Chapter Fourteen
By the time they stumbled into the flat, it was nearly midnight. While Delonna was singing and laughing her way into the bathroom, he was struggling with a surly temper that had pretty much kicked in when Delonna had become the darling of the pub.
Once good old Jeffrey had danced with her, the men had lined up to take a turn teaching Delonna various forms of Scottish dancing. He’d wanted her to turn them down. Had no right to ask her to turn them down, but he’d wanted her to.
She came out of the bathroom a moment later, her grin even wider.
“I’m not a lightweight, but you were right, Aleck.” She poked a finger in the middle of his chest. “I think I’m a little drunk.”
“A little,” he agreed. She wasn’t completely pissed, but definitely was on the happier side of sober.
“You know what I’d like now, Mr. McLaughlin?” She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck.
He had a fair good idea, but asked anyway, “What would you like?”
She stood on her toes and kissed his lips. “I’d veeery much like it if you’d make love to me now.”
“That sounds fantastic, but I wouldn’t want to take advantage, luv.” But he did. He really did. Especially when he was still irritated at the thought of all those bloody wankers dancing with her.
“It’s not like my virtue is in danger,” she teased.
“You’re right.” He lifted her off her feet and she gave a squeal of surprise as he carried her to the bedroom. “All gentlemanly intentions are now cast aside and you should prepare yourself to be thoroughly shagged.”
“So much talk, so little action.” She giggled and touched his stubbly cheek. He hadn’t shaved since they’d flown out yesterday.
“I’ll show you action,” he muttered, depositing her on the bed.
He climbed on next to her, so they were both kneeling on the mattress. After grabbing her sweater, she tugged it up and over her head.
“You were quite popular tonight,” he murmured.
“Your parents seemed to like me.”
“I didn’t mean my parents.” He knew his words had an edge to them, and prayed she hadn’t noticed.
“Oh, the guys at the bar?” She reached out to pull his shirt off in return. “What can I say? I’m a people person.”
“I know. You bring in a shite-ton of customers at McLaughlin’s.” He unfastened her bra and tossed it aside.
“Again, I think it’s my tits.”
He groaned, unable to look away. He managed a hoarse, “It could be the tits.”
“Touch them,” she commanded, her lashes fluttering closed.
He reached out to cup the weight of their discussion in his hands, loving the fullness of them and watching the pink tips tighten. He dipped his head, drawing one nipple into his mouth. Her sigh of pleasure turned into a moan when he sucked harder.
“Don’t stop,” she whispered. “It feels so good.”
Stopping hadn’t even crossed his mind, but getting his fingers into her knickers had.
He unfastened her jeans, not about to abandon the sweet nipple in his mouth, and then eased his hand inside. He pushed past the soft cotton and found warm, moist flesh.
She gasped and her legs shifted, opening her body to him. He used the invitation to slide a finger into her heat.
Every man in the pub tonight had watched Delonna. Damn near lining up to chat with her. Dance with her. Be in her presence. Partly, he knew, it was the novelty of having an American lass in a pub that was less touristy, and more locals.
More so, he acknowledged she was just charming as fook. She was young, full of energy and an absolute stunner. She had the curves of a pinup girl, and a sexy laugh and smile that drew the attention of any straight man with a pulse.
But she was here with him now. None of those wankers had taken her home. She was with him. In his arms and crying out, whispering his name when he reached up to rub her clit.
Before she could come, he pulled his finger from her body and deftly pushed her back onto the mattress. He pulled off the rest of her clothes in record time, tossing them to the side, and then did the same with his.
Soon he was back, burying his face between her legs with the determination to make her forget about any other bloke.
She seemed almost startled by how fiercely he claimed her with his mouth, but her shocked gasp soon turned to moans. She gripped his hair, riding his tongue.
“Aleck,” she whispered. “Oh God. Yes.”
He caught her arse in his hands, pulling her snug against his mouth to taste her deeper. To lash at her clit until she was screaming and falling apart in his arms. With her body still shaking from climax, he moved up her body, positioned himself between her legs and drove himself inside her.
She clutched his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hips rose to meet each thrust, her passion equally frenzied.
He took her hard, until she cried out with each thrust deep into her. His mind was only on her and the complete, primal instinct that had taken over.
“Lana,” he rasped. “Look at me.”
She moaned, her eyes still closed, her nails dragging down his back as he continued to move inside her.
“Look at me,” he commanded again, pausing to catch her wrists and pin her arms above her head.
Her lashes fluttered up and the hazel eyes that were glassy and unfocused with passion finally showed a flicker of awareness.
He pushed slow and deep into her, holding her gaze. “You’re mine.”
A shiver racked her body and surprise shone in her eyes now.
“Mine,” he said again, easing out of her tightness. “Say it.”
“Yes.” She didn’t try to free her wrists and her eyes glittered now with comprehension. “Yours. I don’t want anyone else.”
Her words snapped his last shred of control and he moved deep into her with a roar. He rode her fast and hard, until she couldn’t keep up but her body moved only by the force of his thrusts alone.
His body tightened with the anticipation of release. He clasped her wrists harder, using his other arm to hold himself above her.
“Lana.” Her name, fevered and hoarse, spilled from his lips as he came.
His arm gave out and he fell on top of her. Everything was a muddle of sensation and pleasure. Of beating hearts that seemed to be in unison. She kissed his shoulder, smoothing her hand down his back.
“Damn,” he said weakly, trying to get his breath back. To orient himself with reality.
“It’s okay.”
He heard her words. They seemed far away, as if they were from the other end of a tunnel.
“I’m on birth control.”
Birth control. What was she about? He lifted his head and stared down at her, trying to get his gaze and thoughts to focus.
It’s okay.
Shite. They hadn’t used a condom. How the fook had he allowed himself not to use protection?
“You’re sure?” His words were sluggish, as if he were the one a bit buzzed.
“Yes. I’ve been on it for a year. And I was tested recently and I’m fine. I may have been on the pill, but I made James use a condom.” She gave a self-conscious laugh and rubbed her hand over his neck. “And isn’t this a romantic discussion.”
No, it wasn’t. The last person Aleck wanted to think about at this moment was James.
“I’ve never been without a condom,” he said numbly. Though one had broken before. “I don’t quite know what just happened and how I could’ve forgotten.”
“I do.” Her smile was slow and sensual. “I just had the best sex of my life. And I’m pretty sure you did too.” She arched a brow. “Unless I’m being presumptuous?”
“No. You’re not.” That was the bloody crazy thing about it. She was dead-on.
He eased his weight off her and she immediately slid out of the bed.
“Be right back,” she said softly, before making her way to the bathroom.
Aleck rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling, trying to dissect all the crazy emotions going on in his head.
When Delonna returned moments later and crawled into bed, she snuggled up against him. He slid his arm around her and pulled her close, realizing he’d missed the warmth of her in just those few moments.
Tonight was no different than any other night they’d had sex, he told himself. Nothing had changed. Nothing would change.
He pulled the blankets over their shoulders, kissed her forehead, and tried not to overthink things.
*
“Can I get you some more tea, Mr. McLaughlin?”
“Thanks, m’dear, but I’m fine.”
Delonna nodded and joined Rodrick McLaughlin in the living room. The television was on, airing some show that must’ve been a UK thing, because she didn’t recognize it.
Brenda had run to the grocery as promised, and Aleck was in the kitchen preparing lunch for his dad.
“You adjusting well to the time change?” Rodrick asked, glancing at her.
“For the most part. I’m a little tired, but I think that’s more from having a late night.”
A late night of spectacular sex. Knowing Aleck’s dad was watching her had her willing her face not to turn red.
Aleck had been surprisingly normal this morning. He hadn’t acknowledged once what had happened during their crazy lovemaking last night.
Crazy intense.
Her heart beat a little fast just from thinking about how Aleck had been…the things he’d said.
You’re mine.
She’d agreed. It hadn’t been the alcohol talking. It hadn’t been the passion. She’d looked into his eyes and had realized the truth. It had never been this way with any other guy, and she wasn’t sure she ever wanted it to be again. Right now, she was his.
“How was the pub last night then?” Rodrick asked.
She smiled, grateful for the distraction Aleck’s dad offered. “It was fabulous. Such a fun little place. We had a great time.”
Aleck entered the room with a tray in his hands and she noticed him scowling. At least she’d had fun. Maybe Aleck hadn’t enjoyed it as much.
“You McLaughlins seem to have nailed this pub thing. I hope I do half as well when I open one someday.”
“Ah, you want to open a pub, do ya?” Rodrick asked, his expression lighting.
“Someday,” she murmured.
“Your lunch, Da.” Aleck set the food down on the small table near his dad.
“There’s no curry sauce on this chicken?”
“Ma specifically said you’re supposed to have it plain. No salt. No sauce.”
“Bah. She’s no’ a doctor!”
“Aye, weel your blood pressure is getting a wee bit high, Da. Stop fussin’ and eat the bland bird.”
Delonna’s lips twitched as she fought a smile. There it was again. Aleck’s thickening accent. Good thing they were only here for a bit, or soon she’d lose all ability to understand him. There’d been a couple men at the pub last night where listening to them had been like trying to decipher another language.
“Aye? Well maybe you should have a new hip put in and tell me how your blood pressure is farin’.”
“Christ, Ma was right. You are an ornery patient,” Aleck grumbled.
“And don’t I know it,” his dad groused in return. He took the tray and sighed. “I’m a complete arse, Son, and I’ll own up to it. So please accept me apology and me thanks for all you’ve done. But for fook’s sake, allow a man his dignity to be in a shite mood.”
Aleck laughed. “Have at it. Be as cranky as you’d like, and I’ll no’ tell Ma.”
Delonna smiled, watching the exchange with open amusement and fascination. What a fun, healthy relationship they had.
“How’s the chicken?” Aleck asked once his father had taken a bite.
“Bland as hell, but I suppose it’ll do.”
“Good. Try your juice, you may find it more to your liking.”
Delonna shot Aleck a suspicious look as Rodrick eagerly reached for his juice and took a sip.
His dad’s face lit up. “Ye’ve put whisky in.”
“Just a splash.”
Delonna smacked Aleck’s shoulder. “Seriously? Your mother said he wasn’t supposed to mix alcohol and meds.”
“It wasn’t even a half a shot. He’ll be fine, and it’s no’ as if he’s drivin’ anywhere.” Aleck grinned, but ducked his head and looked like a guilty schoolboy. “But don’t tell me ma, or she’ll box me upside the head.”
Delonna didn’t doubt it for a moment. When the door to the flat opened a moment later, she had to turn away to hide any guilty expression.
“How are all me lovelies getting on?” Brenda asked, sweeping into the living room.
“Just fine, Ma.” Aleck kissed his mother on the cheek. “How was the supermarket?”
“As relaxin’ as a holiday. I stopped at the pub on the way there and had that pint.”
“Starting early, I see,” Aleck teased.
“Can you blame me?” She moved to kiss her husband on the cheek. “Have you been difficult, my luv?”
“No more than usual.” Rodrick grinned and took a sip of juice.
Brenda eyed the barely touched chicken and then glanced at the half-empty juice. She took the glass from her husband’s hand, sniffed it and then took a sip.
She set it back down, turned to Aleck and cuffed him upside the head.
Delonna couldn’t stop her choked laugh.
“I see what you did there with his juice,” Brenda grumbled, but made no move to take the drink from her husband.
“Och, really, Ma?” Aleck winced, but clearly it was more from embarrassment.
“Aye, really.” She waved her hand at him. “Now why don’t you kids go have fun and see the city? I’ve had me break for the day and can take care of your da.”
“Are you sure?” Aleck asked. “We’re here for you.”
“And you’ve already been a tremendous help. Take your girl and have fun.”
It didn’t matter how often Aleck had told them they weren’t a couple, his parents weren’t buying it. Delonna just rolled with it now, and Aleck had stopped denying it. It didn’t even seem to faze him much anymore.
“Have him take you to the castle, lass,” Brenda said turning to her.
“Don’t do the castle,” Rodrick muttered, sipping on his juice. “It’s expensive and glorified. If you look, you’ll find plenty of free things to see about town.”
Brenda made a noise of disbelief. “Ya thrifty little bugger, you’ve seen it before and of course it’s a waste of your money. Let the girl see the castle. They’re not exactly on every corner of America, now are they?”
“I’ll take her to the castle and up the Royal Mile,” Aleck promised, moving to her side.
“Though we did see some of it this morning when we stopped at Starbucks to bring you breakfast,” Delonna added.
“Ah that was so lovely of you. Though nothing would’ve been open yet, aye?”
“No, not much was open,” Delonna agreed. Still, sitting in a Starbucks that looked out over a medieval city had been pretty freaking amazing.
“Weel go see the city now while the shops are still open and there’s daylight.”
*
Not long after, Delonna found herself strolling up the Royal Mile toward the castle, holding Aleck’s hand.
“I’m in love with this city,” she confessed. “The shops. The history—”
“Some of that history is quite dark.”
“Isn’t that the case with most places?” She shook her head. “It’s beautiful. That cathedral we went into—St. Giles, was it?—is almost a thousand years old, Aleck. It took my breath away.”
“It’s lovely,” he agreed. “I’ve always found it fascinating.”
She squeezed his hand and he looked down, and they shared a brief, intimate glance.
“I’m glad you like it here,” he said softly. “You’re up for the walk to the castle?”
“It’s not far at all, and I really would love to see it.” She looked up the slightly inclining street they walked along, known as the Royal Mile, which led directly to the castle.
Truth be told, she was a little sore from last night’s intense, frenzied lovemaking, but she wasn’t about to admit that to him. It was her delicious little secret. Besides, the walking was working out her achy muscles.
By the time they reached the castle and had paid for tickets, she was full of energy and excitement.
“How many times have you been here? Honestly?” She glanced at Aleck.
“Too many times to count.” He grinned. “But all the better to show you the fun stuff.”
And he did. Or at least the areas of the castle that were open to the public. She was most fascinated by St. Margaret’s Chapel, which was the oldest part of the castle. It was small and, as Aleck had told her, the only thing Robert the Bruce hadn’t had destroyed hundreds of years ago when he’d captured the castle.
Also fascinating was the Great Hall and the National War Museum of Scotland. There was just so much to see and she drank it all in eagerly, taking picture after picture with her phone.
“It reminds me of Fort Casey, a little,” she told him as they stood on one of the perimeter walls. Fort Casey, a military fort on Whidbey, wasn’t nearly as old, maybe a century.
“Some parts of it, aye,” Aleck agreed.
The wind whipped over the walls of the castle, and she knew they should probably go back down to where it was more sheltered, but she wanted a few more minutes to take it all in. To imprint this moment in her mind forever.
“I know I sound like a broken record, but this is amazing.” She leaned back against him.
His arms tightened around her waist and he rested his chin on her head as they stared out over the city together.
“It’s magical.”
“It is.” He kissed the top of her head and her stomach got all warm and tingly.
She closed her eyes, and leaned back into his arms. The magic of the city put her completely at peace, almost in another realm. She’d never felt so protected. So content. So absolutely connected to another person.
With the strong, stone castle walls surrounding her, the not-so-solid wall around her heart began to crack. She wanted to let down her defenses. Throw caution to the wind that whipped around them.
“Aleck,” she said softly, not taking her eyes off the view.
“Mmmm?”
“I think I might be falling in love with you.”
He didn’t say anything, but he went still behind her. She could feel the tension in his body now. Was he even breathing? Maybe she should have kept that caution away from the wind.
He finally gave a slight, forced-sounding laugh. “Then, if I might suggest, maybe you could get your lovely arse back up?”