The Highlander's Curse (17 page)

“Well
then, who am I tae argue?” His fingers brushed over my back as the laces
loosened inch by slow inch. The dress fell to my waist, leaving my top half in
nothing but a thin slip and bra. My Highlander hesitated then, his gaze falling
to my breasts, my bra visible through the damp cloth.

“Don’t
stop,” I whispered, causing his gaze to meet mine. “I get cold when you stop.”

“Elizabeth.”
He wiped at some of the rain falling down his face. “I dinna want tae stop. If
ye only kent how much I want ye. But we shouldn’ae be daein’ this. It’s wrong.”

My
heart slumped, feeling like it fell into my belly. “Does it
feel
wrong?”

“
Nae!
Ye dinna ken how hard it is for me tae say this.” My Scot shook his head as his
hands roamed down my back. “If I’d nae manners a’tall I wouldn’ae hae said
anythin’.”

I drew
my hands up his chest and rested them on his shoulders. “What if I asked you
not to stop?”

His
brows shot up. “Ye…like it?”

“
Aye
,”
I said, imitating his accent. “
I love this, and I doona want you to quit
.”

The
most miraculous expression came over his face and he chuckled before pressing
his forehead against mine. “I think yer wantin’ us tae go farther than I can
allow.”

“I’m
just planning to go as far as this takes us.” I wanted him. And on top of that,
my own rule of sex before marriage was niggling in the back of my mind. That,
and the fact that only days ago, this sexy Highlander had told me he’d probably
never get married.

I guess
things changed.

“We
canna. Dae ye ken what it would dae tae yer reputation?”

“I don’t
see anyone here but us.”

“And we’re
no’ mairrit.”

“Yet.”

He
pulled back, blinking at me as different expressions crossed his face. “A man
and a woman canna just hae relations wi’out bein’ wed. It’s no’ like that here,
Elizabeth.”

“I know
that,” I said, a little sharply. I didn’t like that angry tone in his voice. “It’s
just, that’s something I can control, right here, right now. I can’t control
anything else going on in my life, except for this
one
thing.” I laughed
bitterly. “Do you really not want to do this?”

“It’s
no’ that I dinna
want
tae.”

He
clearly did want to, if that hard length pressing against me was any
indication.

“It
looks like the weather’s clearin’,” he said suddenly, his gaze drawn to the
sky.

The
moment was over.

I
peered out of our tiny shelter and saw a break in the rain clouds, bright
sunlight shining down on the green hills of Mull.

“We
should travel as far as we can. There’s nae tellin’ how long until it storms
again.” Cailen pushed me slowly off of him so we could crawl out of our hiding
spot. As soon as we were standing, he silently did up the laces of my dress and
handed me my bag.

I felt
hot, and really, really bothered at what just happened. I’d been ready to
actually have
sex
with him, and he’d passed. I’d never felt strongly
enough for anyone to give it up, and when I finally did, the guy
passed
.

I
fought back tears as embarrassment crushed me.
Keep breathing, Scar.
Not
being wanted wasn’t new to me, but it had been years since I’d experienced it.
Memories of junior high came flooding back. I hadn’t been good enough for
anyone then either.

I
followed a few feet behind Cailen as he strode through the light green grass
that covered the hillside. It looked like I was going to be a virgin bride
after all.

CHAPTER TEN

I was pretty much fed up
with walking everywhere. For days, we’d done nothing but walk and hide. And now
we were on an island that had a lot more fields of grass and a lot less shade.
I was sunburned and my heart ached from the Highlander’s rejection. At least
the sun was about to set.

For
most of our walk, he’d remained a good distance in front of me. It was only
during the last hour or so that he’d held back, making sure that we walked side
by side.

“Ye’ve
been quiet. Are ye feelin’ well?” Cailen asked, peering down at me.

“I’m
fine.”
I’m freakin’ pissed off, that’s what I am.
If he didn’t want me,
then why in the hell drag me all this way to marry me?

“Mayhap
I’ve upset ye?”

“Oh?
And why would you think that? Why would getting rejected
upset
me?” I
could handle it if he just didn’t like me that way. I’d turned down guys I wasn’t
interested in—it was what it was. But the Highlander had given me those
smoldering looks. He’d held me, and taken care of me. If he hadn’t been falling
for me, then why do all that?

“I’ve
been worried that had done it.”

I
sighed and picked up my pace as we got closer and closer to a small patch of
trees. With so few places to remain hidden from other Scots, Cailen was
constantly on watch, waiting for any sign of movement.

“In a
hurry?”

“To get
away from you.” I flicked my gaze at him from over my shoulder. He’d sped up as
well, and was only a few steps behind me.

“Och,
lass. I didnae mean tae anger ye.”

I
ducked under the low branches of a tree, making my way into the miniature
forest until he said we were far enough inside to avoid detection. I dropped my
purse onto the ground and sat down next to it. “I think we’re done talking
about it.”

“Nae,
we’re no’.” Cailen sat down, far enough away that we weren’t touching this
time. “Ye and I are verra different,” he added. “Perhaps in yer time, it’s
common for a man tae take a woman wi’nae regard for her. But I was no’ raised
that way. I was taught tae respect lasses, and that beddin’ one was a gift
meant only tae be shared wi’ the woman I wed.”

“There’s
another difference between us,” I said, brushing at my dress that still hadn’t
dried. Ugh, I just wanted to take the damn thing off. I couldn’t stand it. I
couldn’t stand anything about this place—about this time. “You have a choice of
who you want to marry. I’m being forced into it.”

“Dae I?
And here I thought I was in the same boat as ye in that regard.”

Our
gazes clashed and I looked away quickly, feeling a blush crawl up my neck and
flame my face. So he did plan on marrying me. He just didn’t want to. I groaned
and stood up as much as I could, scurrying away from him with my purse in hand.
Reaching behind my back, I yanked on the laces and pulled open the two sides of
the dress until I was able to shimmy it off.

“What
dae ye think yer daein’?” Cailen asked, following me again.

“I’m
taking off this damn dress. I need to feel like
me
right now, because I
don’t feel like me anymore. Uh oh, you better turn around. I’m about to get
naked and we both know you don’t want to see that.” I turned, peering over my
shoulder and saw that he had actually stopped stalking toward me. There was a
mixed expression on his face: shock, for sure; anger, maybe; and something
else. I glared and dropped the slip, the fabric pooling at my feet as Cailen
gaped at me. He squeezed his eyes shut and turned away with a long growl.

Yanking
my shirt and skirt from my bag, I drew them on with a
humph
and stomped
away from the bastard. I’d never felt so ugly—so unwanted. And the Highlander
was following me again. Whirling around, I pegged him with another angry glare.
“Am I really that repulsive in this time? Because Donnan MacDougall didn’t
think—”

“Dinna
e’er say that man’s name again, woman,” Cailen warned, his voice lower than I’d
heard since that night in Donnan’s house. He bolted toward me, bending as he
lifted me in his arms and held the back of my head so I couldn’t look away. “And
ye are far from
repulsive
. I didnae take ye because I’m a gentleman. I’ve
tried tae ignore what I feel, but ye’ve tested ma patience long enough.”

Oh.
I couldn’t breathe suddenly, the desire in his voice
rolling through me like a caress.

He laid
me down on the ground, his hand running up my body. “Dinna expect me tae be so
well-mannered anymore.”

His
words, along with that menacing growl in his voice, stoked a fire in me. I was
useless except to peer up at him as he laid his body on top of me and melded
his mouth with mine. I closed my eyes, relishing in the feel of him. He was
rough and angry, and very, very ready for sex. Maybe as much as I was.

Wait,
he hadn’t wanted this. He’d turned me down. Forcing my lips from his, I
breathed, “I don’t want this from you out of pity.”

“Shhh.”
He kissed me again. “Pity has naethin’ tae dae wi’this. We both ken I’ve wanted
ye. I’ll no’ deny us any longer.”

My
Highlander’s hands rubbed and grasped at me, and I did the same. He was all
muscle. All strength. All male. Running my palms up his arms, I stopped every
few inches to just enjoy every flex of muscle I felt: across his shoulders,
along his back, and down his chest and stomach.

He was
beautiful. And he was all mine.

My
fingers wrapped around his cock, and he jumped, a groan escaping him as he
pulled back from me. “Easy lass,” he breathed, holding something in front of my
face. “Now, exactly how does this work?”

I
focused on the shiny silver vibrator in his hand, and moaned. “It doesn’t
matter. Just keep doing what you’re doing. It’s good.”
So good.
I wanted
more. I needed more.

“Hmm.”
Cailen peered down, holding his weight on one fist, with only his hips and legs
still lying against me. “Maybe we should stop.”

“No!
No, no, no!”

“Will
ye tell me then?”

“Ugh.
Fine. You just twist it.”

“Show
me.”

“Cailen,
please
?”

“Show
me, or I’ll stop now.”

I
groaned, snatching the bullet from him and turning half of it, making it
vibrate.

He
nabbed it back from me, and gaped at it before narrowing his eyes on me. “How?”

How did
it vibrate or how did it help? My head fell back against the ground and I
sighed. I reached up and guided Cailen’s hand to the junction of my legs,
pressing the silver bullet against me. I’d tried not to, but the feel of it had
me squirming like crazy. My Highlander was motionless with the most miraculous
expression on his face.

He
caught me looking, and cleared his throat. “This really…It really
pleases
ye?”

“Mmm.”
I smiled. “What do you think?”

“I
think I’ve ne’er seen anythin’ like this.”

“Like
this?” I asked, pointing to the bullet. “Or like me?”

“Neither.”

The toy
hit a particularly sensitive spot, and I moaned and wiggled again.

“What
am I tae dae wi’it?”

“Just
what you’re doing. Oh God,
Cailen
. I want more.” I was already breathing
rapidly. My entire body started quaking and I arched up to kiss him. “Let me
touch you.”

The
Scot’s eyes widened slowly. “Ye want tae touch me?”

“Like I
did before. Please.”

He
changed positions and I reached up his kilt, gripping his shaft. At the first
pump, Cailen arched and the vibrator left my skin. “Sorry. Och, dae it again.”

Oh
really
?
“You like that?”

“Aye.
Dae it again.”

His
barked command nearly sent me over, but I reined it in, fascinated by this
rugged Highlander who, until now, had been so strong and sure of himself. I
wielded that power over him in this moment. I didn’t want to give it up, and I
didn’t want him to know that he held the same over me. I’d never allowed myself
to get this close to any man; vowed that I wouldn’t until I was sure of one
that I could give up everything for. The freedom to choose the man I wanted to
share my life with was gone now, but surprisingly, our lives had intertwined in
this incredible way, and my feelings for him only grew every day. Even during
the times I hated him, I’d wanted him and berated myself over it. He was a
victim of circumstance every bit as much as I was, but finally he was seeing my
way in this. If we were about to be wed—whether we were ready to or not—why not
see if we enjoyed each other before taking that plunge?

“Take
off your shirt. I want to feel your skin. I want to touch all of you.”

He did
as I said, untying the laces at the top of his shirt and loosening them
one-handed, just enough to yank it off over his head.

I
stroked him once more, up and down, his body trembling with every inch. I could
watch every muscle in his body flex all day. As it was, with every pump of my
fist on his shaft, he grew more excited—more primal. More commanding. Soon, he
was on top of me as he pressed the vibrating toy against my core, sending me
closer and closer to that cliff I’d been holding myself from.

“Does
this feel as good as what yer daein’ tae me?” he groaned, his eyes desperate.

I
nodded, and gave him a faster pump.

“Oh
God, lass. I dinna want ye tae stop. I want ye tae feel this way. Tell me what
tae dae.”

I could
barely think anymore, and I didn’t realize I’d reached up and brought his free
hand to the apex of my legs until I’d already guided him there. With the first
touch of his fingers, I moaned again. “Inside.”

Seconds
passed before I felt a finger press inside me. It was incredible. And it was
all I’d needed. My entire body spasmed and I cried out as wave after wave of
bliss rocked me. I came back down from my crest, still stroking Cailen’s cock
as he came, his semen jetting from his shaft as he groaned and clutched me to
him. I was rapt again, and kept at it until he halted my hand.

“I
dinna think I can take anymore,” he breathed. Cailen pressed his forehead to
mine and our gazes locked just before he kissed me. He rolled, pulling me in
close to his side and guiding my head onto his chest. His breathing slowed and
we both started to relax into sleep. “Ma braw, wee Elizabeth.”

****

I couldn’t stop smiling
after our encounter. There was only one thing that could’ve made it better:
Cailen going inside me. If I’d been able to think clearly at the time, I would
have guided him there.

We
still hadn’t technically had sex, but it was a lot further than I’d ever gone
before. And it left me wanting more.

I
thought my sweet Highlander might have been thinking the same thing. Ever since
we’d woken in the night and continued our trek over the island, he’d been so
attentive, holding limbs out of my way, or lifting me over prickly patches that
would’ve poked through the leather straps around my feet. I’d caught him
glancing at me and smiling more times than I could count. He even caved and let
me spend the day in my own clothes, which helped tremendously. They really did
make me feel like my normal self again.

My
thoughts constantly drifted to him: the way he looked in the throes of passion,
the way his lips felt against mine, the weight of his body on top of me, the
velvety softness of his penis.

He’d
also turned playful during our travels today, only growing serious at the threat
of other people nearby, which were possibly the MacDougalls. I still didn’t understand
how people who lived so close to each other could war, but it seemed like such
an important thing to him, that I couldn’t doubt its validity.

For the
last while now, we’d been mostly out in the open, navigating the grassy hills
by moonlight. The grass was broken up sometimes by houses, rock pillars, and
standing stones. He’d called some of them cairns. I brightened, seeing a new
clump of trees in the distance. Trees meant privacy. “How much longer do you
think?”

“Until
we reach ma clan? Och, we’ll reach it on the morrow, I should think. We may
need tae stop for the rest o’ the night.” He peered over at me. “Unless ye’d
like tae continue?”

No, I
didn’t want to keep walking. I wanted to stop for a bit and put more medicine
on my foot since the last dose had been early that morning. Not to mention the other
things we could do to keep us busy. “Actually, I had something else in mind.
You’ll just have to catch me to find out exactly what.”

I
yanked my Juicy tee off over my head and flung it at him before dashing into the
trees. He made a sound that made my entire body tingle in anticipation of
another match with my Highlander. I looked back only once, long enough to see
that he’d bent to grab my shirt from the ground before he’d set off after me.