Highland Vengeance by Saydee Bennett Page B

marriage.”
    Olivia finally had all the pins out of
her hair and she ran her fingers through it as she looked towards
the man she was about to share a bed with.
    “ I only knew I was to be
married just minutes before it happened.”
    She noticed her husband staring at her
and Olivia wondered if he was disappointed in her appearance. This
was the first time in her life that she wished to be petite and
dainty like the other women. The new bride felt as if she were
being examined with his stare so she quickly climbed into the
bed.
    “ The marriage had to be
quick for reasons beyond my control. I am sorry that you are
dissatisfied with our arrangement,” he said.
    “ I never said I was
dissatisfied but I never thought I would even marry let alone have
it happen so quickly.”
    “ Why?”
    “ Why what? She
asked.
    “ Why did you think you would
not marry? You are a beautiful royal countess. I should think that
would make you every man’s prize,” Camden said
sincerely.
    “ I don’t want to be any
man’s prize. I never wanted any of the things that most girls
wanted when they grew up.”
    The woman was truly a puzzle to him and
he found her words to be intriguing. Camden was not use to talking
to a woman much less wanting to hear more of what she had to say.
How much would she tell him and how much should he tell her, he
wondered. Olivia was glad that he thought she was beautiful. She
had a peculiar need inside to please him for some
reason.
    “ We have a long ride ahead
of us tomorrow. You must get some sleep wife,” Camden said as he
rolled close to her and pulled her gently next to him.
    His arm draped across her small waist
and Olivia felt his chest against her back as it moved with each
breath he took. The size of him surrounding her made it seem like
she was in a cocoon of protection. His body was bursting with heat
and she welcomed his warmth in the chilly night air. Olivia was
restless laying so close to him and she wondered if he was sleeping
yet. Maybe they would always sleep together so intimately, she
thought.
    “ Are you going to move like
this through the entire night?” He asked her curtly.
    “ I am sorry but I am not
used to having a giant man in my bed.”
    “ Well get used to it quickly
and stop fidgeting.”
    “ If anyone is rightfully
allowed to be angry here it is I,” she insisted.
    “ I am not angry. Just go to
sleep,” he ordered.
    “ Of course you are angry and
I have done nothing wrong.”
    “ Alright I am angry. Every
time you move, it makes that thin little slip you are wearing move
further up your bare thighs. The more I feel your silky skin, the
more it drives me mad with want to take you and make you mine. If I
do that, then I will not be a man of my word because I promised not
to touch you tonight. Unless you are willing to give yourself to me
freely and take that shift off so I can explore every inch of your
body with my mouth, I suggest you lie still and go to
sleep.”

Chapter Four

    Olivia did not move a muscle, in fact,
she was afraid to even breathe. His pure honesty was shocking to
her but she was grateful he explained why he was so agitated.
Somewhere deep inside she was satisfied knowing that her new
husband desired her physically. Olivia knew other men did and they
seemed so shallow to want to court her just for her appearance. She
actually admired Camden for the sensible act of marrying to gain
the land he wanted. The countess was curious though as to why he
valued this property so greatly.
    “ Do you find me pleasant to
look at?” Olivia asked him.
    Camden sighed into the dark. “Yes,
please go to sleep.”
    “ Are you pleased you married
me, other than for the land of course?” She persisted.
    “ I hardly know you well
enough to answer that question,” he said honestly.
    Olivia moved again and her exposed
thighs pressed against his heated body. If she had known the power
she held over him right now, she would have definitely taken
advantage of it. Camden