“You are breathing as heavy as I.” She turned to him when she finally settled and her gaze traveled to his bulging sex. “What can I do to bring you pleasure?” Her hand slid from his hip to wrap around his erection. Through the fabric, she caressed him and Declan found himself pushing into her small palm. “That feels good.” His stilted words like those of a young lad almost made him blush.
“Can I do more?” She kissed next to his ear. “Tell me.”
The lass was quite bold for a maiden. He wondered if she did not toy with him. “Aye, there is more.”
He untied his fastenings and freed himself, watching for her reaction. Instead of fear, she moved lower to get a better look. “You are quite large, are you not?”
“Aye, I’ve been told.” Her eyes flashed to his face.
“Have women been able to take it?” She remained serious, her face devoid of humor. “I do not believe I could ever.”
Declan almost laughed. “You can try with your mouth.”
“My mouth?” She seemed to ponder the idea and just as he was about to move away, she pressed a kiss to the head of his cock and then sucked it into her mouth. The lass took to his hardness well, taking him deep and after he guided her hand to stroke him, continued to do so on her own.
“Ahhh.” Declan’s hips thrust forward into her mouth and she allowed him deeper until he could barely maintain control. His ball sack tightened and he pulled out and spilled onto the ground, his body trembling.
“Come to me.” He pulled her against him and held her tightly, enjoying the feel of her delicate plushness against him.
They must have fallen asleep because moments later he heard someone calling out his name. He woke the beauty and helped her to dress in a hurry.
She stretched and looked up at the sky. “Goodness, I must hurry back. Lily must be frantic searching for me.” Her face reddened when their eyes met. “I am not sure what to think about what happened between us just now. I trust you don’t think…”
“Can I see you again?” Declan interrupted and took her hand to keep her from fleeing. “Here in two days?” He didn’t think anything past how fetching she was.
“Aye.” She lifted the basket and hurried away just as Ian rode up.
“Declan, what in the devil have you been doing? We’ve scoured the lands looking for you.” His enraged friend dismounted and stormed to him. “You cannot do this. You are laird now. You have responsibilities.”
Not sure how to respond, Declan shrugged. Apparently it was the wrong thing to do as his friend’s fist connected to his face and he found himself on the ground looking at the sky and Ian’s face hovering over him.
“Get up.” Ian held his fists up ready to battle. “Get your arse off the ground.”
“Nay, I will not fight you. You will probably win. I do not have the added benefit of anger.” Declan rubbed his throbbing jaw. “Would it help if I tell you I will not do so again?”
“No.” Ian stalked away to collect the horses.
Chapter Five
“Who is she?” Ian had calmed considerably on the way back to Moriag. “It was the same woman from the square wasn’t it?”
“Her name is Meredith Stuart. I believe her brother owns the lands to the south.”
“If her brother gets wind of it, he could demand you marry the lass.” Ian’s eyes flashed with annoyance. “Have you considered that?”
Declan held up a hand. “I can swear on my life to not have spoiled her. Although she claims not to be a virgin.”
The lowering sun cast long shadows over the land, the cooler evening wind blew bringing Declan to wish for a tartan. A lone deer hurried to the shelter of the woods to find respite for the night. It was the time of day Declan loved most, the settling of the world in anticipation of another day.
“I believe she attempts to forge a marriage by seducing me. Feigns innocence, but then sucks on my cock with much enthusiasm.”
Ian shook his head. “You allowed it knowing her plan? So perhaps she will get her way.”
“Nay. I am not to be forced into such a union. When Aiden Stuart comes to demand restitution, you will stand in my steed. On that day, you will act as laird. She claims to not know who I am, therefore, you can decree her a small amount of silver as restitution to help her brother find her a suitable husband.”
“Your brilliant mind astonishes me.” Ian’s dry remark made Declan chuckle.
Moriag came into view, the gray, stone structure already etched into his heart. Pride at owning it filled him.
The woman he married would rule in the household and in his bed. He’d not be manipulated into a marriage by a wily lass. The picture of Meredith lying in his bed formed and he pushed it away. If she did not lie, he’d not be against a union with her. Of course, if she did, he had to admit being seduced by the beauty had its benefits.
“We have visitors,” Ian spoke, his posture erect, alert. “It looks to be a man with guards.”
Declan narrowed his eyes. “Could it be Stuart already? Go forth, I will go to the stables and await word.”
His friend gave him a flat look. “If I am to pretend to be you, I need a flower in my hair.”
“Ian.”
“Aye, I will save your arse this time. But remember, you will return the favor if ever I require it.”
An hour later, Declan sat at the high board for the first time. The McNeil laird to his left and Ian on the right. The laird came to pay his respects, yet Declan suspected there was another reason for the visit, which would be divulged later.
The McNeil stood tall, his broad form matching Declan’s. With reddish hair made lighter by the candle fire, Declan had to admit he cut a fine figure. He guessed the man to be about ten years his senior. Still, a young laird. It was best to form friendships if the peace were to continue in the region.
Liam McNeil bent his head and leaned close. “I bring a proposition to bind our clans closer. My eldest daughter is of marrying age, soon to be ten and eight. If you are not betrothed, I propose you and she wed.”
“I will consider it and thank you for the kind offer.” Declan was indeed surprised. Uniting with the great Clan McNeil would, indeed, be fortunate.
He relayed the information to Ian who cocked a brow. “That would be a good union. I’d accept if I were you.”
“I prefer not to appear too anxious,” Declan replied and turned back to the McNeil. He raised his glass and got everyone’s attention. “Warm welcomes to Moriag. I thank the McNeil and his men for visiting. Slainte!”
The men in the room returned loud responses and drank heartily.
The night was dark. Clouds converged and it rained hard, making it unmanageable for the McNeils to return home. The guards slept in the great room while the visiting laird was shown to a room upstairs down from Declan’s.
Alone in his chamber, Declan finally had time to think. The move to Moriag was turning out well indeed. He could marry well, form a union with the McNeils which would not only be favorable for him, but for the Gordons of the north as well.
Mind filled with thoughts, he tossed and turned. Sleep eluded him so he left his bed and went to the window to peer out. It was a peaceful place, his new home.
Although he was careful and placed two sentries atop the keep’s walls, it was probably not necessary here. Nonetheless, he continued the tradition his mother and brother set forth. The sentries were proud of their work and appreciated the much-needed income it provided for their families.
Meredith Stuart was, in all probability, upon her bed. Was she alone? Declan dragged his fingers through his hair. Why should he care what the crafty lass did? Then again, if she was, indeed, ignorant of who he was and accepted him thinking he was a poor man, the better she was suited for a wife. Perhaps, instead of wily, she was taking matters in hand and, as she said, sought to marry a man of her choosing.
Of course, none of this mattered if he married the McNeil lass. He groaned at the prospect of marrying a homely woman, whose fath
er was forced to find a husband for. Then again, it could be that she was comely, but without prospects.
There was Aiden Stuart. As far as he’d been told, the young laird was unmarried as well. Why hadn’t the McNeil approach him first? Perhaps he had, but the McNeil’s daughter was so unattractive, Stuart had declined.
Sure he’d not find sleep, he considered finding Awena to warm his bed. Bedsport would, indeed, set things right. The maid was a lusty sort, already having warmed several of his men’s beds.
He stalked to the door and down the stairs and stopped short at spotting the McNeil guards sprawled on the floor, some snoring loudly.
A hound neared and whined softly. He patted the animal’s head. “How about you and I walk about?” The animal’s tail wagged and he took it as a yes.
“You will go with me to the Gordon Keep on the morrow. And that’s final.” Aiden Stuart paced the study, his hair comically standing on end after much finger raking. She’d hoped that he’d changed his mind about the dreaded visit to the Gordon, but it seemed he continued as stubborn as ever.
“I have told you. I will not come with you only to be made a spectacle of, Aiden. I agreed to allow you to see about his willingness to marry, but not for you to go and ask it outright.” Meredith had to admit she’d never seen him so cross. In her opinion, the one who needed marrying was her brother. Perhaps a wife could help his disposition. “I don’t understand your hurry, brother. It was not my fault the man I married died. And you cannot blame me for attempting to find a husband of my choosing.”
“Bah, women don’t get such choices. I will not allow you to marry some peasant who happens upon our village. You will marry well. The Gordon, if I have my way. He is unmarried and is, in all probability, seeking a wife.”
“In all probability? We will not know until we ask. Allow more time to pass, I beg of you. Just a few weeks.” Meredith pictured the light-haired man who traveled with her dark lover. Although handsome as Lily had described, she found her dark-haired lover much more attractive.
“What can you tell me about this stranger you were found with?”
She felt like a dolt for not having asked his name. Instead, she’d been too overcome by his features and attraction to form a coherent thought. “I am sure the man I met is not a peasant, says he is a friend of Laird Gordon. Can you not, at least, considering meeting him?”
“Nay.” By the set of Aiden’s jaw, she knew he’d not see reason. Meredith huffed and went to the door. “You are stubborn beyond words. The new laird, I’m sure, has better prospects than me. He will turn you down, so I will worry only that you will be made a fool.”
Her brother’s mismatched eyes met hers. Rare was the woman who was indifferent to her brother. Handsome features, red-tinged hair and muscular physique meant he rarely lacked companionship. It was speculated he was a Fae’s son, with one green eye and the other closer to amber. Whether it was his eyes or something else, he’d not sought a wife yet. Meredith wished he were as focused on that as on her. If there was another reason for not marrying before her, he would not divulge it. Not to her anyway.
Not willing to put himself in a position to be spurned was more the reason. Yet the stubborn man did not hesitate when it came to her. Aiden huffed. “I am not daft. I will make inquiries first to ensure he would be agreeable.”
She turned to face him. “Will you wait for a few days at least, Aiden? I promised to visit Cousin Fiona who is about to give birth. I cannot accompany you until I return.”
“Very well. But don’t think I will relent.”
“I’m sure you won’t, brother.”
Skirts lifted, she rushed down the stairs and out a door to the side garden. Meredith sunk onto a bench and looked past the gate to the open lands. Plush with green grass, cattle grazed lazily on the hills, while on a side pasture a shepherd hurried his herd forward. Everyone heading home or already settled for the night on Stuart lands.
Once married off, she’d miss her home. Her eyes misted. It wasn’t fair. She wished to remain here, where it was safe. Too short was the respite after her husband had died. Meredith had been convinced she’d be left to live in peace tending to her garden and managing the household.
With the toe of her foot she dug into the dirt as an errant tear trailed down her cheek. Three days, at least she’d bought herself a little bit of time. Perhaps she’d run into the dark-haired stranger again. What occurred between them was so different, so wickedly good. If she could find him again, would it be the same?
She wondered what he did at this time. Did he think of her? What if he considered her a woman of loose morals for so readily accepting his attentions? Truthfully, she’d not been able to think, her mind only on the amazing sensations his touch brought.
On her feet, she moved to the edge of the garden and allowed her tears free rein. It would not do at all. To marry someone she didn’t care for did not bode well. Although the Laird Gordon was fair of face, he was not a good man. To have slept with his own father’s wife meant he’d not hesitate to sleep with women other than his wife.
“Milady?” Lily stood at the doorway and leaned forward. “Is that you?”
“Aye. I’m coming now.” Meredith wiped at her tears and looked to the starless sky. “’Tis a dark night.”
“Surely not a good one to be out alone.” Lily fussed with her shawl and pulled Meredith forward. “Come now. Let’s get inside before you’re pinched by harpies.”
The next day dawned clear and sunny. With an herb basket on her arm, Meredith made her way along the loch’s edge. Her wet hem tugged at her skirts, but she barely noticed, too engrossed was she in finding the cottage the dark-haired man alluded to live in. He’d said not too far from where she stood, but she didn’t make out any type of structure and feared entering the woods which were definitely on Gordon lands. Her cousin had born a healthy baby girl just that morning; her excuse for putting off the visit to Gordon was gone.
A horseman appeared and she moved to stand in the cover of a tree. Her heart leaped in her chest when recognizing the man. He pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted.
He studied the surroundings and then pulled his steed toward the water’s edge.
“Come now, lassie, we must speak.”
Meredith came from her hiding place. “How did you know I was here?”
“I spotted you from a distance.” His lips curved and she could only gape at how handsome he was. How women could fall at the fair laird’s feet and not this man’s was beyond her understanding.
They stood apart from each other and although she wanted nothing more than to be held by him again, Meredith would wait and allow him to come to her.
“I came to think, needed to ponder on what to do. My brother has decided to ask that Laird Gordon marry me and not you. He says you are but a peasant happening through.”
“Is that not a fortunate thing for you and your family if the laird agrees?” His stare was hard, his eyes narrowed as he awaited her reply. Did he think she’d marry someone just because of their station?
“Aye, would be a good thing for my small clan. But I do not wish to marry him. I hear he is a man without honor.” She placed the basket down and crossed her arms. “I will run away first.”
“Without honor? What do you mean?”
She didn’t wish to repeat hearsay, yet how to explain? Meredith considered her words carefully. “It is said he bedded his own father’s wife. Whilst his father lived.”
“Have you told your brother this?” His eyes scanned her face and Meredith felt a trickle of wariness. What happened? This was not the man she’d lain with the day before. The man who smiled and kissed her so heatedly was now a hard, aloof person.
“I have told my brother I do not wish to marry Laird Gordon. As far as the other, it is only rumor. I don’t know it for a fact.” She looked past him. “Aiden said I had no say in the matter.”
He remained silent, not nearing and she realized he would not stand up to her broth
er or the laird for her. Of course, why should he, they were but mere strangers.
“I must go.” Meredith backed away. “I wish you well.”
The nod of his head was barely perceptible, his eyes not leaving her face. “Farewell.”
Not sure what to make of her encounter with the man who she’d pinned her hopes on, Meredith could only rush back the way she came. Her eyes and throat were as dry as her spirit.
Hopefully the laird would turn them away. She didn’t wish to marry anyone, not the laird, and not the man in the woods any longer.
Chapter Six
“Are you mad?” Ian’s fist hit the top of the table with so much force a goblet fell over, the mead spilling to the floor. “You cannot spurn the McNeil.”
“I am not sure what to do at this moment. Many things cross my mind.”
“Because of the red-haired lass?” Ian hissed lowering his voice as the visiting clansmen entered the room. “You had better find a way to not start the first clan clash in centuries.”
The McNeil hesitated at the back of the room and two women followed behind.
Declan and Ian went to greet him.
The laird motioned the women forward. “May I present my wife, Grisella, and my daughter, Elsbeth.”
The inhalation of breath at the sight of the comely lass with golden hair did not come from him, but from Ian. In turn, Elsbeth barely glanced at Declan, her gaze on his friend. She wore her hair in a thick braid that encircled her head. With a pert nose and large blue eyes, she was quite fetching.
Declan inclined his head and kissed the McNeil’s wife’s hand and then the younger woman’s. “I present my second, Ian McRainey Gordon.”
His friend bowed to the laird and then, in turn, also kissed the women’s hands.
Not wanting to insult the laird, Declan escorted the young lass to the high board and sat her to his right. The laird and his wife settled on his left. Ian on the other side of Elsbeth gave Declan a warning look before settling.
Enticed by the Highlander: The Moriag Series Page 11