Knight Furies

by C. C. Wiley

  His tongue flicked over her sensitive flesh, circling her nipples.

  “No. Please,” she whispered. Her hips writhing, she lifted her hips for him to slip his hand under her chemise. And yet he did not. What was he waiting for?

  Nathan released her wrists and sat back on his haunches. A bemused look shadowed his face as he watched her. His chausses bulged at the apex of his thighs, proving his desire. “Then tell me why. Explain to me. Show me what you want from me.”

  “I don’t…I mean I want to…” Meg bit her lip. He slid his hand over hers and pressed it to her mons.

  “Your virginity is still intact?”

  “You know this to be true.” Meg scrambled to stand, fighting the unease that she had committed another blunder. “Mayhap I was too hasty.” She gathered the edges of the chemise to her neck and attempted to leave the bed.

  “Forgive me.” His body blocked her path of escape. “I ask only because of the Scotsman, my lady.”

  “He is but a paid protector. He keeps the reivers from roving over our land.” Meg winced and squeezed her eyes shut. Now she had done it. He would be furious and take it out on everyone involved.

  Nathan tipped her chin. Instead of fury, she was greeted with a smile.

  “Then we will begin here.” His full lips claimed hers with a gentle kiss. He probed the rim of her mouth and Meg responded, tasting the ale on his tongue. She matched his dance of circles and swirls, testing the passion that simmered out of reach.

  The length of his muscled body pressed into hers. The ridge of his engorged flesh pumped next to her belly. Separated by too many layers of clothing, he lifted the hem of her chemise.

  She tensed, prepared to hear the rending of the soft material. Instead, his hands slid up the back of her thighs, cupping her buttocks, slipping a finger between her cheeks. He nudged her legs apart, giving him access to her slit.

  Obeying, she held on to his shoulders as he devoured her mouth, her face.

  Her legs quivered as he continued to explore her body. His fingers splayed over the small of her back. The chemise rose higher. Exposing her mons for his perusal.

  Fingers trailed up her rib cage, encircling her breasts. He broke from their kiss to suckle and lave her nipples, and then carried the chemise over her head. It fluttered to the floor.

  “Ah, Meg, you’re as sweet as that honey that you covet.” He opened her legs a little more and slid a finger between her folds.

  Gasping, she could no longer keep her body still. She had to touch him. Feel his slick skin under her palms. She slid them down his shoulders, retracing the path he took on his back. Her fingers hooked his chausses. These had to come off.

  She fumbled with the string holding them up. His anxious flesh poked at her hand, making her tremble even more.

  Nathan stopped her efforts. His nostrils flared, reminding her of the stallion as he readied to mount his mare. “Patience. We’ve only just begun.” He nipped her lips. “I shall explode if you touch me know.”

  Irritated, she ignored his command and continued to tug on his chausses. “’Tis unfair. I wish to see you. Touch you.” Emboldened by his panting breath, she licked his nipples. “Taste you.” Fascinated, she watched his nipples pebble.

  “As you wish, my lady.” Picking her up, he cradled her, her bottom exposed for him to explore. His fingers and hands left a fiery trail. Meg thought she might lose her mind by the time he laid her back upon the mattress.

  She lay naked before Nathan. Waiting. Please God. To strip himself bare. She squeezed her thighs together. The muscles clenched and unclenched, sending jolts of pleasure to her core.

  Nathan watched her as he untied the string and let the chausses drop to the floor. Freed from confinement, his cock tapped against the planes of his flat belly. He cupped his engorged flesh as if to tame it.

  She gasped. So large. Too large. How was that going to enter her narrow slit? There must be pain. ’Twas why the horses coming together was so violent. Unable to bear the thought, she shut her eyes and turned away. Maybe she could convince him she had fallen asleep.

  The heat between her legs began to cool. There was still time to change her mind. The mattress bent with is weight.

  “Meg,” Nathan said. “Look at me.” His eyes still gleamed with passion, but they held a gentle expression that promised to do her no harm.

  Meg rolled over. He lay on his side, facing her. His appendage in question still pulsed between them. He stroked her hip, tracing the crease between her thigh and abdomen. Her nipples contracted as he stared at her mouth. She licked her dry lips. They felt swollen to her tongue.

  “Let me pleasure you,” he whispered his voice laced with passion.

  He traveled to her mons. She sucked in a breath. It had become more sensitive than before. He lifted her hand and placed it under his. “Your body already prepares for me.”

  She eyed him warily. “But you are so big. You will tear me asunder.”

  He rocked over, pressing her hand into the button of flesh while palming his burgeoning root. “I vow, when we do come together, you will be able to take me. ’Tis why I cannot let you touch me. Not yet.”

  She stared into his eyes. Did she trust him to care for her, to give? Not just take? A slow, lazy smile lifted the corners of his mouth as he slid down on his belly. He encircled her ankles and spread her legs. Waves of pleasure rippled up her thighs as he traveled toward her opening. Catching the back of her knees, he lifted them until her legs were bent. Tasting and feasting the whole way, his touch created shivers through her body. Meg clutched the bedsheet. Her toes curled as she clawed to maintain control. She did not want to let go. She wanted this feeling of pleasure to last for hours, if not days.

  Her muscles clenched. He tongued wherever his whiskers scraped across her skin. Meg rolled her head. She gripped his broad shoulders, tugging at him, to bring him closer. There had to be a way to be closer. Skin against skin. Their sweaty bodies slid together.

  Meg gasped as his mouth moved over the swollen lips of her core. He sucked on the nub of flesh, flicking it with his tongue. She dug her heels into the mattress, her hips lifting and lowering, aching for release. When he slipped his finger into the entrance between her legs, a keening moan slipped past her parted lips.

  She needed more. Sweat glistened over his shoulders as he maintained his position despite her efforts to unseat him. His mouth closed over her as his fingers swirled inside. His thumb massaged her sensitive pearl. Her insides clenched. Muscles she never knew existed bunched and released as she bucked against him.

  Meg arched her back and cried out as wave after wave crashed over her. It pulled her in and out like the tide until she thought her soul was torn from her throbbing body. And then it slowly receded, leaving them panting, their bellies pressed together.

  Nathan lay between her bent legs. He braced his arms, holding his weight off of her, as he leaned in to kiss her. He tasted of sex, of lovemaking.

  “That was lovely,” she said. “I never knew.” She glanced down. His cock looked just as large. Dew clung to the tip. “But what of you?”

  He bent his head to suckle her breast. First one and then the other. He looked up, that boyish grin on his face. One of mischief and the need for repentance. “This is where I take your virginity.”

  “There is more?”

  “Indeed.” His hand stole between them and found her apex. Fire reignited, sending trails of pleasure through her limbs.

  She groaned at his touch and spread her legs. “Oh, yes, my lord.”

  Nathan shifted position and raised her arms over her head. Her breasts were left exposed, giving him access any time he pleased. She arched her back to graze her nipples against his chest, to have his silken hair tickle her sensitive flesh. The head of his cock pulsed against her entrance. Her hips lifted of their own volition giving him permission to take her. />
  He pressed deeper. Her opening widened, taking him in. “Meg,” he whispered. Sweat glistened on his forehead. His arms trembled as he moved his hips.

  Releasing her wrists, he spread her legs, lifting them over his shoulders. Meg grabbed his buttocks. Kneading the hard planes of his cheeks. Liquid slid between her legs, allowing him to rock in and out. Deeper and deeper.

  He slipped his hand between them again and found the place that sent lightning through her core. She held on to him, her nails digging into his back, as her body quaked. Never could she have imagined that giving her virginity to her future husband would bring so much pleasure.

  His body tensed as he raised his hips and lowered to the base of his root.

  Meg’s breath caught in her throat as she cried out. Stinging pain wrung the liquid desire from her core. She clamped her legs around his waist.

  Nathan paused over her. He held his body firmly in place. “Forgive me. I didn’t intend to hurt you.”

  “No,” she said, stopping him from pulling away.

  She cupped his jaw. His full lips showed signs of lovemaking. The reddish tints in his hair reflected the candlelight. “I’m fine. I just need a moment to catch my breath.”

  His hips rocked against her, returning to the rhythm that they found together. In no time at all she matched his pace. Faster and faster, they panted and cried out as they were carried over into a swirl of need that neither wanted to end.

  Meg settled into his arms, her bottom nestled against him, and sighed. He kissed the back of her neck, nuzzling her ear. She flipped onto her back, her legs entangled with his, and smoothed his curling mane from his shoulders.

  Letting her gaze burrow into those fathomless eyes that had seen and done so much, she feared that she might fall deeply in love with this man. What was she to do when he left and never returned from the battlefield?

  She started to rise from the bed. How would she ever endure it if she were to lose him too?

  “Stay,” he said. Drawn to the warmth of his body, she wiggled next to him.

  “But the others. Someone will know.”

  “I’ll carry you back to your bedchamber before anyone is the wiser.” He kissed the tip of her nose and snuggled closer. “Get some sleep,” Nathan ordered. “’Tis our wedding day.”

  Hours later, as the morning birdsong began to filter through the windows, Meg rolled over in her bed. Still naked, she searched the room for Nathan. He’d done as promised and had delivered her to her bedchamber. She searched for her clothing and muttered a curse. Her chemise was not in her room.

  Meg turned as a servant scratched on the door. She leaped into bed and drew the bedsheets up to her chin.

  “My lady,” the girl said. “My lord suggested you might want to sleep later than usual.” She set a tray laden with bowls of steaming oats and whey and berries. “Though, I imagine you’ll want to make haste.” She glanced over her shoulder as she shook out the dress from the day before. “This being your wedding day and all.”

  Meg cringed. “Have you news where my sister, Lady Anna, might be? I wish she might attend me.”

  “Oh, yes, my lady. She’s caring for the injured Graham a lay’n the bed. Brother John had him taken to the chamber next to the kitchen. Cook is near beside himself. Says he won’t be feeding no thiev’n Scotsman. The man is a large one, ain’t he?” Her eyes widened in appreciation of their guest and giggled. “In all sorts of ways, I’d wager.”

  “Brother John…”

  “Summoned to our new lord’s side. They be walking the village and outer buildings.” She offered a hungry grin. “Another large one for certain. Is he not? You are sure to be blessed with children in no time at all,” she predicted.

  Meg did her best not to roll her eyes. “Please deliver a message to my sister that I will be there shortly.” What were they thinking, leaving her gentle sister to tend to Duncan Graham? It was like leading a little lamb to a highland wolf.

  Meg did not languish in the tub but made haste with her toilette and hurried down the hall to the chamber by the kitchen. Once she freed Anna from their guest, she would search out her future husband. Their union was a mistake. A moment of foolishness. She still intended for their marriage to be a passionless one. It was the only way she could protect her heart.

  Voices drifted from the small chamber they used to house the vegetables during the winter months. The hair on Meg’s neck prickled as she recognized Duncan’s low rumble, followed by her sister’s soft soothing voice.

  “Be still. What have they done to you? Why are you bound to the posts?”

  “All better for ye safety,” Duncan teased.

  “I’ll have a word with my sister. You saved her life.”

  “Not the way your lord and new brother see it. I’m a threat.” His chuckle belied his declaration. “Come here, lass. Sit awhile and let me take comfort in your presence.”

  “You know how it is, Duncan. Soon, though. I vow it.”

  “You’ll come with me, Anna.”

  “I can’t. You know this. Stay in Fletchers Landing. We can sort this out.”

  “No matter what ye think. They won’t agree.”

  Meg picked up the candle’s stand and let it drop on the side table near the door. She cleared her throat, making certain that she did not enter with them in a compromising position. It was hard enough not to rail at them for their stupidity. What nonsense was that Scotsman spewing, attempting to woo her sister? They had only met a few hours ago when he was brought in wounded from the skirmish against the smugglers. He required Anna’s healing skill. Not her heart.

  “Lady Anna,” she called out. “Ah, there you are.” Unwilling to wait for a reply, she straightened her skirts and squared her shoulders before charging into the room.

  “Meg.” Her sister leaped away from her position where she sat on the cot. Anna had neatly bound his head, covering part of a bruise that spread from his cheekbone and into his hairline. One arm was cradled in a sling. The other one was attached to the bedpost by a stout rope. His large feet stuck out from under the thin blanket. A twinge of guilt pinched. He should have been given a better room in which to heal. The man had been injured while protecting her from the smugglers.

  Then she spied the indentation where Anna had sat too close to her patient. Mayhap Nathan’s decision to hold him here should be applauded.

  “What brings you?” Anna asked. After smoothing her mussed hair, she ran her palms down her skirt, and tipped her chin in an air of defiance. Meg’s worry increased as her pliable sister shifted into a woman intent on protecting her man.

  “I came to check on our prisoner.”

  “Patient,” Anna snapped.

  Meg nodded, and took another route to pry Anna from this room. “I am to be wed this day, am I not?” She did her best to pout. “I expect to have my brother and sisters nearby, to bear witness to the nuptials.”

  “His lordship still intends to wed you after you admitted your arrangements with the thieving bastards?” Duncan eyed her from his bed. “’Tis a forgiving man that you marry.”

  Meg glanced out the chamber door. Did someone listen to their conversation the same way she had moments ago?

  “Ah,” he said, nodding from his bed. “Then ye wish for the plans to continue as your king commands.

  “’Tis good your sister is an obedient servant to the king,” Duncan said to Anna. His fingertips trailed up her arm.

  Anna and he shared a look, sending alarms through Meg’s body. Her hands curled, flexing into fists.

  “Take your hand off my sister, Duncan Graham.”

  Anna gasped. “’Tis no need for unkindness. Duncan must heal before he leaves us.” She untangled her arm from his grasp and stepped out of reach. But not before she smoothed his bangs from his face.

  “Forgive me, Duncan Graham.” Meg’s stomach clenched
as she dipped a curtsy in his direction. “’Tis certain I misspoke. A man, such as you, would never take advantage of a maiden in the safety of her home.” She caught his gaze and held it.

  “Och,” he exclaimed. “It never entered my thoughts.” He shook his good arm, making the bed tremble like it was made of kindling. “Least not while I’m trussed up like a boar for slaughter.” He chuckled at their discomfort. “Come now, my ladies, I was only jesting.”

  “Lady Anna, your presence is wanted in the kitchen.” Meg added before she could offer an objection. “Please see to Baldric.”

  “I’ll attend to him at once.” Anna turned, her cheeks flushed, she began gathering her salves. Her voice rose. “As soon as I—”

  “At once,” Meg snapped. She had to put a stop to the way Duncan followed Anna’s every movement with hungry eyes.

  “Lass,” Duncan called from his bed. He swung his bare legs out from the coverlet and searched for the floor with his foot. “Cease your rushing about. I’m well enough to see to myself. Release me now, and I shall be on my way.”

  Anna pursed her lips and lifted her patient’s leg, returning it to his bed. “We have no right to keep him bound to the bed.”

  Meg had seen her sister minister to other’s needs many times before. Many times Anna had directed that her patient needed their clothes removed. Whether from chill or damp, fever or wound. But there was something about this patient that made her aware of his nakedness under the coverlet. She must speak with Brother John.

  She caught her lip between her teeth. That too would change once she was wed to Nathan. The king had given away more than just their family holding; he had given away her rights. Who would seek her out for advice? Would Cook inquire her desires for the meal or look only to please his lord? Her parents dealt with each other in a partnership. Was it possible to build a similar relationship with Nathan? There was much she must discuss with Nathan before they wed. And if they could not come to an agreement, she would have to leave. Mayhap even flee to the land in the north.