Victoria Roberts - [Bad Boys of the Highlands 03] by To Wed a Wicked Highlander Page B

of Glengarry. When they reached the parapet door, he swung it open and gestured her through. “After ye.”
    He followed her swaying hips up the stone staircase and only needed a few seconds to realize that his attempts not to be an arse were not working. When she stepped out onto the parapet, she came to a dead stop. For a moment, the lass forgot to move and let him through the door. He reached out and touched her waist as a gentle reminder.
    Sybella moved hastily to the side. “My apologies. ’Tis beautiful.”
    The day had turned cloudy, and the sun’s rays peeked sporadically through the clouds in the blue-gray sky. Mossy-green grass surrounded the loch, and the water glimmered with the reflective light of amber hues. This was the view that Alex treasured and often sought.
    “I thought ye might be in need of a respite from the celebration.”
    “Ye thought that right. ’Tis truly breathtaking.”
    “Aye, the view is verra bonny as well.”
    Sybella rolled her eyes and smirked. “How long did it take ye to think up that one? I bet ye say that to all the lasses.”
    “Only a few.”
    When she ignored him, Alex thought to try again. He reached out, swinging her around to face him. “I know this must nae be easy for ye, Sybella. Our clans have been battling for so long that everyone has come to expect it. I am comforted by the thought that the warring will cease with our marriage. There has been too much bloodshed. I am probably the last man ye would want for a husband, but I will be a good one nonetheless. I will protect and care for ye as long as ye stand by my side. In return, my only request is that ye are truthful and stay true to your vows. I donna want a marriage filled with lies and distrust. And I offer ye the same courtesy.”
    A strange look flashed in her eyes, and she gently tugged away from him. She spoke as she stared out at the loch. “Then ye will nae mind me saying that your kiss wasnae appreciated.”
    “My kiss?” Alex hesitated, puzzled. Then as if he were knocked on the head, he realized she was talking about that first kiss by the waterfall, and he chuckled in response.
    “Ye know damn…” Clearing her throat, she added, “darn well what I am speaking of, Alexander MacDonell. How dare ye threaten to call a warning if I didnae kiss ye?”
    “Now, lass, if ye remember correctly, I did give ye a choice.”
    Her eyes narrowed. “Some choice,” she said dryly. “Kiss ye or ye’d call your father’s men. What kind of choice was that?”
    “When ye and your brother decided to encroach on our lands, ye gave me verra little choice. And besides, it doesnae matter. Ye are now my wife, Lady MacDonell.”
    His expression stilled and grew serious.
    Licking her lips nervously, Sybella turned her head promptly away from him and remained still.
    Alex moved even closer until he left her no room at all.
    ***
    Sybella swallowed hard and squared her shoulders. Alexander’s fingers took her arm with gentle authority, and he turned her to face him. Briefly closing her eyes, she felt his hand brush the hair back from her neck. His hand remained on her shoulder for a moment too long.
    She noticed he was watching her intently, his nearness overwhelming. At the base of her throat, a pulse beat and swelled as though her heart had risen from its usual place.
    He lowered his head, and his kiss was surprisingly gentle. The touch of his lips was a delicious sensation. He planted a tantalizing kiss in the hollow of her neck, and she felt her knees weaken.
    His lips recaptured hers, more demanding this time. He forced open her mouth with his thrusting tongue and she savored every moment. Her thoughts spun, her emotions whirled and skidded, and her body arched toward him instinctively.
    She was shocked at the impact of his gentle grip. Her response to him was so powerful that for a long moment, she felt as if she were floating.
    He slowly pulled back, and something unexplainable passed between them. She had to