CHAPTER 14

He found her lips, so sweet and warm, and took his time as he ravaged her mouth. And, oh aye, he used his tongue.

When he broke away, she glared ferociously up at him. He grinned and reached for her hand, pulling her against him as they turned to face his clan. Then he held her hand high in the air and presented her as the new mistress of the keep.

The roar of his clan echoed so loudly in the hall that Mary winced. But she stood proudly beside him, a delighted smile curving her lips.

One by one, his men came to kneel and offer their pledge to their new mistress. At first, Mary looked baffled by the show of loyalty. She twitched as if she would have liked to disappear through the flooring.

Edward smiled as he watched her come to terms with her new position. She’d led a sequestered life. Now, for the first time, she was stepping into her destiny.

When the last soldier bowed before Mary, Edward took her elbow to guide her toward the table where Gertie and the kitchen maids were busy sett