Highland Groom (MacEnroys Series 1)
by Hannah Howell[ Romance ]
Sir Diarmot MacEnroy, deciding his illegitimate children need a mother and his keep needs a proper lady, now stands before the altar with a gentle bride he hopes is too shy to disrupt his life or break his heart. The nuptials, however, are interrupted by the appearance of a flame-haired beauty carrying two babies, boldly claiming that she is his wife and mother of his twin infant sons. Armed with her seven large brothers, she has come to demand her dues. Having waited one year for the return of the handsome laird who wed her, bedded her, then disappeared, Ilsa Campbell MacEnroy takes matters into her own hands and sets out to reclaim the man she briefly and passionately loved. Stunned by his denial, her heart softens when she learns of the injury that has ravaged his memory. Now, she faces the nearly impossible task of conquering his past--and his fierce reluctance to share his heart. Though desire flares hot and wild between them, it will take more to win his trust. It will take the magic touch of a woman in love.
WEDDING NIGHT
"What are ye doing here?" Ilsa asked.
"I have come to join my wife in the marital bed," Diarmot replied.
"Ye dinnae think I am your wife."
"Nay? Mayhap I doubt your tale of what occurred between us a year ago, but I dinnae doubt that ye are now my wife." He started to move toward her. "We did kneel before a priest mere hours ago and say our vows."
"And ye expect me to play the dutiful wife to a mon who thinks me a liar?"
"Since when does what a mon think or feel about his wife keep her from giving him his husbandly rights?"
"Ye have a true skill at wooing a lass, dinnae ye."
"I dinnae need to woo ye. Ye took vows afore a priest. Those vows say ye will share my bed when I wish it."
"Ye simply mean to use me as ye would some whore," she protested, placing her hands upon his chest in a vain attempt to push him back at least a step or two.
"As my lawful wife. There is a difference."
She suddenly realized that he had partly unlaced the front of her shift. It was time for her to accept her responsibilities as his wife. She just hoped he did not use her desire and willingness to prove herself against her.
"Fine, Sir Diarmot. I will do my duty."
Ilsa nearly groaned when he cast off his robe, revealing that he was, indeed, naked beneath it. It was going to be difficult, if not impossible, to give him only duty if he was going to flaunt himself like that....
