Father Tomas cleared his throat and began. All listened intently, and when he announced they were wedded, cheers roared to the rafters. Douglas grabbed her, pulled her forward, and settled his mouth on hers. At first he kissed her gently, but then it turned charring as he seemed to forget where they were. The clamor of his warriors rose, and his kiss turned to a smile. Isabel returned his smile.
He pulled back. “You’re mine now, cat-eyes.”
Isabel grinned at his manly pride, nodding her agreement. He was whisked away by his warriors, and she was left standing beside Father Tomas.
“You’ve done well, lass. He’s a good man.”
“Thank you, Father. The ceremony was lovely. I thank you for performing it. I hope it wasn’t a hardship for you to come here.”
Father Tomas beamed. “Oh, nay, Milady, I’m fortunate to serve this district. The only time I leave MacKinnon land is for weddings or burials. I usually linger a few days for those wanting confession. If ye want, I’ll be available in the morn.”
“Oh, thank you, Father. Do many go to confession?”
Father Tomas chuckled. “Not many warriors would confess a sin. I’ll probably only stay until the afternoon, because Lady MacKinnon needs me right now. I must do all I can to comfort her during this difficult time.”
“I heard about her daughter’s disappearance. That is so distressing. Have you known Lady MacKinnon long?”
“Aye, Lady MacKinnon befriended me many years before, when she was newly wedded herself. If they don’t find the lass, she may never recover from the heartbreak.”
Brendan approached and stood beside her. He frowned as usual, but she didn’t take offense. It was his usual look.
“I did it.”
“Aye, ye did, lass.”
“They haven’t found your niece yet, have they?”
“Nay, we’ve been searching close to the borders, and inquired of our allied clans. No one has heard any news of her whereabouts. The longer she goes missing, the more I worry for her safety. I received a missive from Colin. He is still searching in Londontown.”
“I’m sorry. I shall pray for her safe return.”
“Milady Julianna is very upset, and I worry for her,” Father Tomas said. “She won’t eat or sleep. I fear she will make herself ill.”
“Aye, I don’t know what to do for her. Julianna won’t get over this so easy, if her daughter is not returned.”
“Brendan, ‘tis the lass’ wedding day. Let us not talk of such events,” the priest insisted.
“I don’t mind, Father. Brendan is my friend, and if it makes him feel better to talk about it, then I shall be—”
“He’s aright, this is not an occasion for such talk. Come, let’s join the celebration. All are probably wondering where the bride is.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The guests and clans-people enjoyed the feast’s festivities. Douglas watched his clans, feeling their joy. This day was about the happiest he could recall in a long time. Many joined in the singing of the ballads and the music became lively as people danced. Children sat groggily on benches awaiting their parents. None wanted to leave the celebration, though it was late. Their laird married, and if that wasn’t enough reason to celebrate, they needed a good reason to let off their tension, especially with the happenings lately.
Douglas wanted to end the celebration, but he couldn’t, not with his followers enjoying the revelry. He kept whispering to Isabel that they should sneak out. When a fight broke out over who could drink the largest horn of ale, he took advantage of the situation. The warriors wrestled in a bunch on the floor, giving them the perfect opening to leave without their notice. He grabbed her hand and led her from the hall.
“I’m being a coward for fleeing like a lad, but I want to be alone with you. If my men see me leaving, I’ll be forced to remain and subjected to their blasphemous jests.”
Isabel laughed when he yanked her toward the stairs and to his chamber. Once inside the darkened room, he released her hand and went to set a fire in the hearth. He lit several candles, watching her as he progressed around the room. She seemed uneasy, and he didn’t know how to dispel her fear. Had he ever wooed a virgin? He didn’t believe so, and couldn’t recall. She may as well be one for all the experience she had. His body responded to her being in such proximity. He wanted to hurry, but knew he couldn’t. Isabel stood anchored to the floor; a stiff breeze couldn’t move her.
“Come, I won’t hurt ye.”
She lowered her eyes and walked hesitantly to him. When she reached him, he ran his thumb over her cheek. “Look at me, cat-eyes.”
She bravely looked up, smiling shyly. Douglas pushed her shoulders until she was seated on the bed. He sat next to her, and put his arm around her waist. Lifting her chin, he kissed her lightly. He grew demanding in his attempt to woo her, and his kiss became more forceful. He lowered her onto the covers. Wrapping the soft texture of her hair in his fist, he gazed into her eyes. The sexual tension had built up to beyond kindling. He lowered his mouth to hers again.
He broke off the kiss again, and smoothed her hair. “So beautiful, reminds me of fire.”
He felt her rigidness subside, and he continued kissing her, wanting more, but knew he had to take it slow. Douglas tugged at the fastenings of her gown. He edged her gown from her shoulders, pulling the material lower. When he lowered his head to take her breast in his mouth, Isabel became undone. She shrieked, grasped his hair, tugging him upward. He placated her by repossessing her mouth. His body responded ardently, his discipline fled, but he had to go slow, he kept reminding himself, and tried to calm his racing pulse. His mouth retreated to her breasts again, kissing both exuberantly through the thin fabric of her shift. He wanted her naked, now.
She pushed him away, and yet pulled him forward at the same time. Douglas couldn’t wait any longer. He slid her gown lower until he was able to pull it off completely. She lay there with only her shift covering her. Her lovely body glowed in the candlelight. Utter perfection met his eyes, long shapely legs led to curvy hips. He removed his tunic, practically ripping it from his body then released the belt that held his tartan in place. Once he was free of his garments, he joined Isabel on the bedding.
She pulled a plaid over her body, inching to the side of the bed. He knew she was fearful, he’d taken too much time admiring her beautiful body that she now hid under the covers.
“Isabel, you trust me, don’t you?”
Her voice muffled. “I don’t know, I suppose.”
“I want you to trust me. There’s nothing to be afraid of. You’ll enjoy this, I promise.”
She peeked from under the cover. “All right, Douglas. I better.”
He grinned. “Mayhap you would feel better if you could do as you wish. Is there something that you want to do?”
Isabel considered it. “Aye.” She turned to him, and he lay back with his hands behind his head, his face most serious. “I never took advantage when you were ill, and looked …”
Her eyes followed the path of his chest, which was sprinkled with a light covering of hair, down toward her goal. Did she have enough courage to continue onward? When her eyes found their target, they widened.
Douglas laughed. He took her hand and placed it on his now hammering erection. Isabel caressed him awkwardly. She’d probably never been so bold to do something such as this. She moved her hand to his chest, using her fingers to outline the contours of his muscles.
“I want you, Isabel.”
He heard her giggle when he pushed her back onto the bed. He removed her shift before she realized it was gone. His hand slipped up her leg, until he felt her mass of womanly curls. She shrieked when he cupped her, applying gentle strokes. He moved his hand in a circular motion, pressing, prodding, and teasing.
He felt Isabel’s body reacting to his touch. She threw her head back and moaned at the pleasure he created. He kissed her throat, letting his lips glide temptingly over her skin. He knew she was senseless now, o
nly feeling the warmth increasing inside her. He positioned himself, but she seemed to know what was coming. She squeezed her eyes closed and braced herself. He caressed her face, and she opened her eyes.
“Isabel, I won’t proceed until you’re ready.”
“I’m ready.”
“Nay, you’re not, but you will be,” he vowed.
“How will you know when I’m ready?”
“I just will.” He didn’t give her a chance to reply. His mouth once again covered hers. The kiss drove her to the edge, indicated by her sweet moans. Douglas used every stratagem known to him to get her to surrender. He wanted to abandon himself to the fervency of their love making. He tenderly kissed her before he knelt between her legs. This time, she was ready. He pushed forward, slowly entering her. He reached the point of the invasion that he dreaded. She was still a virgin.
“Hold on to me, Isabel, this may hurt.” He pressed onward until he was fully embedded in her womb. “Don’t move, cat-eyes, the pain will lessen.”
She looked up at him, frowning. “Is it over?”
He chuckled then groaned when she moved against him. He pulled from her slightly, and she gasped. An amazing rush moved within him. She whimpered when he moved again. He moved leisurely at first, hoping to pleasure her. The sounds she made from her throat spurred him to thrust again. He knew her soul edged closer to the marvelous experience. Douglas moved unconsciously, and he knew he was close to expiring. He couldn’t take much more. A stream of sweat rolled down his forehead, as his body began shaking with desire.
Isabel moaned, and then her mind must have spiraled into climatic chaos. She cried out. Douglas joined her in the climax. He threw back his head and shouted to the rafters overhead. Afterward, he rolled onto his back, his breath raucous, his heart beat wild. He thought it might explode in his chest. A chill from the window cooled his damp skin.
Isabel smiled and turned to him, rubbing her hand on his forearm. “Douglas, are you all right?”
“Never better.”
“Me, too.”
He pulled her forward for a gentle kiss. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you just slew me.”
“I’m sorry, Douglas, I didn’t mean to.” She yawned.
He laughed. “I’m not sorry, that’s what was supposed to happen. Did I hurt you?”
“Nay. Not really. I do feel a bit tender.”
“Isabel, you were a virgin. I’ve been the only man to know you. It’s as it should be.”
She gasped and quickly sat up, turning to look at his face. “I am … was? How do you know?” Her eyes narrowed as if she didn’t believe him.
“I breached your maidenhead. If you hadn’t been a virgin, you’d not have such.”
“Verily?”
“Aye.” He gathered she was pleased by the news, just as he was.
“I’m truly wed to you, and you’re my husband in every sense.” She laughed gaily.
He smiled happily. “What’s so amusing?”
“I’m relieved to know this. Thank you.”
“You’ve nothing to thank me for. I’m glad we married. We’ll have a good life together.”
Isabel leaned over him. “You are a charming man, Douglas. I don’t doubt that we’ll have a good life together, but I want you to know that I’m not weak nor simpleminded.”
“I’ve never thought you weak or simpleminded.”
“You can’t tell me that. What about when I carried on when we were attacked in the woods?”
“Let’s not talk about that. I’m still recovering.” He scratched his chest, and pulled her into his arms.
“When can we do that again?”
Douglas laughed. “Give me a minute or two.”
Isabel’s cheeks brightened when he rose from the bed. He wasn’t modest about showing his body. Her eyes admired his naked backside as he walked away. He blew the candles out around the room. The only light that showed was from the hearth, to which he added a few blocks of dried peat to the hearth. His cousin Colin discovered that the peat could be used for warming. Although smoke would fill the room if the hearth wasn’t well-vented. He had widened the hearth when the castle was renovated after his father’s death.
He stretched before he lay back on the bedding, then placed his arm over her waist, and pulled her snugly against him. He thought to rest for a moment before he pleasured her again, and he closed his eyes.
Chapter Thirty
Isabel watched Douglas sleep. His chest rose with each breath, and his beautiful face looked serene. A feeling of love came over her, so deeply, that she smiled to herself. Sounds of laughter came through the window, but he hadn’t opened his eyes, yet she knew he was awake. Her hand caressed his chest, trailing downward to his stomach, which flinched at her light touch. His breath hitched slightly, when her hand surrounded him. He kept his eyes closed, even when his corded arm reached for her. Isabel wasn’t sure how she ended up on her back with him kissing her and moving gently within her.
Douglas pulled his head back to look at her. “Now.”
“Now what?”
“You asked when we could do it again. Now, we can do it now.”
“Douglas, people are about. Are you mad? We should rise before someone knocks.”
“No one would dare enter here. I want to make you wither in my arms again.” Douglas thrust himself against her. “Are you?”
Isabel moaned at his intentional thrust. “Am I what?”
“Withering?”
She giggled.
Douglas touched his head to hers. “I’ll make you do more than that, cat-eyes.”
He made slow sensual love to her, moving delicately, gliding himself against the heat and dampness of her skin. The change of position heightened her release and his. She enjoyed the morning, not getting out of bed until nearly noon.
Douglas finished belting his tartan when she came behind him, kneeling on the bed.
“Douglas, thank you.” He kissed her softly. She realized at that moment that she loved him, really loved him, loved him more than any man. She thought she’d loved him, when they were at the waterfall, but she didn’t know him as well as she did now. Aye, she loved him with her whole heart. She was about to tell him when a knock came at the door.
He moved off the bed, wrapped his plaid around his waist, and pulled the door open wide. She shrieked, but he shifted his position to block her.
“Douglas, I must talk to you. It’s of import. Good morn, Isabel.”
She peeked around Douglas’ shoulder, hearing Brendan’s voice. “Good morn, Brendan.”
“Did he treat you well last night?”
“Aye, but I was disappointed.” She pouted.
Both turned to her, and said in unison, “What?” Both wore a frown, too. She laughed.
“Because, Douglas fell asleep last night.”
Brendan grimaced. “You didn’t pleasure your wife on her wedding night? Isabel, do you want me to blacken his eye?”
“I did pleasure her, Brendan, and I’d like to see ye try to blacken my eye,” Douglas shouted.
“I meant he fell asleep before he could … ah, pleasure me again. Now will you get out so I can dress? Douglas, close the door.”
She heard their laughter as the door closed. Considering her wedding night, and by the sight of blood on the bedding, she had surely been a virgin. She washed, dressed, and stripped the bedding, rolling it in a bundle.
Nigel hadn’t been able to attend to his foul deed that night. Her brows furrowed. If that were the case, he would not give up his pursuit. He’d been crazed that night and relentless. She also knew she hadn’t seen the last of him.
Isabel left the chamber and found Candace in the hall. She ate her morning fare and spent the afternoon with Candace. When they entered the hall later that day for supper, Isabel tried not to smile at Lady Kerr’s daily lecture. Pressing her lips together, she nodded.
“You lassies are not to leave the keep.”
“Mother, we said we were sor
ry. Can’t you forgive us?” Candace couldn’t console her mother now, not since they had again caused Lady Kerr’s distress at the horse coral earlier that day.
“You’re to be married soon, Candace. Do you deem your husband wants a bedridden wife? You, Isabel … my son would be full of ire were you harmed.”
She lowered her gaze, feeling guilty. “We didn’t mean to let them loose.”
“I don’t know what you thought getting near that corral again.”
“They charged and we were unable to stop them. We promise not to go near them again.” Isabel’s promise was acknowledged by Lady Kerr with a humph.
“You are blessed they didn’t trample you. Think of the danger. Don’t let me see you outside this keep for the remainder of the day, either of ye.”
Isabel linked her arm with Candace’s, and they ran from the hall. When they reached the stairs to the upper chambers, they laughed loudly. She entered Douglas’ chamber, and found a box lying on the bed. She didn’t know what it was, so she left it untouched, and went to ready for the evening meal. A deep basin of steaming water sat beside the hearth, and she undressed. She entered the water, leaned against the rim of the tub, and closed her eyes.
She awoke when Douglas’ lips crushed hers. At first, she startled, but when she realized it was him, she relaxed, and wrapped her hands around his neck. His hands roamed beneath the water and he continued his love play until she came undone. He lifted her dripping body, and carried her to the bed. No sooner had he laid her down, he nudged her legs apart, and his mouth kissed her wet curls. Isabel shrieked and tried to close her legs, but he wouldn’t let her. As his tongue lapped her, she relaxed, enjoying the sensation.
Douglas knew where to lick, suck, and rub. When her legs shook with the force of her climax, he entered her swiftly. His rhythmic movements sent her spiraling to the height of pleasure. She yelled so loudly that he reeled. After giving his own shout of pleasure, he collapsed next to her. She lay amazed by what they shared, her heart beating frantically. When she opened her eyes, she noticed his scowl. By the look on his face, it didn’t seem that he enjoyed it. He appeared angry.
Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy) Page 21