Wildly Romantic: A Multi-Genre Collection

by Lana Williams

  "Well good on you mate," Jamie told him meaning it.

  "I will miss the seas, but I miss me family more." With a grin, Geoffrey urged his mount forward, and one of the other men brought the first mate into conversation.

  Jamie pondered his friend’s words. What was his destiny? Was he fighting it? Cailyn's face appeared instantly in his mind. Was he a coward to not accept he more than cared for her?

  "Geoffrey!" He called reining his horse to a stop. "Take the ships to England. I will stay in Scotland for the winter season."

  "Aye, Captain," Geoffrey waved over his shoulder, and the men galloped off without him.

  "I'm not hungry," Cailyn repeated once again. This time her brother, Conor, was the one to ask. "I will eat later."

  The sound of the door closing made her let out a breath. Ever since Jamie left, she'd been in the room where he slept. Pretending to straighten it and fighting not to cry.

  "Augh." She punched at the bedding. She was a McDougall, a strong Scottish woman. She did not need to be sulking over a man who'd left without as much as a farewell. In fact, she should ride after him and throttle him. It would be a good lesson for his lack of chivalry.

  Anger rose and she clenched her hands into fists. Then again.

  Cailyn stalked to the door and continued on to the stables.

  Moments later, rider and horse galloped toward the path Jamie had taken.

  Just an hour into her unintended trip, Victoria slowed and climbed down from her horse. Walking to a clearing, she sank down onto a fallen tree trunk. This was a mistake. Jamie had chosen to leave. She was a fool to go after him.

  The sound of hooves alerted her to a rider approaching and Cailyn jumped to her feet. She reached for her dirk, only to realize she'd left it behind in her haste.

  Dropping her horse's reins, she darted to the tree line and hid behind a tree.

  A rider came into the clearing, and took in her horse before scanning the foliage.

  Cailyn stepped from behind the thicket. "What brings you here?"

  Jamie dismounted and stood beside his steed. "I am returning to Somerset. I must speak with you."

  She took in the proud man who stood rigid, his chiseled, handsome face impassive and sea-green eyes locked with hers. "You were returning to speak to me?" Cailyn looked past him. "Where are your men?"

  He shrugged a wide shoulder. "Going to the ship." He motioned to her horse. "Where are you headed? What brings you to this clearing?"

  "I considered catching up to you and giving you a piece of my mind for leaving without a proper goodbye. Then I realized it wasn't worth the effort for a man without decency."

  "You are correct, I am without honor." He stepped closer to her. "I am a man who is not worthy of a woman like you."

  She took a step toward him and stopped. "True. So why come back then?"

  "I came back because you stay with me here." Jamie pointed to his chest and closed the distance between them. He then cupped her face kissed her. His lips crushed hers and he began to kiss her with so much force she couldn't breathe. Finally when he moved back, both were breathing hard.

  He held his hand out to her. As she took it, the unspoken message of what both needed at the moment passed between them. Pulling a blanket roll from his saddle, Jamie led her toward a patch of grass.

  He spread the blanket and they went to their knees, facing each other. Cailyn threw herself against him and they fell over, onto the blanket. "You left without saying goodbye," she kissed his mouth. "That was not only rude…" she pecked the cleft in his chin." But absolutely horrible of you." She pressed another kiss onto the side of his neck.

  "Precisely why I was returning," Jamie rolled her onto her back and lay over her. "There was that and the absolute need to have you again."

  His hand slid up her skirts and he took her mouth again. His tongue probed past her lips into her mouth, and she relished the taste of him.

  Smooth fingertips traced over the skin of her leg, when he reached her inner thigh, heat rushed to her core. "Too many clothes," he mumbled between kisses.

  Cailyn pushed his jacket from his shoulders and slipped her hands under the fabric of his shirt. Without hesitating, she slid her palms up his back, pushing it off too. Jamie lifted off her and helped her take off the garment. He stood to remove his breeches while she watched entranced, never tiring at the sight of his sleek, muscular body. When he smiled at her, the sight of it taking her breath away.

  His eyes slid to her lips and down to her chest. "I want to see all of you, as well, Cailyn."

  She allowed him to pull her up to her knees. His thick cock jutted proudly at eye level. Cailyn leaned forward to press a kiss onto the head, and Jamie's breath hitched. Encouraged, Cailyn swirled her tongue around the tip, while sliding one hand up to his taut ass, and another down the length of him.

  His hips thrust forward and she took the tip of his cock into her mouth. "Cailyn…" he gasped when she began to suckle. Invigorated by his grunts of pleasure, she wrapped her fingers around the length, gliding them up and down, while letting him slide in and out of her mouth.

  "So…so good," Jamie stuttered, and his legs quaked. "I must stop you before you bring me to come undone." He put his hands on her face and pulled out from between her lips.

  He wasted no time now undressing her. Pieces of clothing fell one-by-one to the ground and Cailyn shivered at the cool breeze on her nude skin.

  "Now, Jamie, hurry. My brothers will notice my absence and may come searching for me." She fell onto her back and held her arms up to him.

  Jamie positioned himself between her legs and took his cock in hand. "I will try to be gentle." He began to slide in slowly, until fully seated within her.

  The exquisite feel of his smooth skin sliding in, only to move back out, made Cailyn cry out. His slow and precise movements drew her toward the edge of reason. Gliding her hands up his arms, she held on allowing him to set the pace.

  Jamie's tongue traced a pattern at her throat and he nipped at the sensitive area. The tempo of his movements began to increase. He placed his hands under her hips and lifted Cailyn, allowing him deeper access.

  "Harder," Cailyn cried, "I'm so close."

  "You feel too good, I don't think I will be able to last much longer," Jamie grunted. His deep green eyes met hers as he slammed in and out of her, until both screamed out in unison.

  Jamie rolled to his side, taking her with him.

  Moments later, Cailyn closed her eyes and pressed her face into his chest. "Must you go now?"

  "Roll over," Jamie commanded, not exactly answering her question. He guided her onto her side, facing away from him. "I must remain with you here a bit longer; I am already hard for you again." He pressed into her, proving the point.

  His hands caressed her hips and moved to her crux, his deft fingers going to her already reawakened center. The light touch sent a bolt of heat through her and she arched into his hand.

  Jamie strummed the tip of his finger back and forth against her core until she began to mewl with want. He bit into the soft skin of her shoulder the combination of sensations tipping her toward cresting. "Come for me, beauty." He pushed two fingers into her, and at the same time pushed his cock between her rear cheeks. The friction of him sliding between them, along with her movements, brought her closer.

  "Jamie!" Cailyn began to crest, only to explode into fragments when he lifted her leg and thrust into her. His thickness filled her, and she screamed his name as he drove into her, while his fingers continue to flick across her now-engorged center.

  The continued slapping of their bodies as she floated downward told her he'd not come yet. Cailyn reached between them and cupped his sack. He bucked hard at it, and she squeezed him gently.

  "I cannot get enough of you," he grunted against her ear, and continued to pump, his thighs hitting against hers. With a loud groan, Jamie climaxed, his entire body shuddering against hers.

  They remained joined, and he drew her against hi
s chest. Cailyn tried to wiggle away, but he held her firm in place.

  "Don't move away. Not yet." Jamie whispered. "I …" the sound of approaching horses spurred them to action. They pulled apart and rose.

  Cailyn grabbed her discarded clothing and ran to the trees, Jamie behind her, holding his clothes and sword as well.

  Just in time, they finished dressing when the familiar sound of Conor's voice rang over the clearing. "Cailyn?"

  Chapter Seventeen

  "What plans do you have, Captain Westcott?" The laird asked, his eyes boring into Jamie's. "It is obvious my sister cannot live on a ship."

  Jamie cleared his throat and looked from one brother to the other. Both large men, and although he himself was not a small man, the scowling Scots made him ill at ease. "I plan to marry her if she will accept me and take her to live on my estate in England, Laird."

  "You want to take her away from Scotland?" Conor, the younger brother looked to Cailyn, who sat next to him, her hands folded on her lap.

  Concern etched on her brow, Cailyn responded, "I can come back to visit. I suppose I didn't consider having to move." A tear trickled down her cheek, and Jamie fought the urge to wipe it away.

  Distress replaced the scowls on both brothers' faces when they turned their attention back to Jamie.

  The Laird reached for Cailyn's hand and patted it. "My sister should remain in Scotland. It has not been long since the war ended; I do not think it safe for her to live in England."

  Anger rose, and Jamie clenched his jaw. "I can provide more than suitable protection for her. My own mother is Scottish, she fairs well."

  The room became silent until Victoria burst through the door. Hands on her hips, she eyed both the McDougall men and then Jamie. His beautiful sister went to Cailyn and put a hand on her shoulder. "God's foot, why do men have to make things so complicated? Jamie, our family has an estate in the lowlands, why don't you move there? It's not so far away we cannot visit regularly and they…" she motioned to Conor and Calum, "can be assured of Cailyn’s safety.”

  "The property is your estate," Jamie responded, not sure he wanted to take Victoria's land from her.

  His beautiful sister rolled her eyes. "Once the stubborn lot of you agrees on the terms because, you and Cailyn must marry, it will be my wedding gift to you." She smiled at Cailyn, who looked at him with a hopeful expression. "Come now Cailyn, let us have tea. You look exhausted."

  The women walked out without a backwards glance.

  Dinner that evening was a festive occasion. Cailyn finally relaxed when her brothers and Jamie lifted their cups to toast their upcoming nuptials. Not really a surprise, since Conor had immediately surmised what they'd been doing when he'd come upon them.

  Conor looked to his wife and she blushed prettily under his heated scrutiny. He leaned to her ear. "In a few moments you'll lay under me screaming."

  Victoria's eyes widened and she slapped at his shoulder, but her hand slid under the table.

  Calum eyed the group at the table. "Well, there is still a matter I must see completed. Since our clan must stop this needless war with the McNeil’s, we will join with them, as planned."

  "Who's going to marry Lisbeth?" Cailyn asked. Everyone's attention riveted to Calum.

  "Dugan." The laird lifted his cup and motioned at her cousin, who at the moment was too busy flirting with a serving wench to pay much attention.

  "The missive has been delivered, and the McNeil has agreed. Lisbeth McNeil and Dugan McDougall will marry next week."

  "What?" Dugan's ale flew from his mouth and he began to sputter.

  Cailyn laughed and leaned into the wonderful warmth of Jamie's arm.

  "Good on you, Dugan."

  The toasting resumed.

  Cailyn's eyes fixed on Jamie's face as her hand slid up his thigh. "What say you, Captain Westcott, should our wedding be as quick?"

  He took her hand and pressed it over his hardened cock. "It most certainly should, Miss McDougall."

  A chair fell backward with a loud thud as Dugan stormed from the room a wench over his shoulder.

  "Oh goodness," Victoria said watching the man's abrupt departure. "He may not marry."

  "Oh he will," Conor replied, "hopefully the bride will be Lisbeth McNeil."

  Everyone except Calum laughed.

  The End

  The McDougalls Series

  Highlander’s Captive

  Highlander’s Conquest

  Highlander’s Claim

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Hildie McQueen is my pseudonym. Writing is my dream come true. There is nothing I love more than bringing my characters and stories to life and sharing them with you. I live in a small town in Georgia with my husband and two unruly little dogs.

  If you enjoyed Highlander's Captive please recommend it to you friends and family. I would appreciate a review.

  I love hearing from my readers and am always excited when you join my newsletter to keep abreast of new releases and other things happening in my world. Newsletter sign up: http://goo.gl/PH6D00

  Website: http://www.HildieMcQueen.com

  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HildieMcQueen

  Email: mailto:Hildie@HildieMcQueen.com

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/HildieMcQueen

  Tsu: https://www.tsu.co/HildieMcQueen

  WILD VIKING PRINCESS

  FITZRAM FAMILY~BOOK III

  ANNA MARKLAND

  “Maybe some women aren’t meant to be tamed.

  Maybe they just need to run free

  till they find someone just as wild to run with them.”

  ~Sex and the City

  Dedicated to Vikings and their descendants

  "5 stars and two thumbs up to "Wild Viking Princess", the third book in The FitzRam Family series. Rich, well developed characters including Ragna FitzRam, daughter of Caedmon. Anna writes an incredible story weaving plotlines and settings so real you feel as though you could be there. I just loved this book, I think you will too." Lois Lavrisa, bestselling author, LIQUID LIES.

  “The story line was great. I loved how the author brought the two different customs together and that they could adapt to each other’s ways. Also she kept the passion going between them. I love that about Markland’s books.” Nancy Burt

  “A good interesting read...kept me reading and moved along quickly through the story.”

  Karen Heinrichs

  A note to my readers—

  Wild Viking Princess is the third book in the series entitled The FitzRam Family. These stories grew out of The Montbryce Legacy Series. If you have read the Legacy books you will be familiar with many of the characters in this book. If not, you will enjoy meeting them for the first time. This is the story of Ragna FitzRam, daughter of Caedmon and Agneta (A Man of Value), sister to Blythe (Carried Away), and Aidan (Sweet Taste of Love). There’s a helpful Family Tree at the end, but don’t sneak a peek yet!

  Also at the end is a glossary of names and places, followed by a lexicon of foreign words and phrases used in my books.

  CONTENTS

  PROLOGUE

  I

  II

  III

  IV

  V

  VI

  VII

  VIII

  IX

  X

  XI

  XII

  XIII

  XIV

  XV

  XVI

  XVII

  XVIII

  XIX

  XX

  XXI

  XXII

  XXIII

  XXIV

  XXV

  XXVI

  XXVII

  XXVIII

  XXIX

  XXX

  EPILOGUE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  MORE FROM ANNA MARKLAND

  MARKLAND'S MEDIEVAL WORLD

  PROLOGUE

  Strand Island, Denmark,

  February, 1124 AD

  Reider Torfinnsen swayed on unsteady legs, gapin
g in disbelief. He clutched a half-empty tankard, his innards twisted in knots. His father lay dead at his feet, Gorm’s dagger in his back. Torfinn was dead before his body slumped to the wooden floor, but he had not uttered a sound. The simple gold circlet, symbol of his kingship, had slipped from his head to clatter on the boards.

  Reider had imbibed too much ale, but this was supposed to be his betrothal feast—a man about to wed was expected to get drunk. Belatedly, he thought to save Margit from whatever further treachery his step-brother planned. He dropped the tankard, spilling its contents, and reached for his dagger. It was wrenched away and strong arms forced him to grovel before his father’s body. A knee pressed hard into his back.

  A voice dripping sarcasm penetrated his pounding head. “Now a real man will rule here, and I will be his consort.”

  Reider looked up, narrowing his bleary eyes. Margit? He blinked, not believing the sight before him. Why was his betrothed’s arm draped over Gorm’s shoulder, her breasts rubbing against him? Gorm sneered triumphantly, tightening his grip around Margit’s waist. They shared a brazen kiss, then the usurper bent to retrieve his dagger. He turned Torfinn’s body over with his booted foot, picked up the crown and pouted when it proved to be too big.

  Reider dared not look at his father’s beloved face, now contorted in a grimace of shock. He swallowed the bitter truth that the assassins had planned carefully. He wasn’t the only one well into his cups. His father’s entire royal guard lay dead around him. The stench of blood filled Reider’s nostrils. Armed thugs—he recognized them as his step-brother’s cronies—had herded the loyal subjects of Strand against the wall of the Great Hall. Few had brought weapons to the festivities and those who were armed had been quickly disarmed. Women sobbed quietly in the protective embrace of their husbands, men whose scowling faces betrayed their outraged powerlessness.