Page 81 of Moon Craving

the many new Highlander ways she would have to grow accustomed to. Regardless, if

this rite had given her a place other than unwanted English bride, for however long, she

was grateful.

"I will do my best to live up to the honor you have done me." She wasn't sure why

she said that, only that she knew they were the right words to say.

His genuine, approving smile affirmed her choice.

Then he kissed her. At first the caress of his lips was like the brush of butterfly

wings, the soft touch at odds with the power of her warrior husband. Her reaction was not

gentle, however. The barely there caress of his lips lit the fire of passion that had banked

during the Chrechte marriage ceremony.

It made her want the things he had promised. It made her crave the pleasure he

had already shown her the past two nights in their tent.

This oddly gentle touch was like a benediction on the wanton woman clamoring

inside her soul for release.

Placing both her hands on his chest, she felt the rigidity of his muscles beneath her

fingers, his increased breathing and quickened but strong heartbeat. Each small detail

evidence that he liked kissing her as much as she enjoyed him doing so.

The knowledge filled her with a fierce and unique pleasure.

Right here, right now, she could and would be a normal woman. A whole woman.

His angel. Her lack of hearing did not matter when their lips were too busy connecting to

speak.

She did not know how long they kissed, but little by little, his lips grew more

demanding. Until there was no question that they required her total surrender. And she

gave it, wanting nothing more than to know the reality of being a true wife to this powerful

laird--at least for this one night.

Chapter 8

Her own breathing became shallow and she saw the pinprick of stars behind her

closed eyelids.

Somehow he managed to maneuver her onto her back though his hands never

moved from their tenderly possessive hold on her face.