Page 70 of Marin’s Promise

Isla gave a wheezing laugh and clasped her hands to her chest. “As I figured. The lad is a strapping one. Good strong muscles, no' too hairy. When they're lean like that, their bodies are—”

“I didn't bleed.” The words slipped from her mouth and once they'd been loosed, there was no drawing them back. Her whole body blazed with mortification.

Isla's good humor did not abate her features. “I'm assuming ye were a maid still, aye?”

“For certes,” Marin said quickly, as though doing so might assuage any doubt. For surely, she had been a virgin.

Isla shrugged. “It isna a wonder ye dinna have that wee barrier between yer legs with all ye do. It's a delicate web, ye see, easily broken. Riding horses astride and training with the tenacity of a warrior can easily see it undone. Has yer new husband questioned ye? Men have a way of needing proof they've been the first.” The raise of her eyes to the heavens told Marin what Isla thought of such men.

Marin shook her head. “He did not seem overly concerned.”

“Are ye sure ye dinna bleed?” Isla asked, peering more closely at her.

Marin forced herself to remain still, to not give in to the twisting discomfort knotting through her. Heavens, how she dearly regretted having broached the topic. “I confess I didn't notice if there was blood, but it was mentioned…”

A secret glint of amusement danced in Isla's eyes. She nodded her head and pushed out her thin lips. “Interesting.”

“What is?”

Isla smirked. “When yer wedding sheets were brought from yer room, they would suggest otherwise.”

Marin regarded Isla with momentary confusion. “Do you mean…?”

“Aye. The sheets were stained with the blood of a maiden.”

* * *

Bran had only seenMarin in passing through the entire day. Her secretive smiles in his direction had been enough to keep him hunting for her everywhere he went. He had nearly given up on getting to spend time with his new bride when Drake caught up with him on the battlements, informing him Marin requested he join her for supper in their chambers.

Apparently, dining in one’s chambers was what nobles did when they did not wish to be on display atop the highly-visible dais at the center of the great hall. They also sent servants to schedule times to see their husbands.

There certainly was a lot to learn about the complicated life of a wealthy noble. He still did not know that he enjoyed the lifestyle, but the food was significantly better. And then there was Marin and their lusty nights between costly sheets.

Bran opened the door to their rooms and gently closed the door before Bixby could follow. Marin sat at a small table, set with a fine meal. She got to her feet and met him halfway. Green silk whispered about her as she moved and caught the light of the hearth against the glossy fabric.

A pitiful meow sounded indignantly from the other side of the door.

Bran ignored it and pulled Marin into his arms.

She gazed up at him. “I’ve been desperate to see you all day.”

Bran ran a hand down her lovely unbound hair, the way he liked it best. He tilted her face toward him and did exactly what he’d been desperate to do all day. His mouth came down on hers, light at first, then hungrily slanting, tongues tangling with eager breaths.

A knock came at the door and they broke apart. Marin’s face went a becoming shade of red.

“Aye?” Bran called by way of answering.

A gentle scratching came from the other side of the door, followed by a low meow of protest.

“I came to see if you required anything further,” said a voice.

“We’re fine, thank you,” Marin replied loudly. “Please take Bixby to Nan when you go.” She looked up at Bran with a grin. “We ought to eat so they can remove our food.”

“And leave us in peace?”

She cast him a grin that shot straight to his cock. “Aye.”

At that exact moment, his stomach rumbled in anticipation. Apparently sating his lust wasn’t all his body required. Marin took him by the hand and led him to the table set beside the hearth, where a small pie lay on each plate.