One & Only

by Kara Griffin

  “Milady, make sure ye get pleasure too,” Greer shouted.

  “Aye, don’t be selfish, Laird. Make certain milady enjoys it.” Duff baited Grey.

  Bree saw the way Grey looked at his men and for a moment she thought he might flay them. She wasn’t about to stand by and watch them raise fists. But Grey motioned to her to move in front of him.

  “Grey, don’t. They only jest.” Bree smiled and hoped he wouldn’t ruin their walk.

  “Be off!” Grey shouted over his shoulder. “You’re all a bunch of wily goats, aye, lads with work to do. When I return, all that I have assigned had best be done.” His words were meant to be dismissive, but his men still stood watching them as they walked away.

  Grey ignored his men and he looked unaffected by their remarks. They whooped and teased. Bree blushed, but found their jests comical. For them to tease Grey unabashedly meant they were indeed good friends. She didn’t know a lord who would have taken insults like that even in jest.

  They passed under the gatehouse and walked beside the wall until they came to a copse of trees. The sun had brightened and warmed her face.

  “Where is this perfect place?” Bree smiled when he seemed to relax.

  “’Tis just beyond those trees,” he said, pointing to the distance. “Have ye thought about what I told you, about our betrothal?”

  “I have.”

  “And?”

  “And I am uncertain. If we knew each other and were fond … Why did the king betroth us? Was it really to bring peace?”

  “Aye, but it was more than that.” Grey stopped and turned to her. “My father admired yours. Our clans had warred against each other for so long, but neither could best the other. A respect grew between our fathers and King William called them together and offered a solution.”

  “Why would he do that?” she asked, and motioned for him to continue walking.

  “Neither would concede and if the elders in either clan found out that they didn’t wish to war anymore, there would be scuffles. So the king suggested a betrothal be set. The elders would have no choice but to accept the alliance if the clans were joined by marriage. The marriage had to be import, significant to each clan, which is why he chose me as I was heir of the Gunns.”

  “The king was being clever. Why did he choose me?”

  Grey laughed. “Aye he was clever. He adored you, everyone adored you. Whenever King William came to visit, when we had celebrations, he would bring you gifts. He said there was no finer lass in the land. I do believe he thought ye as a daughter and doted on you. But we all did.”

  “Our families were for the betrothal?”

  “Oh aye. When they learned of the king’s suggestion, they awoke me and made me vow to be a good husband to you. I was pleased to be honored so. Your father was proud of ye and often encouraged your spirit. He wanted the betrothal more than any. When ye disappeared, I was … torn about it.”

  “I do believe you, Grey. I will think on this matter.”

  “Here we are.”

  Bree walked through the last copse of trees and her breath caught. The sun rose higher and the warm rays brightened the beach. Before her, stretched a sandy, rocky field, and a vast ocean of choppy waters. It looked dangerous yet captivating.

  At once, she removed her shoes and felt the cool sand between her toes. She threw off her cloak and tossed it aside and ran to the water. There, waves crashed against the shore and met her feet, where the water chilled her toes.

  “’Tis the most magical place I have ever seen.”

  “We came here often when we were children. You used to run right into the water.”

  “I wish I remembered. How could I forget such a place? The water is cold, but it feels good.” Bree clutched her skirts and lifted the hem so it wouldn’t get wet.

  Grey left her by the water and went to sit in the sand. He leaned against a giant rock formation and watched her.

  Bree felt freedom overtake her and she splashed the water and ran along the surf. Her garments soaked through from the spray of the ocean. When she’d had enough fun, she joined Grey who had made a fire. He looked appealing the way he stretched out and leaned on his arm.

  She sat next to him and peeled off her overdress. Grey took it from her and spread it out before the fire to dry. He handed her his plaid.

  “Ye must be cold.”

  Bree took the offering and wrapped herself to keep warm.

  “There’s a bit of chill this day, but I’m not too cold.” She felt awkward now being alone with him. As she looked about the vastness, no one seemed to be around.

  The sound of the ocean was a welcome relief from the silence. She wanted to listen to it without distraction of her worries. Grey moved closer and set his arm around her shoulder. He seemed content to listen to the waves too. In all her days, Bree had never imagined such a romantic spot existed.

  Overcome by its lure, she faced Grey and saw the look of desire in his eyes. A will within her overrode decorum. She longed to kiss him, longed to feel his body next to hers, longed to know what there was beyond kissing.

  She reached out and caressed his lightly whiskered jaw.

  “Grey, I want to …” The words lingered in the air until she pressed her lips to his.

  Grey held her shoulders and gently forced her back to lie next to him. His mouth moved over hers, gently persuading her to return the caress.

  Lost to the delight of his kiss, Bree’s hands roamed along his muscular arms and back. She felt the power of him and the strokes of his dizzying kiss. His hands caressed her in return and when he touched her breast, a moan came from deep within her. Bree couldn’t think with his hands doing such wonderful things, so she waved the flag of surrender. She arched toward him, pressing her bosom against his hand.

  Bree submitted wholeheartedly to her desire. Any fear she’d had fled. As her hand reached his hip, she let it continue and embraced his backside, pulling him closer toward her. Grey groaned and tore his lips from hers.

  “Ye set me afire, Bree. Let me?” He pealed the dampened plaid from her body. She shivered and thought it was from the way his eyes gazed at her. His eyes took in the fact that her damp shift was practically see-through. “You’re beautiful,” he said, before setting his lips on her neck and trailing them to her throat. The gentle suck of his lips against her throat brought forth another moan.

  The bliss of his touches and kisses sent Bree spiraling. She tried to get him to remove his tunic by pulling at the fabric. Grey pulled the garment over his head and tossed it aside. He shed his tartan, revealing his nakedness. Bree let her hand sweep over the confines of his hard chest.

  “You are beautiful as well.”

  Grey drew her back into his arms. The feeling of his firm, hot body next to hers made her revel in awe of it. Never had she imagined it would feel so good to lie next to a man.

  Grey watched her, his eyes bore into hers. “Bree, I want you.”

  His words made her tremble when she reached out to him. He set her hand on his thigh and let his glide along her arm to her shoulder. Then something magical happened, she felt a gentle touch on her womanhood. The touch shocked and thrilled her at the same time.

  “Oh Grey, that feels nice.”

  He continued to stroke her while his lips did wickedly marvelous things to her mouth.

  Cradled against him, she forced Grey to cease touching her. She wanted to feel him against her and gently rocked her body. His erection pressed her leg and still unafraid, she let her body rule her mind.

  Grey positioned her on her back and came over her. She looked into his steely gray eyes and waited with bated breath. With her knees spread wide, Grey knelt between them watching her with his beautiful piercing eyes.

  “Please, I beseech you …” She wasn’t sure what she needed, but whatever was happening between them wasn’t enough.

  “I will make you love me, Bree.” With those words, Grey raised his body and continued to look into her eyes. His intent gaze should ha
ve concerned her, but her mind had been trapped in the delight of his touches.

  Bree gasped when she felt the tip of him invade her. Her breath caught in her throat and all she could do was feel the exquisite sensations flowing through her. She gripped his arms and spread her legs to give him better access. “Oh, Grey, this is …” She couldn’t seem to form words.

  At first he moved slowly, stretching his way inside. She felt the thickness of him fully embedded inside her. The feeling was shocking but exhilarating. Grey rested his head on her shoulder and she could feel his lips pressed against her neck. The warmth there seemed to spiral to the core of her being. She wanted him to move within her and so she thrust her body toward his. A deep groan of pleasure came from him. Bree smiled at that.

  Grey reared back and slid his length from her and then plunged forward. Bree about lost her breath at the sweet torment. The pain she felt receded almost immediately. His body kept up the delightful teasing, slowing, and then hastily moving within her. Bree felt her entire body shaking. Grey slowed and pulled away from her, still keeping their bodies joined.

  “Look at me, Bree.”

  She opened her eyes and saw his face a foot from hers. “Aye.”

  “You know what this means, don’t ye?”

  “Nay.” She huffed when he thrust into her and took her to the edge of oblivion. An amazing feeling swamped her from head to foot, causing her to grip his arms and squeal with pleasure.

  “You’re mine forever.”

  Bree held on to him for dear life. Grey continued to tease her until she couldn’t hold her legs up from the force of their shaking. A wondrous sensation overtook her and Bree let out an unladylike scream when she blissfully gave over. Pleasurable twinges rushed through her and she squeezed her eyes closed to focus on the torrent of emotions.

  Bree had never imagined making love would be so pleasing. Each time his body came to hers, she caught her breath. His skin felt like steel as she caressed his biceps. Warmth from his body kept any chill away, but Bree couldn’t comprehend anything beyond what his body was doing to hers.

  She felt Grey kiss her lightly on her lips and she opened her eyes to watch him. He gazed at her with a look of satisfaction on his face. Grey kept up the thrusting and suddenly, he shouted and stilled his body. For a moment, Bree thought she’d hurt him. But then he released a moan that bespoke pleasure. She helped him by propelling her body toward his and caressed his arms as he too gave over to bliss.

  They stilled and Grey shifted his body next to hers. His face lay next to her breast and his warm breath heated her nipple. She rubbed his head, feeling the long locks of his hair. Contentment filled her heart and soul. Never had she dreamed to experience such a wonder.

  “I knew it would be like this.”

  “Hmmm?” she wasn’t listening and was content to hold him.

  “Bree, you were … are incredible, lovely.”

  “I know not what to say, Grey. So were you.” Bree didn’t want to move. She was happy to lie in his arms and revel at what had happened to her. “Is it always like that?”

  Grey smiled. “Between us, it will be.”

  “Then I shall like to do that often. I care not if it makes me wanton.” She giggled at her admission.

  He kissed her quickly and sat up, reaching for his tunic. “Let us dress and we’ll take a walk.” Grey shook his head, sending his lochs amok. As he covered his chest with his tunic, she watched his taut arms shift beneath the fabric.

  She reached for her garment, which was nearly dry, and donned it along with her cloak. When she was ready, he took her hand. They walked along for a while, each content with their own thoughts. After what they shared, she concluded she could end up loving Grey. He was a gentle man.

  Bree couldn’t help thinking how amazing love-making was. Happiness came upon her and she smiled widely. All the bizarre comments Cait had made about sex suddenly made sense. Bree grinned at the thought that her friend was indeed aright. Sex was something to be enjoyed.

  Grey put his arm around her and hugged her close as they walked along. “Ye cannot say we are not betrothed now, Bree. After that, there is no way I am letting you go.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  She didn’t want to be left behind. Grey came strolling down the stairs with a sack thrown over his shoulder. He came up behind her and kissed the side of her neck. His lips sent a shiver through her. “Good morn,” he said in a deep husky voice.

  “Where are you off to?” Bree hoped he wasn’t off to war with the MacHeths. If so, she would have to do all in her power to stop him. Eventually the clans would war, but she hoped and prayed it wouldn’t come. Grey was too determined to confront MacHeth. She didn’t want to be the cause of useless deaths.

  “I’m going to Maurice’s wedding. I’ll be a few days at the most. Ye will be safer here, Bree. I’m leaving Duff and Kenneth behind for your protection.”

  “Pray, please let me come with you. I want to see Adeline again and of course, Donal.” She wouldn’t own that she’d miss him, too.

  Grey chuckled and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Is that the only reason you want to come? Mayhap you’ll miss me? Mayhap you’ll miss me doing this?” His lips trailed over her chin, lower to her neck and eventually led a hot trail to just above her bosom.

  Bree’s breathe ceased. “I will miss that most of all.” She wasn’t sure if she made sense, because all she could focus on was his lips touching her skin.

  “I don’t like leaving you. If ye want to come, we need to get you proper attire. Go and ready, I’ll see if I can get you some garments.” Grey released her and strode out of the hall.

  Bree quickly took the steps and found Cait in their chamber. She picked up a comb and began taking out any knots. “I am leaving for a few days with Grey, Cait. We are going to the Ross’ for the laird’s brother’s wedding.”

  “Let me.” Cait took the comb from her and continued to run it through her hair. “I am gladdened that you are going with him.”

  “Will you care for Sunny whilst we are away? I don’t want to leave her, but I doubt Grey would allow her to come. She’s so small.”

  Cait nodded. “Of course I will. The little mite is a fast learner. She knows many signals now.” She stopped combing her hair and began on Sunny’s tangle of curls. “My heart is lighter, Bree. I can tell something happened betwixt you and Grey. Did ye let him have …”

  Bree pretended affront. “Oh shush. Cait, I do care for him. He has been nothing but understanding and hasn’t pressed me for a response to the betrothal. Grey has it in his mind that we are betrothed, and it doesn’t seem I can change his decision. We did … were intimate. I deem Grey is trying to be chivalrous, because he hasn’t tried anything since.”

  “Chivalrous! I deem there are other reasons. He must be beset with concerns if he is not interested in sex. I have it on great authority.”

  Bree laughed. Cait said the most humorous things. “That must be it. But I shall be happy to be going to the Ross’ with him. Grey went to find me proper attire. Since I lost most of my clothing in the fire, I have nothing proper to wear.”

  Cait rose and went to the chest, where she took out a gown. “Here, Bree, wear this.” She tossed a beautiful blue gown at her, the color of morning sky. Its sleeves were long and the beautifully sewn jewels around the bodice gleamed.

  “’Tis the most beautiful gown I have ever seen … I cannot take this, Cait. It’s yours. Nay, I cannot accept.” She tried to pass the gown back to her.

  “Bree, my lady gave it to me years ago. A cast off, she’d said. ‘Tis an old garment. Why I saved it, I don’t know. I only wore it once, when we had a Michaelmas celebration and the entire village came. That was a lovely night. I remember Duncan, my lord’s farrier … Now he was a lovely man who knew how to make a woman squeal. What he did to my body … He had the biggest …”

  “Cait! ‘Tis a good thing I deem that Sunny cannot hear.”

  Cait sighed. “Nay, Bree, I shan�
��t need it, take it.”

  “All right, but I will only borrow it and will return it to ye when I return.” Bree hugged Sunny and kissed her soft cheek. “I shall miss you both.”

  She donned the dress and Cait pulled back her hair with a lovely blue ribbon. All ready, she bid them goodbye and looked fondly at them. After another light kiss to Sunny’s cheek, she then opened the door of the chamber and heard Grey calling.

  “I am ready.” She set her satchel on the table.

  “You look … bonny.”

  “Cait gave me this beautiful gown.”

  Grey handed her two Gunn plaids and a light green gown which matched the variations of the plaid. Along with the gown and plaids, there was also two cottes she could wear for bed or under her gowns, and a few pairs of socks. “Wear the Gunn plaid, Bree. It will protect you when we’re at Donal’s. There will be many visitors and I want all to know you belong to the Gunn’s.”

  “Where did you get these from?”

  “From one of my soldier’s wives. She was glad to gift them to you.” Bree held in her shock, but Grey’s eyes twinkled. “Aye, not everyone dislikes ye, Bree. I like ye more than any.” He kissed her lips and waited for her to put all her belongings inside the satchel.

  “Grey, can we not stop by their cottage so I can thank her?”

  “Aye, I’ll have my men ready the horses and we can take a walk.” When they left the hall and stepped outside, a brisk wind blew.

  Bree pulled on her cloak and handed her satchel to James, who awaited with Sean, Greer, and Colm. She walked beside Grey and looked adoringly at the clan people going about their daily rituals. Many attended chores. Children played near their mama’s who hung wash to dry or were getting water for their chores. Men were lifting bales of hay, carrying sacks of farm goods, and using tools to fix items that sat around them. Everyone was busy, their village alive with activity.

  When they reached the cottage of the soldier and his wife, Grey knocked. The lady who opened the door was very pregnant and moved out of the way before asking them to enter.