by Terry Spear
She was going to marry this man. For all intents and purposes, they were already man and wife. Catriona took a few steps forward and stilled again. She wanted to watch the heady expression on his face deepen. Wanted to undress before him, to tease him, too. Long ago, after her encounter with the Campbell boor, she’d made a promise to herself that if she ever did find a man who actually wanted her for her and not for what could be gained by their union, that she would give herself to him wholly. And right now, in this chamber, that was exactly what she was going to do.
She slipped her fingers into the roped belt at her waist and slowly untied the knot, letting the fabric fall to the ground. Then she lifted her gown up over her head, feeling the whoosh of cold air against her thin chemise.
“Come closer.” Samuel’s voice had deepened and was gravelly with need.
Catriona shook her head, lifted her foot and placed it on a stool, aware that her chemise had hiked up to expose her calves and knees. She unlaced one boot and kicked it off, and watched Samuel’s eyes darken as she slowly unrolled her hose. He leaned up further on his elbows to watch.
“You’re a vixen, you know that? Is this a dream? When will I wake?”
“This is no dream, husband. This is only the beginning.” Zounds, but where had that come from? One moment she’d been afraid he’d toss her out on her ear, and the next she’d become a wild seductress.
A sensual groan issued from his lips, causing her belly to quiver and liquid heat to pool between her thighs. She loved the power she possessed to make him want her, but at the same time, the way her body reacted in turn was stunning.
She lifted her foot to remove her other boot, and unroll her hose.
In the time she’d glanced down, Samuel had managed to climb from the bed and was stalking—naked—toward her like a wild animal to his prey. She shivered, liking the way his gaze raked over her. And liking even more the image of his nude form—he could have been carved from stone. Muscles rippled with every move. The white linen bandage was still in place covering his wound. A splash of blond hair touched his chest, and another between his hips. But what she couldn’t take her eyes off of was the thickness of his shaft jutting toward her. Her mouth fell open as blood pumped a rapid pace through her veins. Her nipples tightened. Between her thighs tingled and she was suddenly hungry, thirsty, starving and it wasn’t for food. It was an overwhelming yearning for him. To have his body on hers. To have him slide inside her and take ownership. To give herself to him for all eternity.
And then he was a breath away from her, the heat of his body reaching out and enveloping her. She sucked in deep.
“I couldn’t let you have all the fun,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her. He pulled her taut to him, hands splayed on her back and his lips captured hers in a ravishing kiss.
She wanted to protest, afraid that he would only end up hurting himself, but of the two of them, he was steadier on his feet than she was. Catriona slid her hands around his trim waist and clutched his muscled back. The hardness of his arousal pressed hotly against her pelvis, and she wanted to wrench the chemise from her body to feel his heated flesh against her own.
Samuel must have wanted the same thing, because a moment later the fabric was gone and her chest was crashing hot against his. Their mouths were a frenzy of passion. Hands touching, stroking. He cupped her breast, and his thumb brushed over her nipple. She arched her back, hips tilting up into his. Her nails dug into the flesh of his back.
He cupped her buttocks, massaging the muscle. The length of his turgid flesh probed against the apex of her thighs.
“This is so different,” she panted.
“Tell me,” Samuel said, dipping to flick his tongue over her nipple.
“So… passionate. I feel…”
“What do you feel?” He drew her nipple into his mouth.
“Hot.”
He kissed over her ribs and down the side of her body to her hip, and then over her belly to her navel. His tongue swirled around the edges and she gasped.
“And now?” he asked.
“Tingly.”
She clung to him, afraid she was going to fall over. She swayed on her feet as Samuel paid equal attention to her other breast, while caressing over her thighs, and then one finger slid along the slickened folds of her sex, and Catriona’s knees buckled. She cried out in both shock and pleasure. It had not felt this way her first time. That had been hurried, messy and painful. This was… She couldn’t even describe it, other than to say she felt better than when she’d drunk heady wine. Better than what she expected heaven to feel like.
And then she knew for certain she was in heaven when he breathed hotly over her sex, and flicked his tongue over the sensitive folds.
“How does this feel?”
She opened her mouth to speak, but only a moan escaped, and then she tried again, managing to murmur, “Delicious.”
“You are delicious.”
He clutched her hips, holding her up, as his mouth devoured her. She shuddered, whimpered, threaded her fingers through his hair and gripped tight.
“I need you,” he murmured against her pulsing flesh.
“Aye,” she moaned.
Samuel stood before her and lifted her into the air. Instinctively, she wrapped her legs around his hips.
“Put me down, ye’ll hurt yourself,” she protested.
“With you I feel invincible. Nothing can hurt me.”
No one had ever spoken to her the way Samuel did. He made her feel so special, cherished. It was exquisite.
He laid her on the bed and crawled up the length of her, but grimaced when he braced himself on his elbows. “Love, I don’t think…”
“Oh,” she said, trying to hide her disappointment. “I thought it was too soon.”
“Nay, ’tis not that, I only think we need to try this in a different position.” He rolled onto his back, lifting her to straddle him. “Like this.”
“I didn’t know…”
“And I’m glad to be the first to show you.”
She smiled down at him. “I’m glad, too.”
He gripped his shaft and slid it along her folds, making her eyes roll into the back of her head as she lifted her hips. He placed the head of his cock at her entrance and tilting his hips slowly slid himself inside her.
Catriona arched her spine, her head falling back as decadent pleasure gripped her. She spread her thighs wider and sank deeper against him, letting him fill her entirely.
Samuel held her, but only needed to urge her subtly to move as with the first roll of her hips a whirlwind of sensation crashed over her from her center outward. She rocked back and forth, meeting each of his thrusts.
Samuel slid his hand up her arm, over her shoulder to the back of her neck and tugged her down for a kiss. His lovemaking was slow, deliberate and with every thrust, she felt her body igniting until the blaze was so incredibly vast she could barely breathe.
“That’s it, love,” he murmured against her mouth. “Let it come.”
What was it that was coming?
He palmed her breast, moving his lips to her nipple, and she gripped his arms, afraid to touch his chest. Sparks flew this way and that inside her, her thighs trembled uncontrollably and then she felt it, what he’d said was coming, as molten heat and pleasure crashed together in a fiery explosion between her thighs.
Her entire body convulsed, and a cry tore from her lips that was both animalistic and purely human at the same time. Saint’s blood, but this was unearthly. She rode out the pleasure of his lovemaking, but the sparks did not die down, and when Samuel thrust harder, his mouth falling open on a growl and shout of his own, she found her pleasure again.
“Oh my God, love,” Samuel panted.
Catriona collapsed, making sure to slide to the side of him that was not injured. She could barely move and her legs still trembled, between her thighs was still hot with liquid pleasure.
“That was amazing,” she said. “Incredible.”
“The best,” he said. “The absolute best.”
“I want to do it again,” she whispered against his shoulder. “Especially that thing ye did with your tongue.”
“Saints, love, but I thought you’d never ask.”
Epilogue
Six months later…
CASTLE Buchanan was once more teeming with life—and absent of English knights save for one.
Catriona watched from an upstairs window as her husband dismounted from his horse in the courtyard and clapped her brother Gregor on the back. Samuel wore a Buchanan plaid and no shirt—and was the most delicious plaid-wearing man she’d ever seen. They were both covered in sweat and mud from the day’s training.
After Daniel and Magnus had gotten rid of Sir Geoffrey and his violent regiment, and when Samuel was well enough to travel, they’d returned to her castle. They’d not left nor did they have plans to leave in the future. Gregor had eagerly sought Samuel’s advice on fortifications and training the men, and requested that they both stay on for a while.
Samuel had agreed. An agreement that Catriona was slightly surprised at. When they’d had what everyone thought to be their second wedding ceremony at the kirk at Blair Castle, she’d expected that soon he’d be taking them back to England. Which, she admitted fully terrified her.
But when she’d asked him, Samuel had told her he had no plans to return. That eventually, when his father passed, he’d be given the title of Baron de Mowbray, a title which would pass to their eldest son, but that even when that happened, he’d hire a steward to take care of the manor.
Catriona smiled down at him. She loved this time of day best. Just before supper when Samuel came upstairs and cleaned up and they made love. Their passion had only grown and their evening adventures were never dull, but filled with pleasure.
A messenger rode from the gate toward Gregor, his face concerned as he handed over a missive. Words were exchanged that she couldn’t hear and then Gregor was turning toward Samuel. They shook their heads, and spoke to the messenger once more who also shook his head.
Her belly did a little flip. Something was wrong.
She left their chamber, not willing to wait until he came to her to find out what was happening. She met him halfway on the stairs.
“What has happened?” she asked, her head pounding, stomach fluttering.
Samuel smiled. “I have been offered a post.”
“A post?”
Samuel grinned from ear to ear. “Aye, love. A Highland post.”
“By who?” She frowned.
“The king.”
What in the world was he talking about? “Longshanks?”
“Aye.”
She shook her head still confused. “And this is good?”
He nodded and let out a short laugh. “Odd actually. I wrote to him and gave him my report of Geoffrey’s abhorrent behavior, and to advise him that I’d married a Scottish lass.”
Her stomach plummeted. He’d confessed to the brutal king? “And he did not send for your arrest? For your execution?”
“Nay, in fact, ’tis quite backwards, but he applauds my efforts to breed with a Scot.”
She gasped with outrage and smacked his shoulder. “That is not funny.”
“I find it hilarious. As does Gregor.”
Catriona crossed her arms over her chest. “What is the post?”
“He wants me to be a liaison between the Scots and English in the north.”
“What does that mean?”
Samuel’s grin widened and he lifted her into the air, planting a hot kiss on her lips. “It means I won’t be arrested.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Yet.”
“’Haps, but I’ll take it. I rather like having a head. And I rather like my Scots wife.”
Catriona wasn’t yet convinced the king didn’t have ulterior motives. “What happened to Sir Geoffrey?”
“Well, he was recalled to England briefly, but I believe he’ll be back.”
Cold fear gripped her spine. She knew Samuel was capable of protecting her, and that Gregor’s army was strong. Now they’d be prepared, but still… “He will be dangerous for us.”
Samuel nodded.
“Where is your post?” She didn’t want to leave Buchanan, but she supposed her brother would eventually want to marry and his wife would not want her sister-by-marriage stepping on her toes.
“Here for now.”
“At Castle Buchanan?”
“Aye.” Samuel looked sheepish and shrugged.
“What are ye not telling me?”
“’Twas Gregor’s idea.” Samuel sounded like a child trying to explain the reason why he’d swiped all the honey buns.
“What?”
“Your brother told me to tell the king that I’d returned and taken the castle back from the Scots and that I had Gregor well in hand.”
She pushed a little on his shoulders. “So the king thinks ye’ve simply taken Geoffrey’s place?”
“Aye.”
“Why would Gregor ask ye to do such a thing?”
“Because it will protect our people,” Gregor said behind Samuel. “It keeps us all safe.”
“Ye’re a double agent,” Catriona said to her husband. The thought did not make her happy; it terrified her.
“Nay, lass. I am all for the Scots. Longshanks can kiss my arse.”
Gregor laughed and moved passed them. “I’ll see the both of ye at supper.”
When her brother was out of sight, Samuel took her back into his arms. “Do not be afraid, love. I will protect you. No other English bastard will ever set foot in this castle again. And with me here, I can help keep Scotland protected. The king never need know that I do not believe in his cause. Trust me, love. I’d never do anything to cause you harm. Now we know Longshanks will not come after me.”
“And if he does, I will do my best to protect ye.”
“I know you will.” He pressed his lips to hers, and she could feel the pull of passion trying to drag her away from her thoughts.
She pushed against his shoulders again. “Samuel…”
He lifted her into the air and started to walk up the stairs. “You worry too much, lass. All will be well. We’ve got each other. We’ve got the support of the Scots.” He nuzzled her neck. “We’ve got love and passion.”
“God, I love ye,” she said, letting herself fall under his charm and knowing that there would only be a glorious end. She could worry about the English king and their enemies later.
Samuel pushed open their chamber door, kicked it shut behind him and then strode straight toward the tub. He stripped her down, and then shed his own clothes, before pulling her into the warm, soapy bath and settling her on his lap.
“I plan to show you just how much I love you for the rest of the afternoon.”
“And I will revel in it,” Catriona said, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him soundly.
###
More to Come:
Ready for more adventures in the Stolen Bride series? Check out the rest of the series starting with The Highlander's Temptation!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank all of the wonderful people who helped me in creating this fun Stolen Bride novella! My wonderful assistant, Angie Hillman. Without her I would not survive! My awesome travel and critique partner, Andrea Snider! Traveling to Scotland would not be the same without you, and neither would my books! I wish to thank my amazing and talented partners, Vonda, Victoria, Willa and Terry, in the creation of this book! And of course, many thanks to my wonderful husband and three beautiful princesses! You guys are so good to me! Your patience is saintly!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eliza Knight is a USA Today bestselling author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. She pens riveting tales of historical fiction under the name, E. Knight. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…
) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses and one very naughty puppy. Visit Eliza at http://www.elizaknight.com, or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com
Join her on social media! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor or https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfiction
Twitter: @ElizaKnight
HEART OF STONE
A Highland Talents Prequel
Willa Blair
About Heart of Stone:
Riding home after two years away, Gavan MacNabb encounters a lass and her deerhound in a moonlit circle of standing stones. Little does he know the garland of bluebells she weaves and the spell she sings will change the course of his life.
Marsali Murray doesn’t really believe the old wives’ tale that making a chain of bluebells by the standing stones under a waxing moon will bring true love, but she’s desperate to try anything to escape the boring, everlasting sameness of her life. Anything except marrying a man her father chooses for her. When her deerhound, Corrie, insists on following Gavan, Marsali decides that’s the excuse she needs to have the adventure she craves. She’ll go where he goes, whether or not he is the man promised by her spell.
Gavan has already seen much of the world denied to Marsali. He’s ready to settle down. She is eager to spread her wings. Can they find what they need with each other?
Other Highland Titles by Willa Blair:
Highland Healer (Highland Talents Book 1)
The Healer’s Gift (A Highland Talents Novella, Book 1.5)
Highland Seer (Highland Talents Book 2)