Page 50 of Her Forbidden Highlander Husband

“I realize now I couldn’t have loved you, because I don’t know you. And you can’t love me because you surely don’t know me if you think I could do such a thing…”

He waved toward the castle.

“I wanted a family of my own so badly I didn’t stop to think we are really just strangers. But you have to know, I’d never… Ev, I swear it.”

She didn’t want him to think she doubted him for a minute longer than necessary. As he’d said, she might not know him, but she knew he wasn’t capable of hurting a child. Especially one he thought of as his own. How could she even apologize for thinking it? She had to try.

“Liam.” Her voice cracked with tears. “I must beg you to forgive me. Of course, I know in my heart you’d never hurt Gwennie.” She shook her head. “I would have known better if I’d waited a moment to think. I just reacted.”

He nodded. “It seems being a parent is as difficult as being a husband. When I dreamed of this, it was much easier.” He laughed, a sad sound that tugged at her.

“Do you remember last night when you said you were sure to make blunders. I’ll make them too. We both will, but I think it might be easier if we allow ourselves the freedom to do so while knowing the other person will still be there.”

“You believe that I’d never hurt Gwennie?”

“Of course I do. Do you believe I know you would never hurt her?”

He nodded, but he didn’t offer the smile that assured her everything was well with them.

She walked up, grabbed his shoulders, and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. He didn’t respond at first, but she refused to give up. She needed them to get back to even footing. They’d come so far; she was ready for more.

She clenched her fingers in his silky hair and pulled his mouth closer so she could slip her tongue in his mouth. When he finally kissed her back, it wasn’t as gentle as his past kisses. A hint of frustration and hurt still lurked in the way his tongue did battle with hers.

Without overthinking, she let her hands drop to his shoulders, down his chest to his belt. With trembling fingers, she worked his weapons belt loose and then the belt securing his plaid.

He gasped when it fell to his feet. “What are you—?”

She cut him off with another kiss as she reached for her gown to loosen it.

“We agreed we’d be there for each other no matter what, yes?”

“Yes, but surely you don’t want me now. Not like this.” He looked around the clearing.

“Let’s be there for each other, Liam. In every way.” She placed his palm on her breast and he pulled it away. He dropped his head, resting his forehead against hers.

“I’m not strong, Ev. I want you too much, but you should go before we do something you’ll regret. I can’t bear to have you hate me. You don’t need to give yourself to me to prove anything to me. Your accusations hurt, but I’ll be fine. We’re fine.”

She shook her head. “You were wrong when you said I didn’t know you. I do know what kind of man you are. You deserve better than someone who’s already been used. But I want you. I’ve wanted you at night when you lie next to me. I wanted you last night. I’m afraid I might not be able to tolerate it. I don’t want to disappoint you, but please let us try.”

“Anything you give freely would never be a disappointment.”

“Then take me, Liam, for no other reason than we belong together like this.” She kissed him again and he eagerly responded. His one hand rested on her hip while the other went to the small of her back, pulling her closer to him.

Evelyn made a small sound of enjoyment which seemed to light something in her husband. She had won him over, and joy rose in her heart.

He backed away to tug off his boots. Unfolding his plaid, he laid it out at their bare feet.

She shimmied her gown off to stand before him in just her shift. The sun was glowing behind her, no doubt outlining her body through the thin fabric, but she didn’t attempt to hide from his gaze. Even when her nipples hardened and her legs trembled.

He pulled his shirt over his head and stood in front of her naked. He was beautiful. She caught herself before using that word, thinking he might not like it. Instead, she said, “I’m pleased just to look at you.”

Here in the light of day he was even more magnificent than he’d been in their room.

He smiled, the Liam she married with the dimple and easy way about him. “I hope you might be even more pleased to touch me.”

She laughed and nodded. “Indeed.” She reached out to touch his bare chest and allowed her fingertips to slide over his smooth skin. Over the ridges of his stomach to pause in the soft patch of darker blond hair that surrounded his cock.

“I’ve never looked on a naked man before you,” she shared. He tilted his head to the side as if he wanted to ask but didn’t speak. She was glad she didn’t have to explain that the men who’d harmed her never did more than tug up their kilts. Not that she would have looked at them with appreciation anyway.