Chapter 12
A few days later, Flora was having second thoughts about accepting her erstwhile kidnappers offer to stay as his guest. If shed refused, as she ought to have done, she wouldnt be in this predicament.
She almost regretted her decisional most.
She could blame her acceptance of his invitation on shock, but that wouldnt be truthful. Admittedly, shed been surprised by his request, but she had given the matter some deliberation.
In truth, there was nowhere she would rather be than the dilapidated old keep that was now fading into the distance behind her. Even though Lachlan had brought her to his castle against her will, shed grown fond of the place. More than fond. With Lachlan and his sisters, Drimnin was as close to a home as shed felt in a long time. Maybe ever. Shed never lived with her sisters, and for the first time realized how much shed missed. As her mother had always been chatelaine, shed also never had the opportunity to make her own improvements on a place.
She supposed she could have returned to her cousins lodgings in Edinburgh or gone to Hector or Rory, but for all she knew, they would force her into a marriage of their liking. She gazed at the handsome man riding beside her, ignoring the self-satisfied look on his face. Although Lachlan wanted to marry her, he gave every indication that he would not force her to do sowhich was more than she could be assured of from her brothers. Marrying him was one way of getting a reprieve from her brothers agendas, she thought with a wry smile.
But Flora knew the real reason shed agreed to stay was that she couldnt bear the thought of saying good-bye to him.
But that was before hed tricked her. The wretch. She looked at him again, this time taking in the expression on his face.
On one condition. She should have known better.
Lachlan glanced at Flora as she rode beside him, her blond hair shimmering like a diamond in the sunlight. The sky was a wide swath of endless blue stretching to the hills rising in the distance. He smiled, feeling lighter than he had in quite some time.
It was a perfect day for a swim.
His companion, however, did not share his enthusiasm. Her expression landed somewhere between peeved and furious.
Now, lass, dont look so sour. You did promise. And wasnt it you who told me that I would get more bees with honey?
The look she turned on him was scathing. I dont think you understand the concept. Honey is not the same thing as blackmail.
He shrugged unrepentently, trying to hide his smile. You wouldnt have agreed otherwise. Besides, it wont be so bad. The water is shallow, and I wont let go of you. I used to swim at this loch all the time when I was a boy. Actually, its more of a small pool. Its private and sheltered by a thick copse of trees. There will be no one there to see you.
Youll be there, she said pointedly.
Aye, and he couldnt wait. Just the thought of her all wet in a thin linen sark made his blood heat. Teaching her to swim would definitely have his rewards. But Im harmless, he said with mocking innocence.
She didnt even dignify that with a response, simply snorting her disavowal.
They rode a few minutes longer, and he broached the subject that had been bothering him. Why did you never learn to swim?
She eyed him carefully, drew a deep breath, and recounted the episode at Inveraray when she was a child. The story made his blood run cold. Twice shed nearly drowned.
The chilling episode also explained more than her inability to swim. He could almost see the lonely girlmuch younger than her siblingsso eager to belong that she was willing to do anything. And he also saw what it had cost her, leaving her firmly entrenched on the outside looking in.
And youve avoided the water ever since?
She nodded. Not an easy prospect in the Highlands, as Im sure you can appreciate.
That was an understatement. Especially in the Isles, where both her brothers resided. He wondered if that perhaps explained some of her reluctance to travel to Dunvegan Castle on Skye, or to Duart Castle on Mull, for that matter.
He frowned, remembering something. You did not seem unusually nervous on the boat ride to Drimnin. And as he recalled, the sound had been particularly choppy that day.
His observation appeared to fluster her. He thought a touch of pink heightened her color, but it could have been the effects of the warm day and the vigorous ride.
I think I was more concerned about the immediate threat of having just been abducted.
He held her gaze. You were never in any danger, lass.
I wasnt so sure of that then. A soft smile turned her lips. Or now, for that matter.
It was clear that the prospect of learning how to swim truly frightened her. Perhaps if hed been aware of the circumstances, he would not have been so forceful in his method of persuasion. But then again, she wouldnt have agreed. And in this case, the end justified the means.
The lass had every right to her fear, but she could not let it control her. Trust me, Flora. I wont let anything happen to you.
He saw a slight shiver run across her shoulders and wished she were closer so that he could gather her in his arms and soothe away her fears.
You dont understand. Ive tried. Truly, I have. But something comes over me in the water. My pulse races so hard that my heart feels weak. My mind goes blank. My entire body goes rigid and my blood runs cold. My hands start to sweat and I feel queasy and light-headed.
Hed seen men with similar symptoms in battle. It was a type of extreme panic. Your reaction is certainly understandable under the circumstances. But holding on to your fear has only made you more vulnerable to the very thing that frightens you. And I know you are no coward, Flora. He held her gaze, telling her with his eyes that he meant what he said. I wont lie to you, lass. Teaching you to swim will not make you invincible. Ive lost too many men to the sea to make such a claim. But it will give you a fighting chance. And believe it or not, there is also great pleasure in it.
She nodded, but he could tell that she wasnt convinced.
The copse of trees appeared beyond the hill like an oasis. He hadnt been to this place in a long time, and unexpected memories of his father came back to him, recalling a more carefree time in his childhood. His father had brought him here one summer when repairs were being done on Breacachadh and the family had moved to Morvern. Only a few years before the death of his mother and then his father only a year later. When there had been time to ride across the moors and to fritter away a long summer day swimming in a loch. It seemed a fitting place for teaching Flora, as this was where he himself had learned to swim. Of course, his father had unceremoniously tossed him in and told him to figure it outLachlan had a slightly more civilized method planned for Flora.
He led her through the trees to the small loch. It was exactly as he remembered it. Surrounded by jagged rocks and filled by a burn that led from the mountains, the circular pool was no bigger than a hundred feet in diameter. There was something magical about the place. Without a doubt it was picturesque, with its clear blue green waters, black jagged rocks, and lush emerald green backdrop; but there was more to it than that.
He heard Flora draw in her breath. She turned to him. Its beautiful. What is it called?
The Faerie Pool.
He half expected her to laugh at the superstitions of the Highlanders whod given the loch its name, but instead she nodded in agreement. It suits. I feel like Im in another world.
Her response pleased him in a way he couldnt have imagined. The acknowledgment of the beauty of his land seemed of strange importance. It was as if she were finally relinquishing her old prejudices about the Highlands. She could be happy here. He told himself he would do whatever it took to make her so.
After helping her down, he tended to the horses, giving her time to accustom herself to the place. When he was finished, he removed a loaf of bread, some cheese, and a flagon of claret from his pack, spread out his plaid on the ground, and invited her to sit. She eyed him nervously but did as he instructed. They ate in comfortable silence, listening to the sounds of nature blooming all around them. The song of the skylark, the rustle of the wind through the leaves, the gentle trickle of the burn over the rocks as it drained into the loch. He lay on his side, propped up on his elbow, watching her. Entranced by the way her hair curled around her temple in the heat, the way the sun warmed her pale complexion, the dainty way she ate, and the way she held the flagon to her lips for just a moment too long, betraying her increasing nervousness.
It was time.
He dragged himself to his feet and held out his hand. Ready?
She looked up at him, the green flecks in her sea blue eyes even more prominent in the stark sunlight. I havent finished
He gave her an encouraging smile. It wont get any easier by delay. Come. There is nothing to be scared of. He looked around meaningfully. What could go wrong on a day like this?
A number of unpleasant things came to mind. But rather than voice them, Flora took a deep breath and slid her icy hand into his, drawing immediate strength from the warm, callused palm.
She trusted him. The truth was undeniable. Enough to brave the water and face her darkest fears.
He helped her to her feet and indicated a large boulder near the mouth of the burn. You can change over there.
She did as he instructed, making sure to take her time. Her fingers were stiff and shaky as she removed the simple stays that tied in front and the wool gown, both of which shed borrowed from Mary, grateful for the way it untied at the sides to lift over her head. She couldnt have done it by herself otherwise, and she didnt think she could take the feel of his fingers on her right now. She was ready to jump out of her skin. And it wasnt just the prospect of getting in the water that was putting her on edge.
It was Lachlan.
Something new and poignant had sprung up between them. An ease, a familiarityan intimacy that had filled her with a deep sense of contentment. By giving her freedom, hed changed everything. Turning from jailer to suitor in the bat of an eye. Opening up a world of possibilities.
He cleared his throat impatiently. Realizing he was going to come looking for her if she delayed any longer, she stepped out from behind her impromptu dressing chamber.
His brow lifted when he saw her.
She glanced down at the trews and linen shirt that shed worn under her gown, relieved to see that she was decent. Mostly. Murdoch borrowed it from your squire, she explained.
His gaze traveled down the length of her, lingering at her breasts stretching against the tight linen, her hips in the wool trews, to her naked calves and the tips of her bare toes. She saw the heat in his gaze for an instant, before he doused it with a chuckle. Those clothes dont look quite the same on you.
A flush rose to her cheeks at the obvious admiration in his voice.
Admiration that she returned wholeheartedly. Hed removed his shirt and boots and wore only his trews, which hung low on his hips, emphasizing the hard lines of his impressively muscled stomach. A warm, sultry feeling came over her just looking at him. She didnt think shed ever get used to the sight of his naked chest. The vast array of finely sculpted muscle. The strength and overwhelming masculinity. The sheer beauty of his form.
Realizing that shed been staring, she shifted her gaze to the loch. It looks cold, she said, rubbing her arms. Perhaps we should wait a little while. Until it warms up a bit.
Its one of the hottest days of the year, the water will be as tepid as a bath, he said patiently. It will be fine. He offered her his hand. Come now, lass. No more delays.
His voice was adamant but surprisingly gentle. She could try, but she knew in the end he would not be gainsaid. She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the waters edge. Her feet felt weighed down with lead, each step on the rocky dirt path a battle against the overwhelming urge to turn and run. Sensing her building trepidation, he gave her hand an encouraging squeeze.
Too soon, they reached the soft muddy bank. Not letting go of her hand, he took a few steps into the water and turned around to face her. Breathe, lass, he said softly. One step at a time.
She shook her head, the breath stuck in her throat. She couldnt. Fear had taken hold. It was just as shed described before. The panic had wrapped itself around her like a vise. I d-d-ont think I can do this, she stuttered, looking at him wildly.
The Holyrood hellion admitting defeat? Is this the same girl who once scaled parapets? he teased. What would your friends at court say?
She scowled at his attempt to prick her pride. I know very well what you are doing. It wont work.
He shrugged none too innocently. The look on his face was so out of character, she nearly laughed. Nearly. Until she looked down at the water looming only inches from her feet.
Dont look at the water. Look at me.
She did as he directed, gazing deep into the steady strength of his piercing blue eyes. God, he was incredible. So handsome that he made her insides flip.
The distraction worked. Her pulse slowed, and the tightness constricting her chest released a little. Clasping both her hands, he coaxed her gently into the loch.
At the first touch of the cool water on her toes, she gasped, pulling back instinctively.
He murmured soothing words in lilting Erse, the confidence in his gaze and voice giving her much needed courage.
She shivered as they waded waist deep into the water. Her skin prickled, the tiny hairs on her arms standing straight up. Chilled not from the water, which was pleasantly cool, but from the fear surging through her veins.
He sensed her distress and brought her closer against his chest, wrapping her firmly in his arms and allowing the heat of his body to take the chill from her skin.
You are doing beautifully, my sweet.
It didnt feel like it; she felt like a quivering mess. But she had made it this far.
Im just going to lower you a bit more into the water. Are you ready?
Isnt this deep enough? Her voice quivered noticeably.
We wont go any deeper, but you cant learn to swim standing like this. My arms will be around you the entire time, all right?
She nodded, and he slowly lowered them into the water, cradling her against him, until he was on his knees and the water lapped around her shoulders. Hed positioned her so that he held her by her waist and chest and her feet floated out to the side. She fought the nausea as the memories took hold, of the suffocating darkness, of the water filling her nose and mouth.
She couldnt do this. She had to get out of here.
Panic erupted, and she flailed wildly, trying to stand up. But his arms held her close.
Let me go! she gasped.
Shhh he said softly. I have you. You are perfectly safe.
Tears sprang to her eyes. He didnt understand. Look at himhe was a rock. Hed probably never felt a moment of fear in his life. This was so humiliating. She didnt want him to see her like this.
She buried her face against his warm neck and clasped his broad shoulders, her entire body shaking, his solid strength an iron tether to hold on to. He simply held her, easing her panic with the soft caress of his hand on her back. His hand slid down her side to her hips. To her bottom. And achingly close to between her legs. His touch was feather soft and deftly arousing. She stopped shaking. He stroked her until her body softened and the water no longer felt like a pool of lead, but lighter and freerlike a cloud. Until the panic receded and she couldnt think of anything but his hands on her skin.
They were so close, his mouth was only inches from hers. She was achingly aware of her breasts plastered against his chest. The drenched fabric of her shirt was an insignificant barrier to the wide expanse of powerful muscle.
There was nothing decent about her garments now. Nothing of her shape was hidden from his view. And though he was taking pains not to make her self-conscious, she knew he was very aware of it as well.
Is that better? he murmured against her ear, the warmth of his breath making her shiver again.
She wanted nothing more than to dissolve against him. Her body felt warm and languid, but also aroused and aching for his touch. Which was exactly what hed intended. She eyed him. The rogue. But there was some consolation. If the strain on his face was any indication, he was not unaffected.
Yes, she answered. It is better. Your teaching method is somewhat unconventional, but effective. She shifted against him, not surprised to feel the hard length of his erection nudging her bottom. Good, he was just as aroused as she. And dangerous.
His fingers trailed down the curve of her spine. A teasing stroke when she wanted pressure. Aye, he admitted. Very dangerous.
Realizing shed best put an end to this perilous game, she lifted her gaze back to his. Whats next?
The passion still burned in his gaze. A simmering threat or a promise, she didnt know.
The next part you must do on your own. I want you to dip your chin in the water, up to your nose, keeping your mouth closed. You will still be able to breathe through your nose. Like this. He demonstrated.
Her eyes widened. She wanted to refuse, but he was right: She would never learn to swim and always be vulnerable if she kept allowing fear to win.
Which, of course, was easier said than done. She tried three times, but each time the water started to close over her mouth, her head seemed to jerk up of its own volition.
He held her hands, murmuring little encouragements, but it didnt help.
She looked at him hopelessly. Its no use. I cant do it.
He tipped her chin with his finger so that he was looking right into her eyes. Your fear will not go away in one day, lass. Dont be so hard on yourself. Youve already made great progress.
Youre not disappointed in me? She bit her lip. I know youre busy, and I havent proved a very apt student.
A lazy smile curved his wide, sensual mouth. A mouth that teased and spoke of so many unknown pleasures. Rather the opposite. I look forward to more lessons. I cant imagine a morehe slid his hand down the curve of her hipdelightful pupil.
Floras cheeks warmed. Youre enjoying this.
Every minute, he admitted unabashedly. Would you like to try one more time? His mouth moved just a fraction of an inch closer. She felt the warm spice of his breath on her cheek. The tiny hairs on the back of her neck rose. Her pulse spiked, but not with fear. Every nerve ending was ragged with anticipation. She would agree to anything, if only he would kiss her.
What did you have in mind? she breathed.
Another wee distraction.
His dark voice seeped into her bones. She shivered as his hand slid achingly close to her breast. He could reach out and stroke her with his thumb.
He was driving her mad with his touch. With his gentle teasing. All she could think about was his mouth on hers, his hands covering her body and appeasing the wicked sensations firing through her body.
Concentrate on my mouth.
I am. Dear God, I can think of nothing else. She could almost taste the warm spiciness of his breath. She nodded, her body drumming with desire.
He covered her mouth with his, and her heart slammed into her chest. Slowly, he lowered her under the water and then back up. It was just for a moment, but it worked.
He broke the kiss and she opened her eyes right into his. Her face lit with accomplishment. I did it!
He returned her smile. You did. Well done, lass. It wont be long before you are swimming like one of the Maighdean na Tuinne.
She wrapped her hands around his neck, looking deep into those incredible blue eyes. She loved the way the light reflected off the rare strand of gold hidden deep in the chestnut of his hair. I dont know how to thank you, she said softly.
He pulled her to her feet to stand before him, so that she was stretched against the long length of him. The evidence of his desire pulsed hard against her stomach. His hand slid up to cup her breast, and a wave of delicious heat poured through her. He rubbed his thumb over her nipple, and a rush of sensation spread between her legs. She felt as though she were breaking apart, just from his touch.
A kiss, he said, his mouth a hairbreadth from hers. You can thank me with a kiss.
A kiss wouldnt be enough. Not for her. Her body ached for his touch. For his possession. She wanted him. Enough to throw caution to the wind. She knew well what she risked. But her virginity had never been a sacred object for her. Indeed, it only made her a more valuable marriage prize. In truth, shed do well to be rid of it. But until shed met the Laird of Coll, there had never been a man shed wanted enough to risk the censure.
By rousing her curiosity, hed already shattered her innocence. Since that day in the lairds chamber when hed stroked her body, bringing her to the point of something cataclysmic and beautiful. Something that set her body on edge every time he touched her. Something that needed to be satisfied. Maybe then she could think clearly.
Flora had never been one to allow consequences to rule her actions. She wanted him, and there was nothing to prevent her from having him. She wanted the culmination of the closeness shed felt in his bed. The intimacy of sharing her body with this man. Instinctively, she knew he was keeping something from her, holding back a part of himself. This would bring them closer, and then maybe he would confide in her.
Rising on her tiptoes, she offered herself with a kiss. Never having attempted to seduce a man before, she acted solely on instinct. A slow drag of the lips, a wicked dart of the tongue along the seam of his mouth, a soft nuzzle of her cheek against the coarse scrape of his jaw. She pressed her body against his enticingly and ever so slightly brushed up and down against him, circling her hips against his erection and raking her nipples against his naked chest. Telling him in every way possibleexcept with wordsthat she wanted him.
He stood stone still, seemingly unaffected. But she could feel the furious pounding of his heart against hers.
She drew back and looked into the violent maelstrom of his gaze. Will that suffice?
She could see the pulse in his neck as he fought for control. Yes. His voice was strained and ragged. That will do just fine.
But it wasnt enough for her. Emboldened, she brought her hand between them and trailed her fingers across the ridges of his stomach muscles, the heel of her hand brushing over the heavy round head of his erection, which just broke through the edge of the water. Are you sure?
Flora, he hissed. But she ignored the warning and covered him with her hand, wrapping her fingers firmly around his thickness. He swore. She could see the strain in his body, the tautness of his shoulders, the flex of his arms at his side. She felt empowered, relishing the exquisite sensation of harnessing such powerful masculinity in her hand. She felt bold and wicked as she touched him with her fingers. He allowed her to explore him, but she could see the toll it was taking on him. Every muscle in his body pulsed with restraint. But when she squeezed him lightly, dragging her hand down the long length of him, he snapped.
He pulled her against him and kissed her with the passion that had struggled to break free, sliding his tongue in her mouth, claiming her in the most basic way. He kissed her long and hard, with a dark carnality that hinted at the erotic pleasures to come.
She was drawn to the dangerous intensity that threatened just under the surface of this man. Sensing in him something similar in herself. The very thing that had made her touch him so boldly. A wild, base sensuality that was only waiting to be unleashed. Making love with Lachlan Maclean would be raw and powerful. And like a moth to the flame, she was helpless to fight the pull of attraction.
His mouth was on her neck, her breasts in his hands. Cupping her. Pinching her nipples lightly until she writhed in innocent frustration against him. The scratch of his beard on her skin as his mouth trailed down her neck drove her mad. She felt ready to explode. Impatient to discover all the pleasure he had in store.
Her hands splayed across the muscles of his back, feeling the tension waiting to be unharnessed. Her legs went weak with her need of him.
Hed untied her shirt, and his mouth had found the tops of her breasts. Her skin was so hot, every kiss blazing a fiery path in its wake. His tongue flicked her taut nipple, and the teasing, gyrating movements increased her frenzy. When he finally took her in his mouth, a sound of raw pleasure escaped from between her lips. She arched her back as he sucked her harder. Plying her nipple with the gentle tug of his teeth and tongue. She writhed helplessly, pressing urgently against his erection. Cradling him between the apex of her legs. At her very core.
He groaned, a deep guttural sound that hinted of danger. He was holding her against him, taking her with his mouth and hands, but it wasnt enough. She wanted more pressure, more of everything. She wanted to feel the weight of him on top of her. She wanted him inside her.
She wanted everything he had to give.
Blood pounded in his ears. The urge to explode in her hand was crushing. Hed never been this close to losing control. Never been so damned aroused as when shed circled him in her hand and milked him so innocentlyand so perfectly. Hed fought the urge to come and hadnt been completely successful. His stomach clenched as he fought the pull, but a few drops escaped nonetheless.
He wanted to strip her down and caress every inch of her with his mouth and tongue. She was driving him insane with her innocent touch. With her eagerness. With her open desire.
The heavy haze of lust had crashed over him so completely, it took every ounce of his will to pull back.
She was offering herself to him, and the hardest thing hed ever had to do was not take her.
He hadnt known until this moment to what lengths he would go to see her bound to him. But his sense of honor, at least as far as she was concerned, went deeper than hed realized. He might not be able to risk telling her the whole truth about Argylls complicity in arranging their marriage, but he would not seduce her and take her virginity. Not until she agreed to marry him. He just prayed that she didnt wait too long. His body raged with pent-up desire. The fullness in his loins had long passed the point of pain.
Mindful of her fear in the water, he held her firmly but nonetheless pushed her away. We have to stop now, he said through clenched teeth. I wont take your innocence. Not without marriage.
Her mouth was swollen and red from his kiss, her eyes hazy with passion. I dont want to stop.
His heart paused for one long beat, not daring to believe what hed heard. She would marry him. He looked deep into her fathomless blue eyes. You know what you are saying? You would come to me of your own free will? You will not try to claim later that I seduced you into agreement?
His voice was fierce, refusing to allow for the possibility until he heard it from her own lips. But every muscle strained. He wanted this more than hed ever wanted anything in his life.
I understand the consequences. She took a step toward him and put her hand firmly on his chest. I want you.
Blood surged through his body, and he shook with the last threads of restraint. He clasped her hand and brought it to his mouth. His lips pressed against her damp fingers. There will be no going back. If you give yourself to me, I want all of you.
A flash of uncertainty flickered in her gaze, but she nodded.
Elation spread through him. The significance of this moment would be forever etched on his memory. Of this sophisticated, beautiful woman giving herself to him. A thick ball lodged in his chest. He was overwhelmed by the force of emotion swelling inside him.
He swept her into his arms and carried her to shore. God, he would make this perfect for her. With what shed given him, he could give no less.
Carefully, as if she were the most precious treasure in the world, he laid her down on the plaid.
He sensed her uncertainty and, now that it was agreed, her rising embarrassment.
Bending over her, he took her chin in his hand and placed a tender kiss on her lips. There is no shame in what we will share, Flora.
She nodded shyly and circled her hands around his neck, bringing his mouth down to hers.
He drank her in. Sliding his tongue in her mouth, he circled her slowly, delving into the deepest recesses as his fingers stroked the velvety softness of her neck.
Her tongue entwined with his, meeting the sensuous thrust with her own and making urgent little sounds that tore to shreds his intention to take it slowly.
His hands were on her. Cupping the heavy weight of her breasts, squeezing the fullness in his hands, as his tongue thrust against hers in the slow rhythm of lovemaking.
Her skin was on fire, her nipples tight and pebbled in his palm. He pinched her with his fingers until she arched against him, her need painfully clear.
Breaking the kiss, he slid his hands under the damp fabric of her shirt and lifted it to expose her breasts. The ivory perfection took his breath away. Her waist was flat and thin, in contrast with the very womanly curves that rose and fell enticingly with the quickening of her breath.
God, youre beautiful. She shifted her gaze shyly, but he turned her face back to his. Do not hide from me, lass. Ive waited for this for too long. This time, I intend to savor every naked inch of you.
He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on each delicate pink tip, then helped her shimmy the shirt over her head. And then he worked the trews she wore. Deftly, he untied the wet knot and slid his hands around her hips. She was so slim, he could almost span her with his hands.
She sucked in her breath as he slowly slid the wet wool down her long legs.
He wanted nothing more than to take off his own trews and lay naked on top of her. But not yet. He didnt want to frighten her.
He drew in his breath, allowing his gaze to roam over her nakedness. The sun drenched over her; she radiated golden warmth. Her hair had begun to dry and glistened like a golden crown around her head. He skimmed his hands over her, memorizing every flawless inch of her.
She shifted uncomfortably, and his hand turned from reverent to caressing. He stroked her breasts and nuzzled his face between them, inhaling the sweet floral scent of her skin.
She was so sweetly restless against him. So eager for pleasure that he chuckled, murmuring for patience.
Finally, he took the ripe tip of her breast in his mouth, sucking hard as she arched her back against him so urgently that he could feel her body shudder in his hands.
He knew how close she was to falling apart. Never could he have imagined her responsiveness. Her deep sensuality.
Ignoring his own frantic need, he took it slowly. Drawing every ounce of pleasure from her as he brought her to the very brink just by sucking her breasts.
What would happen when he touched her?
He slid his hand down her flat belly and cupped her mound. She let out a cry of such pleasure, his erection jerked hard against her hip. He was so hard, he strained painfully against the damp fabric of his trews.
Her hips pressed against him, and he fought the fierce surge of heated pressure to his loins. He ached to thrust up high inside her, feeling her damp heat surround him like a tight glove. But damn it, he would make this good for her if it killed him. He slid one long finger deep inside her. She was deliciously wet and responsive. He kissed her again, probing her mouth with his tongue as he probed her core with his finger. She writhed against him, pressing her breasts against his naked chest. Lifting her hips to meet the frantic rhythm.
God, she was going to come. She was killing him. He slid his mouth over her jaw, down her neck, and down her velvety soft belly until hed positioned his face between her legs.
Her skin was flushed and pink with their lovemaking. He would picture her like this always, he thought, feeling a surprisingly sharp tug in his chest. Never had she looked more beautiful. She was his.
She eyed him warily. Not knowing what he intended, but perhaps guessing. What
All of you, Flora, he reminded her. I want all of you. He held her gaze as his tongue flicked out to taste her. It was the most darkly erotic moment of his life. Looking into her eyes, seeing her surprise, tasting her on his tongue, and feeling her body quiver with a surge of damp pleasure.
Any objections shed been about to make were lost as he cupped her soft bottom and lifted her fully to his mouth, sliding his tongue deep inside her.
He heard her moan, felt her shake, and watched as her body gave over to the pleasure he was bringing her. Watched as every last veil of modesty dissolved under the skilled movements of his mouth and tongue.
She fought it. Not wanting to succumb so completely. Not wanting to lose control. But he was mercilessteasing her, bringing her to the very peak, and forcing her over. He murmured encouraging words as he laved, nibbled, and sucked. And then he felt it. The contraction. The sweet spasm of her climax. She tensed as the power of her release took her and cried out, pulsing against his hungry mouth.
It wasnt enough. He brought her hard to her second orgasm, finding the sweet spot of her pleasure with his lips sucking and entering her with his finger again, until she came again hard on the heels of her first.
She was soft and hot and finally ready for him.
His erection throbbed. He couldnt wait any longer. Quickly, he unfastened his trews and slid them off.
Flora thought shed died and gone to heaven. Twice. Never could she have imagined anything so wonderful. Slowly the ebb faded, and she became intensely aware of the naked man beside her.
Unable to resist, she ventured a curious glance. Her eyes widened as she took him in. Hed removed his trews, and he was even more impressive than shed imagined.
Though what shed imagined she didnt know, except that it was nothing close to the reality. Of course, shed known he was large from touching him. But there was something quite different in seeing him for herself. There was something inherently beautiful about the evidence of his desire, but also threatening. Her courage faltered. Knowing what he planned to do, but not exactly how it would work. How could her body accommodate a man of his size? Given the length and girth, it didnt seem possible.
Dont worry, lass, your body will stretch, he said, reading her mind with frightening accuracy. It will hurt for but a moment. Only once.
She nodded but still didnt quite believe him.
Touch me, Flora, he whispered, his voice hoarse with need. The way you did before.
She lifted her hand between them, grazing her fingers across the hard planes of his stomach before brushing her hand across his tip.
He jerked in apparent pain. She started to withdraw, but he shook his head. Dont. It feels good. Too good.
A warm feeling ran through her, and she touched him again, this time taking him fully in her hand. Her fingers were barely able to close around his thickness. He felt amazing, the soft surrounding his rigid length. Like a velvet glove over a pillar of steel.
He groaned when she touched him. Clenching his jaw and closing his eyes as she watched the sensations coursing through his body.
She explored him with her fingers, relishing the way every touch seemed to increase his pleasure. She traced a line with her fingertip down the long length of him, rubbed her thumb over the soft head, wondering at the drop of liquid that seeped from him.
He swore and pulled her hand from him. Dropping his head to kiss her passionately. She felt the heat build, felt the desire build, as he slid his finger inside her again.
She could see the effort it was taking him to go slowly. If his release was anything like hers, she could only imagine the instincts clamoring in him to find his pleasure. Shed been almost mindless in her need for him. Not caring about anything but the powerful sensations racking her body.
God, his mouth had been on her most private parts. And it had been amazing.
Hed placed his hands on either side of her shoulders, the shadow of his broad chest cast over her possessively. The muscles in his shoulders and arms bulged with the effort of restraint. She ran her hands over his back, savoring the heat of his skin and the hardness of his body.
He positioned himself between her legs and slowly started to enter her. Nudging her wider with each inch that he sank into her. It was the oddest sensation. She felt stretched and full and possessed at the same time.
His face was tense and strained. He held her gaze as he slid into her inch by wicked inch.
It started to pinch. Her body tensed. He was wrong. She couldnt do this. He wouldnt fit.
Maybe this wasnt a good idea after all.
He sensed her sudden misgivings. Only a minute, Flora. He looked into her eyes. Trust me.
Their eyes locked, and something intense passed between them. She nodded, too moved to speak. He held her gaze as he pushed a little deeper.
Her heart hitched. The poignancy of the moment blocked out the pain for an instant. Finally, with one thrust he sank deep inside herso deep that it felt as though hed touched her heart.
She winced with the knife of pain and resisted the reflexive urge to push against him. He held perfectly still, allowing her body to adjust to the invasion.
He kissed her again, tenderly and with such raw emotion that the pain was all but forgotten.
And when he started to move, all she could think of were the exquisite sensations rocking her body.
He started slowly, pulling in and out of her body in a sensuous rhythm, allowing her to savor every powerful inch of him. Each stroke was like a caress. He made love to her with a heart-wrenching tenderness that was all the more surprising coming from this rough, rugged Highlander. Never could she have imagined this.
But soon it wasnt enough. She knew he was holding back, and like him, she wanted everything.
She kissed him harder, the way hed taught her to do. She clenched his back as her legs wrapped around his buttocks and she lifted her hips to meet his thrusts.
Relishing the increased frenzy of his thrusts, knowing that it was working. His hands were rough on her body, the hard calluses providing exquisite sensation as he crushed her breasts in his hands. He was losing control. Mindless with passion. For her.
It was rough and raw and absolutely perfect. He slammed into her harder and deeper. The intensity shook her to her core. She felt the pressure build inside her, felt the quivering that was even deeper and more powerful than before.
She started to shatter, breaking apart in thousands of tiny pieces like glass. And then, amazingly, so did he. With one last thrust he sank deep inside her and cried out as the force of his release surged through him and into her.
He collapsed on top of her. But Flora was so weak, her body so heavy, she barely noticed the added weight.
He rolled to the side and was so quiet for a moment, she thought hed fallen asleep.
She didnt know what to say. Their bodies, it seemed, had said everything.
He took a lock of her hair and slid it through his fingertips. Suddenly self-conscious, she felt her cheeks heat. Feeling oddly vulnerable, she didnt trust herself to look at him. Not sure what it would reveal.
Well be wed as soon as the banns can be read.