Chapter 7 Chapter Six

An hour later, they camped by a small, clear lake in the mountains. While Danny and Ariel took care of the horses, Jamie started bringing out the dinner that Allie had carefully packed for them, and Mary sat under the tree and watched her sister go about her business.Jamie thought Mary looked exhausted. Later, Danny and Ariel took turns to wash by the water, and their wives tried to pretend not to notice.Jamie wasn't too bothered when Danny walked back to camp topless.But for Ariel, things are different. With just one glance at him, she held her breath.His complexion was bronzed by the sunset light, and the tangled muscles of his shoulders and upper arms reminded her of his strength, while the dark golden chest hair that densely covered his broad chest emphasized his masculinity.The tuft of hair ran down his flat stomach before disappearing above the belt of his black trousers.

I don't want Danny to touch me! Mary's muttering drew Jamie's attention back.It's only natural that you're a little scared.She tried to act like she did know something. He kissed me. Jamie smiles, she feels more confident now.She knows everything about kissing.It's his right to kiss you, Mary, and Aleigh kissed me too.she says.twice.If you count the kiss at the wedding, I think it feels good. Did he kiss you the way a man kisses a woman when she wants to fuck her?Mary asked. You know, I mean, did his tongue touch yours? Jamie didn't know what Mary was talking about, but she didn't intend to appear ignorant.Don't you like it?

That's disgusting.And if he doesn't look so angry, I might like it.Mary grunted.But he just grabbed me so hard and kissed me.I still can't figure out what he is unhappy about, he keeps frowning.She looked at Jamie pleadingly.Can you ask him?Jamie, go and find out why he is angry. Before Jamie could answer, Danny had already walked over to sit next to Mary.Jamie nodded to Mary, and then compared to the food.Only then did Mary happily hand him her husband's dinner. Then Jie Mi signaled Ariel who was sitting a little far away from the crowd to come and join them.But Ariel just sat leisurely by the big tree and shook his head at her, and ordered her to go over.

Finally Jamie gave in.He was her husband, and she had an obligation to get along with him after all.She took a hunk of cheese, a loaf of bread, and one of three sacks of wine and walked toward him. He took the food without comment, but when Jamie was about to turn around and go back to Mary, he pulled her down to his side and put an arm around her waist to slow down the force of the fall . She couldn't help noticing how possessive his touch was, she sat with her back straight as an arrow, her hands in her lap. Are you afraid of me again, England girl? I'm never afraid, Scotch.she replied.I just worry.

Are you still worried? No. So why do you want to break my hand? It's not noble to do that in front of other people, Ariel. real? She ignored the amusement in his tone.That's right.she repeated.Also, my name is Jamie, Ariel. That's a boy's name. Are we arguing about this again?She gritted her teeth in hatred. Exactly. She refused to look him in the eye until he stopped laughing.Apparently my name pleases you, which I guess is not bad.Because since you are in such a good mood, I can safely ask you for something.What I'm about to say may seem unusual to you at first.But I'm sure you'll agree with me as soon as I finish.

Her serious tone confused him.What do you want from me? I want to ask you not to touch me, I don't know you well enough to allow such intimacy. allow? A wave of fear ran down her spine, and it was clear in his tone that he didn't like the word she had chosen. Aleigh, do you want a reluctant wife? Are you asking me, or your hand?Ariel asked back. you. Then look at me.His tone was hard. Jamie exerted all her willpower to follow his orders.It wouldn't be so difficult if he sat farther away.But he refused to let her leave.She barely looked at him for a minute, then moved her eyes to his mouth, which proved to be a wrong decision.No matter which part is the same, the whole body of this man is cold and hard.Especially his unshaved beard made him look extremely stern.

Jamie met his eyes again. Now ask me again.He said. Do you want a reluctant wife?she asked almost in a whisper. I don't particularly want a wife at all, especially an English one. She was slightly relieved.Well, you got one now. Yes, I got it, and an English chick at that. If her back had been straighter, Aleigh thought her spine would have snapped.His little wife seemed to have the temper of a giant. I wonder why you keep referring to England as if it were a dirty word. It was meant to be. It is not!She suddenly realized that she was yelling at him and that he was frowning, but she was sure he had no idea how angry he was making her.

So you will never like an English wife? like? You know what I really mean. explain. like!Jamie said sharply.She noticed that Danny and Mary were both looking at her in surprise, and she had to smile at them before turning back to stare at her husband.You will never love an English wife?she asked in a low voice. Very likely. possible? You don't have to shout.Ariel found her angry appearance very interesting.Does my honesty upset you? She took a deep breath before answering him.No!Your honesty doesn't displease me, but I do find your dismissive attitude insulting.My lord, we are discussing a very serious subject.

You are serious, I am not. Don't you think getting married is a serious commitment? No. No? She looked shocked and angry, Ariel thought, smiling.You are just a small part of my life, wife.Once you understand the way of life in the Highlands, you will understand how foolish your worries are now. I am insignificant?And stupid?Ariel, you must think me very humble.She fights back.Let me tell you, I don't particularly want to marry you, Ariel. I noticed that you were dressed in black for the wedding ceremony.Ariel reminded her with a smile. I will probably wear that black suit every day in the future.Jie Mi brushed away the dust from the corner of her skirt and said.

Ah, so you will never like me?he asked. Very likely. Ariel laughed out loud at that moment, his deep and loud laughter made Jamie feel that the ground seemed to be shaking. Is my honesty so funny?Jamie asked, frowning.I'm not going to continue this nonsense discussion, Ariel.If you've already eaten, I'm going to start cleaning up. Let your sister do her duty. That is my responsibility.she explained. Like protecting her is also your responsibility? right. Mary really believed this nonsense, too, didn't she? Nonsense?Since when does doing one's own duty become bullshit?

But you're the younger one, insisted Ariel.It should be the elder sister who takes care of the younger sister.The strong must protect the weak, and this should be the case everywhere. I am not weak!Jamie retorted. No, you are not weak.Ariel said thoughtfully.But you used to be afraid of me. Do you have to keep bringing that up?Ariel.It is very unkind of you to do so. Maybe I'm not kind by nature. You are not! Her quick and furious denial took him by surprise.You seem very sure of it! Of course there is.Jamie admits.You were magnanimous when my dad lost his temper at the wedding.Most men are not that compassionate. She thought she complimented him, but he laughed more amusedly than gratefully. It's rude to laugh at compliments, Aleigh.In fact, it's damn rude. praise?Wife, you just insulted me.No one has ever dared to say that I am sympathetic. I disagree.she retorted.Just because no one has told you to be empathetic before doesn't mean A wife should never contradict her husband. He seemed to mean it, and Jamie decided that this was the right time to correct him.Wives must speak their minds to their husbands, she said.whenever necessary.And that's the only way to make a good marriage, Ariel.You better take my word for it.She finished speaking before avoiding his unbelievable eyes. Don't take my hand away again.You belong to me now and I won't allow you to back away every time I touch you. I explained to you that I'm not ready to let myself belong to you. It doesn't matter whether you are mentally prepared or not.He said the fact in a cheerful tone. Ariel, I won't sleep with you until I know you better.Of course you can understand how I feel. Oh, I understand.He said. Jamie quickly raised his eyes to look at him riskily.The amused look in his eyes made her suddenly understand how much he enjoyed her embarrassment, and she knew she was acting stupid.Her hands were clenched tightly, and she was shaking again. You are afraid.Pick explained that you are I am not afraid, I am worry. He pointed to another obvious fact.You blushed like a virgin. She glared at him before replying: No way, because I am a virgin. Ariel couldn't help laughing.She sounded ashamed, as if admitting to some kind of felony. Can you stop laughing at me?It's very insulting. Your virginity belongs to me, Jamie.A bride should not be ashamed of her purity. He finally called her name, and Jamie smiled happily.Ariel, will you choose me?if i'm not pure? meeting.He replied without hesitation. real? right.And don't make me repeat what I said, Jamie. He sounds a little hot now.You are a most unusual man, Ariel, and most soldiers would not want a woman who gave herself to someone else. Oh, I still want you.Ariel replied.But I will also demand the name of the man who tarnished your reputation before marriage. Then what? I will kill him. Jamie believed he meant it.She trembled slightly. But since you're a virgin, it doesn't really matter, does it? No, I don't think it matters.she admitted.how do you say?Ariel.Would you like to wait until I know you better?Then you I mean, we The poor girl couldn't even get those words out of her mouth.Ariel couldn't tell why, but he suddenly wanted her to stop being afraid.Of course he would still have her, but he didn't want her to wait in fear or run away from him.He decided to use a little diplomacy.I'll wait until you don my mantle, Jamie. She looked as if she had received amnesty from hell, and Ariel couldn't help being a little angry.So he brought her to his side and began to slowly lower his head to kiss her. Jamie was so surprised that he forgot to resist.His lips were hard, yet incredibly warm, and before she had time to react, he backed away again. Thank you for being so considerate.Jamie whispered, she quickly stood up and took a step back.I was going to take a shower and that horrible man touched me.She told her husband.I'm going to wash until I feel clean, do you have anything else to say to me before I go away? Ariel shook his head, and the drooping branches of the big tree behind him also moved with his movements.But Jamie found that his size no longer frightened her.She didn't understand why her feelings for him had changed, but the fear really no longer existed. He didn't kill his first wife.The thought suddenly flashed through her mind.Then came another, even more startling discovery: she trusted him, completely. Not now. there is nothing? His wife has a trouble concentrating, Ariel decided.I have nothing more to say to you.he explained.She nodded and walked away.Jamie, I should warn you, he shouted.The water is cold. I don't need warnings.She answered him loudly as she walked.We Englishmen are much tougher than you think. Five minutes later, Ariel heard an angry scream from his slender little bride.He sighed and began to walk slowly towards the water's edge. He figured she would need his assistance in a few minutes. Jamie did.She was shivering. After washing her hair and body with the rose-scented soap, her left ankle suddenly cramped. Ariel! She yelled and he arrived.He lifted her out of the water effortlessly by the middle and placed her on his lap. Then gently rubbed her cramped ankle for her. Jie Mi cuddled against him like a dog in water, only feeling warm and cared for. feel better now?His voice is so gentle.Jamie nodded, but still didn't want to leave his embrace. Ariel's other hand rested on her smooth silky leg.She has a pair of slender and beautiful legs, Ariel can see how flawless her skin is, and can feel the soft curve of her chest through her thin underwear.Her nipples were hard, which happened to match his groin.He told himself not to think about it, but his body refused to accept his brain's commands, oh my!Her whole body is so soft.Ariel's physical reactions happened so quickly that his self-control was useless. much better.Jamie whispered, her shyness could not be concealed in her voice.I must thank you again, I almost drowned just now, but you came to save me. I have a hunch that tells me this will happen again and again. You mean I nearly drowned?She pretended not to understand. No, Ariel retorted.I'm here to save you. Jie Mi pushed back the wet hair on her forehead and looked directly at him.Maybe I'll save your life once or twice, too.She imitated his Scottish accent, and leaned back against his chest.Ariel, take some heat, it's so cold tonight. By my standards, it's just cool.Ariel paused to smile at her sigh before asking: You always take a shower with your clothes on? His voice sounded like caress.No, but someone might pass by and I have to be careful. Ariel thinks that the wet material is as seductive as without a strand, but he refrains from saying it.You're blue from the freeze, you'd better take off your wet clothes. After he finished his suggestion, Jamie still refused to leave his arms.In the end he had no choice but to propose that he do it for her.She immediately jumped up quickly, hugged her clothes and ran away to change. After putting on new underwear and wrapping herself in a blanket, Jamie walked back to the camp trembling all over.As she walked, she told herself that Aleigh must have built a hot campfire waiting for her. It turned out she didn't see any campfires. Ariel wasn't waiting for her either. He is fast asleep. Jamie would have yelled at him if he had the strength.But she was afraid that no matter how hard she tried, she could only make a whimper, so she didn't make a sound. He looked comfortable and damn warm.He was wrapped in his family cloak, his eyes were closed, and his breathing was deep and even. She didn't know what to do, and tears of frustration rolled down Jae-mi's cheeks.She looked around for a sheltered place to sleep, then decided that it didn't matter where she slept.Judging by the thin, half-wet clothes on her body, she would freeze to death before dawn. Finally she walked slowly towards Aleigh.Ariel?She shyly touched his foot with her toes. Ariel slowly opened his eyes and looked at her. He decided that he would not ask her to speak up.She was shaking like a leaf in the wind, and there were tears in her eyes.He pulled back the corner of his cloak and opened his arms to her. Jie Mi didn't hesitate, she threw away the blanket and immediately threw herself into his arms.She slammed into his chest in an unladylike manner, heard him groan, and tremblingly murmured a few words of apology to his neck. Ariel wrapped her in the cloak tightly, hugged her with one hand first, and then guided her to lie comfortably on him with the other hand. She smelled like she had just been bathed among wildflowers, and her skin was as smooth as rose petals. In just a few minutes, Jamie's whole body warmed up.She let out a long breath of satisfaction, and his beautiful body heat made her a little dizzy. Turns out he wasn't really a bad guy.Yes, he was a Scotchman, and a giant, too.But he's her giant, he won't let anything happen to her, he'll always keep her safe. She smiled at his chest, maybe tomorrow she'd let him kiss her.She sighed, feeling so embarrassing at the thought.After all, she had only known her husband for a day. When Ariel spoke to her, she was already fast asleep. Jamie? Um?she murmured. You are wearing my mantle now.