Lady and the Scot, Moriag Series, Book 3

by Hildie McQueen

  Chapter Seven

  When Breena stretched upon awakening, she was glad not to be sore any longer. It had been four days since Robertson was killed. Although she'd been living at the McNeil's, soon she would have to decide what to do. They'd been kind and not asked her plans. No doubt assuming she'd return to her family as soon as able to travel. Breena had remained secluded in the chamber, not wanting to appear at dinner with a swollen and bruised face.

  It would be rude to put off appearing at dinner any longer. Although the swelling was down, and the purpling on the sides of her face remained, her face was healed.

  Ita left to return to her family, Breena had insisted she do so with two guardsmen who wished to return. Ita had asked to remain as her personal maid, and although she felt bad for the maid, Breena did not trust her any longer.

  Breena had seen a gleam of something disturbing in Ita's eyes when the maid held the leather strap. Perhaps as Robertson had said, Ita was now used to the infliction of pain in a way that was not natural.

  She'd given Ita a good amount of money to help her live until she found other employment. It was the least Breena could do for her. There was no telling how much Ita had suffered after so many years with Robertson.

  She sighed not looking forward to the getting up. Once she faced Laird McNeil, she'd be forced to discuss her plans. At the moment, she hoped to regain her dowry funds and settle in Moriag. In truth the prospect of returning home was not an option. Her parents did not want her and she would not take a chance they'd marry her off yet again.

  After a knock on the door a maid entered. "Lady McGalen, you have a visitor. He is downstairs in the study."

  "Who is it?" Breena couldn't imagine anyone coming to speak to her.

  "Laird Stuart."

  "Assist me to dress, please."

  Why would Aiden Stuart come and see her? Did they plan to punish her, thinking she was aware of Robertson's plans all along? She hurried to dress. The sooner she explained the situation the better.

  Moments later she took a fortifying breath and entered the study. Aiden stood near the window. Wearing his tartan over his britches, he looked more handsome than she remembered. His auburn hair was pulled back into a queue with a thin leather strap. His broadsword on his side, he looked every inch a Highland warrior. "Hello, Breena."

  His deep voice washed over her like a soothing rain.

  She gave a short bow of her head. "Laird. I see you are well after the fighting. I trust you were not injured."

  The two-toned gaze met with hers and the corner of his lips lifted. She swallowed at remembering his lips on her skin. "Not a scratch anywhere on my body."

  She refused to think of his bare skin. Instead, she let out a breath and narrowed her gaze at him. "You turned me into Robertson that day. Why?"

  A brow lift was her only reply. A maid entered with a tray and two glasses upon it. "Mead, milady?" The girl brought her a glass and Breena took it.

  After the maid left, Breena took a sip of the sweet liquid and lifted her eyes to Aiden. "Why?"

  He moved closer until she thought he'd touch her. The distance was so close between them, his heated breath caressed her cheek. "It was stupid of me to leave you alone. I should have taken you with me. When I returned for you, Robertson's men were already there."

  "I don't believe you." She took a step away, and turned, her eyes burning with unshed tears. "I am so very tired of being taken for a fool."

  He walked around her until coming face to face again. "What will you do? The McNeil is prepared to send you back to your clan. With escort, of course."

  "Of course." When she lifted her gaze to his, she was shocked by the hurt in his expression. He blinked and looked away.

  "I suppose it’s best. You will be glad to be amongst those you love."

  "If I had a choice I would remain here." Her voice trembled with a mixture of anger, hurt, and confusion. "I do not wish to return to the lowlands. I doubt my family will welcome me back, as they were glad to be rid of me."

  He neared and lifted her chin to him. "Why do you say this?"

  Breena could not remain distant from him any longer, needed his touch. She placed her palm flat against the hardness of his chest. "I do not know where to start. Without a choice, it matters not either way."

  "I came to give you a choice." Aiden covered her hand with his. "Live with me."

  A part of her wanted to leap with excitement at considering a life not only away from her family, but with him as well. Her heart however was crushed that he'd not offered marriage. "Do you ask out of honor? Because of what happened between us."

  He nodded. "Yes. I am duty bound to protect you. And...I do not wish you to go."

  "You are an honest man. Thank you for giving me a choice. I accept your offer." He pulled her against him and took her mouth with his. She didn't hold back how much she hungered for the taste of him, to feel the security of his strength.

  Like cold water falling over her, she realized that as his lover, she had no say if he took a wife. There was the possibility he'd send her away once he married to have heirs or to join with a neighboring clan. She wasn't sure she trusted him fully as yet.

  His arms were so secure surrounding her, she wished to remain there forever. On this day, for the present, she'd not worry about what came after. Today would be about her first step toward a new future.

  Aiden's keep was not as large at the McNeil's, but it was still impressive. She'd come from the lowlands where homes were smaller and she had to admit, his dwarfed hers. Once inside the courtyard, he assisted her from her horse and introduced her to an older woman who by the keys hanging from her apron was the headmistress. The woman gave her a quick assessing look before turning to her laird. "Which room should I prepare for the lady?"

  Both she and the woman looked at him waiting a reply. Aiden cleared his throat. "She will be in the chamber adjoining mine. Please send Glenda to come and assist Lady Breena as she is without a lady’s maid."

  A fast rush of heat climbed up her throat to her face. Aiden did not waste time acknowledging to his household she was to be his leman. A lover.

  "I am here, Laird," a tiny young woman came forward and bowed to her. "Come with me, milady, I'll get you settled with a cup of tea until your chamber is ready."

  Before following the maid, Breena looked to thank Aiden, but he'd already gone.

  Life in Aiden's keep was much simpler than at her family’s or the McNeil's. With only ten guardsmen and a staff of about the same, she found herself at a long table with only Aiden for dinner company the first evening. His mood seemed sullen while they ate. She refused to have a silent partner for the meal.

  "You lead a quiet life." She lifted a slice of meat to her mouth.

  Her mismatched eyes met his. "Especially now that my sister is married and living at the Gordon's"

  "What do you do to pass the time?"

  He stood and went to a sideboard to refill his own goblet. The maid nearby did not seem discomfited by it. She gathered he often did for himself. "I am a man who's lived a simple life. You can say I've been a loner my entire life. For five years, I lived on my ship. Then I came here when my father died to care for my sister and the surrounding lands. My only friend was the McNeil. But now I count Declan Gordon and Ian McRainey as friends as well."

  "What about me?" Breena blurted. It was too late to take it back. Of course he did not count her as a friend.

  "I hope we can become friends as well, Breena. I admire you."

  Her breath caught and her mouth fell open. "For?"

  "It takes bravery to approach a complete stranger and ask for help. From your bruises, I take it you attempted to fight Robertson's attacks. If I hadn't killed him already, upon seeing your injuries, I would have gladly done so."

  Breena could not think of anything to say.

  Aiden stood and walked the length of the table, his eyes never leaving hers. "Come to my bed now."

  His large bed loomed, the focal
point of his room with four large wooden posts and an intricately carved headboard. The fur bedding had recently been brushed and set neatly onto the bed.

  "Come." Aiden held his hand out and she took it. He pulled her close and took her mouth with determination. The heat of the kiss sent a searing fire through her veins to every inch of her body until she could have melted into nothingness. She gripped his wide shoulders, her nails digging into the fabric fearing that if she let go, she'd disappear. His large arms rounded her body bringing her flat against him. In the comfort of his embrace, she was lost in him. Nothing mattered, nothing existed, not even the air, only Aiden. Everything was Aiden.

  His face was buried in her neck and he held her without speaking. Gripping her as hard as she did he. As if needing something.

  Before she could speak, his began unfastening her bodice, his heated gaze on her skin. "I need you, Breena."

  Her fingered trembled as she untied the laces to his tunic and helped him remove it over his head.

  The folds of fabric piled atop one another on the floor and finally she stood fully nude before him. Still wearing his britches, he traced his fingers from her throat to her breasts. "You are amazing."

  She moved closer and lifted her mouth to him and he took it again, his right hand fondling her breast, while the other slid down her back to cup her bottom and pull her against him.

  Finally he lifted her and carried her to the bed. Lying on the warm furs, she watched him start a fire in the hearth, enjoying the view of his muscular back as he moved with swift efficiency.

  "Aiden. Come to me."

  When he undressed, her breath caught at the evidence of his arousal on full display. He was thick, engorged, and hard. For her. His chest lifted and lowered with each harsh breath.

  Aiden came over her, his muscular body felt perfect, not too heavy atop her. She ran her hands down his back and to the dip just above his butt and then raked her nails up.

  His lips pressed kisses across her shoulder to her breasts. He moved from one to the other giving each attention, suckling her nipples into his mouth while his hands kneaded her flesh. Breena closed her eyes, overwhelmed by all the sensations. More, she needed more of him, to be completely overtaken.

  His mouth moved to between her breasts while his hands encircled her waist. She threaded her fingers through his silky hair as he progressed, his tongue laving down her stomach to between her legs. Breena cried out and began to shake.

  Darkened eyes looked up to her. "I want to taste you more. I want to devour you, but I can't keep from taking you. I can't be gentle."

  She grabbed his face and pulled him up. "Good, because I want you inside me now."

  After pushing her legs apart, he settled between them and thrust in hard, filling her completely. Both let out a moan at joining.

  Chapter Eight

  With each thrust, he took more and more of the beautiful woman beneath him. He was drunk, intoxicated by her body, her exquisiteness. If she knew how much power she had over him, he shuddered to think what she could do to his heart.

  Every minute of the day since being with her, Breena had been ever present in his mind. And now. She was his. No, that was not correct.

  He was hers.

  "Aiden!" She came with force, her body shaking and her mouth wide open. He would not last longer, had already began the climb to the point of losing control. His body was working on instinct, his hips moving in rapid succession moving in and out of her now plaint body.

  His balls tightened harder than they'd already been and he held on to the headboard in an effort to stay grounded, but lost the battle and came with such force his back arched up, his body stiffened and quaked.

  Spent, he could not hold himself above her and collapsed.

  Her soft lips pressed kisses to his temple while her hands moved down his back.

  How he loved this woman. The emotion battled with an enormous fear that threw a heavy, thick blanket over his mind. He'd only been in love once and she died before they could be together. When Halldis, the Norse woman he loved, died, Aiden wished for death as well. He loved her so much, dying would have been a welcome respite from the pain. But now, at that very moment, he realized that love was nothing like he felt now.

  What he felt for Breena scared him into not knowing what to do. A part of him wanted to send her back to her clan. Had almost done so.

  After talking to the McNeil, the man advised he marry Breena. To make her his wife and ensure she was protected. Once she told him about her family, how they did not care for her, the decision was made. He could not send her back.

  The fear in him was irrational, crippling. On some level he understood it. Was it the way of love? Did it always bring great dread with it?

  She cupped his face. "What are you thinking? Is something wrong?"

  He'd vowed never to lie to her. If she were to be his wife, he would not start by deceiving Breena. "I am wondering what to do?"

  Her beautiful brown eyes met his and she frowned. "If you mean about me, then I can help. Although I never expected to become a leman, that seems to be my lot. I am willing to move away to live in another smaller house perhaps, if you need to seek a wife."

  "Move away?" Is that what she wanted? Aiden blinked trying to figure out how to explain himself. "No. I do not wish you to be away from me."

  His heart skipped when her lips curved. "I am to remain here with you, then?"

  "Aye."

  "What if I..." she blushed. "What if I become with child?"

  "Then I'll be a happy man." He kissed the crease between her brows. "I must explain."

  "Laird!" There were hard knocks on the door.

  "Enter," Aiden called out.

  The maid entered and looked away at Aiden's nudity. He stood and wrapped his tartan around his waist. "Go on, Gilda, what is it?"

  "There are men downstairs. They claim to have come for Lady Breena. Her brother and guardsmen, I believe."

  His legs almost buckled. "Tell them I'll be down momentarily." He turned to the bed to see Breena sitting up, the bedding held up to cover her body. Rounded eyes met his. "I don't want to return with him."

  "If your clan wishes to reclaim you, I cannot stop them." He hated the affect of his words when she gasped and her bottom lip trembled.

  With regal pride, she slid to the edge of the bed and lifted her chin, her shoulders back. "I will dress and ask for my things to be repacked."

  "No." He went to her. "I will ask your brother for your hand in marriage. I do not wish to lose you."

  She searched his face as if not believing him. "Why would you do that?"

  "Because I..." The maid returned. "Sorry, Laird, he demands you come down at once."

  "Very well." Aiden grabbed his tunic and snatched it on. Then he placed his boots on and adjusted his tartan, bringing some of the fabric over his shoulder. Once he did, he placed a clan pin upon his breast to hold it in place.

  Just before stepping through the door, he took his broad sword fastened it to his waist.

  He rushed down the steps and stormed into the antechamber where a man stood surrounded by his guardsmen. "I don't take well to taking orders in my own home." He faced the man who stepped forward.

  Almost at his height with no resemblance to Breena, the man wore a heavy beard and was dirty from his travels. Breena's brother did not seem the least bit intimidated. "I come for Breena. She must return home now that she is without husband."

  Aiden looked to his men. "She does not wish to return."

  "She does not have a say in this. Our father found out disturbing information about Robertson and dispatched me to retrieve her. Once here, I find he was killed. By you." The man narrowed his eyes at him. "And I also find that you took her."

  "I asked her if she wished to return or live with me. She had a choice."

  "To be your leman?" Her brother was incredulous. "She is a lady."

  "I will not explain myself to you." Aiden could not help the anger in his voice.
"Now, I ask that you leave."

  "As a representative of her clan. I invoke the right to take my sister home."

  Her brother had every right and there wasn't a damn thing he could do to stop the man. Not without bringing the wrath of their clan upon his people. And he would not be responsible for bringing war again to Moriag.

  "Eoghan. I am surprised my father would send you after me regardless the circumstance." Breena entered the room. He never tired of her graceful movements. She seemed to glide across the space to stand next to him. "As Aiden said, I do not wish to return."

  Her brother's nostrils flared. "And as I stated. You do not get a choice."

  Aiden's guardsmen entered the room. There was a momentary stand off as warriors from both sides measured each other up. Aiden motioned for his men to stand down.

  Breena's hand shook as she slid it up to her breast. "Why does he want me to return?"

  "He has arranged a match for you that will benefit our clan."

  "I am prepared to marry Breena," Aiden interjected not about to lose her to another only for the benefit it would bring her father.

  Her eyes were full of warmth when meeting his. "I accept Aiden Stuart's offer of marriage."

  "I deny the request."

  Aiden saw his men's hands inch to their swords, prepared to do battle. To fight for him. The exhausted men did not care for themselves and in that moment he felt pride in his clan. It was overshadowed by the fact he had no choice either.

  "I wish to speak to your father." He looked to Eoghan. "Joining with the Stuart clan means I will offer my loyalty and sword. Also the same of my men."

  The man looked to the ceiling. "I deny the request. My father has already given his word to the lesser Laird Douglas. His clan is great and powerful."

  Even in the Highlands the power of the clan Douglas was well known. To a smaller clan like the McGalens it meant great power. Aiden wanted to scream in frustration. "Surely your father cares for what Breena feels."