Scots and Lasses: Scottish Medieval Historical Romance (Moriag Book 5)

by Hildie McQueen

  Elsbeth didn’t question his last statement, so intent on the warmth of his touch, not wanting him to ever stop touching her. She covered his hand with hers and leaned her face into it. “Ian…Griogair…”

  “I am Ian McRainey. The other part of me is long dead.” The tightening of his face emphasized his words.

  “You cannot go alone. The men will catch up to you.”

  “I must. ’Tis easier to hide one horse than twenty.” His smile made her chest constrict in fear.

  The rising and lowering of his chest took her attention. He was tall, much taller than she with wide shoulders on which he often draped the Gordon tartan. With a muscular build telling of years of honing his battle skills and long, blond hair, he looked more a Viking than a Highlander. He was a handsome man, but more than that, with sky blue eyes and full lips, his features made for the man she’d dreamed of marrying since a young girl.

  “Your silence means you are pondering something very deep,” he said with a smile. Yes, he knew her well. Their close friendship of sharing many things meant he could decipher her musings, hopefully not what she considered now.

  A slow heat rose to her cheeks and she turned away. “I should return. I cannot remain here. My da would have your head on a spit.” She attempted a smile. “Although a handsome head it will be.”

  He looked past her to the tiny window. “It rains too hard. Wait until it lessens and I will escort you to Declan’s keep. You can remain there overnight.”

  Without prompting, her eyes went to the bed behind him. The cottage was furnished simply but each piece was well made. It was obvious it belonged to someone with coin, by the heavy bedding and polished goblets on the table. “Do you keep food in this place?” She attempted to sweep past him toward the small space reserved for food preparation.

  He took her arm and brought her closer to him. “You have not answered my earlier question.”

  It was hard to swallow past the lump that formed in her throat. She’d been so angry with him for lying and now she was faced with the same dilemma. Nothing would be harmed if she told him the truth, other than her own heart breaking when Ian told her he didn’t feel the same, which she supposed would not surprise her.

  After a long exhalation, she relaxed into his hold, but he did not release her. Instead, his hand slid up and down her upper arm urging her to speak. The touch made her body come to life at thinking how she’d enjoy him touching more than just her arm. It meant nothing. A friend would do that, she chided herself.

  “I admitted to you that I do not wish to ever leave Moriag. I did want something from you when I said it…your help to stay.”

  “There is little I can do, Elsbeth.” The darkening of his eyes perplexed her, but she could not stop now. They’d never have this opportunity again. He would venture north and she would remain, to be present when the Seton came in a few days.

  “Ian, you can help me remain. Marry me. I love you. I wish to be with you always.” Elsbeth held her breath, yet at the same time, a burden lifted off of her shoulders. The truth made her light and almost giddy. Yes, his reply would change everything, but for a few moments she allowed the freedom of truth to fill her.

  His eyes widened and his mouth fell open at her declaration. For a long moment, they remained still as his gaze scanned her face as if expecting her to retract her words. She almost did, suddenly feeling like a fool.

  But she remained strong, lifting her chin defiantly. “And there is nothing you can do about how I feel.”

  She lost her breath when he yanked her against him, his strong arms circling her in a tight embrace. He nuzzled her hair in silence.

  The silence was as good as any words he didn’t speak.

  Ian did not feel the same.

  Chapter Four

  The darkness that loomed after learning his brother sought to have him killed became even darker by Elsbeth’s admission. Even so, his heart sang at her words confirming what he dreaded. For the second time in his life, he was in love, though not like his first wife. This was so different. What he felt for Elsbeth was so much fuller, he could not let her go and let her witness what was surely etched on every inch of his face.

  While happiness at her words sent his heart on the brink of bursting with joy, every emotion slammed into the same obstacle with stark precision. Her father would never agree to a union with an untitled man. A man with nothing more to offer than his sword.

  He had to go north. If he didn’t face his brother, the bastard would not cease in his attempt to have him killed. Power hungry and just as cruel as their father, the younger Sinclair would ensure the powerful clan remained as such. Liam was the perfect person to take his father’s place in more ways than not. He let out a breath, not releasing Elsbeth.

  Her soft curves brought out so many reactions in his body that he lost count. He was hard and breathless, while at the same time his insides softened. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted any woman. To feel the full mounds of flesh in his hands would make any other woman disappear from memory. She was beautiful, intelligent and caring; dangerously enticing, with a touch of innocence. He doubted she’d ever lain with a man. It had been impossible not to picture her bereft of clothing in all the months they’d been friends, for her body was perfectly formed. Breathtakingly delicate yet so strong willed; her personality veiled the delicacy quite well.

  When she’d been heartbroken at his betrayal, he was incapable of not telling her the truth. How could he now not be forthright? He’d not lie. At the same time, he could not tell her the fullness of how he felt for her, for he had yet to come to grips with it himself.

  Instead, he lifted her face to him and covered her mouth with his. Perhaps his words could be better conveyed with a kiss.

  If she was shocked by his lips covering hers, she did not act like it. Elsbeth responded by gripping his shoulders, her mouth accepting and enthusiastic in returning the kiss with as much passion as he felt. It was a colossal mistake, for he’d never be able to stop. God, let her pull away because if she didn’t, he’d be a lost man.

  Her arms encircled his neck and her fingers threaded through his hair. Elsbeth pulled him closer, crushing her delicate body against his; the contrast immediately sent his blood surging. It was almost as if it were he who was the inexperienced one, kissed for the first time so sweetly that his entire being threatened to become undone.

  She trailed kisses from his mouth to his jawline, soft moans escaping, which only served to make him hold her tighter. “I want you, Ian. If I am to be married to the young Seton, let it be you that shows me what it can be like.”

  Ian squeezed his eyes shut. Of the two, he had to be the stronger, the one to push away and think sensibly. Her sweet mouth closed over his again and there was nothing else. His purpose in life became to protect her, to keep her, to take her. Elsbeth was his and he’d kill before ever allowing another man to take what was his.

  “Never,” he growled lifting her into his arms. “No other man will ever touch you. You are mine.”

  Elsbeth was shaken by the ferocity of his words. Her entire body tingled with expectation. Ian’s face was like stone, determination masking the usually warm expression when with her. He stalked to the small bed, every inch the silent warrior. He placed her beside the bed. “Undress, Elsbeth.” Although his words were spoken in a soft tone, there was nothing soft about the command. “If you are to change your mind, do it now. And even then, I cannot swear you will leave here without me taking you.”

  The change in him sent tingles of desire through her. Every part of her body reacted with excitement, her sex constricted. Of course, he would know she would never desire a soft man, someone who asked for permission or would treat her like a scared virgin. She was a virgin, but far from inexperienced.

  Her hands trembled as she untied the breeches from her waist and allowed them to fall to the floor. Next she fingered the hem of her tunic, her eyes on him the entire time. “What about you? I expect the same. I want
to see you.”

  Ian’s eyes widened for an instant and he visibly swallowed. His lips curved. “All in due time. Now, the tunic.”

  It was not the time for hesitation; she lifted the garment over her head and discarded it. Standing before him fully bare made her feel powerful. By his rapid breathing and flared nostrils, he could barely restrain himself from coming to her. His gaze swept over her and the man trembled with desire.

  Her lips curved and she let out a breath. Ian may not admit it to her, but he was in love with her. There was no other explanation for when their gazes clashed, his eyes were filled with so much care and desire she almost wept. “Come to me, Ian. I need you.”

  In two steps, he crushed against her, his strong arms encircling her. Once again, their mouths came together in a kiss filled with desperation and expectation. His tongue delved past her lips and she relaxed against him, tasting what he offered.

  He was gentle yet firm sliding his calloused hands up her body then back down to cup her bottom. Kissing a trail to her ear, she shivered when he breathed. “I want you so much it hurts. How can it be that I cannot bear not having you?”

  With jerky movements, he pushed away and began yanking the clothes from his body. His boots thudded as he kicked them off and he bent to remove his trews. She could not move, her eyes devouring every inch that he revealed.

  Magnificent was the only word she could use to describe him. He was solidly built, yet not overly large. Every part of him was perfectly toned, perfect for the physical demands of guarding a laird. He was built for battle, for speed and for bedding. If there was a woman who could ever resist such a sight, Elsbeth could not imagine it. Her mouth watered at the scandalous thoughts of tasting him, of different parts of him in her mouth. Elsbeth let out a sigh, unable to tear her gaze away as he closed the distance between them and let out a moan of relief when his body touched against hers.

  She ran her hands up his broad back, enjoying the surprising feel of his soft skin over the hardness of his muscles. Upon reaching the tips of his hair, she raked her fingers through and looked up at him.

  He studied her face, her expression for a moment, his expression unreadable. “That you chose me is an honor, Elsbeth. I am humbled right now. I want you so much, my heart aches.” His face softened. “I am fully and totally yours. My heart, body, and soul.”

  Her mouth fell open at his honest declaration and her heart tightened in her chest. She blinked away the tears his words brought. “Truly, I never expected so much. I cannot reply with more than to say you are the only man for me.”

  Ever so gently, he pressed his mouth against hers, the gesture almost reverent. The kiss was gentle yet it conveyed every emotion. The hardness of his body was a stark reminder that the man was anything but gentle, he’d only softened at that moment for her. To convey how, in spite of his nature, he would never use force when it came to her.

  Elsbeth growled in frustration at him not doing more and she pushed up against his mouth, her hands gripping his head. “Harder, warrior.”

  With a soft chuckle, he complied and immediately transformed the kiss to passionate and unyielding. He lifted her and laid her upon the bed, and lay over her. His heaviness felt perfect, a blanket of wonderful protection. His mouth moved to her breast taking the taut tip in. At the first suckle she gasped, her sex tightening.

  His tongue played over each nipple while his hands slid down to her hips and lifted them to grind his hardness against her wet center. She wanted him inside her so much it was almost painful.

  “Take me!” she demanded, digging her fingernails into his buttocks. “I am so wanting.” Her voice was husky and breathless.

  “Not yet, love.” He trailed his tongue between her breasts and down her stomach as she became lost in the sensations assaulting her body. Without prompting, her legs parted just as he moved between them. When he licked between her folds and flicked at the already throbbing nub, she lost control. She cried out as her body split in to fragments, sending her floating. “Ah!” she was unable to keep from exclaiming. “Is there more?”

  He blew against her sex, his breath sending tingles anew and chuckled. “Yes, love, there is more. But you have never joined with a man. I have to ensure you are prepared. I want this to be enjoyable for you.”

  Once again, his mouth took her and she dug her fingers into his hair. She became lost so much so that when he took her mouth, she’d not realized he moved over her. He nudged at her entrance with the tip of his hardness and she let out a breath. Finally.

  It was an odd sensation. It seemed like he was much too large to fit, yet he did. With slow precise motions, he entered her. She lifted her legs to wrap around his waist and held her breath.

  “Elsbeth, look at me.” The command was quiet and strong. She opened her eyes, meeting his darkened gaze. He remained still, the shaking of his arms the only evidence of his restraint from fully joining with her. “Relax, let out your breath and open your mouth. Take me into your mouth.”

  He leaned close and pushed his tongue into her mouth. She began to suckle it, loving the way he tasted. He pulled her tongue into his mouth, kissing her so thoroughly she gasped in surprised when he pushed into her body, his length piercing her maidenhead.

  Remaining perfectly still, he continued kissing her, his hands caressing her sides, moving up to her breasts. He filled her completely and soon the pain dissipated, overtaken by another sensation. A need for him to move. She pushed his face up from hers and looked into her eyes. “Shouldn’t you be moving or something? I want you to move.”

  “I should have known you’d be a feisty and demanding one.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Aye, I should be movin’.” He began to slide out and she let out a startled gasp at the sensations. When he pushed back in, both let out a moan.

  Ian filled her completely before pulling out and then driving back deep. Soon she followed his motions lifting her hips higher, their movements steady until he began to lose control. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but instinctively knew he was close to finishing by his harsh breaths and the intensity of his thrusts.

  Unable to fight against the waves of ecstasy, she gave in to the wonderful sensations as her entire body splintered and Elsbeth thrashed until crying out.

  Ian’s hands dug into her hips as he plunged a few more times before jerking out and spilling onto the bedding, his large body shaking. Finally, he collapsed over her, his mouth next to her ear. “I love you, Elsbeth.”

  Soon after, with his arms around her, his breathing became even as he fell into a slumber. Her head on his chest, Elsbeth listened to the rain outside. It had not relented. She hoped her mother assumed she’d stayed at the Gordon Keep. She would make Ian promise to remain in the cottage, safe, until she procured help. Surely Declan would see to Ian’s safety from the men who came to kill him. She’d go to her father and tell him she was marrying Ian. Yes, he would balk, but he knew her well enough to understand she’d never agree to marry the Seton’s son.

  Mind made up, she felt better and snuggled closer to Ian.

  Chapter Five

  “Have you lost your mind?” Declan strode past Ian once again to where he kept the whiskey, but he did not pour a glass. Instead, he let out a loud breath and turned to stare at him. “You cannot return to Sinclair lands. They will kill you.”

  “Just as they will kill any messenger we send.”

  “Not Struan.”

  After escorting Elsbeth to her lands making her promise to wait until he came to speak to her da, he’d raced to his own home to speak with Declan. He didn’t trust Elsbeth to remain quiet, but there was little he could do with the hired swords searching for him.

  “Struan? Why him?” He pictured the young, red-haired guard. “He is hardly battle ready.”

  “Struan is related to the Sinclairs. His sister married a Sinclair.”

  “I doubt they will stop and ask him for references before taking him prisoner,” Ian replied dryly. “However, it may work.”<
br />
  “He will be fine. We can send a message letting your brother know you will not seek lairdship.”

  Declan, his friend of over ten years, was the only person who knew his true identity. Now Elsbeth knew and her father, no doubt, suspected it as well. “There is something else.”

  The laird let out a breath and this time he did pour whiskey into two glasses. He handed Ian one. “Should we sit?”

  Ian eyed the chairs. “No, drink.”

  Declan studied him for a few moments before drinking his whiskey. “Get on with it then.” His friend’s eyes narrowed. “Are you leaving?”

  “No.” Ian softened at his friend’s apparent relief. “But I need to know if you will deed the cottage and surrounding lands to me. I plan to marry and will need something to call my own.”

  Declan was silent, his gaze never leaving Ian. “The land is yours, I’ve already told you. If you do, indeed, marry, I will add the land that runs along the loch.” He let out a breath. “Who?”

  “Elsbeth McNeil. We were together last night.”

  “Have you lost your mind?” Declan repeated and slammed his glass on the table so hard, it was a miracle it didn’t shatter. “The McNeil will have your head on a spike. He will not allow his daughter to marry you.”

  “Since you’ve asked twice, I suppose I have lost my mind,” Ian replied in a much lower tone. “I love her.”

  In love himself, Declan softened. “I know.”

  Ian was surprised to hear the words, but not that his friend had realized it before he had. “What can I do? I refuse to live without her. I know the land is not much to offer, but ’tis better than nothing.”

  “You have much to offer, Ian. You could be laird of the most powerful clan in the Highlands. As laird, you would also be the wealthiest amongst your peers. Although I do not wish you to go, perhaps accepting lairdship would not only assure your marriage to Elsbeth, but you could bring the clan around to less violence.”