by Gwyn Brodie
She took her mouth from his, then turned around and lifted her hair.
With trembling hands, Duncan unlaced her bodice, then removed everything but her chemise. With the candlelight behind her, every shapely curve was visible. "Remove it, Kila."
She scrunched the material at her side, then pulled it over her head and tossed it to the floor.
He swallowed hard. He'd seen Kila unclothed before, but each time nigh brought him to his knees.
"Do I please you?" she asked uncertainly, her gaze on the floor.
Did she please him? He couldn't be more pleased. She was beyond perfection. Every inch of Kila, from her full, round breasts and small waist, to her shapely hips and legs was exquisite.
"I'm more than pleased, lass. I'm awed by your beauty." He went to her, touching her, loving the feel of her soft skin beneath his hands. He growled, then swept her up into his arms, and placed her on the bed.
Kila watched him undress, until he stood unclothed before her. He had said he was awed by her beauty, no more than she was by his. The firelight danced over his bronze skin, giving even more definition to the well-defined muscles covering his shoulders, arms, chest, stomach and legs. He was a sight to behold, and every time she saw him she was struck by his magnificence.
She held out her arms and he crawled onto the bed and lay down beside her, kissing her until she was breathless with desire. His hands moved over her, exploring, causing her to tremble with need.
He lifted his mouth from hers, moving his lips down her throat, and to her breasts, flicking his tongue over first one hard tip, then the other.
She moaned, as her body heated with each sensual stroke.
He moved over her, until he rested between her legs, then pressed himself against her. "You're ready for me, lass."
Kila shivered. "Please, Duncan."
He pushed against her barrier until it gave way.
She squeaked at the sudden pain, unsure of what was to happen next.
"I'm sorry I hurt you."
"Nay, dinnae be."
He began to move inside her and, after a time, the pain turned to a pleasure that grew and grew until she wasn't certain she could stand any more. She clung to him, dug her nails into his back, fighting her way upward. Then the whole world exploded, as she rode wave after wave of a pleasure so intense she never wanted it to end. She opened her eyes to find Duncan watching her, his eyes dark with passion.
Duncan had delayed his own pleasure until Kila found hers, and it had almost been his undoing. He moved again, slowly at first, then faster, until his desire consumed him. He groaned, as he flew into the sun and shattered. Trembling, he collapsed on the bed beside her, gasping for air.
He'd bedded his share of women, but none had affected him the way she did. He suddenly realized the difference. He loved Kila. Love made all the difference in the world. He turned onto his side, and pulled her back against his chest. Already his body urged him to take her again, to satisfy the need she triggered in him. But it was her first time. He'd waited a lifetime to find her; he could wait a wee bit longer.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Kila stood on the dock in Glenelg, ready to board the ferry that would take them to the port of Kyle Rhea, on the Isle of Skye. A wave broke against the nearby rocks, before being drawn back into the sea. A large number of gulls and other sea birds, unfamiliar to her, screeched and circled overhead, before landing on the nearby shore, hoping to steal a tasty morsel from one of the fisherman sorting their first catch of the day.
Three weeks had passed since Kila had wed Duncan, and each day their life together had been better than the day before. She smiled up at her attractive husband, as he helped her onto the ferry. As anxious as she was about traveling over the sea, she was excited, as well, at the prospect of finally seeing Kinnacraig Castle—her new home. Thankfully, the sun hung in a cloudless blue sky, easing some of her worries, but far from them all.
"Sit here, lass, and Wyn beside you," he said, directing them to a seat near the back of the ship. "As soon as I get Tearlach settled and your belongings aboard, I'll return."
Kila nodded and sat down. She glanced over at the maid, who was unusually quiet, noticing how pale she had become. "Are you ill, Wyn?"
"Nay, m'lady. I've never been aboard a sea vessel, and I'm most fearful."
"Dinnae be. My husband will make certain all goes well, and that we reach our destination safely." She had faith in Duncan.
Once Tearlach was secured in back of the ferry, alongside Kila's white mare, Nonie, a wedding present from Alex, he made his way back to his wife's side. He took her hand in his. "All has been secured and we should be heading out to sea at any moment."
Wyn uttered a prayed and crossed herself.
The ferry rocked back and forth, as it came away from the dock, and Kila tightened her grip on his hand.
'"Tis a fine day for a journey across the sea," he pointed out, hoping to calm Kila's and the maid's fears, but obviously he had failed, since neither had muttered a sound. He spotted a gannet sitting on a nearby rock. "See that bird?"
Kila nodded.
"'Tis a gannet. Its wingspan is more than the length of a tall man, and is the largest seabird in all of Scotland. They're able to see fish beneath the water, and dive in after them from great heights and with immense speed. Look."
The bird suddenly opened its large wings and took to the sky. Then, quick as an archer's arrow, it dove into the sea. When it returned to the surface, a large fish was hanging out of both sides of its beak.
Kila smiled and her eyes were filled with wonder.
Duncan grinned. There was so much about his life and his home—their home—he wanted to share with her. The sea wind had put a blush in her cheeks, and her long hair, was in wild disarray—the way it looked when she lay in bed beneath him. He looked away to keep from reaching for her. His constant desire for Kila never ceased to amaze him. Even now he wanted her so badly, he'd gladly pay for a room at an inn, just to have her to himself for an hour or so.
Kila held tightly onto Duncan's arm while the ferry docked at Kyla Rhea. The journey from the mainland had been exhilarating and not frightening at all, as she'd feared it would be.
After seeing her and Wyn safely from the ferry, Duncan helped the crewmen unload their belongings and the horses. "A galley should be here soon to take us on to Kinnacraig." He'd just finished talking, when it came into sight.
Once it docked, Laird MacDonell came ashore and gave Kila a kiss on her cheek. "How's the lad treating you, lass?"
She smiled. "The lad is treating me just fine." She'd first met Duncan's father before the wedding and had liked him very much.
He pretended a frown. "Good. I'd hate to have to teach him a lesson about how to treat his wife," he said, looked up at Duncan, who was more than a foot taller than his father.
Duncan chuckled, as he led Tearlach and Nonie onto the galley.
After everything had been put on board, Dermit escorted Kila, along with Wyn, onto the ship and took a seat on one side of his daughter-in-law, while Duncan sat down on her other.
"Has Duncan told you much about Kinnacraig?"
She nodded. "Aye, and I cannae wait to see it for myself."
"I think you'll find it to your liking."
Kila smiled. "I'm sure I will. "In the distance, a majestic castle perched on the edge of a cliff. "What place is that?"
"'Tis Dunvegan Castle, Cin and Claire's home," Duncan said.
Dermit chuckled. "Duncan should ken all there is to ken about Dunvegan. As a lad, he spent nigh as much time there into mischief with Cin, a he did at Kinnacraig."
She was enjoying herself immensely, and could see spending many a long evening listening to Dermit MacDonell's stories. The men stopped rowing and the galley began to slow. Kila wondered why, until she saw the immense fortress, stark against the blue sky, balancing on a steep rock face. Could this be Kinnacraig Castle? It looked out over the sea from three sides, and a well-guarded gate house
stood before a massive stone bridge which led to the portcullis. More guards stood on the ramparts, and whistled and yelled, when the galley came into view.
Duncan grinned and put his arm around her shoulder. "We're home, Kila."
Tears sprang into her eyes. With her mother and father both gone, Kila had thought she'd never be happy again, but a handsome Highlander had changed her mind.
When they came ashore, they were greeted by a multitude of people, and her husband introduced her to each one. While the servants took care of her belongings and the horses, they made their way to the castle, with her holding tightly to Duncan's arm.
Kinnacraig may have looked like a fortress from the outside, but inside it was a cozy and comfortable home. The midday meal was being served, and they headed to the great hall, where they were met with shouts of approval. Tapestries hung from the walls and on either side of the fire were high-backed settles, with cushions adorned with the finest needlepoint.
When they reached the high table, Dermit cleared his throat, and the room became quiet. Once he had everyone's attention, he spoke. "My son has an introduction to make," he said, before taking his seat.
Duncan grinned. "As many of you already ken, I've recently acquired myself a wife." He turned to Kila. "I give you, Lady Kila MacDonell."
A roar went up from the crowd, as they sat down at the table.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Kila was close to tears.
The table was covered with platters of pheasant, venison, boar, mutton, and fish, breads slathered with butter, turnips, and parsnips, as well as many sweets, but surprisingly, no tarts.
A plump woman, with a broad smile on her cherub face, came toward the table carrying a large platter of apple tarts.
When Duncan saw her, he grinned and got to his feet. "Abby, just the woman I've been waiting for."
"I knew ye'd be wanting ye tarts, lad."
He took the tarts from her and planted a kiss on her pink cheek.
She chuckled as she headed back the way she'd come.
He placed the tray on the table between him and Kila, and offered her one, which she took. "My mouth's been watering for Abby's tarts ever since we came ashore."
Kila took a bite of the sweet. "Ummh, they're delicious."
"I'd like it very much if you told her so."
"Of course I will. You seem quite fond of Abby."
He smiled. "I am. After my mother's death, I withdrew for a time. Abby allowed me to hang around the kitchen, and slipped me bits of whatever she happened to be cooking or baking, especially tarts. And when I couldnae keep my tears inside any longer, I would cry, and she would comfort me, and sometimes cry along with me."
"What a wonderful woman." Kila took a sip of her spiced wine, then almost choked when Duncan squeezed her knee.
A sinfully wicked grin spread across his handsome face, and her answer was a rapid beating of her pulse.
While he ate with one hand, pretending to concentrate on his food, his other hand moved further up her leg.
Shivers of desire raced through her and she trembled. She put down her knife before anyone noticed.
Duncan turned to his father. "I fear my lovely wife is exhausted from our journey, and in much need of a rest." He rose to his feet, and took her hand.
As they left the table, Kila heard her father-in-law chuckling after them, and her face heated. Dermit MacDonell was no fool. He knew exactly what his son hand in mind for his wife, and it wasn’t rest.
Once they were out of sight of the great hall, Duncan pulled her against him and kissed her thoroughly, before raising his head. "I've hungered for you all day, I can wait no longer," he said, sending desire coursing through her, as he hurriedly led her up the stairs and down the corridor.
They stopped in front of a door. "This is my bedchamber." He opened the door. "Your own is next door, but you'll use it very little, since you'll be sleeping in here with me. I couldnae bear no' being able to hold you as I fell asleep."
Kila felt the same, but hadn't been certain as to where she would sleep, once they arrived at Kinnacraig. She walked to the window and looked out at the sun-drenched mountains, while he closed the door and bolted it.
When she turned around, his belted plaid lay on the floor alongside his shirt and boots.
He grinned. "Come here, wife."
She smiled and gladly obeyed.
EPILOGUE
Kinnacraig Castle, November 1609
Moonlight illuminated the bedchamber, as Kila pushed herself up in bed and wrapped her arms around her enormous abdomen. Clenching her teeth, she waited for the pain to subside.
Duncan lay sleeping beside her. He'd come to bed exhausted, after spending the day with his father overseeing the lands. She hated to wake him, but it couldn't be helped.
She shook his shoulder. "Duncan?"
He didn't move.
She shook him harder. "Duncan, wake up."
He stirred. "What is it, lass?" he asked sleepily.
"Tis the bairn."
He sat up. "Is it time?"
"Aye," she said, preparing herself for another pain.
He jumped out of bed, tripping over his boots in the process. "I'll send for the midwife," he said, racing to the door and flinging it against the wall. "Fetch the midwife," he shouted from the doorway, "the bairn is ready to be birthed."
Wyn hurried down the corridor. "I'll send a servant to fetch her from the village."
Duncan's father came out of his bedchamber, grinning, still dressed in his nightshirt and his white hair sticking out in all directions. "My grandchild will be here soon."
He nodded. "I dinnae ken how soon for the midwife hasnae yet arrived."
"Do ye mind if I speak to Kila, son?"
"Nay," he said, wondering what the devil his father was up to.
Duncan followed him to Kila's bedside.
"Lass, I've something for you."
"What is it, Dermit?" She clenched her teeth until the pain subsided.
He handed her an exquisite amulet of deep amber, engraved with a cross. "This belonged to Duncan and Aileen's mother, and her mother before her, and so on. 'Tis a birthing stone, to provide comfort to the mother while she is giving birth. I wish you to have it."
With her eyes swimming with tears, Kila smiled up at Dermit. 'Tis lovely and most appreciated, but should no' Aileen have it, since it belonged to her mother?"
He smiled. "My dear Elspeth had two birthing stones. I gave Aileen the other a few months before she gave birth to wee Ian."
She smiled. "Then I thank you and will give it to our own daughter one day." Another pain racked her body and she clutched the birthing stone in her hand, whispering a prayer that she and the bairn would live, as many women and their offspring did not.
Duncan took her hand, and she held on tightly, until the pain slowly faded away.
Dermit bent and kissed Kila on the forehead, then turned to his son. "Dinna fash, Duncan, all will be well. I'll leave you be for now, but fetch me if you need me."
Duncan nodded, as he was so filled with emotion, he was unable to speak.
Soon the corridor was overflowing with people. Agnes, the midwife, accompanied by her assistant, shoved her way through the crowd, and closed the door to the onlookers. After examining Kila, she smiled. "'Twill be a while yet, m'lady."
Duncan, a Highland warrior who was afraid of naught, was now as pale as the morning mist. Kila smiled, and took hold of his hand. "We'll be fine, Duncan. Dinnae fash."
He nodded, but his brow was creased with worry.
"Why no' send for Cin and Claire?" Kila asked him. "'Tis but a short distance from Dunvegan. I'm certain you would feel much better if they were here, as would I."
"I'll do just that." He opened the door, and after speaking with someone in the corridor, he again closed it and returned to her side.
Agnes patted her arm. "Rest while ye can, m'lady. Ye'll be needing all the strength ye can muster to birth this one. 'Tis no wee bairn ye carry inside
ye."
She nodded, and closed her eyes.
Duncan pulled a chair up next to the bed and sat down, watching Kila sleep. He'd not let her know it, but he'd worried about the birthing since she'd first told him she was with child. He well remembered what a terrible time Kade's first wife, Isabelle, had had birthing their son, Cameron. Her screams had made their way into his nightmares many times since that awful day. In the end, Kade had lost them both.
Duncan must have dozed off, for Kila's cry woke him. With heart pounding, he took her hand. "I'm here, lass."
Her hair was damp with perspiration, but she forced a smile.
Agnes examined her again. "The time is near, but no' yet."
"Duncan, go break your fast. I'll be fine," she said, pressing her hand against his cheek.
He knew Kila was only trying to keep him from seeing her suffer, and it ripped out his heart to know she was in such pain.
"I'll no' be long." He turned to the midwife. "Have someone fetch me if need be."
The old woman nodded.
Over the next few hours, Duncan made many a visit to their bedchamber to check on Kila. And each time, was told there was little change. It seemed the bairn was taking its time.
On one of those visits, he was met outside the great hall by Connor and Eadan, returning from Scotland's mainland. "'Tis Kila's time," he said, anxious to see how she fared.
"How is she doing?" Connor asked, genuinely concerned.
"The same, it seems. I've sent for Cin and Claire. They should be arriving at any moment.
Eadan nodded. "Good. Is there anything we can do?"
Duncan shook his head. "Nay. Have the servants fetch you something to eat. I'll let you ken if there's a change in Kila's condition," he said, before heading upstairs, where he quietly slipped into the bedchamber.
Kila was awake, and looked as pale as a snow bank.
He smoothed her damp hair away from her face and kissed her forehead.
Pain racked her body, cutting him like a knife.
"Push, ye must push, m'lady."