Highlander's Kiss: The McDougalls, Books 1-3

by Hildie McQueen

  She almost toppled, her legs unsteady when he bent to pick her up. With rapid movements, carried her to their bed.

  After placing her on the bed, he straightened and pulled the pin off his tartan allowing it to fall at his feet. Meagan's gaze locked on the proud display of arousal that jutted between his legs. She held her breath in anticipation as he neared. When he came over her, she held her arms up to him, inviting. She prayed he'd continue this uncharacteristic display of passion. When he finally fell over her, she sighed accepting his full weight.

  Calloused hands left a path of tingles as they swept over her heated skin. He slid them under her and lifted her hips to grind into her. The hardness of his cock pulsated between them. Meagan moaned when his mouth took her breast. She arched into him urging, wanting more and he responded by pushing his hips forward, his shaft sliding against her heated core bringing tears of relief.

  Calum's hand moved to delve between them moving toward her center. When his finger slipped inside her followed by a second, she mewled at the wonderful intrusion. He took her mouth once again while another finger joined the others to slide in and out of her, as he seemed to ensure she was fully prepared to take him.

  Finally not able to withstand it, she reached for him and wrapped her fingers around his engorged cock sliding her palm up and down his length several times encouraged by Calum's grunts of pleasure. The silky skin over his hard shaft felt good in her hand, she caressed it several more times before he removed her hand.

  "Stop, Meagan, I am about to come," he told her between kisses. He withdrew his fingers from her and took himself in hand.

  Guiding his hardness to her center, Calum drove in, filling her completely. Meagan's response was to wrap her legs around his waist, not wanting to chance that he'd pull away.

  Thrust after thrust, he pushed in and out of her, his powerful body joined with hers in strong yet graceful movements.

  His muscles bunched and strained as he continued moving and she began to lose herself in the world of sensations that assaulted.

  "From behind," Calum grunted and pulled out of her guiding her onto her stomach. He pulled her hips up and ran his fingers between her cheeks until finding her center.

  She pushed back into his hand, but he held her in place. The head of his cock slid over her outer folds between her legs and Meagan bit into the bedding.

  Finally he entered her, with measured movements this time, inch by inch slid in and Meagan cried out in response.

  The sounds of flesh against flesh resonated within the spiraling world in which she floated while fisting the bedding.

  Calum leaned over her, his hot breath on her neck. He nipped at the tender flesh and licked a path to her jawline. She turned to him and his mouth took hers with a hungry kiss that left her even more breathless.

  If only it could always be like this. Meagan screamed when his fingers moved to find her throbbing center, urging her to crest.

  When his movements became more frantic, she too lost her ability to focus on anything but the sensations that draped around them.

  With a loud growl, Calum slammed into her and she arched accepting him fully. At the last moment, he pulled out of her and spilled his seed across her back. She cried out his name and shuddered as she too came with such force, darkness threatened to claim her.

  They collapsed in a tangle of limbs onto the bed, both breathing heavily; she reached for her husband only to have him practically leap from the bed.

  Her body jerked in shock from the frigid air that blew over her when Calum pushed off of her and left. His movements so sudden that Meagan jolted to sit up. "What is wrong?" She scanned the room not finding anything amiss but his expression of consternation.

  Eyebrows drawn, darkened eyes locked on her, Calum went to his tartan and picked it up. "There is something I must do...I forgot to speak to my cousin Malcolm...regarding..." he rushed from the room, still wrapping the garment around himself.

  The truth shook her, he'd responded based on her dress and the attention she'd garnered from Ian, but once he'd claimed her, Calum no longer wished to be in the same room with her.

  Meagan pulled the bed linens over her and curled up into a ball in an attempt to warm. "I refuse to cry," she whispered, "I will not give up as yet. If after tomorrow my husband rejects me, then I will ask he release me from this farce of a marriage."

  She waited for slumber to claim her.

  Unfortunately, the certainty that her husband did not love her pierced her heart and she could not stop the tears.

  Chapter 21

  "Laird, are ye prepared to lose?" Dugan sauntered over to him, a smirk on his face, his eye twinkling with mirth. The giant loved a challenge and Calum would not give him the satisfaction of a retort.

  Instead he shrugged. "There is little wind to affect the results of the stone throw don't you think?" He watched a competitor from the northern McDougalls grunt as he twirled and shrugged a stone off his shoulder.

  A shout rose across the field, the stone landed just past his man's. Calum nodded and waved to his cousins in concede.

  "Let’s prepare, our event begins next," Dugan urged him with a frown. “They won't beat us at the saber toss. They've yet to, since you and I have been competing.”

  He'd not seen Meagan since the morning meal. It seemed his wife had remained inside all day. Was she avoiding him? Making love to her had been like nothing else. She was passionate and beautiful when in the throes of lovemaking.

  "I will return shortly," Calum made his way toward the keep.

  Just as he reached the outer court, the maid from the day before stepped from the side garden and blocked his path. "My laird." the attractive woman smiled at him. As usual, her bosoms threatened to spill when she leaned forward to greet him. "Is there anything you may need from me?" She licked her bottom lip to ensure he understood the nature of her offer.

  "I do not require anything, thank you," Calum started to pass, but her hand on his forearm stopped him.

  Pleading eyes met his. "I do so miss you in my bed, Laird." Her eyes slid away from his face to between his legs and she whispered, "It is apparent to everyone that your needs are not being seen to."

  Meagan appeared behind the woman. "Bertrice, would you please see about our guests in the great room." The wench straightened slowly, squared her shoulders and walked off without a reply.

  His wife's beautiful large eyes met his without reproach. "I was coming to watch you compete." She turned to look over her shoulder and watch the maid walk away. "Do you wish me present?"

  Her question caught him off guard. "Why would I not, Meagan?"

  Instead of a reply she leaned over and studied a flowering bush, she nipped a wilted flower and dropped it to the ground. Calum followed the flower’s descent, and wondered why his heart pounded so hard. What was Meagan thinking, asking if he wished her present?

  A soft smile curved her full lips and his breath caught. "Like Bertrice stated, we do not have a happy marriage. You don't hide the fact, which I suppose I should be grateful for. I cannot accuse you of ever leading me to think otherwise."

  Why would she think that? Calum's mind whirled. If his wife planned to leave him, he would not allow it. When she began blinking he realized she fought not to cry and he held back the urge to reach for her. "That is not true, Meagan, I..."

  "Shhh," she held a finger over his lips. "Our marriage was arranged when we were young, I was a fool to think that because we kissed a few times you cared for me." Meagan pointed to a nearby bench. "It was there, remember? Our first kiss."

  Indeed he did, the day he thought himself the luckiest man to have garnered her attention. "Aye, I do."

  Once again she was stunning, dressed in a low-cut gown, this one a silky moss green that enhanced her porcelain skin and waist length burnished hair. She looked toward the field. "We should go."

  "Meagan," Calum took her hand. Fear clutched his heart and he locked down his emotions. In a tight tone, he managed, "I d
on't begrudge being married to you. You look beautiful today." He leaned to kiss her lips. At the last possible moment she turned her face and his lips pressed on her jaw.

  Calum tensed before straightening. "Shall we." He guided her to the field.

  Something was afoot, he'd not lose sight of her and if she and Ian left to be alone at any time, he'd ensure to follow.

  He won the competition, edging Dugan by mere inches. It was a surprise as he'd been distracted the entire time. He kept one eye on his wife as she, along with his sister, stood on the sidelines waiting for him to leave the field. Cailyn clapped and waved at him. His clansmen slapped both his and Dugan's backs while he marched toward Meagan.

  Ian came up alongside him. "I also gave it a good try, but it seems you always win the prize. Congratulations, cousin." Calum pondered the meaning behind his words.

  Meagan neared and kissed his cheek in congratulations rousing more chants from his clan.

  Although her eyes were warm at meeting his, she brightened more at noting Ian who pursed his lips. "You are a lucky man indeed, Calum. I for one have developed an appetite." His cousin nodded at Meagan and went towards the keep.

  "I must go and see about the evening meal," Meagan turned to follow behind Ian.

  "Is the meal truly why you are anxious to go back to the keep? Or is it perhaps that you plan to meet with him in private," Calum snapped, his focus burned on Ian's retreating back.

  Meagan's gasp and rounded eyes jerked his attention back. Her hand flattened on her chest, she took a step back. "How dare you," her voice shook. Hurt, anger and disappointment flashed from her eyes. She picked up her skirts and ran.

  "What did you do?" His sister neared, her eyes narrowed. "Why are you always so hard, so cross with her?"

  Calum clenched his jaw and drew Cailyn from the group. "I merely stated the obvious. My wife hangs on every word Ian expels. Whenever I look, he is around her."

  "You are a stupid man," Cailyn slapped his arm. "You rarely pay Meagan any attention. Most of the time you act as if she's invisible." His sister looked toward the garden where Meagan had stopped and now stood, seeming to be at a loss to where to go. "In the two years since you married, Meagan's gone from the bright happy beauty to a sullen, bitter woman."

  His sister spoke the truth, yet he did not admit it to her. "And how is this my fault?"

  "The blame is solely on your shoulders. You ignore and rarely touch your wife. When is the last time you've stolen her away or paid her a sincere compliment?"

  "I told her she looked beautiful but moments ago," he replied, inwardly acknowledging he'd spoken without emotion.

  Cailyn ignored his reply and continued. "Of course she's enjoying Ian's attentions. A woman requires attentiveness, admiration, and to feel desired."

  Each word she spoke was like a spike thrust into his chest. "I must speak to her."

  Cailyn inhaled and drew her brows together but did not say anything else. She understood, that sister or not, he was still laird and she chose wisely not to push the matter.

  When Calum walked towards the garden, Meagan darted into the keep. She'd planned to go to their bedroom and would have if not for the loss of ability to breathe. She only made it into his study. Damn the tight bodice of the dress.

  A few paces behind her, her husband stormed into the room, slammed the door and stood in the doorway, blocking any chances of escape. His accusation earlier broke her heart and she wanted to die from humiliation.

  "I was wrong. Forgive me." Calum closed in and wrapped his hand around her forearm. Meagan remained still, not looking at him.

  Her head pounded and she looked to the ground willing the pain in her chest away. "Aye, you were. Or perhaps not," she whispered. "I should have not encouraged Ian's attentions. I assure you at no point did our conversation ever veer to anything inappropriate, we spoke mostly about our childhood, and you were part of most everything we spoke of." She motioned to the doorway with her hand, palm up. "I will remain in our chambers for the rest of the games."

  "I believe you." Calum took her chin and lifted her face. "You do not have to cloister yourself."

  Meagan only nodded, but did not look to him. "I actually prefer it."

  "Why?" Calum asked.

  "Because I am tired, Calum. I have made a decision. Please send me back to my clan. Release me from this marriage. It would allow you to be free of this forced tie. Free to be with someone you desire."

  She began to cry and when he went to comfort her, she pushed his hands away and backed up. "Enough! Let us be honest. Don't try to comfort me. I should be accustomed to being shunned, but it hurts to be constantly ignored by you. How stupid I am. I worshipped you as a young girl and hoped to one-day warrant at least caring from you. Instead you join with me only when you cannot hold off any longer, you never spill inside me. Last night you left the bed immediately after." Meagan gulped a breath and covered her face with her hands.

  "Oh, Meagan, forgive me." Calum took her in his arms and this time she allowed it, her strength gone.

  The comfort of his arms would not change her mind. It was best to leave as it had become unbearable to live with the daily reminder he didn't care for her. Her spirit was dry, empty.

  It took her by surprise when Calum sunk to his knees and wrapped his arms about her legs. "Don't leave me, please. You are my most prized possession." His husky words although muffled by her skirts were clear. "Forgive me, wife."

  The sight of the huge male kneeled before her struck her wordless. Meagan stiffened not sure what to do. "Calum, I am not a possession."

  He pressed the side of his face against her legs. "I do not know pretty words. Am at a loss at how to express how I feel to you."

  With slow movements, she disengaged his arms and lowered to her knees as well. When she looked at her husband's face, the pain etched across his handsome features shocked her. "Tell me why you ignore me. Why do you avoid our bedroom?"

  His deep blue eyes darkened, and he burrowed his brows. "Do you not see? I am this huge calloused warrior. Too rough to be paired to such a delicate flawless creature like you. I desired you from the first time we met, but..." Calum squeezed his eyes shut and took a breath. "I almost killed my mother, she could barely give me birth as I was so large."

  He cupped her face and kissed her brow. "It terrifies me to think what would happen if my seed takes root in your womb. You are so small. So perfect."

  Meagan took his large hand in both of hers. She lifted it and kissed his knuckles. The entire time, his eyes remained locked to where her lips met his skin, but he did not move away.

  Her chest constricted at the new knowledge. Calum sought to protect her all this time. He'd not known how to keep from her any other way, than to keep her at arm's length. How could he feel unworthy of her?

  One of the most powerful lairds in the region and also one of the most handsome men in the Highlands, women fought for his attention before they'd married. And by the sounds of his conversation with Bertrice earlier, they still did. "I love you, Calum. To have your child would make my life complete. Have you considered that your mother bared another two children after you without mishap?"

  "You love me?" He actually seemed perplexed.

  "Yes, I've always loved you, Calum. I find your size and powerful strength most attractive. When you undress, I covet each second I can study you. To me you are a beautiful and amazing man."

  "I am a fool." He acknowledged pulling her against his expansive chest. "I don't deserve..."

  "Stop." Meagan placed a finger on his lips. "You are worthy of so much, Calum. You are a fair laird who leads our people with care and understanding."

  "I love you." His lips crushed hers with such force she clung to his shoulders to keep from toppling over. Calum brushed his tongue across her lips and she parted for him to allow it past. Heat burst through her and she pushed into him. When his hand slid up to cup her breast, her entire body began to quake with need.

  Someone cleared the
ir throat and like forbidden lovers, they jerked apart.

  "What do you want, Conor?" Calum growled at his younger brother and jumped to his feet pulling her with him.

  Conor met his brother's angry gaze with a wide grin. "Your presence is requested on the field, the next competition begins." Conor's eyes flickered to her and her brother-in-law winked at her.

  Calum turned toward her, his lips curved and his eyes full of promise. He took her breath away. "Come with me, wife." He held her hand and guided her from the room.

  "I cannot wait to make love to you tonight and begin to make up for my stupidity. I will make you scream my name many times before daybreak," Calum whispered in her ear as they followed Conor to the field.

  Meagan's eyes widened at the heated words.

  Chapter 22

  It was one of the most memorable days for Calum. The weather was warm, the ale cold, and there was much laughter. He did not remember smiling so much in a long time. Every once in a while he'd catch Meagan's gaze and in her eyes spied warmth he'd not seen in years. When her intense gaze slid down his body, he fought against grabbing his wife and fleeing with her to their chamber.

  For the first time since they'd married, he could hardly wait to be alone with the enticing beauty.

  "One would think you just got married the way you track your woman," Ian's wide smile told he enjoyed the day as well. "It warms my heart to see you happy, cousin."

  Guilty at having thought badly of his cousin, Calum slapped the male's shoulder. "Thank you, Ian."

  His clan performed well in the games. The intensity of the rivalry made for some brawling, but mostly the men behaved as well as could be expected.

  Finally the day of gaming ended and the clans prepared for the evening as the bagpipes played a joyful tune.

  Calum groaned at the thought there were still several hours before he could steal away with Meagan and have her to himself. Relieved for the distraction, Calum smiled when children circled him singing and praising their laird. Maybe soon, he'd have one of his own to join in the chant.