Highland Fling (The McLaughlins)

by Shelli Stevens

  All too soon he released it and stroked his tongue over the flesh, the gesture both soothing and arousing. Her fingers curled around his muscled shoulders, her nails scraping at him over his shirt.

  He lifted his head slightly. “You have no idea how much I want to be inside you right now, Lana.”

  There was no chance to breathe before his mouth crashed down on hers, not gentle or teasing, but in a possessive, heated claiming.

  She opened to him, meeting his tongue with her own as her blood turned to fire from his aggression and words.

  The hands that were at her waist slid to cup her bottom, lifting her easily off the ground so she could wrap her legs around him.

  He held her, his tongue making love to her mouth as he carried her over to the pool table. He sat her on the edge, his hips thrusting between hers, making her feel his hardened flesh even through their layers of denim.

  The heat between her legs bloomed into a frenzy of fire. She moaned, pressing herself against his thrusts. She wanted him inside her. Now. She couldn’t walk outside into that cold air, drive home and then start over. No. Her body was awake and desperate for his touch. Ready to explode like a firework with a lit fuse.

  She pulled her mouth from his and whispered a ragged, “Please, Aleck.”

  He broke the kiss and without a word, caught her shirt in his hands to tug it up and off her body. He discarded her black bra a moment later.

  “Shite,” he hissed, cupping the fullness of her breasts in his hands. “These have been giving me hard-ons for too damn long now. So lush.” He leaned down and kissed one nipple and it puckered against his lips. “Beautiful. I couldn’t see them last night in the darkness.”

  When he drew the tip into his mouth, she cried out and arched her back. He suckled the tip, lightly and then hard. She thrust her fingers into his hair, silently showing him she didn’t want him to be gentle. And then not so silently with her low groan of pleasure when he lightly bit the swollen tip.

  He made a low, very-much-male growl and transferred his mouth to the other breast. He’d caught on fast to what she liked, because his mouth was firm and merciless. Sucking and biting, bringing her arousal to fever pitch.

  She let out a cry of protest when he lifted his head, but it ended on a gasp as he lifted her from the table and set her on her feet. No words were spoken as he deftly turned her around so her back was to him.

  He nuzzled the back of her neck, pressing a kiss against her nape. He slid his arm around her waist and his hand moved to splay over her belly. It rubbed the flesh there and she had a moment of self-consciousness, because it wasn’t a flat stomach by any means. But the insecurity disappeared just as quickly and she relaxed against him, loving the way his breath quickened. Grew deeper.

  She rocked her bottom back against his erection and he groaned, his arm tightening around her waist as he thrust against her.

  With skilled fingers he unfastened her jeans, tugging them and her panties over her hips and down her legs. She kicked off her shoes and stepped out of the clothes.

  While he was fully clothed, she was completely naked. It should’ve made her feel vulnerable. Exposed. But instead it empowered her. With a purr of pleasure she rubbed back against him again.

  There was no worry about waiting until they got home anymore. Clearly if he’d stripped her, he intended to have sex here. Maybe even on the pool table. Through her dazed thoughts, she realized that would be a first.

  His arm returned around her waist, and he smoothed his hand over her stomach and then downward, to cup the flesh between her legs.

  She rose to her tiptoes and rocked back against him. “Aleck…”

  “Mmm. Yes, luv.”

  He curled a finger into her aching channel and she shuddered with pleasure.

  “Oh God, just don’t stop.”

  “Wasn’t even considering it.” He added a second finger, sliding them both deep, before bringing one up to touch her clit.

  Her body reacted like she’d received an electric shock, jerking and making her mind go white for a moment. He held the reins to her pleasure and wasn’t letting go.

  Dimly, while he teased that sensitive spot, she was aware of his other hand caressing her bottom. He squeezed the flesh there, while rolling and pinching her clit.

  Her breaths were ragged now, her moans low. She knew how close she was to the edge. The sharp whack and the slight sting of pain brought her back from the cliff of pleasure momentarily. But it rushed right back when she realized he’d smacked her ass.

  Shock warred with pleasure and she lifted her head, trying to turn and look at him, but the second smack had her gasping and turning her gaze straight ahead again.

  “That’s for making me be quite unprofessional earlier, luv.” His palm connected with her bottom again and she moaned. “Really quite naughty of you to go into your boss’s office and give him a blowjob.”

  “I didn’t hear you complain—oh!” Her breathy reply ended on another gasp of shock and pleasure as this smack connected harder.

  “I think you hinted to me once about liking to be spanked,” he murmured against her ear. “It looks as if that wasn’t just a frivolous remark.”

  No, it hadn’t been. But she couldn’t remember having said that to him before. She must’ve though, because he was here, bending her over the pool table and smacking her bottom. And she was loving every moment of it.

  The spanking continued. Light and then harder, all while he continued to play with her clit. The need and heat inside her grew higher and faster. She moved against his hand, both arching into his hand between her legs and the hand that would lash across her ass.

  “You look amazing,” he muttered thickly, his lips moving over her nape. “With my red handprint staining your pretty white arse.”

  “Aleck.”

  He caught her earlobe between his teeth and tugged lightly, his finger moving faster between her legs now.

  “Ohmygod.” She gasped, throwing her head back against his shoulder as she ground against his hand. “So close.”

  He smacked her bottom again, hard, and sank a finger deep into her sex. The combination sent her flying and screaming his name as she climaxed.

  Her world was out of control, her mind a complete void as ecstasy took hold. Her legs gave out a moment later, and he caught her before she could hit the floor.

  Aleck turned her gently in his arms, holding her boneless weight up as he pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

  He hadn’t been attempting dirty talk by remarking on the beauty of her arse. It truly was amazing. Almost as amazing as the fact that she’d loved getting spanked, because he certainly enjoyed carrying out the act.

  Picking her up, he laid her on the pool table. He slid his hands beneath her thighs to pull her forward, so her arse was on the wooden lip of the table. He smoothed his palms down her thighs, staring down at her lush, pale body laid out like a damn present for him. He’d take her here, just like this.

  “Wow,” she murmured, her gaze still drugged with passion, “I did not see that coming.”

  “The swats?”

  Her mouth curled into a lazy smile. “Yeah. You’ve got a naughty side.”

  His laugh was tight with the driving need to just take her. “Aye. And it seems you love it.”

  “Hell yeah I do. You can spank my ass any day, boss boy.”

  She stretched her arms above her head to grab the other side of the pool table. The move lifted her breasts, showing a small mole beneath one.

  Unable to resist, he leaned down to kiss it, while cupping the softness of the breast in his palm.

  She made a murmur of pleasure and her hips lifted in the silent signal that she needed more. Wanted him.

  He straightened and dug into his pocket for the condom he’d grabbed. After undoing his fly and unzipping his jeans, he shoved them and his
briefs below his knees.

  Relief and anticipation flickered in her eyes. “I thought you were going to make us wait until we got back to your place.”

  “That may have been the plan at one point, but the more time went by, the more I wanted you.” He pulled his cock free and placed the condom on it. “I came out of my office ready to fook you silly, lass.”

  He heard her breath catch, whether at his words, or from the sight of him so completely hard and ready.

  Her lashes fluttered down and she lifted her hips slightly. “Then what are you waiting for? Clearly I’m ready and willing. Pretty damn willing, actually.”

  Choking on a laugh, and needing no more encouragement, he slid his hands to cup her ass and pull her forward so he was positioned perfectly between her legs.

  He reached down to grasp himself, rubbing his cock back and forth over the glistening pink folds of her sex before slowly sliding it in.

  The hot, warm suck of her flesh drew him deeper, and the air hissed out from between his clenched teeth.

  When he lifted his gaze from where he entered her, to her face, he saw her lips parted on a silent moan and her eyes closed; dark lashes fanning out over flushed cheeks. Need swelled in him and he thrust deep, filling her completely and wrenching a soft gasp from Delonna.

  He stayed buried inside her, taking a moment to revel in the feel of her for a moment.

  “Have I hurt you?” he managed to ask, unevenly.

  “No.” Her head moved from side to side, and she drew in a ragged breath. “You feel perfect. Incredible.”

  “And I’ll say the same for you.” He began to move slowly inside her and was rewarded by her soft sigh. “You don’t know how long I’ve wanted this, Lana. How long I’ve wanted you.”

  Her lashes fluttered up and she met his gaze as he eased deeper again into her. “Knowing I couldn’t have you because you were with that asshole.”

  Surprise flickered in her eyes, but still she stayed silent.

  “When you would walk by, flirting so outrageously with me, something inside me went completely caveman. I imagined this.” He slid his gaze from the top of her head down to where they were joined.

  “Here?” she whispered, a tiny line between her brows.

  “Aye. I imagined grabbing you, stripping you and taking you on this bloody pool table.” He pulled slowly out. “Just.” Thrust hard. “Like.” Sank deep. “This.”

  She cried out and there was no lightness or teasing in her expression anymore, just a sparkle of realization and acceptance in her pleasure drugged eyes.

  “Aleck.”

  He didn’t mind it when she called him boss boy; it was a fun little teasing thing between them. But he loved it when she said his name, especially when it was on a needy whimper of desire.

  He moved harder, completely losing all ability to hold a conversation, as pure need drove him. He tightened his hold on her arse, lifting her to make their joining even snugger. He knew he’d leave bruises on the insides of her thighs. They’d probably go well with the marks he was no doubt leaving on her arse from gripping it so hard.

  His body tightened as release approached. He moved his hand to touch Delonna, but she was already climaxing. Her back arched and she cried out—the hot grip of her body tightening further around him.

  With a strangled yell he buried himself deep and allowed the release to take him in waves of pleasure. Until his legs were shaking and his mind was empty. He dragged in ragged gasps of air, staring down at her limp on the table. Her body spent and flushed with pleasure. Her eyes once more closed.

  “God, Lana, you were worth the bloody wait.”

  With his legs threatening to give out, he fell forward on top of her.

  Just in time to miss the glass shards from the window that exploded as the pub was riddled with bullets.

  Chapter Ten

  “…significant damage… Your insurance will cover it.”

  Aleck nodded, absorbing Colin’s words even as he kept one eye on the deputy interviewing Delonna.

  They’d been lucky as hell. If it had happened thirty seconds sooner he might’ve been hit by gunfire, or at the very least hit by the shattering glass.

  Someone had shot up his pub. Had deliberately fired several rounds of a semi-automatic into the front window of his pub. The flimsy drapes had been pulled shut at closing—so no one would’ve seen what kind of trouble he and Delonna were up to.

  But Aleck wasn’t the slightest bit convinced the incident was random. He couldn’t believe it was a couple of teenagers or drunks out having fun. He suspected the person who’d shot up the pub was the same man who’d gone after Delonna earlier in the week.

  As if sensing his gaze on her, she glanced up and met his stare. A look of torment flashed in her eyes, before she looked away and resumed answering the deputy’s questions. Aleck had finished being questioned not moments earlier.

  “She all right?”

  Aleck glanced at his brother who’d spoken.

  “Delonna? Aye, I think so. She was a bit more shaken up than I was, though, when it happened.”

  “Mmm. I can imagine. Quite late for you both to still have been here, aye?”

  There was no denying the speculation in Colin’s tone, or the knowing look in his eyes.

  “We were talking.” And by talking he meant shagging.

  “Ah, right. Of course you were.” Amusement danced momentarily in Colin’s otherwise grim gaze.

  Shite, they’d gotten dressed in record time after Aleck had placed a call to the police. Delonna had been in the midst of disinfecting the pool table when the police had arrived.

  Colin had of course been texted and informed, in what must have been some sort of silent code in the law enforcement community. When it came to family, you got notified immediately.

  “I don’t like the looks of this,” Colin admitted. “I think whoever did this is after Delonna and is likely the same bloke who attacked her at her home.”

  Aleck gave a short nod. “Agreed. Have they learned anything about the first attack? Any suspects?”

  “Unfortunately, no. And no leads on locating the ex-boyfriend either.”

  Aleck swore softly. “All this violence and these threats have fallen on her, and she’d nothing to do with her ex’s quandaries.”

  “Aye, the poor lass.” Colin gave him a considering look. “You seem quite a bit concerned with Delonna, and a bit less so about your pub.”

  “Don’t be daft.” Aleck glowered at his brother. “I’m bloody livid that my pub was on the receiving end of this bastart.”

  They both glanced over at someone who was collecting the shell casings. More officers were outside checking to see if any evidence was left behind.

  “But I’m worried for Delonna,” Colin admitted, lowering his voice. “Whoever this bloke is, his ‘warnings’ are just escalating in danger. You’re lucky neither of you was injured, or even killed, tonight.”

  “I know.” His jaw clenched as he struggled to control his anger and fear for Delonna’s safety.

  “She’ll remain at your house?”

  “Aye, of course.” He shook his head. “I’m not sure it’s enough anymore, though.”

  “What are you thinking?”

  Aleck pulled his gaze away from the bar counter. He was thinking that bloody deputy was going to dismantle the counter trying to get a bullet out of it.

  “I’m not quite certain,” he muttered, “but I’ll let you know when I am.”

  With that, he strode off to tell the deputy to go easy on his pub.

  “Where are you off to?”

  Delonna flinched and halted in her attempts to quickly escape to the spare bedroom.

  “I was going to head to bed. I’m not really up for watching a movie tonight,” she murmured, trying not to meet his gaze.


  “Aye, I’m quite tired too and sleeping sounds amazing after the night we’ve had. But you’re going the wrong way, luv. My room’s at the other end of the hall.”

  Now she did lift her gaze, unable to hide the skepticism in it. “You want me to sleep in your room?”

  “Aye. You did last night, and I quite like the idea of having you in my bed again.” He paused, appearing a little chagrined as a sexy smile crossed his face. “Just a bit of cuddling, of course. I think we’re both too tired for much more.”

  He was right on that last part.

  “Last night I pretty much forced myself into your room because of the storm. You don’t need to feel obligated—”

  “It’s no obligation, Lana.” He moved slowly toward her, until they were just inches apart and he reached down to take her hand. “It’s me enjoying the feel of having you in my arms. Knowing you’re safe.”

  His voice cracked just the tiniest bit on that last word, and her heart quickened. He cared about her. He wasn’t saying it, but she could see it in his eyes and in the not-quite-hidden emotion in his voice.

  “All right.” Before she could second-guess herself, she nodded.

  It was only some minutes later, when they were buried under the covers with their bodies spooned together, did she start to wonder if this had been smart.

  A needy part inside her had jumped at his unspoken offer of support—just the opportunity to be held. How long had it been since she’d had that? Not with James. If she let herself admit it, he hadn’t really been more than good sex, and the occasional concert and dinner out.

  Aleck was different. Everything about the way she was with him was different. And what she’d thought was good sex with James had turned out to be just decent. Sex was amazing with Aleck.

  With her body tucked up against his, a protective muscled arm around her waist and her head tucked beneath his chin, she couldn’t deny the possibility that she was falling for him a little.

  No man had ever made her feel this safe and protected before. Feel so at peace, even when her world was chaos. And for this moment, she’d take that mental escape from all the bad crap going on.