Her view from the back of the wagon was limited and it annoyed her to no end. Whenever Lachlan rode past it, she could not see or know what he did. Claire spent every minute he was within eyesight searching his face for a sign of what he thought.

Claire wasn't sure what to do about her failed plan. She'd hoped once seducing Lachlan, he would then inform Ian about her actions and they'd return her to McLean lands breaking the agreement between the clans. But now it was what she feared.

Even if married to the laird, she would rather remain with the McDougall clan and have the opportunity to see Lachlan on occasion. For she had never felt so aware of someone, so tied to a man until him.

The worst thing she'd accomplished in all of this was to fully understand that the one man she desired more than anything, could never be hers. It was easy to see what he felt this day. Unlike her, he was sorry for what happened between them. He kept his distance from her. They'd barely spoken at all since their night together.

Guilt hung over him like a heavy cape. Of course. He was a man of honor and did not take the matter of betraying his own brother, and soon to be laird, lightly. She, on the other hand, was glad it happened. At least now she knew what passion felt like and that it did exist.

From the corner of her eye she caught him looking at her. She turned to face him and smiled. His lips curved just a bit before they straightened and he frowned.

"My lady needs to rest. Can we stop for a bit?" Her maid spoke to Lachlan, the woman not at all intimidated by the warrior.

"Aye." He urged the horse forward and disappeared from her view.

Claire studied her maid. "Why did you ask for us to stop now? We will be setting up camp in a few hours. The sun will be setting soon."

Maggie gave her a knowing soft smile. "Ye must speak to McDougall in private. Make one last attempt to keep from marrying his brother."

Something fluttered in her chest at how obvious her feelings were. "It won't do any good, Maggie. He will not bring dishonor to his clan."

"Just the same. Try my lady. It is obvious what transpires between the both of you. It's a rare thing to see it." Maggie sighed and wrapped her arms around her slender waist. "It is what Seamus and I have."

The farmer who tended the clan's harvest, Seamus O'Malley, traveled with them to live with the McDougalls since Maggie would go with Claire. He was a good man, always whistling while tending to his chores.

"Seamus is a charmer." Claire smiled at seeing Maggie blush. "I could only wish for what you have."

"That is why you must fight for your love, milady."

They stopped near a stream in an enchanting clearing that beckoned a wanderer to stop and rest. Claire walked from the wagon and looked over her shoulder toward Lachlan, who watched her with interest.

She didn't acknowledge him, but instead kept walking until she reached the edge of the water away from where the rest of the men were watering their mounts and splashing water on their faces.

The water was fresh and cool when she dipped her hands into it. With hands cupped, she lifted some and drank. From her sleeve she pulled a smaller cloth and dipped it into the water, then ran it over her face and neck.

"Are you feeling ill?" Lachlan's voice startled her and she dropped her cloth into the water.

He bent to retrieve it and handed it to her, his eyes studying her face.

"No, just tired of being in the cramped wagon. I needed to stretch my legs, but honestly, we didn't have to stop. Maggie was worried about me."

He nodded. "We should have stopped earlier. I forget women are not used to long hours of traveling." Lachlan cupped her face, lifting it up. "I am not sure what will happen when we reach my home."

"I do not wish to marry your brother." She mirrored him by cupping his jaw. "Can't I marry you instead?"

Lachlan's eyes widened. "You wish to marry me?"

"To my surprise, I find you agreeable. I want to be with you again and again. I cannot stop thinking about it."

His lips parted and he let out a breath. She almost smiled when he looked around as if to find a private place. "I do not know what to do to be honest with you, Claire."

"Come." She took his hand and pulled him away from the others to behind some trees. "Take me and know I am only yours."

Lachlan wasted no time loosening his breeches. He hoisted her up against a tree while somehow managing to reach under her skirts to move them out of the way.

Claire held to his broad shoulders already wet with want. Her breathing hitched when the head of his cock pushed against her entrance. His hungry mouth took hers and at the same time he thrust his entire length in.

"Oh!" Claire closed her eyes and allowed the wondrous friction to consume her. Heavenly was the only description she could think at the sounds of Lachlan's quiet moans while he moved in and out of her.

"Come with me, beauty." His words were deep and husky as he sped his movements. "Ahhhh!"

She trembled while grabbing his face and bringing his mouth to hers.

Too soon he withdrew and helped her to her feet. Lachlan's face was devoid of emotion while he adjusted his clothing.

Fear that he'd not fight for them seized Claire and she grabbed his arm. "What are you thinking? Are you sorry about what is happening between us?"

His worry-filled eyes met hers. "No, I am not sorry. Give me time to think on this." He kissed her and motioned for her to return to the rest of the party before him.

With her head high, not daring to meet anyone's gaze, Claire hurried to the wagon. It was doubtful the warriors did not discern what happened between them.