by Sarah Hoss
Her gaze traveled over her attire, wondering if she wore the right thing. Beneath her shift she wore a sky blue colored bra and panty set. The lace trim lay against her breasts, the panties rode high on her hips. The color seemed to glow against her tanned skin. It was the only pretty lingerie she had with her and hoped he would like it. They certainly didn’t wear anything like this here. Would he think it too risqué?
Resolved, she reached for the door again, took a deep calming breath, and pushed it open slowly. Peeking around the big door, she stepped in and silently shut it behind her.
She found him sitting on a chair in front of the fire, elbows on his knees, hands clasped around a drink, eyes watching the flames dance. He looked deep in thought and she hated to disturb him.
As she slipped off the shift, he turned his head and regarded her with a look of hunger that took her breath away.
“I need you tonight,” she said as she stepped away from the door. She was braver than she thought.
“I need ye forever,” he whispered.
She watched him rise like a man who had been defeated, but suddenly found purpose.
Hearing his words made her heart flutter. Tears instantly came forth and danced on her lashes, enough that her vision blurred and she turned around. She didn’t want him to see her cry. She repeated his words in her head. I need ye forever.
He approached; she didn’t move. He placed one arm over hers that rested on her stomach and the other came up to lightly clasp her chin. She thought he would turn her head, but he didn’t. Their bodies touched and she shivered from the heat of his.
She swallowed. “Please, say it again.” Tears slipped down her cheeks and his thumb gently wiped them away.
“I need ye, Marlana.” He sighed and she felt his chest rise and fall with it. “I‘ve been sitting here thinking all night. Hell, I haven’t done anything but think since ye came into my life. I doona know if I’ve ever had so many headaches.”
She started to turn around, but he tightened his grip on her waist and held her in place.
“I have things to say and I will be saying them like this, if ye doona mind.”
“No,” she whispered.
“I‘ve been fighting a war within myself. I said I wouldna love again after Mairi died. The pain it brings isn’t something I want to go through again. Then ye came to me, and I wanted ye. God forgive me, but I wanted ye. Not just in bed, but I found myself admiring yer strength and humor. I wanted ye in my life. Then I realized what a mess of things I’d made and I was ready to say something, but then we were brought here and put in this ridiculous situation. For the second time in my life, I was afraid. Afraid I might lose ye. I didn’t want to lose ye. Not having ye in my life, because I let ye go, would be like ye had died. Either way, ye wouldn’t be with me.”
She took a deep breath. “What if time takes me back home?”
“I pray every day it doesna happen, but I willna let one more pass with ye here and not loving ye.”
She stood still, afraid to say anything and break his concentration. He was finally opening up and she wasn’t about to ruin it. She needed to hear these things. His thumb began gently rubbing her bottom lip. Her eyes closed, relishing in the simple movement. How could hands so strong, twice the size of her own, be so loving and gentle?
He quit talking and they stood, lost in the moment, the only sounds were from the fire behind them, crackling and popping. His thumb still stroked her bottom lip and she reached her tongue out to brush it. His thumb paused and she bent her head to bring it into her mouth, gently sucking on it as she pulled her head back and released it. He bent his head and moaned in her ear, his breath hot against her skin as he placed kisses on her neck. Goose bumps dotted her skin. She closed her eyes and her heart raced.
Then he stepped away from her and she felt the cool air on her back, instantly wanting to return to the warmth of him. She turned around slowly. He was staring at her, eyes moving slowly up and down her body.
“Blue suits ye.”
She beamed at his approval.
“Alex, you said you needed me in your life?”
“Aye.” They stood, staring at each other.
“Show me,” she whispered.
He reached out his hand for her and she stepped forward to take it. He drew her into his embrace and kissed her, gentle at first, brushing his lips across hers. Their kisses became more demanding and when his tongue brushed her lip, she needed no more than that to understand. Opening to him, she kissed him with all of the feelings she was experiencing.
Months of pent up want and need came pouring out of them both and the kiss became urgent. Her tongue danced with his, her arms slid around his neck and she held him tighter, wanting to get as close as she could, afraid that if she let go, the moment would end.
His hands stroked her back, one came down to squeeze her bottom, and he pushed her forward so she could feel the answer to her desires pressing into her stomach. This man wanted her and he was not going to let her go tonight. Her legs began to feel like jelly and she was glad for his strength. He was the only thing keeping her from sliding down and lying on the floor like a pool of mush at his feet. She’d been nervous standing outside his door, but being here now, with him, felt right and some of the butterflies flew away at his touch.
She broke the kiss and stepped away from him. When he started to say something, she brought a finger to his lips; motioning him to be quiet as she began to undress. His eyes held hers for a moment, but quickly watched her with extreme interest, like a kid watching someone else open his Christmas present, knowing he was getting the prize inside.
He started to return the favor, but she shook her head no and stepped forward. Her hands trembled and she needed something to keep them still. This was her first time and she was afraid he would notice.
Dropping his belt to the floor, she began the task of unwinding eight yards of red and green plaid from around him, each time bringing her in closer so that her breasts rubbed his chest. He was a large man and the first time she touched him, he sucked in his breath, then held it until she was done.
When they were both naked, she raised her hand and ran it over his chest. There were scars, she assumed from fighting. She leaned in and kissed each one, wishing it could erase a little of the pain the wounds had caused.
“You’re beautiful.” The words fell softly on his skin as she brushed her lips over his heart.
“So are ye, mo chride.” The words sounded like mo cree and she questioned their meaning as she circled around him, exploring, placing kisses across his back.
“It means my heart.” His accent was stronger when aroused, and her hands stopped on his back. His words pleased her and she was glad he couldn’t see her face for she smiled, then placed another kiss between his shoulder blades.
He reached back and grabbed her hand, bringing her to the front. She glanced up at him as she bit her lip.
“Ah, as I guessed. Ye have not been with a man, have ye, lass?”
She started to look away, but his hand lay gently against her cheek to stop her.
“Truth or lie?” she asked and he laughed.
“Truth it will be, but I think I know the answer.”
She stood still as he let go of her hand and walked over to the table where a decanter sat next to a glass. He poured a small amount of what she thought to be whisky and brought it to her.
“Just a sip, mind ye. I want ye a wee bit relaxed, not a whole lot drunk.”
She choked on the amber liquid and wiped her chin, remembering the last time she drank whisky. Taking another little sip, she handed back the glass and watched him finish it off. A fiery trail blazed down her body, warming her from the inside out.
Alexander scooped her into his arms. She felt so small, yet protected and cherished. Walking to
the bed, he gently laid her down, never taking his eyes off hers. Her hand grabbed at the blanket, a lifeline to hold on to. She wasn’t nervous about having sex, but she was nervous about making love to Alexander. This was something she had wanted for a long time, something she had dreamt of. As his lips met hers, she slowly closed her eyes and savored the feel of his touch.
He kissed her as he laid her back on the pillows. Leaning over her, hands on each side of her shoulders, his knees in between her legs, he brushed the tip of his nose against hers.
“I want ye to relax, enjoy, doona be afraid.” He emphasized each word with a small kiss trailing down her throat to her chest. He brought his tongue over her nipple and she sucked in a breath at the sensation. He paused for a moment, a smile tugging at his mouth, then returned to teasing her breasts.
She grabbed the bedding. Her body tingled with every flick of his tongue, her pulse raced every time he sucked the round, pink mound into his mouth. Her hands brushed over his shoulders to rest on his head and wove themselves into his hair, cradling his head to her chest. She wanted to press him into her breasts, make him take more of her. Her body heated at his touch and she didn’t think she would ever get enough of the pleasure he was bringing. Her eyes feasted on the sight of him leaning back to exhale on her breast. Hot air danced across it, then he blew again, and a cool chill covered her skin; her nipple tingled, springing to life, aching to be touched. A small moan escaped her lips, and she closed her eyes again. Alexander let his teeth drag across her hard nipple and she arched her back.
He growled.
Her legs bent as his hand brushed down her stomach, to run along her thigh, gently stroking up and down while he switched from one breast to the other.
Her eyes opened and she found him watching her as he gently ran a finger over the dark curls between her thighs. He slipped a finger inside, bringing it in and out a few more times. She bit her lip to keep herself from crying out. Her pulse quickened at the pressure he created between her legs.
His finger continued to plunge in and out, as he leaned down to blow gently over her sensitive bud. She arched again, wiggling under his ministrations, pressing against his hand, trying to draw more of something, but she wasn’t sure what. She could feel herself getting wetter, a building of something extraordinary was happening inside of her. It stretched from head to toe, settling in her belly.
“Alex.” His name came on a passion-filled breath and Alexander bent his head as if bowing to her command. She closed her eyes as his tongue flicked across her mound. He pulled the sensitive tip into his mouth, then stroked it again. The things his tongue was doing between her legs made her feel wicked and she moaned out loud her pleasure. She could feel the hard rise and fall of her chest as her breaths came in hard gasps. She gripped the pillow with both hands as wave after wave of orgasm took her and she called out his name, again. She opened her eyes and found him watching.
When the last tremor subsided, Alexander slowly licked his way up her body, leaving a trail that cooled instantly. Goose bumps followed in its wake, despite the heat that was engulfing her. She ran her hands up and down his back, letting her nails drag across his spine. He shivered.
She gazed at him through the glow of the fire, breathing in his masculine scent of sweat, spice, and peat smoke. Leaning up, she placed a small kiss on his collarbone, trailing her tongue up the column of his neck to his ear, feeling the whiskers bristle like sand paper on her tongue. She nipped his ear, breathed a sigh, and whispered, “Take me now, Alex.” She nipped his ear again. “Please.”
He dipped his head and kissed her hard, letting her know that her every wish was his command. He placed kisses over her face, working his way to the sensitive peaks of her breasts again. She inhaled when she felt the tip of his erection poised between her thighs.
“One more thing. When we do this, ye will be mine, for all time. I willna let another man have ye. Do ye understand what it is I’m saying?” He gazed deep into her eyes with what looked to be a mixture of hope and fear.
She tried not to tense. His body covered hers, pressing her down into the soft comfort of the bed as he slowly gained entrance, sliding in inch by glorious inch. She wasn’t sure she could take all of him and was beginning to fear this wouldn’t happen, when he paused at her barrier. “You are the only man I want, Alex.”
“Ye are so tight, mo mhaise.”
She knew he didn’t want to hurt her, could see it on his face, but there was no way around it.
“It will only hurt for a moment, Marlana. I have to break through, but I’ll wait until the pain eases.”
“I know, it’s okay.” Though she knew it would be, she was surprised at the discomfort she was already experiencing just from the size of him. She told herself she had to relax. She smiled up at him and hoped it would ease some of his guilt.
He bent down to place a kiss on her brow.
She nodded her understanding and with one long thrust, he broke through her maidenhead, through her fears of the future, and a cry escaped her lips. He kissed her, then, taking her mind off the pain. A moment later, he slowly began to move. She was surprised to feel that the pain had lessened. Heat ran through her with each thrust and her body mimicked his movements.
She let her hands trail down his sides to lie on his hips and felt the muscles tighten with each movement. She marveled in all the strength his body held and how he kept it on a tight leash.
She wrapped one leg around him, bringing him in closer. He drove in deeper, harder and she knew, could feel them both, growing closer to their destination. Her body tingled everywhere and she could feel him tense. She arched her back and moaned just before he did, the two of them exploding together in perfect harmony.
Time passed as they lay spent, cuddled into each other. She was glowing and happier than she had ever been. She turned her face and kissed his cheek, unable to hide her smile.
“So the angel awakens, laying here in all of her glory.”
She blushed and stretched, reveling in the knowledge that she was where she belonged. Here, in his arms, in this time. She glanced over at him and smiled. Leaning up to kiss the tip of his nose, then his lips.
“Good morning.” She received another kiss, this one longer, soft, and endearing.
“Aye, it is.”
His leg stretched over hers, his hand roaming over her chest and stomach. She ran her hand through his hair, brushing it away from his cheek. They couldn’t stop touching each other. He placed little kisses over her neck and face.
He started to part her thighs and she put her hand on his knee to stop him.
“Are ye sore then? We doona have to again so soon, though I’ll have to leave this bed if you say nay. I canna lay here and not want ye.”
She sat up and laid her hand on his chest, pushing him back. He raised an eyebrow at her in question. She went about placing kisses over him, as she slowly straddled him. She could feel the evidence of his desire and it enflamed her. Would he think her too bold?
She kissed him, then sat up. “Do you mind?”
His hand caressed her cheek. “Nay.”
She settled herself over him, with both of her feet planted on either side of his hips, and slid down his shaft. He never took his eyes off hers.
She began to move, pulsing up and down, her hips moving in a timeless dance. He massaged her breasts and she leaned down for a kiss. He took her mouth in a deep passionate kiss that curled her toes. When she sat back up, she rested her hands behind her on his knees and repositioned her legs. She began to rock back and forth. His hand came forward to stroke the bud of her desire and she closed her eyes at the ecstasy of his touch. She began to move faster and heard him moan.
Her orgasm came on swift wings, so talented were his hands. She cried out his name, then leaned forward to place her hands on his chest, staring down into eye
s that were black with passion.
“Come with me,” she whispered and as her movements became more deliberate, the pearl pendant swayed between her breasts and she watched him reach his peak.
They laid there, hands stroking skin. Her cheek rested on his chest and she could hear his heartbeat mirror hers, fast and strong.
“I have something I want to show ye, Marlana.” She heard something in his voice.
“I wanted to show this to ye after we saw the Gypsy woman in the market that day.”
He left the bed and went to the chair where his sporran laid. He cupped something in his hand and he walked back to her. Whatever it was, it was precious. He acted like it was the most delicate thing he’d ever held.
“What is it, Alex?” She sat up and adjusted the covers around her.
The bed lowered with his weight as he sat down next to her and uncurled his fingers to reveal his treasure.
She stared at it, not comprehending at first what he was trying to tell her. Then she realized what he held. Her hand went to her breasts where the pendant lay nestled.
Looking up at him, his face held no reflection of his thoughts. “Is that what I think it is?” She glanced back at his hand where the pearl lay.
“I doona know for sure, but there is one way to find out.” He brought his hand forward, pearl clutched between his fingers while his other hand reached for her necklace. He brought them together and a tear slid down her cheek when they formed a perfect connection.
All those years she’d heard the story, wondered where the pearl could be or what had happened to it. Thinking that one day her heart’s desire would present her with it, and the legend would be true. She would have her true love.
She choked on a sob. “Marlana,” he whispered, “Tell me what ye are thinking.”
He looked sad. She had to reassure him.
“I’m not upset with you, if that’s what you’re wondering. I ...” She wiped her face and sat up straighter.