Highlander's Caress: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 2) (11 page)

“I hope this storm never ceases.” His gaze consumed every inch of her.

“That would be wonderful.” The rain pelted down outside the window, the waves a roaring wash as the surf crashed into shore.

“I need to touch you. ’Tis like a craving in my blood that now released, willnae be halted.” He cupped her breasts, eased them together and licked one nipple. The sweetly sensual stroke of his tongue over her sensitive flesh sent a flare of heat rippling straight to her core.

“Mmm, I love how you touch me.” Head tipped back and body arched, she soaked in his decadent touch.

“I want my wife.” He swirled around the tip with his tongue, sucked her nipple deep into his mouth and she wobbled, her knees buckling until he swept her up then lowered her into the tub.

Warm water cascaded over her flesh, adding more heat to the blaze already burning through her and she wriggled back to make more room for him as he stepped into the tub.

His body was so heavily muscled from hours of sword training, his shoulders so broad and strong and his biceps bulging. As he eased down, his abs rippled, one glorious layer upon layer and each defined contour making her yearn to touch him.

She traced one finger along the delicious tease of black hair narrowing down his unyielding belly where it slowly thickened into a nest of curls at the juncture of his legs. His cock saluted her from the water, the head plump and all hers for the taking. “Our bond grows stronger by the hour.”

“Aye, it does.” Water sloshed over her chest as he reached over the side of the tub, picked up the soap the maid had left sitting beside it and built a lather between his hands. With a twinkle in his eyes, he lifted her feet and placed them against his chest. “I’ve always known about the bond your fae kind formed with another, but never could I have imagined it would be like this, that it could rage so strongly.

“This is just the beginning. We have an entire lifetime for our bond to grow even stronger.” Smiling, she rested her head back on the rim as he worked the bubbles over her feet. He massaged one of her heels, kneaded along the sensitive arch and around each toe before moving to her other foot and caressing with the same dedicated attention. The water sloshed and her hair swirled over the tops of her breasts.

“I dinnae care to see these hidden from me.” He brushed her hair away, pinched her nipples and grinned as they beaded tight. “It appears you like that.”

She more than liked it. A fiery tingle radiated outward from where he’d touched her and she couldn’t keep her need contained. “Do that again. Now, harder.”

“Aye, my love.” He tweaked them again. More pressure this time, just as she’d demanded with her compelling command.

“Perfect. There is naught more seductive than a man who knows how to follow his wife’s every request.”

He chuckled, stroked over her lower legs then caressed her inner thighs.

She moaned and pushed closer toward him. “Goodness. I cannae think straight when you touch me like this.”

“All I wish for you to do is feel.” A hungry rumble vibrated from his chest as he plunged one finger deep inside her. He stroked, so hard and fast then curled his finger into a spot that had her gasping with pleasure. She arched, her head dipping back into the water.

Her mind spun in so many different directions, her thoughts almost no longer her own as she bucked, so close to coming. Nay, she wouldn’t come without first ensuring he too had experienced pleasure at her hand. Underneath the surface, she searched and skimmed the fiercely hard length of his cock. So big and strong, all of him. She grasped his shaft, one built to send her to the heights of ecstasy. Aye, he was all hers. Swiftly, she pumped him in time with how he stroked into her, each of her moves matching his.

“Ella, that feels so good.” He released a low growl, the sound sending a thrill through her. Around the waist, he snagged her, lifted her up then lowered her back down so perfectly on top of him.

Such a flare of sensations ricocheted through her, her channel contracting around him. She rocked over him and he pounded into her then with one thumb, he swirled over her nub until her orgasm built to such a tremendous height she had nowhere to go but over the edge.

“Come for me, Ella. I want to see your pleasure.” He flicked her nub and she soared, her core rippling with spasm after spasm of pure bliss, the man before her the only one she would ever desire, with all her heart, body and soul.

* * * *

The moment Ella came, Duncan gave himself over to the sweet pressure of her inner channel sucking so greedily at him and allowed himself his own release. She’d taken him over, every single inch of him and he never wanted it any other way. Kissing her, dipping into the delectable recesses of her mouth, he continued to thrust into her below, her soft moans sending every rational thought from his head.

He grasped her around the waist and lifted her with him as he rose from the tub. How he made it to the bed, he wasn’t sure, but when he sank down onto the soft fur covers, ’twas with her underneath him as he cupped her full breasts and lapped at her creamy skin. He gorged himself on both mounds and sucked the pebbled treasures of her nipples deep inside his mouth until she cried out for more.

More, he’d give her. He wanted to make her come, over and over, until she couldn’t breathe for the pleasure he gave her. Feasting on her lush flesh, he glided down her body.

“Nay, ’tis my turn.” With the sweetest caress, she wrapped her fingers around his shaft, her thumb swiping seductively over the head.

“No’ yet.” His cock pounded for release yet again.

“Lie beside me, and that’s an order.” Fiercely compelling words and he gritted his teeth as he was forced to move to do her bidding. Once on his back, she grinned and licked her lips at him. “I do love my skill.”

“Your skill is about to drive me insane.”

“Aye, but in a very good way I hope.” She crawled between his legs, her breasts falling so deliciously either side of his balls. With her hand sliding around his cock, she peered under her lashes at him. “I’m going to take you in my mouth and have my wicked way with you.”

“Have mercy.” Fisting the furs either side of him, he held on tight. “Just the thought of what you’re about to do has me near ready to come.”

“I’ll be gentle.” In one long teasing stroke, she licked him from root to tip then swirled her tongue over the head.

A blaze of heat built at the base of his spine and buzzed around to his front. “Ella, halt.”

“Nay, I’ve barely begun.” Ever so reverently, she cupped his balls and caressed them, then dipped her head once more and settled her luscious pink lips over his shaft and took him deep.

“Ella!” He lifted his hips, his cock hardening with brutal force as she seared him with her sweet mouth. No man could withstand this kind of tortuous loving. He wanted to stop her, yet for the life of him he couldn’t. Cradling her head in his hands, he ran his fingers through her hair as she bobbed up and down on him with such exquisite purpose.

“I had no idea you’d taste this delicious. I may no’ be able to stop.” She sucked harder and he pushed deeper inside her mouth, then got lost as a storm of need whipped around and consumed him. He wanted for her to have all of him, just as he wanted to have all of her.

He gripped her waist, lifted her up onto her knees over top of him then scooted down on his back on the furs and with his head between her thighs, widened her legs and grinned at the treasure of her womanhood before him.

The fire’s flickering flames cast a golden-red glow over her pink inner flesh, and that tiny nub where all her pleasure stemmed from, lay awaiting his touch. “Brace yourself, by wife. I intend to devour you.”

“I wasnae finished with you yet.”

“Dinnae halt me now.” With his heartbeat pounding, he sucked the tempting nub into his mouth and lavished attention on her, until she moaned and rocked her hips, whimpered and demanded even more.

Aye, this was the way it should be between them, both needing the other as much as they needed their next breath. He reached up and tweaked her nipples as he sucked on her, the tips so incredibly pink and hard. Onto her back, he flipped her then rose up over top. Fire raced through his blood, his balls tightening and his cock hammering at him. With a roar, he plunged deep inside her hot channel and pumped again and again.

“Kiss me.” She captured his mouth with hers and cried out as she came, her inner muscles contracting around him and delivering such sweet pressure.

“There is no other for me, other than you,” he growled as he came in a hot rush, every thrust taking him deeper to her core.

“Aye, as there is no other for me either.” Her eyelashes drifted down. “Oh goodness, you feel so good inside of me, like I’m no longer missing the last piece of what I’ve strived to find.

“Aye, we are one, and always will be.” He lifted up then slowly pushed all the way back in, ensuring he gave her everything he had to offer. Love her, he would, over and over this day. He wouldn’t stop until he’d exhausted them both.

The next morning Ella wriggled her bottom back more snugly into Duncan’s groin where she lay curled on her side in their bed. They’d spent all of yesterday loving each other while the storm had raged outside, then enjoyed an early dinner before devoting the rest of the night to learning everything they could about each other, both of their bodies, hearts and minds.

Now, dawn had arrived and she edged up a little. The fire glowed, the block of peat Duncan had added during the night still burning while beyond her window, gray clouds hazed the sky. At least the rain no longer beat endlessly down. Certainly they could travel this day, could easily set sail soon.

A new level of excitement buzzed through her. Aye, she would need to leave this bed and Duncan’s arms, but she’d also be able to continue with her mission and she itched to make everything right, to halt Gavin from any further attacks and to ensure he paid for his misdeeds.

She shuffled around and faced her sleeping mate, traced one finger over the defined cleft in the center of his chin then swished along his jaw, his razz of morning stubble tickling her fingertips. Her chosen one held such rugged appeal, sent her heartbeat racing and her insides into a frenzy of need with merely his presence alone. She rubbed her body against the muscled length of his, the crisp hairs on his chest soothing her achy nipples yet also building her need for even more of his touch so swiftly.

“Is it morning already?” Under the furs, Duncan trailed one warm hand down her back, over her bottom then tucked one of her legs between both of his. He aligned their bodies so perfectly together and she reveled in the moment.

“Aye, and it appears the worst of the storm has now passed. Gavin willnae sit idly by, no’ when my compelling command will be gnawing at him. He’ll wish to travel to Dunscaith and I need to arrive there first so I can pave the way with the Chief of MacDonald for what is to come.”

“I have no intention of allowing you anywhere near the MacDonald without being right by your side. Where you go, I go. Let me just make that clear.” With his beautiful blue gaze holding hers, he rocked their hips together.

“You cannae come with me right into the MacDonald’s stronghold. Mayhap you can wait somewhere safe and unseen nearby. There are a number of secluded bays where you can make anchor while I go on ahead. No harm will come to me within his walls.” She dug her fingers into his shoulders, his biceps rippling.

“I agree to making anchor, but I’ll travel with you every step of the way. I can wear a hooded cloak and keep my head down when ’tis time to enter his keep.”

“You’ll need to do more than keep your head down.”

“Then use your skill as needed to keep any and all attention directed away from me, but be assured I willnae be parted from you. You’ll no’ turn me from this decision.” With a firm look, he gave her his drilling stare. “No compelling me otherwise either.”

“You are impossible at times.”

“Aye, but I’m your impossible.” Gently, reverently, he covered her mouth with his and kissed her, his passion held at bay but not the masterful way he always made her feel when they kissed so intimately.

“Duncan?” A rap shook the door. “’Tis I, Hamish.”

“I swear he has the worst timing.” Growling, Duncan slid out from between the sheets, scooped up the fur from the end of the bed and fastened it around his waist. At the door, he glanced over his shoulder at her. “We’ll set sail once we’ve broken our fast. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

He stepped into the passageway and closed the door after himself

Aye, ’twas time to leave. She eased out of her warm cocoon, picked up her satchel propped against the wall and set it on top of the bed. Flap unbuckled, she pulled out a pair of navy breeches and wriggled them on then fastened the ties at her waist. The loose-sleeved white shirt fluttered over her head and she shrugged on a supple brown rawhide coat, one that would protect her well from the weather since the sky still remained so overcast. Once she’d laced her knee-high black leather boots and strapped her dagger at her wrist, she poured water from the jug into the basin and splashed her face. She cleaned her teeth with a salt and mint paste, combed her hair and wove it into a long plait then searched for something to secure it with. Duncan’s white tunic lay snagged on the corner chair, the one he’d worn just afore speaking vows with her. She tugged one dangling tie free and with a soft smile, secured her plait with it.

From the wooden rack near the fire, she collected the remainder of her dried clothing and folded everything away in her bag, left her satchel near the door and gathered up Duncan’s scattered belongings. She packed them away in his bag too, but left out a pair of pants, tunic and a jerkin for him to change into.

“Hamish is informing the men of our coming departure.” Bare-chested, the fur barely hanging onto his hips, he returned with a tray in hand and knocked the door shut with his hip. “One of the maids brought us our morning meal.”

“Wonderful. I’m famished.” She took the tray from him and set it on the side table. “Dress if you wish.”

“I’ve also given Hamish orders to ensure none of my men wear our clan tartan while we sail along Skye’s coastline. The banner at the center mast is to be taken down as well. We’ll travel with all stealth this day.” He sauntered to the bed, let the fur drop and gave her a tantalizing view of his firm buttocks, although all too soon he drew his black leather pants and tunic on, slipped his padded jerkin over his shoulders and fastened it at the front. Sword belted at his hip, he hid other various weapons around his body, those that every battle-hardened warrior wore.

“I’m relieved all precaution will be taken.”

“I’d rather we had no need to travel to Dunscaith, particularly since my last journey there didnae go so well.” He scrubbed a hand across his bristly jaw, crossed to the basin, dipped a cloth into the water and wet his jaw. With one brow arched at her, he said, “Yet had that battle never occurred, I wouldnae have met you, and that moment I’d never take back.”

“Nor I either. Allow me to shave you.” She joined him, pushed his shoulders until he eased down and perched on the edge of the table. Nudging his legs apart, she nestled in between them and picked up the bar of soap.

“No woman has ever shaved me afore.” He settled his hands on her hips, the black leather of his pants molding his strong thighs.

“I should hope not.” She snuggled deeper into the V and he smoothed around to her backside.

“I would trust no other with a blade so close to my neck.”

“Your trust is appreciated.” Giggling, she built a lather with the soap and smeared it across his sharp black stubble, slid her dirk free from her wrist sheath and turning his cheek with one finger, held the blade nice and close to his skin.

“You hold so many skills, and it appears shaving is amongst them. Is there aught else you can do which you’ve yet to tell me about?” Back and forth, he caressed her bottom, the bulge in his pants growing thicker and longer.

“I can climb trees with ease.” She ran the blade in a smooth line down, from his ear to his chin. “Scale cliffs too. My grandpa taught me and Ethan.”

“Well, no more tree or cliff climbing for you, no’ unless I too am there.”

“Even though we’ve wed, I willnae allow you to mollycoddle me.” She ran the blade right under his nose, tapped his jaw shut before he could answer her back then lifted his chin with one finger and slid the blade down his neck in long and even strokes. Once done, with not a whisker remaining, she dabbed his skin with the cloth, cleared the last of the suds away and sheathed her dagger.

“I’ll ensure your protection as I see fit, Ella.”

“As I’ll ensure yours.” Leaning into him, she murmured, “I’ve never needed someone to catch me when I fall.”

He slid one hand around the back of her head, his fingers sliding through her hair. “Now we’ve completed the bond, if you fall, I fall.”

“Then I will simply take all care to never fall.” She dotted kisses over his nose and cheeks. “Mmm, now your skin is all smooth and unable to abrade mine.”

“If you ever need me to shave, simply ask and it shall be done. ’Tis time I fed you.” He eased up, caught her elbow and guided her to the table and their waiting meal.

Once she was seated, she sipped her tea sweetened with honey. “I shall miss this place. Miriam anticipates my every need.”

“I’ll bring you back, as often as I can.” Across from her, he slid his dagger free, sliced the crusty bread then stabbed some of the bacon and egg and layered it on top of the slices. He handed one slice to her and munched on his own slice before raising his tankard to his mouth and gulping down the warm cider.

“Load the galley with enough provisions for our coming journey!” Hamish’s bellow echoed through the window from outside.

“We need to hustle.” Duncan polished off the last of the bacon and egg, pushed his chair back and collected their bags.

With her meal finished too, she tucked her chair in and slipped out the door with him.

In silence, they trod downstairs and walked through the front door. Ahead, Duncan’s warriors swarmed the shoreline and she halted on the pebbly sand where the surf rolled in. Breathing deep, she took in Scotland’s freshest air as it whipped around her. The sea surged and swelled, the wind whistling through and tugging strands free from her plait and sweeping them across her cheeks. Across the waterway, her village lay nestled along the mainland, the craggy hills and grassy moors of the Highlands rising high and spreading wide beyond it.

To the south, the Isle of Skye beckoned. Ethan was so close. Hand to her brow, she took in the familiar curve of the coastline rounding the northern tip of Sleat. The gray clouds in that direction thickened further, and a squall out at sea sent rain sleeting down along the length of Kyle Rhea. “That does no’ look promising.”

“Mayhap that squall will blow itself away by the time we reach the kyle.” Duncan swept her up in his arms and carried her through the knee deep waves then lifted her over the side of his galley and bounded in behind her. At the bow before his men, he dipped her backward, kissed her cheeks and nose then set her back on her feet.

“Are you staking your claim?” She rubbed up against him, happy to stake her own claim as well. “Because you missed my mouth by an inch if you were.”

“If I kissed you proper right now, then I’d never stop.” He slipped his hand around her elbow and guided her down the center aisle to the stern, tucked their bags underneath the rear bench seat and called out, “We sail for Skye, will make berth at a secluded bay near Dunscaith where we’ll no’ be spotted. All to oars. We leave with all haste.”

His men were far more heavily armed than she’d ever seen them before. They carried swords, battle-axes, and bows and arrows strapped to their sides and backs as they took their positions on the benches and rowed their galley clear of the bay.

“Hoist the sail.” Duncan adjusted the rudder and as they cruised the waters toward Skye, the white-capped waves rose higher and pitched them about.

She searched the rocky beaches bordered by high cliffs for any vessels similar in size to Gavin’s. While she did, Hamish too kept a lookout for the same from his position at the bow.

Nothing. No sign of Gavin. She wrung her hands together. There were plenty of other lodgings farther along the main sea route toward Dunscaith, taverns and inns aplenty where Ethan and Gavin could’ve found safe harbor. She’d keep searching.

As the waves heaved higher and the wind blew stronger, she slid about on the bench and struggled to remain in place.

“I’ve got you.” Duncan lifted her off the seat and set her in his lap, banded one arm tight about her waist and kept her seated in place. “Dinnae fret, love. Well find them, or meet up with them at Dunscaith.”

“That is what I fret about.” What if she shouldn’t have let Ethan leave with Gavin on his own at all? Aye, if she’d gone with Ethan, Gavin and his men would certainly have been suspicious of her decision to join them, particularly when ’twas well known she sought peace over any blood being shed. “I cannae help but second-guess my decision in allowing Ethan to leave without me.”

“He’s your brother. We’re all overprotective of our loved ones.”

“Even as strong as he is with the battle skill, mistakes can still happen.” She nibbled on her lower lip. “I’m also leading you and your men into danger.” That danger growing by the minute as they traversed the waterways closer toward the MacDonald’s stronghold.

“There isnae a day that passes when danger does no’ follow me around.” He scanned the seas ahead, the choppy waves slapping into the bow as they rode the ever-rising swell toward the thin channel.

“This storm has no’ passed at all.”

“Aye, the squall grows stronger.”

The wind rushed all around and battered the sail. Waves crashed over the side of the galley, waters sloshing across the deck and making it dangerously slick. Several men grabbed pails and scooped the wash back over the side.

“We’re also about to hit the crosswinds at the eastern tip of Skye.” He shoved to his feet, set her back on the bench. “Stay right here while I navigate our way around the headland.”

“Be careful.” She squeezed his hand. “If you get hurt, I willnae be happy.”

“Duly noted, my grumpy one.” He tightened the ties of her brown rawhide coat then marched up the aisle. With the sail’s ropes in hand, he kept one and tossed the other to Hamish. The two of them bounded up onto the side of the boat and braced their feet wide, the ropes twined around their arms and their gazes narrowed on the heaving swell and fierce gale.