Chapter Twenty-Four
The next day something odd was happening. After the initial summons into Aline’s room for the woman to rub the engagement in Abby’s face, a distance had sprung up between the betrothed couple. Certainly, it didn’t seem like Aline was seeking out Aedan for pre-marital sex. There was no flirting, hot glances. In fact, it looked like nothing could be further from their thoughts, if Aedan had ever thought along those lines in the first place.
And as Abby had asked, Aedan held up his end of the bargain and kept away from her. He spoke, of course, wished her good morning and good night, but other than that, they didn’t spend any time together. It was what she wanted, or certainly, what she needed, but it didn’t change the fact their separation, when being so close in a physical sense, hurt like hell.
She missed him…
Keeping away from him wasn’t easy, either, especially when she caught him watching her, his dark hooded eyes that sparked sin and beckoned her to jump into the shoes of “the other” woman all but called her over.
And she so wanted to go…
No.
Abby bit into a chicken leg and listened to the idle talk between Gwen and Braxton. Tonight they were seated at the dais, Aedan and Aline quiet in the middle of the table, neither one venturing to speak to their clans or family seated beside them. Black Ben, seated out with the clansmen, seemed solemn as well.
Seated to one end, Abby knew she couldn’t let what she suspected was going on between the once close friends continue. Aedan and Ben were friends. What had happened on the day of her picnic should not ruin a lifelong friendship.
Especially when nothing had happened. She liked Ben. He was a nice guy, but he’d never turned her head. Only one Highlander had managed that, even if he was no longer hers.
Music commenced up on the gallery overlooking the hall and Gwen stood, holding her babe. “I’m retiring for the night, Abigail. It’s been a long day, and I’m not feeling up to dancing this eve.”
“Are ye okay?” Aedan turned to his sister, noting her distress. Their eyes met briefly and butterflies took flight in her stomach.
“Aye. I’m fine. Just tired. I’ll see you in the morn.”
“Good night.” Abby finished her wine, leaning back in her chair and watching as Braxton escorted his wife away. A smile lifted her lips at seeing how he doted on her. How lucky Gwen was to find love in a time when marriages were looked upon as a means for more power, land, or money.
Aedan’s and Aline’s a prime example.
Out of the corner of her eye, she heard Black Ben ask Aline to dance. They joined the other couples and for the first time, she noticed Aline letting her guard down and enjoying herself.
Aedan shifted to sit beside her and the pull of him, the need to turn and be wrapped up in his comforting embrace was a physical struggle to ignore.
She could feel the heat of his gaze on her face and she steadfastly refused to meet his eyes. He cleared his throat and leaned back in his chair.
“You’re ignoring me.” It wasn’t a question.
“Not really,” she said, flicking him a quick glance. “This will be easier if we stay away from each other.”
His hand moved down between them and stroked the underside of her arm. Shivers skittered across her skin and warmth pooled at her core. Abby swallowed, gathering her wits. “Don’t do that.”
“I miss ye.”
His deep, gravelly tone was almost enough to make her forget honor. “I miss you, as well, but missing each other doesn’t change anything.” Abby sat forward, pulling her arm out of his reach. She met his gaze and held it. “You made your choice. Now you must live with it.”
“My choice would’ve been different had I known Gwen’s alternative.” He leaned over the table, their shoulders bumping. “I love ye.”
“I know.” Abby looked out to the dance floor and caught Ben’s eye when he winked. What is he up to? “I’m retiring as well.” She turned to face him. “Maybe you and I weren’t meant to happen.”
“Yer talking pish. Had the Laird of Grant not returned to his holdings for a few days, our lives would be different. I promise I will fix this so we can be together.”
Abby stood, throwing her hands up in the air. “I don’t know what you want, Aedan. You’re betrothed to another. I’m not going to sleep with you. I’m not going to do anything with you, so leave me alone,” she whispered as loudly as she could.
He made a low growling noise before standing, knocking his chair over. Some of the clan looked to see what was going on and she pasted on a pleasant smile to ease their concern. She swallowed at the wild, untamed look in Aedan’s eyes as he pulled her to the side of the room. Large wooden pillars ran the length of the wall, giving them privacy.
He pinned her against the wall, the cold stone at her back firing her blood. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m going to tell the Laird of Grant that I’ll not marry his daughter, no matter if my words cause another clan battle. I’ll not live without ye. Now damn well kiss me, lass, one last time, in case he puts a sword through my gullet after my declaration.”
Abby placed her hand on his chest to stop him from advancing. She cursed her stupid body for wanting to do as he asked. The thought of his mouth on hers, to feel the delicious slide of his tongue against her own. She bit her lip, fighting the emotions he’d always sparked. Damn it. “Are you really going to break your betrothal with Aline?”
“Aye. There is no choice. I canna live without ye.”
“You’re the devil.” And Heaven all wrapped into one.
A slight smile lifted his lips. “Then jump into Hell with me.”
Her hand fisted about his shirt, pulling him against her. Their kiss wasn’t a sweet, beckoning, tempting embrace, but an inferno that would make Lucifer proud.
He took her mouth hard, lips, teeth, tongue meshed, demanding, both trying to control the other. Abby moaned, her body after weeks of feeling lifeless, sparked to life with renewed energy. Her hand wrapped about his nape, the action pulling him fully against her.
His hardness pushed against her stomach, and her core thrummed with need. He pulled back, kissing her chin, her neck. “I choose you. I want you,” he whispered.
The words acted like a cold bucket of water. Abby stilled, pushing him out of her arms. “I think that’s a fair farewell kiss, until you do as you say.”
Pain flickered through his gaze, but he nodded, allowing her to go. “I will do as I say.” He bowed. “Good night, Abigail.”
Abby walked from the room, looking to see if anyone had seen them in the darkened alcove. No one seemed to be looking their way, and she couldn’t spot Ben or Aline. Guilt pierced her soul over her actions and tears pooled in her eyes. She’d promised not to touch him, but then he had said the most wonderful thing. He would be hers in only a matter of days. Or sooner, she hoped.