“Before we part, shall we take a walk outside?”
Aileana nodded.
Knowing she was ashamed of not having a family of her own, he wanted to reassure her that his feelings were true. He waved to the guards on the wall and steered her away from the keep, toward the loch, where they’d kissed.
“You must learn to trust me, Aileana,” he said. “As your future laird and husband, any concerns or fears you have are now mine. Even if you think it unimportant, tell me what’s in your heart.”
She stopped walking. “Nothing,” she said. “My heart is numb.”
Errol cupped her cheek tenderly. Under the moonlight, her red tresses gleamed like copper, her wide eyes focused on his. “Then we shall change that.”
He had to admit to liking the idea of teaching her how to love and showing her how their bodies were capable of expressing those emotions. Once his father accepted the idea of their marriage, he found himself incapable of stopping his true feelings from surfacing. All those years he wasted bedding other women, trying to purge his mind and soul of the desire to know the redheaded girl no one accepted. Even when she was young and scrawny, covered in dirt from playing outside, Errol watched her—intrigued by her determination, impressed with her fearlessness.
How many fights had she gotten into when someone taunted her? Instead of crying like most girls, she stood her ground. And Edme and Margot loved her all the more for it.
“Do you know,” he said, staring heavenward, “I used to follow you when I was a lad.”
“Yes,” she said. “I spotted you in the trees by the loch many times. But you were the laird’s son, I had no right to question or even speak to ye.”
“I often spied when ye stripped down to your shift and jumped in the water. I liked the way you paddled around, then floated on your back like nothing in the world mattered. What happened to that carefree lass, Aileana? What altered you? Who made you so unsure of yourself?”
She sighed. “Once I realized I wasn’t a MacRae, everything changed.”
“But you knew the night you came here.”
“Nay,” she said. “I had no memory. Perhaps the warmth and love of my aunties allowed me to be happy for a short while. The girls were kind enough, too. But as we grew older, it changed. Muriel and the other maids began mocking me. Little things at first—they’d criticize my dress and hair, or mock me for mistakes I made in the kitchen. Then the rumors started.”
Errol knew the damage jealousy could do. Her big eyes were full of sadness. “None of that matters now.”
“But it does,” she said. “Our betrothal changes nothing really. I see the contempt in their eyes. An outsider has won the heart of the MacRae’s only son. Living with that won’t be easy, milord.”
She’d accepted his pledge of love. But convincing her to open up to him, that would take action, not words. He tugged her into his arms, locking her against his body, and dipping his head so he could taste her delectable mouth. Whenever he held her close like this, the world around them could disintegrate in the fires of hell and he’d never know. All he could think about, see, touch, and smell was everything that Aileana was. Sweet perfection, soft, and uninhibited. That’s what he desired above all things. The same treasure Laird MacKenzie warned him to guard carefully.
He’d do better than that. He’d claim her tonight. Make it so she’d never run away again. For that fear haunted him day and night, that he’d wake up and find her gone. He couldn’t let that happen.
Once they reached the loch’s edge, Errol made it a point to kneel and run his fingers through the water. “ ’Tis perfect for a swim.”
Her lips curled into a shy grin. “Is that why you brought me here? To swim in the icy cold loch?”
If he could keep that look on her lovely face, he’d escort her to the loch every night for the rest of her life. “I admit the memory of you splashing about in the water still holds some appeal. And as for the water being cold, lass, ye never let a bit of snow or ice stop you before. You’re as hale and hearty as any soldier I’ve ever seen brave the frigid loch in winter. And if you look closer, there is no ice built up yet. Most of the snow has melted, even.”
“You wish me to swim in my gown?”
“No,” he said, rising to his feet. “I’d prefer to see what’s underneath it.”
“Bold words any lady should take offense to.”
“You aren’t just any lady, Aileana.” He stepped in front of her. “Yer mine. And nothing we do is considered a sin. We are betrothed, and to most Highlanders, that’s as good as speaking our vows.”
She took Errol’s hand, squeezing it tight as she silently considered his words. He felt the slight tremor in her fingers, knowing she wanted him.
“Allow me the honor of convincing you.” Without thinking, Errol removed his weapon belt, plaid, and trews, folding the prized ruby bodkin within the length of his tartan. As he stood in his linen shirt and boots, his manhood remained at attention despite the cold air.
Aileana blinked up at him. “Yer naked below the hips.”
“Aye,” he said, a low growl escaping. “End my suffering, sweet one. Cover me in your warmth.”
She sighed then, retreating a step. “In this one way I feel completely safe with you, milord.” She turned around, and swept her hair to the side. “I’ll need help with these laces.”
And as he’d done dozens of times in life with other women, Errol began to loosen the ties on the back of her dress. But he fumbled like an inexperienced boy. How he’d dreamt of this moment—unwrapping her like a precious gift. He gritted his teeth as he finished, and she faced him again.
“Let me continue,” he said, unbridled desire driving him forward.
He gently lifted the silky gown over her head, finding a lace-trimmed shift underneath it. Her nipples tightened, poking through the thin material. He licked his lips, fantasy about to become reality. Nothing had hidden her feminine curves, not coarse homespun or the layers of drab wool most of the maids chose to wear in the kitchens, and not the soft shift she wore now. They stared silently at each other, their mutual attraction as assured as the stars and moon overhead.
“You said you trusted me, lass.”
“Aye,” she whispered.
“Especially now.”
She nodded.
“Would it make ye feel better if I said the same of you?”
“I am not your first love.”
“You’re mistaken,” he disagreed. “I’ve bedded many—I don’t want this marriage to be built upon lies, lass. And if I denied my past, you’d know better. I’ve never loved anyone but you.” He kept the small distance between them, giving her time to accept what was about to happen. For if she refused, Errol would respect her wishes, though the pain of need raged inside him.
“You bedded those women without feeling anything?” She frowned.
“I felt something,” he clarified. “But only physical gratification. Things are different between us, lass. Though I crave the release your sweet body offers, my heart is hopelessly yours. A rare thing.”
“And what if I don’t please you?”
He fisted his hands at his sides, desperate to show her how misplaced her fears truly were. Some things were better explained without words. “Let me touch you, Aileana.”
“Only if you promise me one thing…”
“Ask anything of me.”
“Swear there will never be another—”
He didn’t wait for her to finish; he knew what she was going to say. The fact that she thought he’d take another woman to his bed after her made him angry and disappointed. He covered her mouth with his, his tongue parting her lips mercilessly, twirling with hers, and finding the heat and honeyed flavor only she possessed.
“How could you ever doubt my fidelity once I’ve held you, Aileana?” he growled. “I’ve confessed my deepest feelings.”
She slipped her arms about his waist. “I am a foolish lass.”
“Yes,” he agreed
, grinding against her. “Foolish and beautiful.”
She moaned as he dipped his head again and tasted her. Then he stripped her shift off, leaving her completely exposed to the night air and moonlight. He swallowed hard as he beheld her—loving her flawless white skin and long legs. His gaze traveled selfishly slowly up her body, pausing on her round hips, knowing his hands would soon grip her there as he pushed inside her. And her full breasts, those dusky nipples begging for his tongue to spiral over them again and again.
But his eyes were drawn lower still, to the apex of her thighs, where tawny curls crowned her womanhood, where heaven waited.
“Damn me to the lowest depths of hell for what I want to do to you, Aileana.” He looked at her face. “I am no saint, lady. And I willna treat you like the angel you are. I want to defile you. I want to show you the greatest pleasure—leave ye wet, panting, and begging for more.”
Patience gone, he lifted her, and she locked her ankles behind his back. She threaded her fingers through his hair, releasing it from the leather queue. “Kiss me,” she begged.
Their tongues danced together, driving rational thought from his mind. The soft flesh of her arse filled his hands and he groaned. She felt incredible in his arms, and he no longer wished to wait. He set her on her feet, then tugged his shirt off. Next he removed his boots, leaving himself equally vulnerable to the world.
This time her gaze lingered in spots no virtuous maiden would look. But that’s what captured Errol’s heart about this unusual lass, she didn’t fight the natural curiosity inside herself, or try to hide her hunger.
“Does it hurt?” she asked, focused on his throbbing shaft.
“Yes,” he said. “But not the same kind of pain as getting hit with a rock. It aches and pulses with need for you.”
Genuine concern etched her pretty face. “May I touch it?”
He sucked in a breath. No woman had ever asked his permission to caress his naked body. This is where her innocence showed.
“Not only do I encourage you to touch it, lass, I ask that you squeeze it without delay.” If something hot and tight didn’t provide some form of relief now, he’d surely explode.
She delicately stroked it, her fingers running the length of his shaft. “Yer beautiful,” she said, meeting his eyes. “The skin is so smooth, but…”
“Where did you come from?” he asked as he swept her into his arms and stepped into the loch. The more she spoke, the deeper his belief that she might have been abandoned by the fairies in the woods.
He waded into waist-high water, cradling her against his chest. She shivered in his arms. “Are you too cold?”
“Nay,” she said. “I love the water.”
“I love you,” he reminded her.
She wiggled free of his grasp and disappeared under the water, reemerging yards away. “Are ye a fair swimmer?” she asked.
“Aye.” He grinned.
“Race me to the islet.”
He stared in the general direction of the small island with trees in the middle of the loch. Known to many young lovers, it was the one place Errol had never bedded a woman. He preferred the comfort of his chamber or the warmth and privacy of the stables. But he could think of no better place to make Aileana his. In the future, whenever she visited the loch, she’d remember their first night together.
“I accept,” he said, diving into the water.
—
The temporary loss of her senses must have made her challenge her future husband to race. With only a slight distance advantage over him, she swam with urgency, hoping to reach land first. Breathless and frantic to feel his big hands all over her body again, she scanned the shoreline for any sign of Errol, but found nothing. Even the water remained eerily silent. Her heart plummeted with fear—until he tackled her from behind.
Aileana fell forward on her hands and knees on the grass, and squealed as Errol covered her body with his from behind. Nuzzling into her hair, he nipped the sensitive skin on her neck. When she tried to crawl out of reach, he locked his arm about her waist, pulling her back.
“Ye lost the race, sweet Aileana,” he murmured near her ear. “And it’s time to pay your debt.”
Shifting on his knees, his hand traced a trail down her spine, then caressed her center. Pleasure threaded through her body as his fingers filled her. Dear God. She never imagined how good it would feel. Never thought she’d want it so much. Errol increased her sweet agony, withdrawing his fingers, then plunging them inside her again. Her hips moved in unison with his hand, and he began to kiss her—starting at the small of her back, using his tongue and teeth to make her forget everything but him.
As if awakened from a deep sleep, she sparked to life. She could feel more than she ever had. The pervasive numbness in her heart slowly lifted, and she wanted him in every way imaginable.
“Please,” she called over her shoulder. “I am ready.”
“Ready?” he asked, sounding unsure of her meaning.
Did he dare laugh? “Doona tease me, Errol.”
With that, he flipped her over, hovering above. “I like when you say my name, lass. Do it again.”
“Milord,” she said.
“My name.”
“Laird.”
“Speak. My. Name.”
“Errol,” she breathed out.
He lowered himself, feathering kisses across her cheeks, then captured her mouth savagely. At the same time, his knee eased her thighs apart, and he settled his length between her legs. She trembled all over with anticipation. Was this the love Sgùrr had foreseen in her future? Or just the blind passion she’d warned of? Aileana closed her eyes. The woman had told her many secrets, including the deep feelings handsome men could inspire. But don’t mistake lust for love, she’d warned. If yer fortunate enough to feel both for one man, hold on to him for dear life, for he is scarcer than gold.
Shocked back to reality, her eyes popped open as Errol nibbled on her nipple, releasing another wave of wild sensations. He cupped her breasts reverently, kissing each with tenderness. Their eyes met.
“Tell me what ye want, sweet Aileana. I am your devoted servant.”
Her servant? The future laird? His dear words stole her breath away. But as she stared into the depths of his eyes, she could sense no falseness. The man utterly loved her—of that she was sure. And though she could not say the words back to him yet, emotions stirred deep in her heart. She touched his cheek.
“I want what you want, milord.”
He grasped her hips, his fingers digging into her soft flesh. “I want you,” he said fervently, lifting her.
She braced herself for the pain she’d heard would come from joining with a man. But as he thrust inside her, stopping twice to let her catch her breath, she felt only a pinch before he filled her completely.
“Holy God,” he said. “You were meant for me, Aileana. Do you understand that now?”
“Y-yes.” She melted underneath him.
Then very slowly, he began to move. Warmth radiated through her. She needed to feel his strength and the passion he claimed he felt for her. Only then would she know her truest feelings.
“I want all of you.” She gripped his sides, and moved her hips in wanton invitation.
He lifted her hands above her head, holding them in place while he pounded against her. Over and over again, until a faint pulse deep within her started to build. She cried out, but Errol stopped the sound with a mind-stealing kiss. Her body hummed with excitement and pleasure. How she yearned to give him the same. But he wouldn’t let her move. When she attempted to free her hands, he held her more tightly, stealing her breath with a kiss.
She arched her back, meeting his movements. He grunted and moaned, his powerful body taking what it needed. Then paradise stared her in the face, and she erupted with pleasure. But he didn’t stop; instead, he intensified his effort, sinking deeper inside her with every hunger-laced thrust.
Moments later he called her name. “Aileana…” Then he col
lapsed on top of her, breathless and covered in sweat.
Overcome by what they’d just shared, she hugged him tight, holding his exhausted body. If only she could crawl inside him and forget the world they truly lived in. There she’d stay with him forever, and let love grow between them.
“Sweet lass,” he said softly. “Did I hurt you?”
“Nay.” And he hadn’t.
“Nothing can divide us now. We are one in the eyes of the Lord.”
A single tear trailed down her cheek, for beyond her adopted aunties, no one had ever loved her. “One,” she repeated softly, praying it was true. “What will everyone think when we show up wet, our clothes wrinkled beyond repair?”
He lifted up so he could see her face. “Nothing, lass. I am the future laird, and yer my lady wife.”
Chapter 17
Instead of returning to the main entrance of the keep once they’d dried off and dressed, Errol showed her another entrance, along the north wall. Intended for use by the soldiers, the long corridor eventually intersected with a set of stairs that led to the second floor. But what surprised Aileana the most was when they stopped in the hallway where the chambers for the laird’s family were located. She’d only visited this part of the castle a handful of times while assisting the maids, and didn’t know where Errol slept.
He paused to give her a chaste kiss on the forehead, then opened the carved door. A fire awaited, and a tray of food was set on a table positioned between two beautifully cushioned chairs in front of the mantel. She stared at him in wonder, then let her gaze explore the rest of the space. The chest from her old room was at the end of the ornate poster bed, where a silky shift and bed robe were laid out.
“Doona look so surprised, sweet one. Edme and Margot have worked diligently in secret with some of the other maids to make new curtains, linens, and pillows for your bed. I wanted everything to be perfect so you feel at home. Anything you need will be provided. The next Lady MacRae will be happy and comfortable. And not only feel her part…” He cradled her hand in his. “But…but look her part as well.” He gestured at a second trunk, across the room. “Gowns and slippers.”
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