Enticing Her Highlander by Hildie McQueen Page B

patient man," Meagan offered. "He will see to it that you are comfortable and protected. You've done well for a husband, do not fret." With a last pat to her hand, the woman left.
    Not too much later, b oisterous laughter broke from the other side of the doorway. Males’ voices rose in chants and laughter. Without thinking Elsbeth raced for the large bed and scrambled onto it. She pulled the blankets up to her chin just as the door burst open.
    If not for the fear enveloping her, she'd laugh at the sight of the large Scot being carried into the room. Most of his clothes removed or askew, he was held at odd angles. Dugan twisted in an effort to dislodge himself from the fists grabbing at him. Through it, he laughed the entire time, as if enjoying the embarrassing display.
    "Ah , daughter, we bring your husband," her father's words slurred and she glowered at him. It only brought a chuckle from the robust ruddy man who turned and slapped Dugan on the rear. "A fine bra, laddie, fer ye."
    After dumping her husband non-too-gently onto the bed, the men then streamed out, claiming they'd worked up a thirst from the weight they'd carried.
    Elsbeth could only stare at the shirtless man who lay sprawled across the bed without moving.  She wondered if he planned to remain there all night.  Although he did not look comfortable, she hoped he did.
    Dugan lifted his head and blinked as if not sure where he was. Then he looked at her and grinned. "I'm a wee bit dizzy, they decided to twirl me about for a bit before bringing me up. After the large meal and ale, ‘twas not the best idea I fear."
    Of all the moods, she did not expect him to be in such jolly spirits once with her in bed. She could only stare at him dumbfounded. "They will not be content until they are presented with..." Her face reddened, she could not finish the sentence.
    "Ah , yes," he slid from the bed and stood not seeming dizzy at all. Instead with graceful moves that seemed at odd with his size, he went to the window and peered out and chucked. "Ha! They gather now beneath."
    Elsbeth moved from the bed, each motion made her heart thump harder against her chest. If ever there was a time not to disgrace her father this was it. She'd been mortified to find she'd fainted at the chapel. Then to wake to her mother crying and her father’s embarrassment, she'd promised herself to make the best of it and maintain her composure. She was not about to fail now.
    "We have to do this, I will not be shamed before my clan," she told her new husband who turned to face her with lifted brows.
    "I would not allow it either," he responded and moved toward her. The sheer size of the man made her waiver. How was it possible for someone to be so large? He was easily the largest male in the region, even in a room full of warriors; he'd stood head and shoulders above them. Her brothers and the McDougall laird were large men, yet Dugan still was taller and broader.
    He reached for her and she pretended not to see it, instead she climbed back onto the bed and laid flat on her back closing her eyes and placing her hands alongside her body.
    His footsteps neared. "Ye look like yer laid out for your final resting," Dugan told her and she opened her eyes to see he leaned over her, his brows scrunched together.  He studied her for a moment longer. "I will not take ye, lass. Don't fret, just move away for a bit."
    "Yes , you will," Elsbeth lifted to her knees and grabbed his shoulders. "I will not be dishonored."
    When he did nothing more than gawk at her, she hurried from the bed and yanked her nightdress up over her head and threw it on the floor. Trembling from head to toe, Elsbeth stood before her husband totally bare.  Then she turned and walked to the bed, lay upon it and looked to him. "Do it now."
    The man had the audacity to laugh. "What in the devil are you doing?"
    At noting his study of her body, she yanked the bedding to cover herself and pushed to a seated position. "It is our wedding