by Mia Pride
“You must promise me not to consider the suit of any other man, Maggie. I understand why you cannot agree to wed with me yet, and I will do aught to make this right. But I cannot bear to see another man with you.”
She sighed as his tongue flicked beneath the neckline of her dress and his free hand slid the wool garment down her shoulder. He pulled one breast out and slowly ran his tongue over the puckering tip. She groaned lowly and watched as he suckled on her flesh, tugging now and then with his teeth. Gods, he touched her with such tenderness and love.
“Are you referring to Eoghann?” she whimpered, and he pulled her other breast free. “I have nay interest in him, Flynn.”
“I know,” he growled, roughly sucking her other breast into his mouth. The sensation was a cross between pain and pleasure, making her gasp and arch her back. “I followed you both to the stream,” he murmured in between little nibbles and licks to her skin.
She giggled at his admission. Somehow the thought of this tall, strong warrior following her out of jealously made her melt inside. She could not be angry, especially not now as he caused such pleasure to spark in her blood.
“I know you did,” she panted. Her hands ran through his hair and she pulled a yellowing leaf from his disheveled locks. “You still have pine needles stuck in your hair as evidence.”
Looking up at the proffered pine needle between her thumb and forefinger, a rich, deep laugh rumbled in his chest. “I suppose I have been found out. I cannot help it. You drive me mad and I lose all sense where you are concerned.”
“I feel the same way,” she sighed. “Look at us. I have somehow allowed you to undress me beneath an oak tree where anyone can stumble upon us.”
“Thrilling, is it not?” he groaned, and shifting her into a straddling position, he pushed her hips down onto his. She felt his hardness pressing into her bared core, nothing but his wool trousers between them.
“Aye,” she whimpered, shuddering as waves of pleasure rocked through her body. The need to move against him repeatedly took over and he more than approved as his hands slid beneath her dress and gripped her bare backside.
Her fingers fumbled between them as she desperately sought out the tie to his trousers. “Are you sure about this lass? If you tug on that string, I will be inside of you so fast, you will have nay time to change your mind.” He grinned and waggled his brows tauntingly.
Licking her bottom lip suggestively, she tugged the string and reached inside his loose trousers, pulling his erection out and feeling it pulse with need in her hand. It was hot, hard, and smooth all at the same time and the scent of his musk consumed her senses.
Just as promised, Flynn took no time slipping himself deep inside her, pushing upward as he gripped her backside hard, commanding her body to mold with his.
Her head tilted back as he filled her completely. She had never known of this position, but it was so intimate with her breasts hovering in front of him, his tongue flicking out to graze one rosy tip. His pace was frantic and commanding as he forced her hips down on his, harder and harder. Just before she thought she may explode from pleasure, one of his hands moved in between them, where he found the spot on her womanhood that could make her shudder and groan with pleasure with barely a flick.
His finger caressed her is soft rhythmic circles and it was all she could do to bite her bottom lip to prevent herself from screaming out her pleasure. Thankfully, Flynn leaned over and smothered her groans with his mouth, their hot breath mixing between them as they both tensed, shaking with a release so intense, she somehow felt overheated even in the dead of winter beneath a tree.
“Oh, gods, Maggie,” he groaned, and his body went limp beneath her. In that moment, limbs entwined, her chest slick with sweat as she panted to catch her breath, Maggie knew she would never be whole without this man.
“I love you very much, Mags,” he whispered in her ear.
“I love you, Flynn. I think I always have.”
He looked up at her and smiled, carefully pulling her dress back over her shoulders to protect her from the cold. “Maggie. I went to visit you every time I had the barest scratch. I was desperate to see your face and be near you as often as I could. Do you remember when I came to Alba on a boat to fetch Jeoffrey back to Ériu?” She nodded and smiled as he tucked himself back into his trousers and tied the lace. “I was so struck by your beauty, even then.”
“You barely looked at me,” she laughed, and swatted his shoulder.
He replied by kissing her hard on the lips before lifting her onto her shaky legs. “I looked, Maggie. Do not forget what I do. I can be very stealthy.”
Plucking another leaf from his hair, she quirked a brow and laughed. “Not as stealthy as you think.” He picked her up and swung her around, tickling her sides until she burst out with laughter.
“Mayhap I have grown too distracted to continue such work. ‘Tis another reason I should give it up. Come,” he nodded his head toward the path. “I should get you back before your brother tries to pummel me again.”
“Would it stop you from doing it again?”
A mischievous smile crossed his lips. “Never. I would take any beating to be with you. Fortunately, that will not be an issue. You may not yet agree to wed with me, but you are mine, and I plan on making that clear. Right… now!”
With a wicked grin, Flynn scooped her up over his shoulder and she squealed with shock as she felt herself hanging upside down, facing his glorious backside. Flynn laughed as he ran up the path carrying her, and she could not help but laugh as well.
When Maggie heard the hoots and hollers from men all around, she knew they were being watched by all in the camp. Flynn placed her down none too gently and before she could catch her breath, he bent her backward and claimed her lips with a searing kiss. He removed his lips and pulled her to him with force, causing her to gasp. Looking around, everyone in the camp clapped wildly at his antics… all except Eoghann and her brother, who stood side by side with a scowl.
Ready or not, she had now become Flynn’s woman, and she could not be happier.
Chapter Fourteen
“You will still be riding with me, Maggie,” her brother huffed over his shoulder as he tied his satchel to his horse. Àdhamh had taken Flynn’s possessive antics rather well. He may have been angered, but the news of Flynn’s marriage proposal soothed his nerves… until he heard that Maggie had not yet accepted.
“I do not know what came over you last night, wandering off into the woods with two warriors, then coming back to camp draped over one of their shoulders. I cannot fathom why you would turn down his proposal after such a show, but until you are wed, you ride with me.”
“Fine,” she crossed her arms and looked over at Flynn with her pleading gaze. She truly wished to ride with him the rest of the way to Mal’s camp. She would feel warm in his embrace and she longed for his touch. Yet, Flynn was doing his best to respect Àdhamh’s feelings on the matter, much as Àdhamh was doing the same. She supposed a delicate, silent truce had developed between the two men and she must do what she could to keep it that way.
As for why she had not yet agreed to marry Flynn, that was between them and she need not explain herself to her brother, yet she somehow felt the need to do so. “Flynn is going to request a new assignment from the king upon our return. I will not marry him if he continues to be away on missions for several sennights on end. I cannot do it.”
Àdhamh grunted and without warning, grabbed her by the waist and tossed her onto the back of his horse, before mounting behind her. “So, you would ask Flynn to give up his meaning in life, so he can marry you.”
Àdhamh’s words shocked Maggie, causing the hairs on her neck to prickle. She felt attacked and misunderstood, yet she had not at all stopped to think of it in that manner. “I never asked Flynn to give up his… whatever he does for the king.” She knew what he did, but it was not Àdhamh’s business. “He told me he wished to give it up, so we can be together.”
“
Did you ever stop to think how he felt, having to choose between you and his duty? Then, you rejected him, until you are certain you shall have things the way you prefer. What if Tuathal does not agree? Then you and Flynn will… what? Go your separate ways, always miserable and lonely? Or worse, carry on as you are now, having inappropriate meetings together and believing we are all fooled.”
Maggie felt her face flush and was glad her brother could not see it. He had known what she was up to in the forest last night with Flynn? Although, that was not her only cause for frustration, his words rang true in the corner of her mind. Was she truly pinning the man she loved between two important roles in his life? Could she somehow find a way to cope with his duties? After all, if Flynn was willing to make changes to make her happy, why could she not do the same?
“Furthermore, your conduct with Eoghann was most hurtful to him. Why would you agree to walk with a man… against my orders, only to turn around to do… what you did with Flynn right after? I am ashamed of you.”
She had had quite enough of her brother’s unwanted observations and his foul opinions of her. “Àdhamh, I love you, but if you do not leave off, I will box your ears!” she warned. “I have done naught wrong. I told Eoghann from the very beginning that we are companions only. I had not seen him in so many years. I simply wished to speak with him about his life. As for Flynn, we had nay chance to speak since we left the hut, and that is entirely your fault. You made certain to keep him away from me, so how can you blame me for walking in the woods safely with an old companion, then once more when approached by the man who wishes to marry me? Mayhap I would not have needed to seek privacy and peace if you would stop judging every move I make!"
Àdhamh grunted, but did not respond. Good. He was being entirely unfair. She had never once pried into his relationship with Elwynna before they were married. The lass lived with them, and Maggie knew what they did together when she was not home. She never once admonished Àdhamh or Elwynna. Was she suddenly being picked apart for finally finding herself and seeking a life? Because she was a wee lass and he was a strong warrior? The thought made her so angry, she wished to kick her elder brother in the shins! Instead, she decided to keep her peace.
It did not take long before a shout from King Tuathal rang out and the warriors began to dismount. “We have found Mal’s camp,” Àdhamh explained to Maggie as he helped her down from the horse. “Brennain was correct in his directions. Maggie… this is important. A battle will happen. Men will be injured. Some will die. I trust in your healing talents and I am very proud of you, sister.”
Maggie’s eyes popped out of her head at his words. Looking up to his height, she saw a lopsided smile on his face. “Truly?” she asked. She wanted Àdhamh’s approval. She loved him fiercely. Approval was much more pleasant than his constant displeasure.
“Och, sister. Come here.” Roughly pulling her to him, Àdhamh kissed the top of her head and wrapped her in a fierce hug. “Of course, truly. I know I have been an overprotective fool, but I love you and only want what is best for my sister.” He released her and held her at arm’s length. “You are a woman, full grown. I owe Flynn my thanks for helping you battle your fears. He is a good man.”
Tears began to well up in her eyes, but she choked them down. She had no idea how much she wanted his approval of Flynn until right this moment. “My thanks, brother. That means more to me than you know. I love him very much.”
“Aye, I know you do. You would not have…” he coughed awkwardly, not able to say the words he was thinking, and she bit back a smile. “… if you did not love him.”
“You are correct.”
“Listen, Maggie. You will stay safely here at camp, aye? We will bring the injured back to you. Until then, get prepared. We have a few men here who are also decent at stitching or wrapping wounds, so they can help if it becomes too much. But you are all we have for the greater wounds. Tuathal chose you. You can do this.”
Swallowing hard, she felt her nerves start to kick in as she wrung her hands. She knew this would be an unpleasant trip. She knew she would see death and gore. It did not sicken her stomach to see blood, but violence always made her feel ill. She was only glad to be away from the fighting. Her thoughts wandered to the safety of her brother, Flynn, Brennain, Tuathal… and now Eoghann. Jeoffrey was here, as were Alastar and Eoin. All the men she had grown to love were here and she suddenly felt her hands begin to quake at the thought of losing any of them. Most of them had wives and children awaiting them. What if they became wounded and ‘twas her responsibility to save them? What if she failed?
Nay, nay, nay. She would not fail… She could do this.
“Maggie,” she heard Flynn’s voice call to her, and she spun on her heels and immediately embraced him when he approached. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she felt comforted when his strong arms enfolded her, gripping her to his body.
“I’m scared for you, Flynn,” she murmured into his chest, hearing his heartbeat against her ear.
“Do not be. We have the finest warriors in the land all gathered at Ráth Mór. Mal’s army is naught but the last remaining fools who hold on to Elim’s disgraceful beliefs. Most are older men who are serfs. They have nay training and even less strength. I wish it had not come to this. It sickens me to think of fighting in an unfair battle. ‘Tis impossible for them to win. Tuathal held them off for so long, knowing they are not a threat and cannot penetrate our walls. But now Mal is bent on retrieving his daughter… your sister now. He is sending scouts and spies, and threatening the safety of our women. Now, we have nay choice but to bring this fight to them. I pray they stand down and scatter, but we cannot be certain. We must prepare.”
Maggie’s heart ached for Elwynna. She had had such a hard life and only wanted peace with Àdhamh. How must Àdhamh feel now, preparing to go to battle with his own father by marriage? Before she could even ask, Àdhamh strode up with his hands on his hips.
“I never thought I would battle against my wife’s father. But he continuously threatens her well-being. If he will not give her up to me willingly, and continues to plot her abduction, I must put an end to this.”
“Aye. I cannot blame you. I would battle any man who threatened my wife.” His eyes locked on Maggie’s and she had to catch her breath. He was so intense and focused on her. He considered her his wife, even if she had not yet accepted him, and that made her heart flutter wildly. She wanted nothing more than to be his wife. Suddenly, nothing else felt more important. What sort of life would she live if she decided not to marry him because of his duties? She would never love another. Some time with Flynn was better than no time. She knew that now. Maggie wanted to tell Flynn she would accept him as he was, no matter where his duties took him.
Brennain came up behind Flynn and slapped his back. “Tuathal wishes to speak with you about the details. Mal’s camp is just over the hill in the distance. We will raid soon.” Brennain looked at Maggie and sent her knowing wink. To think he would be her brother by marriage. Honestly, she could not ask for more.
“Aye. I will be right there,” Flynn said to his brother. “I have to go, Maggie. I may not see you until this is all over.” He grabbed her arms and kissed her hard before releasing her. “I love you.”
“I love you, as well, Flynn. Please be careful,” she pled. With a nod, he walked away.
“Maggie, you will be all right?” Àdhamh asked, concern written across his face.
“Aye. I will be.”
He reached out and gave her a tight squeeze. “We will return sooner than you think.” With that he turned and went to join the other men gathering around Tuathal to receive instruction.
Breathing deeply, her hands shook as she felt her nerves starting to take hold. As soon as the men left, she would be all alone at this camp. She had wanted this, still did, yet the reality was beginning to terrify her. She would worry until she felt ill about every one of her loved ones while they fought against Mal’s men. And when they returned, she would
be on duty. She prayed it was not her own brother or Flynn who she would have to stitch up.
She needed to calm herself. The sound of a rushing stream called to her, and she desperately wanted to wash the dirt of travel off her hands and face. Perhaps the cool waters would also cool her fears. Looking at the huddled men one last time, she knew standing in one spot would only make her suffering feel like an eternity. Following the sounds, Maggie wrapped her arms around herself to stave off the chill. The wind howling around her had a bite that penetrated through all her layers. The water would be dreadfully cold, but her hands were covered in a layer of grime that she could only assume also covered her face. She could not treat injured men with dirty hands, nor could she begin to touch her boiled tools until she properly cleansed herself with the special soap in her satchel.
Leaning over to cup some freezing water into her palms, she splashed it on her face and cringed as it stung her chapped skin.
“Thinking to sneak away before saying farewell?” She heard Eoghann behind her and stood up swiftly to face him.
“Oh. I am sorry. I thought you were with Tuathal discussing strategy.”
A strange, mischievous look crossed his face and her stomach churned with foreboding. “Oh, I was. I learned just enough to report back.”
Taking a step back, she felt the hem of her dress dragging in the water behind her. “Report back?” she questioned, wishing she had more room to back away.
“Report back to Mal!” His arms shot out so fast, she had no time to react. One arm encircled her waist while the other wrapped around her mouth. “You’re coming with me.”
She kicked and thrashed, trying unsuccessfully to bite his hand and kick his shins. What was happening? Why was he taking her? She tried to scream, but his hand muffled any sound.
“I am sorry, Maggie. It has to be this way,” he said, dragging her away from the water and through the brush. “We need a lass of great import to use against Tuathal. Mal wanted his daughter back. I infiltrated Ráth Mór under the guise of finally joining Tuathal’s army, but my mission all along was to get close to Elwynna.”