Until tonight, she had only heard descriptions of the cavernous rooms the Black Tower held. Deirdre had visited only once and vowed never to enter the obsidian structure again. She claimed the dark stone walls were cold and menacing. Even her father said it lacked the cheeriness he preferred.
Makenna could understand their comments, but she did not agree with them. The room was not threatening. Instead, it was surprisingly warm, even welcoming. A woolen McTiernay plaid covered the four-poster bed. A simple table to its right held an unlit candle. Nestled underneath two of the room’s four large windows was a long, sturdy bench with silk stuffed pillows at each end. The understated tapestry hanging above the bed was not ornate enough to be one of Deirdre’s creations. The picture of a young Scotsman standing by a river offering his heart to a shy maiden evoked an atmosphere of tenderness, and hope, and vulnerability. It was not what she had expected to find adorning Colin’s walls.
But even more surprising was the lack of anything feminine. Makenna could see not a single remnant of Colin’s relationship with her sister. She silently wondered if there had ever been anything of Deirdre’s to remove.
Besides the hearth chairs, the only other item in the room was a beautifully carved chest situated along the far wall. Instead of the slab legs of the typical six-board chest, the sizeable hutch had an elongated front and back and its stiles extended to the floor to make four legs. She didn’t recognize the piece and it did not resemble the furniture in the rest of the room. “Colin, is that chest yours?”
Still standing by the door, Colin glanced at the chest his grandfather had made him when he was a young boy. That and his mother’s tapestry were the two treasures he had brought with him from his childhood home, McTiernay Castle. “Aye,” he replied.
Makenna moved closer to the unusual trunk and knelt down to finger the carving etched into its face. “Is this the McTiernay crest?” she asked. “It’s beautiful.”
“Aye. The eagle represents strength. It clutches a branch of our Highland mountain ash. Those drops you see off the talons are blood.”
“Of your enemies?”
“Our comrades. To remember the fallen.”
Makenna nodded in silence hearing him voice the McTiernay pledge. It was not a mere saying to him, but a true belief. Despite their squabbles, she knew Colin would never forget a single man he ever fought alongside. He would ensure that their deaths had meaning and purpose.
Makenna rose and gracefully waved her arm in front of her. “Your room is very similar to my own with the exception of your tapestry. It is captivating. I’ve never seen one that portrayed such a pure emotion before. If I were ever to weave, I would want to design a motif such as that,” Makenna ended quietly, unaware that she had voiced her inner thoughts aloud.
Colin exhaled slowly. He was surprised to be relieved by her approval. Deirdre had always made it clear that he was to come to her chambers if he desired her company. Consequently, he had never cared if his room appealed to anyone else. He had not realized how much of himself was exposed in this simple sanctum.
A renewed surge of desire swept over Colin. He picked up a log from the stack of dried kindling he had replenished that morning and threw it into the hearth. Long after the fire sprang anew, he continued to stoke it, knowing that if he did not keep his eyes and hands occupied, his control would snap.
Makenna watched as Colin stabbed the burning logs, sensing his palpable frustration. The dying fire was just another example of her clan’s refusal to support and honor an outsider. If he were a Lowlander and welcomed, all candles would have been lit, the bed turned, and the fire would have been blazing with warmth.
Not knowing what to say to counter such a display of disrespect, Makenna walked over and lightly touched Colin’s forearm, marveling at the strength and tension held within the sinewy muscles.
At her touch, Colin flinched, but when Makenna tried to remove her hand, he instinctively reached out and kept it in place. If asked, he would not be able to explain why he wanted to prolong the gentle sensation. He had reacted without thought. Her unexpected gesture was soft, warm, and so very giving. For the second time that day, he felt as if she understood and believed in him.
Makenna stood by his side for a long while and stared at the flickering flames, mystified at her desire to remain with Colin. But it was time to leave. Their ruse should now be complete. Everyone who witnessed their notable exit would trust they had consummated their marriage by now. Makenna released her light hold and headed toward the door.
“Where are you going?” Colin asked, his voice low and curious.
Makenna stopped and turned toward him. “I think it is safe to leave for my room now. I don’t hear any movement outside. Don’t worry, if anyone can roam about this castle unseen, it is I.”
“Of that, I know all too well,” Colin scoffed.
“Don’t sound so churlish. Tonight my skills are going to benefit your deception. No one will be the wiser we spent the night alone.”
“My benefit?” he asked, turning to look at her.
Makenna nodded. “Aye, yours, and mine, too, if you want to be particular. What does it matter?”
In three quick strides, Colin blocked her path, physically challenging any method she might try in order to exit. “Makenna, do not pretend with me that you do not recall what I said to you last night.”
Makenna did remember. He had vowed their marriage would be real and not in name only. But never did she dream Colin would make good on his promise so soon. Certainly not tonight. Why, just yesterday they had each vehemently sworn the other to be the last person in the world they would want to spend time with, let alone marry.
But then he had kissed her.
It was amazing how a single embrace could change one’s view so dramatically, but it had. Not only had it proved they were compatible physically, but that each held an innate understanding of the other’s most private needs and fears. Still, Makenna could not accept that Colin intended to make good on his promise this very evening.
“But…but this is our wedding night!” she squeaked, not realizing how ridiculous the words sounded.
“Aye, and I have been thinking about you all day,” Colin replied.
“About me?” Her voice was barely a whisper and laced with doubt.
He pushed back a lock of red hair that had become loose from its comb. “Aye, you. Every man in the hall was thinking of you…and they were wishing they were me.”
Makenna blinked. Colin made her sound as if she were some siren able to induce men into desiring her. The concept was unreal. “Colin, be serious….”
“Oh, but I am, Makenna.” Her name was a soft growl as he bent his head to capture her lips with his own. He kissed her slowly, lingeringly, and with a deep, tender possessiveness.
Makenna shivered as a mysterious liquid warmth began to grow inside her. All doubts about whether she had imagined the intensity and pleasure of his touch were erased. For this, she had changed the fate of her life.
Makenna felt Colin strain against an unknown force as he moaned softly and drew her closer to him. The kiss differed from their last, but was no less powerful. Instead of hard and demanding, it was gentle and persuasive. She could feel his tongue move across her bottom lip, teasing it open. She complied, welcoming him.
It was a dream come true. To be touched and kissed and made to feel so very feminine. She didn’t think feelings and cravings like the ones coursing through her veins were even possible until Colin had proved otherwise. He had shown her that she was capable of feeling desire, physical need, and passion. That she was not devoid of such emotions, but burning with them when he held her in his arms.
Colin parted her lips and tenderly explored her mouth with his tongue. Her body was in chaos. Makenna fought the instinct to wrap her arms round his neck and return the intimate caress. She almost lost the battle.