Never Kiss a Scot by Lauren Smith

Author:Lauren Smith [Smith, Lauren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-947206-60-1
Publisher: Lauren Smith

15

Joanna was so angry and upset that she was shaking. This was her wedding day! She should have been enraptured, wrapped in her husband’s arms, relishing the intimacy of their bed, the feel of the fire from the fireplace and the wine sweetening Brock’s lips as they kissed. She was not supposed to be dealing with her bloody stubborn brother and his nonsensical ideas about what was best for her.

When she heard the knock, she thought it was Brock and hastily opened the door. Ashton stood there, one hand flat on the doorjamb. She was half tempted to slam the door on his fingers. They shared a long look, a flurry of emotions passing between them.

This should have been a happy reunion, Ashton hugging her tight and accepting her kiss on his cheek while she told him how happy she was. But that was never going to be the case. Instead, there was anger, sorrow, and distrust between them, clouding over the sunny memories of their youth together. She’d often heard that siblings could grow apart over time, but she’d never believed it would happen to them. As she looked upon him now, she wanted him to be gone from here, gone from her life. The realization left a bitter taste in her mouth, and she suddenly wanted to cry.

“I’m sorry, Joanna.” He choked on the words, but then he wrapped his arms around her before she could stop him.

She fought against his hold for a minute, not wanting to find any comfort in his arms, but it was impossible. Ashton had always been the big brother who was there for her. Rafe, as loving as he was, was rarely around and couldn’t be counted on for any kind of support. She shuddered, a wave of emotions pulling at her heart. Ashton was safe, he was family, and she was leaving him behind. She had married and lain with a man, a near stranger, and was now mistress of his castle. It was her new life, and she had to face it with an open mind and an open heart.

“I can still take you home. You have but to say the word,” Ashton murmured, holding her tighter.

“No. Please understand, I want to stay with him. I chose him.” She couldn’t explain the complexity of her feelings, how she would miss her old life, her friends, everything, but she needed to see this through. She wanted to learn to be brave, to explore the wilds of Scotland with her husband, and to win his heart, even if it took a lifetime. It was frightening, though, to know she had many battles ahead of her.

“He will be a good husband, Ash. He already is. He’s been so gentle, so caring.” She pulled away from her brother so she could look up into his eyes.

“Bu—”

“I know you’re worried he will change, but I see kindness in his eyes. He cares, he’s kind. There is no cruelty in him. Even when we…” She blushed and skipped over the embarrassing words.

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