Seduction in the Highlands: By choosing him she loses her inheritance, by leaving him she brakes her heart...

by Kendrick, Kenna

  Angus held his hands up and laughed and moved to touch his wife lightly on the shoulder. “Do forgive me, ladies. I didnae wish tae make a rude intrusion, but I would like tae speak tae Charlotte. There are some matters with the house building.” He looked down at her lovingly. “There are some matters that only ye can answer for, Charlotte.”

  Elizabeth was glad that Angus made no comment about her previous statements or showed any sign that he had heard any of their conversation. Charlotte sighed. “Liam must be with you then, Angus?

  “Aye, Liam waits in the main hall for me tae return.”

  “He has other business at the moment.” Charlotte winked at Elizabeth. “I will tell him myself. I suppose I must go, but Elizabeth, I think we have given you the advice you need. All you must do now is wait.”

  Angus shrugged, and Julia stood after Charlotte tapped her lightly on her shoulder.

  “And now that I am feeling better, I must take this chance to go to the study to look at the accounts. It has been weeks!” Julia smiled at Elizabeth, and she wondered just what the ladies were planning. Her heart beat rapidly as they made their goodbyes, Charlotte hand-in-hand with Angus out of the library. She leaned back and closed her eyes.

  She wasn’t sure how long it had been, but she wondered if she was dreaming as she heard the slow thud of booted feet entering the room. She heard the sound of the closing of the door, but she still did not open her eyes. The heat of the fire on her face lulled her into a daydream, and then the smell of wood and sweat filled her nostrils. It was the scent of Liam.

  “Hello, lass.” His deep voice pushed through her consciousness, and her eyes fluttered open. Liam stood before her in a white linen shirt, open at the collar, to see a deep V of his chest, lifting in a steady rhythm. His sleeves were rolled up to the elbows, and Elizabeth let her eyes wander over his rippled forearms, enjoying the sight of them speckled in dirt and glistening in the firelight.

  At first, he had approached hesitantly; she noticed it on his expression, but his mouth lifted into a lazy grin, and his green eyes sparkled.

  “Hello, Liam.”

  Elizabeth stood, her body craving to touch him, and he took a step forward, the masculine scent of him encroaching even more upon her senses and making her body remember what pleasure he had brought her. “Lass, I am sorry about Fergus. I am sorry about everything. If only ye knew.”

  Elizabeth lifted her hands and spread her fingertips over the span of his broad chest, moving them across its width and over his shoulders. She saw with delight that Liam was unnerved, swallowing slowly. She felt drunk at the moment as if dulled into desire. “If only I knew what, Liam?”

  “How much I, what I,” he couldn’t quite get the words out, and Elizabeth placed a finger on his lips.

  “There is no other woman?”

  Liam’s voice was low and husky, and his hands gripped her waist. “There is none but ye, lass.”

  “Good. And I--” Her words were drowned in Liam’s mouth as he yanked her to him roughly, spreading his lips over hers, drinking her in. Elizabeth’s body responded quickly, desiring the man with every vessel in her body, her hands on his neck, pulling him even closer. She could feel her nipples peak, and wetness spread through her core.

  He breathed against her mouth, “Och, I want ye lass, even more than ever. I shall never be sated with ye.”

  Elizabeth kissed him again, pushing her tongue forth to battle his own. Liam groaned into her mouth. In their embrace, they moved to the back corner where the desk sat against the wall. Liam put his arms underneath Elizabeth’s buttocks and lifted her up on the desk, standing between her legs. He pulled away and looked into her eyes.

  Looking up at him, seeing the affection there, feeling her own heart swell with love for this man who had taken her by surprise, she nodded. Smiling, he began to untie his breeches while she pulled up the skirt of her dress and removed her underthings. Never before would she have considered committing an act in such a position, but Liam made her dizzy with lust, and she wanted him then and there.

  She could feel the tip of his length pressing at her wetness, and hurriedly she guided him in with her fingertips, leaning her head back as he entered her swiftly. Her breath quickened and lifted to the ceiling as Liam thrust into her, his lips gently caressing her ear. She held onto his waist for balance as he thrust, enjoying every moment of the stretch of her core. Liam filled her fully, and she realized that she, too, could never be sated with him.

  They did not speak any longer, and Elizabeth gave herself up to the feeling of budding pleasure as it lifted and grew, arching into ecstasy. Her fingertips held even tighter to his shirt as he surged forward. Her moaning grew ever louder, and she bit her lip, trying desperately to contain it. But soon, it burst through her body, and she screamed out with pleasure as she shuddered around him while he made his final thrust, gasping for breath by her ear.

  They were still for a few moments, and Elizabeth traced her fingertips on his back, enjoying the weight of him surrounding her. She loved this man. She wished she could stay with him forever. Could she find a way?

  Liam pulled away, grinning, and laced up his breeches. She kept sitting on the desk, not wanting to leave. When their clothing was restored, he leaned forward, his arms on the desk, and took Elizabeth’s mouth in a long, slow kiss. “There is nae one like ye, Elizabeth. I hope ye ken what I feel.”

  She nodded lazily and touched her hand to his face, feeling the beard beneath her hand. “There is no one like you. I have turned into quite a wanton woman, and I have you to thank for it.”

  Liam laughed and pulled her buttocks towards him so that his legs were between hers again. “I hope ye dinnae ever change,” he growled into her ear. “I want ye more with each passing day and for all days.”

  Elizabeth’s heart raced. Were these words a proposal? A ‘yes’ was waiting on her lips, even though she knew all the problems it could cause, all of the details that would be impossible to work out.

  But Liam turned as they heard footsteps in the hall, nearing the library. “Och, I suppose we ought tae return outside. We dinnae want someone coming in, seeing us like this.”

  “No, certainly not, but we did not seem to think of that just a moment ago.” Liam laughed and kissed her again before helping her down from the table.

  “Aye, yer right. I couldnae think straight.”

  Elizabeth did not press him, but as they walked to the door, she said, “There will be a party, you know, at the Fort. Tomorrow night I imagine. All are invited.”

  “Is that so?” Liam lifted an eyebrow and turned back to her. “So, can I expect a dance from me tutored lass?”

  Elizabeth chuckled. “Only if you will be able to find time alone with me. I could be swarmed by suitors, you know, English soldiers, and all.”

  There was a flash of discomfort in Liam’s eyes, but it passed in a moment. He gripped her hand tightly and took it to his lips. “I will fight them all off, just for the chance tae dance with ye.”

  The footsteps drew nearer. “Och, lass, we will talk more at the party. I promise ye that.”

  Elizabeth nodded with a smile, and Liam passed out the door. She followed after, heading to her room for her bath. They would talk tomorrow night at the party. Perhaps all could be settled between them, and she could tell her father that she would not be returning to England.

  Chapter Twenty

  Liam dressed with care, this time thinking only of one woman he wanted to impress. He had bathed after the heavy labor helping to build Angus and Charlotte’s house, and he had clipped his beard. All the MacLeans were to wear the MacLean colors to the Fort gathering, and they would travel in a boat convoy to the other side of the Isle. Some men would have to remain behind to guard the area, but he was grateful that he had been given a special invitation.

  His hands trembled as he buttoned his waistcoat and put on his coat. The other night with Elizabeth in the library was constantly in his mind. Every time he thought of it, he wa
s hot all over, wishing to do it again and again and again. They had even shared their affection for each other, in a way. He wanted to tell her more, and so he planned to at the party that night. He even pulled out the wooden box in his family’s cottage to find his mother’s ring, hopeful that Elizabeth would like it when he asked her to marry him.

  He could envision the sight of her blue eyes at that moment, open and glistening with happiness, or so he hoped. The negative side to him told him that there was still no chance, that she would still rather marry a wealthy lord rather than a lowly Scotsman who still needed to earn his keep. But on the other hand, no one could fake the enjoyment she shared in his arms, the way she looked at him with such love in her eyes. He could tell that she cared for him.

  Over the past years, he had found it easy to tell when a woman felt more for him than the usual flirtation. He had never cared before and had often found it irritating when a woman did so, just like Brea had done. He did not enjoy a woman trying to claim him and trap him into a life he didn’t want. He saw that familiar look of affection now in Elizabeth’s eyes, but this time, even though he knew she would never try to claim him as Brea would, he wanted to be trapped, taken for someone’s own. It made him feel whole again.

  Realizing the time, he rushed to grab his horse and ride to the shoreline to make the boat. He did not want to miss it, for tonight was going to be a momentous occasion. Rushing to the castle stables, he left the horse there and ran to where the boats rocked gently in the Sound’s waves. A group of people was already waiting there, Elizabeth included, dressed in her long, pale pink cloak, and his heart was beating excitedly as he approached the shore, hopeful to catch her eye before they began their journey.

  But he was distracted by the arrival of a servant girl at his side he didn’t quite recognize. She must be new. She handed him a letter and said, “Sir, Lady Darling has instructed me tae give ye a letter.”

  Bemused, Liam looked up at Elizabeth, but she was speaking to Charlotte and Julia, unaware of his gaze. “Och, please, Sir, the lady asked that ye dinnae speak tae her about the letter, but only after. ‘Tis explained inside.”

  He nodded, and once he took the letter in hand, the young girl scurried off back to the castle. He flipped the letter over, and it was quite nondescript, the wax having no seal pressed into it. He pushed it open with his thumb, and his eyes glided over the words.

  Dear Liam,

  I cannot wait to meet you at the party this evening. Meet me in the forest nearby to the Fort after the clock has struck six. Bring a torch with you. There is much to say.

  Your Elizabeth

  Liam lifted an eyebrow in surprise. My Elizabeth? Smiling, he quickly folded the letter and pushed it into his waistcoat pocket. He rubbed his hands together as the wind carried a bit of a chill, covering them all. He now could not wait until the clock struck those fateful hours.

  * * *

  Elizabeth was pulsing with excitement. As soon as she had dressed, Charlotte burst into her room, saying, “Elizabeth Darling, what a beauty you are! I have always known it, but now that you have decided to leave your glasses behind until a book is before you, your beauty seems to grow day by day!”

  Her friend held Elizabeth’s hands out to the sides and took in the whole of her outfit. It was a pale green dress, with lace at the bodice and the sleeves, and she had even donned a circlet of lovely white pearls she had gotten from her mother. She would need the courage of her mother this evening, for tonight could be the moment her life was going to change. Liam said they would speak tonight, and she couldn’t contain herself thinking about what he might say.

  “So lovely! Meet you outside very shortly!”

  After Charlotte had left, looking as delightful as ever with her reddish-blonde hair placed in delicate angelic curls and a tight, rather sensual-looking red dress, Elizabeth was putting on her cloak when a servant came to the door. Elizabeth had not yet seen her around Duart.

  “Mistress, Mr. Liam MacLean has instructed me tae give ye this letter. But he also told me that ye must nae speak tae him about the letter at the party. Everything is explained inside.”

  Curious, Elizabeth took the letter, thanked the woman, and the girl curtsied before shutting the door behind her. Liam certainly enjoyed creating romantic suspense. She tore open the letter, and in an elegant scrawl, she read:

  Dearest Elizabeth,

  I have been looking forward to this party. I want the chance to speak to you alone. Meet me in the woods outside the Fort a few minutes after the clock strikes six. There is much to say.

  Love, Liam

  Elizabeth felt like she was in the middle of her incredible story, and once she read the letter, she folded it away with trembling fingers, putting it into the pocket of her cloak. Tonight could be the night that true love was revealed. They could surely overcome everything together, could they not? Spots of doubt tried to crowd her thoughts, but she shoved them away.

  Once she felt ready, she rushed to the boats, and they were piled into separate boats and made their way across the Sound. Liam didn’t seem to have seen her yet. She, Charlotte, and Julia were speaking excitedly to one another, wondering if the gathering would give them the taste of London that all of them had been missing of late.

  At the Fort entrance, the women were amazed at the sight of the impressive stone building, each of the torches lit, brightening up the surrounding areas. It was as if the moon was no longer needed. General Andrews stood at the front entrance, greeting each of his guests heartily.

  “Daughter!” He rushed forward to clasp Charlotte in an embrace and kiss her on the cheek.

  “My dear girl, I know that it has been only a little while, but it feels an age since you were married and left me for good.”

  Charlotte laughed merrily. “Ah, Father, you will always think so even if it is one day between the times that I see you.”

  “I am certain you are right.” He shook hands warmly with Angus and clasped hands with Julia and Elizabeth in turn. Elizabeth did not realize that Liam had come up behind her until General Andrews said, “Liam! You are most welcome, good sir. I hope you enjoy our English gathering.”

  “Well, I suppose if there are more Scots here than English, we could consider it a Scottish party.” He laughed. “I am most grateful to have been invited.”

  Elizabeth could feel Liam’s finger slide against the back of her elbow as he passed by without a word, walking in with Angus. She saw him turn around and wink at her, and she blushed like a young girl. Inside, the party was lovelier than she’d anticipated, with decorations, lights, and food piled high atop the long buffet tables. Where had the General acquired so much food in so short a time?

  As she looked around at the other guests, Julia leaned in, “Have you seen John yet?”

  She shook her head, “No, not yet. But I fear that I do not yet know how to tell him what I feel.”

  Charlotte placed a hand on her arm. “He will be sad, but it will not be the end of him. You will find the words when the time comes. Focus on finding Liam.”

  Elizabeth nodded, and Charlotte was soon whisked away by Angus to speak to someone, and Julia was pulled away by General Andrews to discuss her current health. Elizabeth looked around for Liam, and as she turned around, she could see him laughing and speaking to Fergus and a few other men, pints of ale in their hands.

  She was nervous, for the more time she lingered in the hall, the more time it gave John to find her and press her for an answer. She hoped he might not dare to speak to her on the subject with so many others around. Grasping a glass of wine in hand, she turned to the doorway to see with a heavy heart that John had entered with his men, greeted kindly by the General, and welcomed heartily into the room.

  As if he had known exactly where she was, John approached her with a smile. “Lady Elizabeth, ye look marvelous, as bonny as ever.”

  “Thank you, John. As do you. I see you have come with many of your men and some women?”

  “Aye, ther
e are relatives of mine. I thought perhaps ‘twould be more acceptable tae have more women amongst the party.”

  Elizabeth laughed lightly. “You are quite right. I am certain the ladies will be much obliged to you.” There was a moment of silence between them, and Elizabeth wished to fill it with something unconnected to the proposal. “Will you stay the night or return this evening?”

  John shifted on his feet but kept his blue eyes locked to hers. “That depends on a few things.”

  Elizabeth couldn’t help but blush. It appeared that everything was intricately connected.

  “I see.”

  A man came to John’s side to whisper to him. He turned to Elizabeth. “Excuse me, my Lady, I must go. But I will return soon, and I hope we can speak more.” He stared at her for a long moment before he turned away.

  Elizabeth nodded, relieved to be free of him for a moment. She was anxious to meet Liam. She could not fully enjoy herself at the party until all was settled between them, and she wandered around, wringing her hands with anticipation until she heard the clock strike the hour of six, and she closed her eyes with relief. All of her acquaintances were currently busy in conversation, and she had purposefully not engaged herself.