Page 66 of A Fierce Archer

In a ploy of distraction, he took her mouth with his. Kissing her gently, softly lingering in one place before trailing his lips to the edges of her pouty lips.

He continued the soft kisses until her body finally stopped shaking so violently and now only trembled just enough that he felt it.

That night, he would not take her, nor perhaps the next. Even before the wedding, he’d decided it would be Catriona who would initiate intimacy. Ewan knew enough to realize that because of her traumatic experience, it could be no other way.

“Sleep,” he whispered, pressing kisses to the side of her jaw, then trailing his tongue on a path down her neck.

Catriona gasped when he cupped her breast, allowing the pad of his thumb to circle the pert tip.

“Rest,” he said, his mouth moving back up from the enticement of her breasts. “I will hold ye all night.”

When she let out a long sigh, he realized she was relieved. At the same time, perhaps subconsciously, her hand rubbed his shoulder almost as if she tried to calm him in some manner. It was not meant for him, but a way of her settling, so he accepted it for what it was.

Chapter Eighteen

The list of duties and responsibilities made Catriona’s head spin. The women had gathered in Lady Ross’ sitting room. Some embroidering, others mending, a pair with bairns on their laps, everyone discussing the topic of running a keep.

Ladies Fraser and Ross were the most vocal, which was understandable as they were, in fact, doing the work that was required of a laird’s wife.

“By far, my most enjoyable task is visiting those in need. Whether in the village or neighboring farms,” Lady Ross said with a wistful smile. “I do hate when winter sets in and I cannot venture out.”

Lady Fraser nodded. “I agree. Mrs. McKay will attest to the fact that I spend many a day visiting and bringing food to widows and orphans in our village. There is always much need,” she said, referring to Catriona’s mother.

They’d already given her lists of what to have on hand to give out to travelers and the needy. They’d also provided her with detailed explanations of how to treat those in service at the keep and who to trust and hold in higher regard among them.

A housekeeper, a cook and several maids had already been hired. A companion had not been chosen yet, but Catriona was considering the young woman who’d been caring for her since her arrival. Maisie was sweet and quite proficient at ensuring her needs were met.

“May I ask,” Catriona said looking at Elspeth Ross, “will ye protest to me asking Maisie to be my companion?”

Elspeth thought about it for a moment. “I will not. Ye may want to include her brother, one of the stable lads in yer offer. They have no other family.”

“I will ask her then,” Catriona replied with a smile.

“I am sad not go be going with ye,” her mother said. “But the weather will soon turn cold and I must head back with Lady Fraser.”

Catriona kissed her mother’s cheek. “Audra must see about her children as well. Do not worry, all will be well. Next time ye visit, ye will be coming to my home. I insist ye bring all the bairns so ye both can stay longer.”

Lady Fraser and her mother and sister were to leave the following day. Soon after, she and Ewan, along with their companions, would be leaving for Tuath Avon.

It has been over a week since the wedding and, still, she and Ewan had not had relations. If anything, the man’s patience was beginning to wear thin on Catriona.

Every night, he kissed her, touched her, caressing her breasts until she wanted to scream. It was heavenly for those short moments and just as passion threatened to overcome them, Ewan stopped. He’d then kiss her on the forehead and tell her to sleep.

“Would ye like to walk in the garden?” Esme asked her. “I need fresh air.”

Catriona practically jumped up, glad to be away from the stuffiness of the room. As much as she was delighted to be with the women, she wanted time alone to ask Esme questions.

Seeming to sense they were not invited, no one made to join them.

“What is going on?” Esme asked as soon as their privacy was ensured. “Ye seem totally unchanged at being bedded by yer husband. I expected some sort of...oh, I don’t know. Distress perhaps?”

Catriona let out a breath. Her friend knew her better than anyone else. “It is because nothing has occurred between us. Kisses, caresses, but that is all. I do not believe my husband desires me, which I suppose I should be thankful for.”

“Has he said anything to ye about it?”

Biting her bottom lip, Catriona thought back to their wedding night. “He said that nothing would occur between us until I was ready.”

“And are ye?” Esme asked, studying her with interest. “Do ye think ye are ready?”