. They moved like thieves in the night instead of owners of the estate. Through the shadows, they ran until Henry pulled her through the doors of the master bedchamber.

There were no candles and no fire. It was dark, and there was a chill to the air, but when Henry was close, Belle never needed a flame.

"Sir Munro, none of this is very appropriate," she scolded him in the dark.

His lips claimed hers, kissing the sass from her mouth and leaving her breathless.

"Education is always appropriate," he teased back. "I told you, we have a lesson."

The ribbons along her arms slipped and stroked against her skin as they were unbound. Her dress was suddenly loose around her corset.

"What lesson might this be, my love?"

Henry kissed her again before peeling the gown from her shoulders and allowing it to pool at her feel. A rush of cool air struck her skin, and her slip rippled in the breeze from the window. A moment later, Henry's hands were there to warm her, to heat her skin and play her like a musical instrument. He caressed her until her body was ready to sing.

"The lesson of lovemaking, my lady..."

Belle giggled in the darkness and then reached for his neck. Lifting onto her toes, she claimed another kiss from him before breathing against his lips.

"By all means, Husband. I am your willing apprentice."

"No..." Henry whispered back, his words a fervent promise. "You are my everything."