Highlanders Collection. Ann Lethbridge

      The hair around Bram’s face was wet, his tunic damp as though he’d stopped to wash. The reddish scar around his throat was matched by the two bands around his wrists. Beside him trotted the homeliest excuse for a dog that she’d ever seen.

      ‘Here,’ Bram said, pointing to the dog. ‘He’s not much to look at, but he seems friendly enough.’

      ‘A dog?’ Nairna studied the animal, unsure of whether the animal was a gift or an apology, from Bram’s guarded expression.

      The animal glanced up at Bram, as though asking permission. When Bram gave a nod, the dog walked forwards and sat down, cocking his head to study her.

      Then he nudged her knees. Nairna bent down and rubbed his ears. The dog rolled onto his stomach, raising his feet into the air as if begging for affection.

      ‘Do you want him?’

      When the animal started licking at her fingers, something warmed inside her heart. She’d never had a dog that belonged entirely to her. Her brothers, yes. And though there had been many dogs in Ballaloch, never had she held any connection with them. As she rubbed at the dog’s belly, the animal arched with delight.

      ‘Ross warned me that he’s old. You might want a younger dog who won’t die in a few years.’

      Nairna shook her head. There was a calmness in the dog’s eyes, as if he would follow her anywhere she asked him to. ‘I’ll keep him.’

      ‘You’re certain?’

      She nodded, and when he started to walk away Nairna stopped him. ‘Bram, he’s a sweet dog. Thank you.’

      He gave her a slight nod and she felt her heart softening. ‘If it’s all right with you,’ she said, ‘I’ve already arranged for our meal in the grain hut.’

      She wanted to talk to him about Laren’s glass, without Alex knowing about it. But Bram stopped in place, staring at her over his shoulder. The heated look in his eyes suggested a very different reason of why they ought to be alone.

      Nairna dropped her gaze to the floor, her cheeks burning. ‘Or if you’d rather eat with Alex and the others, that’s fine. It’s no matter to me.’

      ‘I’d rather be with you,’ he said quietly.

      ‘All right. I’ll meet you there with the food.’

      After Bram had gone, she went to see Laren about the bundle of food and wine she’d arranged earlier. The dog trotted along behind her, clearly interested in the contents of the bundle from the way he sniffed at it.

      Nairna walked slowly, feeling anxious about the night ahead. Though she knew exactly what to do, it didn’t mean she was confident in herself.

       Use your mouth, Jenny had said. And especially your tongue.

      Nairna’s face blazed with colour, but she couldn’t let her embarrassment triumph over the task of seducing her husband. The more he made love to her, the greater her chances of having a bairn of her own.

      She opened the door and saw Bram standing on the far side of the hut, watching her. Nairna’s mouth went dry when he came close and shut the door behind her.

      ‘I should get the dog some water,’ she blurted out, suddenly needing the distraction of caring for the animal. ‘Go on and eat.’

      Before she could leave, Bram caught her hand. He held it, his fingers caressing the bare side of her palm. Nairna froze in place, her heart stuttering in her chest. But all her husband did was raise her hand to his mouth.

      ‘I’ll wait for you.’

      When he’d gone, Nairna took her time finding water and food for the dog, whom she’d decided to name Caen. Minutes passed, and though she was hungry, she was afraid to return to Bram.

      She would have to bare herself before him, letting him see every part of her. The thought of revealing her naked body sent prickles of nervous energy racing through her skin. The other night, there had been darkness to hide her flaws. What if he didn’t like what he saw?

      The sky threatened rain again, so she brought the dog’s food and water inside. She stroked his head, ensuring Caen had what he needed before she turned back to her husband.

      Bram was seated against one of the barley sacks. Before him lay the food she’d set aside: some baked trout that one of the men had caught in the loch earlier, along with oat cakes and a cup of mead.

      ‘Aren’t you going to eat?’ she asked.

      He leaned forwards, resting his wrists upon his knees. ‘Aye.’

      But when he reached for the oat cake, he broke it in half, handing her the other. She ate alongside him; though his appetite had improved, there was a rigid air to Bram, as though he were fighting against himself.

      She noticed the scraped skin upon his knuckles and the calluses upon his hands from the axe. ‘When did this happen?’

      ‘Today, when I was building our house.’ He shrugged it off, pulling his hands back. ‘It’s nothing.’

      He rose up and drew her to stand. ‘Nairna, when you said I didn’t hurt you last night, were you telling me the truth?’

      She managed a nod, but her cheeks felt feverish from the admission. Though she knew there was no reason to fear him, she involuntarily took a step back.

      Bram drew nearer until the wood of the chamber pressed up against her back. He stood a breath away from her and rested his hands upon her hips.

      ‘There are many things I want to say to you,’ he murmured. ‘But I’ve never been good with words.’

      Heated and fierce, he claimed her lips, his tongue sliding within her mouth. At the invasion, Nairna’s knees went soft. She could feel his rigid desire, but despite her fears, Bram was melting her resistance.

      His breath heated the softness of her throat and shivers overtook her body, making her more aware of him. The primal look upon her husband’s face flustered her. He looked as though he had no intention of sleeping this night and every intention of joining with her.

      Nairna swallowed hard, keeping her eyes shut tight. It was time to obey Jenny’s suggestion. After loosening the laces of the grey gown she’d worn, she lifted it away. The air was cold, but she forced herself to remove her shift until she stood naked before him.

      Bram stared at her as if he were fighting himself. His gaze moved down over her curves, but he didn’t say a word.

      She felt exposed and vulnerable, not at all comfortable with his detached manner. When she covered her breasts with her arm, he moved it away.

      ‘No. I’ve been wanting to see you in the light. Don’t ever hide yourself from me, a ghaoil.’ He led her forwards to the mattress on the ground. Nairna’s knees were shaking, but Bram lowered her down. She shut her eyes tightly, curling up onto her side.

      Behind her, the warmth of Bram’s body filled up the empty space. ‘What are you afraid of?’ he asked.

      She shook her head, for there were no coherent words to voice what she was feeling. When he cupped her cheek, she couldn’t stop the shiver. His hands moved over her body, down her waist. A warmth of unexpected desire flooded through her.

      Her thoughts fled when he began exploring her skin. He caressed her as though he intended to learn every part of her. She felt her nipples rising and a mysterious ache echoed between her thighs.

      His mouth travelled from her shoulder to the top of her breast, but when she looked into his eyes, they were devoid of emotion. He was tightly locked away, in complete command of every action.

      Nairna tried to reach out to him, but he took her arms and held them still.

      ‘No,’ he bade her. ‘I lost myself last night and took you without any thought of your needs.’ His touch skimmed down the dip