Enticed by the Highlander: The Moriag Series

by Hildie McQueen

  “Of course.” When she lifted her gaze to his, she was shocked by the hurt in his expression. He blinked and looked away.

  “I suppose it’s best. You will be glad to be amongst those you love.”

  “If I had a choice I would remain here.” Her voice trembled with a mixture of anger, hurt, and confusion. “I do not wish to return to the lowlands. I doubt my family will welcome me back, as they were glad to be rid of me.”

  He neared and lifted her chin to him. “Why do you say this?”

  Breena could not remain distant from him any longer, needed his touch. She placed her palm flat against the hardness of his chest. “I do not know where to start. Without a choice, it matters not either way.”

  “I came to give you a choice.” Aiden covered her hand with his. “Live with me.”

  A part of her wanted to leap with excitement at considering a life not only away from her family, but with him as well. Her heart, however, was crushed that he’d not offered marriage. “Do you ask out of honor? Because of what happened between us.”

  He nodded. “Yes. I am duty bound to protect you. And…I do not wish you to go.”

  “You are an honest man. Thank you for giving me a choice. I accept your offer.” He pulled her against him and took her mouth with his. She didn’t hold back how much she hungered for the taste of him, to feel the security of his strength.

  Like cold water falling over her, she realized that as his lover, she had no say if he took a wife. There was the possibility he’d send her away once he married to have heirs or to join with a neighboring clan. She wasn’t sure she trusted him fully as yet.

  His arms were so secure surrounding her, she wished to remain there forever. On this day, for the present, she’d not worry about what came after. Today would be about her first step toward a new future.

  Aiden’s keep was not as large at the McNeil’s, but it was still impressive. She’d come from the lowlands where homes were smaller and she had to admit, his dwarfed hers. Once inside the courtyard, he assisted her from her horse and introduced her to an older woman who, by the keys hanging from her apron, was the housemistress. The woman gave her a quick assessing look before turning to her laird. “Which room should I prepare for the lady?”

  Both she and the woman looked at him waiting a reply. Aiden cleared his throat. “She will be in the chamber adjoining mine. Please send Glenda to come and assist Lady Breena as she is without a lady’s maid.”

  A fast rush of heat climbed up her throat to her face. Aiden did not waste time acknowledging to his household she was to be his leman. A lover.

  “I am here, Laird,” a tiny, young woman came forward and bowed to her. “Come with me, milady, I’ll get you settled with a cup of tea until your chamber is ready.”

  Before following the maid, Breena looked to thank Aiden, but he’d already gone.

  Life in Aiden’s keep was much simpler than at her family’s or the McNeil’s. With only ten guardsmen and a staff of about the same, she found herself at a long table with only Aiden for dinner company the first evening. His mood seemed sullen while they ate. She refused to have a silent partner for the meal.

  “You lead a quiet life.” She lifted a slice of meat to her mouth.

  Her mismatched eyes met his. “Especially now that my sister is married and living at the Gordon’s property.”

  “What do you do to pass the time?”

  He stood and went to a sideboard to refill his own goblet. The maid nearby did not seem discomfited by it. She gathered he often did for himself. “I am a man who’s lived a simple life. You can say I’ve been a loner my entire life. For five years, I lived on my ship. Then I came here when my father died to care for my sister and the surrounding lands. My only friend was the McNeil. But now I count Declan Gordon and Ian McRainey as friends as well.”

  “What about me?” Breena blurted. It was too late to take it back. Of course he did not count her as a friend.

  “I hope we can become friends as well, Breena. I admire you.”

  Her breath caught and her mouth fell open. “For?”

  “It takes bravery to approach a complete stranger and ask for help. From your bruises, I take it you attempted to fight Robertson’s attacks. If I hadn’t killed him already, upon seeing your injuries, I would have gladly done so.”

  Breena could not think of anything to say.

  Aiden stood and walked the length of the table, his eyes never leaving hers. “Come to my bed now.”

  His large bed loomed, the focal point of his room with four large wooden posts and an intricately carved headboard. The fur bedding had recently been brushed and set neatly onto the bed.

  “Come.” Aiden held his hand out and she took it. He pulled her close and took her mouth with determination. The heat of the kiss sent a searing fire through her veins to every inch of her body until she could have melted into nothingness. She gripped his wide shoulders, her nails digging into the fabric, fearing that if she let go, she’d disappear. His large arms rounded her body bringing her flat against him. In the comfort of his embrace, she was lost in him. Nothing mattered, nothing existed, not even the air, only Aiden. Everything was Aiden.

  His face was buried in her neck and he held her without speaking. Gripping her as hard as she did he. As if needing something.

  Before she could speak, his began unfastening her bodice, his heated gaze on her skin. “I need you, Breena.”

  Her fingered trembled as she untied the laces to his tunic and helped him remove it over his head.

  The folds of fabric piled atop one another on the floor and finally she stood fully nude before him. Still wearing his britches, he traced his fingers from her throat to her breasts. “You are amazing.”

  She moved closer and lifted her mouth to him and he took it again, his right hand fondling her breast, while the other slid down her back to cup her bottom and pull her against him.

  Finally, he lifted her and carried her to the bed. Lying on the warm furs, she watched him start a fire in the hearth, enjoying the view of his muscular back as he moved with swift efficiency.

  “Aiden. Come to me.”

  When he undressed, her breath caught at the evidence of his arousal on full display. He was thick, engorged, and hard. For her. His chest lifted and lowered with each harsh breath.

  Aiden came over her, his muscular body felt perfect, not too heavy atop her. She ran her hands down his back and to the dip just above his butt and then raked her nails up.

  His lips pressed kisses across her shoulder to her breasts. He moved from one to the other giving each attention, suckling her nipples into his mouth while his hands kneaded her flesh. Breena closed her eyes, overwhelmed by all the sensations. More, she needed more of him, to be completely overtaken.

  His mouth moved to between her breasts while his hands encircled her waist. She threaded her fingers through his silky hair as he progressed, his tongue laving down her stomach to between her legs. Breena cried out and began to shake.

  Darkened eyes looked up to her. “I want to taste you more. I want to devour you, but I can’t keep from taking you. I can’t be gentle.”

  She grabbed his face and pulled him up. “Good, because I want you inside me, now.”

  After pushing her legs apart, he settled between them and thrust in hard, filling her completely. Both let out a moan at joining.

  Chapter Eight

  With each thrust, he took more and more of the beautiful woman beneath him. He was drunk, intoxicated by her body, her exquisiteness. If she knew how much power she had over him, he shuddered to think what she could do to his heart.

  Every minute of the day since being with her, Breena had been ever present in his mind. And now. She was his. No, that was not correct.

  He was hers.

  “Aiden!” She came with force, her body shaking and her mouth wide open. He would not last much longer. He had already begun the climb to the point of losing control. His body was working on instinct, his hips movi
ng in rapid succession moving in and out of her now plaint body.

  His balls tightened harder than they’d already been and he held on to the headboard in an effort to stay grounded, but lost the battle and came with such force his back arched up, his body stiffened and quaked.

  Spent, he could not hold himself above her and collapsed.

  Her soft lips pressed kisses to his temple while her hands moved down his back.

  How he loved this woman. The emotion battled with an enormous fear that threw a heavy, thick blanket over his mind. He’d only been in love once and she died before they could be together. When Halldis, the Norse woman he loved, died, Aiden wished for death as well. He loved her so much, dying would have been a welcome respite from the pain. But now, at that very moment, he realized that love was nothing like he felt now.

  What he felt for Breena scared him into not knowing what to do. A part of him wanted to send her back to her clan. Had almost done so.

  After talking to the McNeil, the man advised he marry Breena. To make her his wife and ensure she was protected. Once she told him about her family, how they did not care for her, the decision was made. He could not send her back.

  The fear in him was irrational, crippling. On some level he understood it. Was it the way of love? Did it always bring great dread with it?

  She cupped his face. “What are you thinking? Is something wrong?”

  He’d vowed never to lie to her. If she were to be his wife, he would not start by deceiving Breena. “I am wondering what to do.”

  Her beautiful, brown eyes met his and she frowned. “If you mean about me, then I can help. Although I never expected to become a leman, that seems to be my lot. I am willing to move away to live in another smaller house perhaps, if you need to seek a wife.”

  “Move away?” Is that what she wanted? Aiden blinked trying to figure out how to explain himself. “No. I do not wish you to be away from me.”

  His heart skipped when her lips curved. “I am to remain here with you, then?”

  “Aye.”

  “What if I…” she blushed. “What if I become with child?”

  “Then I’ll be a happy man.” He kissed the crease between her brows. “I must explain.”

  “Laird!” There were hard knocks on the door.

  “Enter,” Aiden called out.

  The maid entered and looked away at Aiden’s nudity. He stood and wrapped his tartan around his waist. “Go on, Glenda, what is it?”

  “There are men downstairs. They claim to have come for Lady Breena. Her brother and guardsmen, I believe.”

  His legs almost buckled. “Tell them I’ll be down momentarily.” He turned to the bed to see Breena sitting up, the bedding held up to cover her body. Rounded eyes met his. “I don’t want to return with him.”

  “If your clan wishes to reclaim you, I cannot stop them.” He hated the effect of his words when she gasped and her bottom lip trembled.

  With regal pride, she slid to the edge of the bed and lifted her chin, her shoulders back. “I will dress and ask for my things to be repacked.”

  “No.” He went to her. “I will ask your brother for your hand in marriage. I do not wish to lose you.”

  She searched his face as if not believing him. “Why would you do that?”

  “Because I…” The maid returned. “Sorry, Laird, he demands you come down at once.”

  “Very well.” Aiden grabbed his tunic and snatched it on. Then he placed his boots on and adjusted his tartan, bringing some of the fabric over his shoulder. Once he did, he placed a clan pin upon his breast to hold it in place.

  Just before stepping through the door, he took his broadsword and fastened it to his waist.

  He rushed down the steps and stormed into the antechamber where a man stood surrounded by his guardsmen. “I don’t take well to taking orders in my own home.” He faced the man who stepped forward.

  Almost at his height with no resemblance to Breena, the man wore a heavy beard and was dirty from his travels. Breena’s brother did not seem the least bit intimidated. “I come for Breena. She must return home now that she is without husband.”

  Aiden looked to his men. “She does not wish to return.”

  “She does not have a say in this. Our father found out disturbing information about Robertson and dispatched me to retrieve her. Once here, I find he was killed. By you.” The man narrowed his eyes at him. “And I also find that you took her.”

  “I asked her if she wished to return or live with me. She had a choice.”

  “To be your leman?” Her brother was incredulous. “She is a lady.”

  “I will not explain myself to you.” Aiden could not help the anger in his voice. “Now, I ask that you leave.”

  “As a representative of her clan, I invoke the right to take my sister home.”

  Her brother had every right and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to stop the man. Not without bringing the wrath of their clan upon his people. And he would not be responsible for bringing war again to Moriag.

  “Eoghan. I am surprised my father would send you after me regardless the circumstance.” Breena entered the room. Aiden never tired of her graceful movements. She seemed to glide across the space to stand next to him. “As Aiden said, I do not wish to return.”

  Her brother’s nostrils flared. “And as I stated, you do not get a choice.”

  Aiden’s guardsmen entered the room. There was a momentary standoff as warriors from both sides measured each other up. Aiden motioned for his men to stand down.

  Breena’s hand shook as she slid it up to her breast. “Why does he want me to return?”

  “He has arranged a match for you that will benefit our clan.”

  “I am prepared to marry Breena,” Aiden interjected, not about to lose her to another only for the benefit it would bring her father.

  Her eyes were full of warmth when meeting his. “I accept Aiden Stuart’s offer of marriage.”

  “I deny the request.”

  Aiden saw his men’s hands inch to their swords, prepared to do battle. To fight for him. The exhausted men did not care for themselves and, in that moment, he felt pride in his clan. It was overshadowed by the fact he had no choice either.

  “I wish to speak to your father.” He looked to Eoghan. “Joining with the Stuart Clan means I will offer my loyalty and sword. Also the same of my men.”

  The man looked to the ceiling. “I deny the request. My father has already given his word to the lesser Laird Douglas. His clan is great and powerful.”

  Even in the Highlands, the power of the Clan Douglas was well known. To a smaller clan like the McGalens, it meant great power. Aiden wanted to scream in frustration. “Surely your father cares for what Breena feels.”

  Eoghan’s gaze was warm when looking to his sister. “Let us go, Breena. I do not want to waste more time.”

  “No.” She looked to Aiden. “You have more men than he does. Stop him.”

  Aiden did not meet her gaze. “I cannot. This region is a peaceful one. I will not bring war again. I am sorry.”

  He watched them escort her from the house and went up to the balcony to watch as they rode away. She never looked back.

  In the privacy of his chamber, Aiden collapsed to the floor. Hot tears fell down his cheeks.

  Breena had not said a word, but turned on her heel and walked out of his home. Out of his life. He clutched the shift she’d left behind to his chest and tried to breathe, but his breath caught and he finally let go and cried.

  Chapter Nine

  The road home was long and she felt ready to pass out from sheer exhaustion. Not wanting to give the Highlander a chance to change his mind, her brother had hurried back to the safety of the lowlands. Four days later, they neared her home and, although her heart ached, she looked around the familiar landscape and couldn’t help but compare the difference between this and Aiden’s home. The plush mountains and misty air had turned to flatter ground and clear vision for a long
distance. She looked to Eoghan. “Can we rest please? I fear I will faint.”

  Her brother let out an impatient breath. “Fine.” Eoghan was not a cruel person. As a matter of fact, of her siblings, she was closest to him. He’d always been protective of her and given her small presents growing up when her parents slighted her.

  Once they dismounted, she went to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Who is father marrying me to?”

  “Fergal Douglas from the smaller Douglas Clan to the northeast.” His reply was without emotion. But he let out a breath. “Do you love Aiden Stuart?”

  “Aye.” Her eyes misted and she blinked away the moisture. “But his feelings must not be as strong. He did not fight for me.”

  “He had little choice.” Eoghan’s comment surprised her, but she could not let go of the resentment. “I will not tell father about him.”

  “Thank you.”

  The reception upon her arrival was as cold as she expected. No one greeted them in the courtyard except her maid who rushed forward and hugged her. Once she was ensconced in her chamber, she sent word that she was too tired to join the family for the evening meal.

  Without any haste, her request was accepted and a tray of food brought to her. She ate very little. Her stomach was in knots with grief. Each time thoughts of Aiden formed, her chest constricted and she fought back tears. “I will not cry for him.” The words were in vain as tears fell anyway. Of course, he’d only offered marriage because of honor, but she doubted he felt much more relief than not at Eoghan’s refusal of his offer.

  There was a brisk knock on the wall and her mother entered. Dressed in her favorite dark color, she looked drawn and thinner than when Breena had left. “I see you’ve settled in.” Her cold eyes scanned the chamber. “Word has been sent. The Douglas and his son will be here two days hence. Ensure you are prepared.”

  “By that you mean what exactly, Mother? I doubt anything I say or do will change the agreement.”