Highland Charm: First Fantasies
Page 96
Patrick scheduled the wedding to follow their return from Glasgow on the eve of Lunasdàl, the first harvest festival. Aine worked magic with a fine gown of midnight blue for her to wear. Elspeth designed a pearl and sapphire adornment they planned to weave through her hair.
Though much remained to do in preparation for their journey to the fair, the wedding remained foremost in the women’s discussions.
Although Patrick’s steward, Lachlan, traveled ahead to procure housing for the family for the duration of the event, Elspeth instructed him to purchase special provisions, including exotic spices and fruits for the wedding. She had an elaborate celebration planned.
Laurie drew a lavender thread through the cloth. She wouldn’t have the big wedding in Saint Pat’s she’d always dreamed of, but she’d have her very own Patrick as groom.
The dear man romanced her. He trained with his men during the day, working to regain his strength. In the twilight hours, he belonged to her. They spent their evenings alone in his study, eating meals in privacy. Patrick charmed her with his deep seductive voice as he sang gallant ballads filled with heroic deeds. He told her about his childhood and youth, about his parents and his brothers. She, in turn, shared stories about her life, describing for him the wonders of the twenty-first century.
Her only disappointment was the ever-present, annoying brownie. Munn appeared at the most inopportune moments. Each time Patrick made a move to take her into his arms, the darn brownie showed up to cause havoc. Chaste kisses were all she’d received from her fiancé during this entire week.
And she wasn’t happy about the lack of snuggling.
“You are not listening to me.” Elspeth nudged her arm.
“Sorry. What were you saying?”
Elspeth rolled her eyes in the same manner as a modern teenager. “’Twill be such fun. There will be all kinds of merchants at the fair, selling everything for which you could possibly wish. Some come from far distant places with all matter of luxury. At the last fair, Patrick allowed me to purchase new riding boots and a pair of fancy slippers. I am sure he will indulge you as well, now that you are to be his lady-wife.”
Glancing away to hide her smile, Laurie noticed Patrick standing in the doorway. Feet apart, hands on hips, he listened to his sister chatter on. The sides of his mouth twitched when he tried to restrain his amusement. He couldn’t do it. His lips slowly bloomed into a full grin, making the sexy cleft in his chin more prominent.
Laurie took a deep breath, reining in the sudden rush of sweet desire that shot through her veins.
Patrick inclined his head and sauntered into the room, stopping next to her chair. He leaned against the hearth and chuckled. “I will not indulge either of you, if you are not prepared to leave at dawn.”
“We will be ready.” Elspeth laughed, the sound a musical note of delight.
Laurie locked gazes with Patrick. He wore a suggestive, seductive expression. His powerful presence washed over her, bathing her in sensual heat. Could the man be any more alluring than when he smiled, his deep blue eyes twinkling? He stole her breath.
Holy shit. She would soon marry her Highland warrior.
“My sweet lass, I came to fetch you. Aine is about to serve our evening meal.” He flicked his eyebrows, a naughty glint sparking in the depth of his hungry eyes.
What did her future husband plan?
Certain she would enjoy whatever he proposed, she laid her needlework aside.
Grasping her hand, he kissed the back of her fingers, sending tingles up her arm. She shivered, and he gave her a knowing look, his eyes darkening even more with seduction. Heat burned her cheeks and she batted at his arm.
“Shall we?” He assisted her to her feet, placing his hand on her elbow to escort her from the solar.
Glancing over her shoulder with a pang of guilt, Laurie caught Elspeth’s smirk. She’d been neglecting her young friend. “Elspeth, would you care to dine with us?”
Patrick stiffened, but when Laurie checked the expression on his face, he appeared indifferent.
“Nae. I think my brother would prefer to have you to himself.” Elspeth grinned.
The hand on Laurie’s elbow relaxed and Patrick whisked her from the solar. “I have plans for us that require privacy,” he whispered, his breath teasing her ear, his voice deep and sensuous.
They hurried along the passage. Patrick placed his hand on her lower back and a thrill climbed her spine. Heat spiraled through her with hot anticipation. He helped her descend the stairs and they practically ran to his private chamber.
When they arrived, they found their meal set on his worktable, Aine having already left.
Patrick assisted Laurie to a seat and sat across from her.
She met his fiery gaze. He looked as if he’d leap across the table and devour her. His passion thrilled her. Her nipples tightened and her breasts grew heavy.
“I was thinking.” Hesitating, she toyed with the creamed fish on the plate in front of her. Would he think her too forward?
“Aye?”
She licked her dry lips.
Patrick shifted in his chair. “You kill me, lass.”
“Well, I’ve been thinking.”
“Aye, so you said.” Patrick’s smile took on a predatory tilt.
Laurie glanced away. She swallowed and settled her gaze on the tapestry hanging on the wall beyond his shoulder. “Since we plan to wed…”
She lost her nerve. She hated having to be the one to ask. She didn’t understand why he hadn’t come to her room before now. She moistened her lower lip.
Patrick groaned. “What do you wish to say, m’sweet?”
“Will you join me in your bedchamber tonight?” She blurted the words without finesse.
Within a heartbeat, Patrick jumped from his chair as if scorched. He stood over her and tilted her chin so she had to look at him. Grasping both her hands, he knelt before her.
His expression sizzled. The intensity was thrilling.
“’Twould be my pleasure to spend the night with you.” He swept her into his hold and strode to the stairs.
Laurie twined her arms around his neck. Enamored by his strength, she leaned into his hard body and nuzzled her face into his neck to capture his masculine scent. The earthy smell of forest and wind intoxicated her. She nipped the exposed skin, playfully kissing and teasing him with her teeth.
He held her close, his chest rumbling. When he reached the bedchamber, Patrick kicked open the door and gently laid her on his huge bed. He left her for a moment, only to close the door and put the wooden bar in place, securing them against intrusion.
She lifted up onto her elbows. For his large size, he moved in a lithe and sensual way, like the lion king he reminded her of. She swallowed a nervous giggle before the silly sound escaped. She’d never been loved before, but she’d never wanted anything more than she did at this moment—for this man to make passionate love to her.
He twisted to stare with eyes ablaze. Strutting across the room to stand before her, his gaze never left hers. He stripped. A slow dance of masculine beauty.
First, he removed the countless knives hidden in various places on his person. Then he dropped his belt to the floor along with his pouch and a sheathed knife. His plaid came next.
He stood before her in his linen shirt.
Her mouth went dry. God, he was magnificent.
He yanked the leather strip from his hair and allowed the reddish-brown strands to fall freely around his shoulders, making him look even more the wild cat.
His rock hard thighs, corded with muscle, flexed as he ever so slowly lifted the tunic up and over his head, pulling the shirt free.
When the garment hit the floor, she hissed on an intake of breath.
Chippendale dancers, eat your hearts out.
His arousal jutted out. Grew larger.
Pain from her first sexual experience jarred her memory, and her boyfriend hadn’t been hung like Patrick.
Fear replaced lust. Shit
. There was no way she’d be able to do this. Patrick was too big. She sat up and scooted back on the bed, crossing her arms over her chest.
“I can’t.”
Patrick winced. Fear was not something he wanted marring Laurie’s precious face when she gazed upon him. She looked like an ensnared animal, her eyes, big and bright. The lad she’d called a boyfriend must not have been very manly.
A twinge of jealousy rushed through his veins. He didn’t like the idea of anyone having come before him. Still, he’d have her. And he’d ensure no man came after him.
“Dinnae be alarmed. I will not hurt you.”
“You’re too—big.”
He refrained from flashing a cocky grin. With quick strides, he crossed to the bed, sat next to her, and gently stroked her silky hair, hoping to alleviate her fear.
“We will fit perfectly.” His rough tone voiced his desire. “Let me show you. I promise we will both enjoy our mating.”
Laurie searched his face. When she finally lowered her arms and smiled, he sighed with relief.
He placed his hands on either side of her waist and pulled her close. She reached out her arms. He carefully removed her gown and tossed it onto the floor to mingle with his discarded clothing. Caressing with a gentle touch, he swept his fingers along her bare shoulders, along her neck, along the edge of her chemise. He grazed her cheek, bent his head and kissed her lips.
A kiss that was soft. Persuasive. Filled with love.
She kissed him back. Tentatively at first. Then with abandon.
When they were both breathing hard, he pulled away to remove her shoes. Those, too, landed on the growing pile of garments. He swept the chemise over her head and slid his gaze over her nude form.
A lovely crimson blush colored her exposed flesh.
“You are beautiful.”
“Thank you,” she murmured, her voice a husky whisper.
Muscles coiled tight in anticipation, he lowered his head, used his teeth to slide a stocking over her knee and down her shapely calf, and tossed it aside. He kissed the arch of her foot, and she squirmed. Then he repeated the teasing play with the other stocking. Gooseflesh prickled her skin.
She brought light to the shadows within his soul.
With her golden hair draped across his sheets, her eyes soft and alluring, her lips puffy from his kisses, she was everything he desired. The woman he wanted at his side while he led his people through these turbulent times.
Patrick inhaled her feminine scent and prayed for control. He planned to go slow. He wanted this first time to be special. A memory they would share.
He rolled on top of her, holding himself up by his arms, not wanting to press his weight into her. He placed kisses along her neck. Slow and sweet. Lingering. Drawing his tongue across the hollow of her throat, he nibbled his way over her skin to her left breast and drew the nipple into his mouth, ran his tongue over the tip, swirling it in the moist recesses of his mouth.
She gasped and held him to her breast. She cradled his head, her fingers laced in his hair. Encouraged, he used his teeth to drive her harder.
Her moan skirred over his skin, drawing him tight. Her breath whizzed in and out in soft, needy pants. God, he wanted her. Wanted to taste every exposed inch of her skin. He drew her unique fragrance into his lungs with each breath and moved his mouth to her other breast to lave the nipple. His cock hardened more with each pull of his lips.
Exquisite torture.
She pressed her mound against his shaft, soft mewling sounds escaping her lips. He released her breast, breathing hard.
“Easy.” He wasn’t sure if he meant to convince her or himself. “If we go too fast, I will be spent afore we begin.”
“Patrick. I need…”
“I ken.”
If he didn’t claim her soon and relieve the pressure in his groin, he surely would burst and die. Soon she’d be his completely. She’d give herself to him willingly. Later, she’d become his lady-wife. He couldn’t wait.
It killed him to go slow. He was heavy and hard, his body demanding release. But he wanted to draw out the pleasure for her—for him. He lowered his lips to a rosy nipple, sucked the puckered tip into his mouth, savored the pleasure he gave his lady.
A chill breeze blew across his arse. He raised his head, glanced around and found naught out of place. Yet a shiver slid across his shoulders. The warmth of the woman in his arms beckoned.
Placing his knees on either side of her hips, he knelt over her. He leaned in low and licked her stomach, sweeping her belly button with the tip of his tongue, moving his moist touch ever lower, to the edge of her golden curls.
“Please,” she begged.
He spread her thighs and the tender folds hiding her secret place. He licked his lips and was almost unmanned by the glory of her womanhood. He dove in. Suckled. Tasted her desire.
Ambrosia.
He relished every lick, every nibble, and the essence that was his precious Laurie. Patrick continued to tease her flesh, glorying in the moment, marveling at the pure pleasure. Sensations he’d never imagined flooded him.
Laurie thrashed on the bed. Tugged his hair, twisted her fingers in the heavy mass and yanked. He growled against her moist folds and continued to lap up her liquid desire. She arched her back, searching for release. Her head rolled from side to side. Her hands gripped the bedding. The sounds coming from her mouth drove him harder.
“Patrick, please.”
“Please what, m’sweet?” he teased.
“I want—”
The horn blew long and loud, several times. Patrick’s heart thudded hard against the wall of his chest and he raised his head to listen. Releasing Laurie, he jumped from the bed and grabbed for his garments.
“What’s wrong?” Her husky voice weakened his resolve. He hated to leave her.
He threw a sheet over her naked body. “The castle is under attack.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Patrick dashed up the steps to the wall-walk two at a time. Men shouted. Others ran from every direction, up the circular stairs to the battlements. He made his way through the chaos of warriors to the watchtower only to find his man Dunall insensible on the floor, the now-silent horn lying next to him.
Stephen squatted over the man, shaking his head and chuckling.
“What is happening?” Patrick yelled above the din.
Eyeing his disheveled appearance, Stephen arched an eyebrow.
Patrick ignored the look. “Why was the horn blown?”
“Before he swooned like a lass, Dunall claimed the horn to be enchanted. Said the damn thing flew out of his hand and blew on its own. I guess ’twas Munn.”
“Curse the wee man if it was.” Patrick growled, low and deep. Damn the meddlesome brownie. “We must ensure there is nae threat. Assemble a search party. Prepare the men and meet me at the beach within the quarter hour.”
He returned to his bedchamber and found Duncan standing guard outside the door. “I leave shortly. Guard my lady well.”
“With my life.” The lad placed a hand over his heart and inclined his head.
“See to it the women are ready to leave at sunrise,” Patrick said as an afterthought.
“Aye.” Duncan stepped aside.
Patrick entered the chamber, closing the door behind him. This time he didn’t bother to secure the bolt. Laurie sat on the edge of the bed her legs bent and drawn against her body. His plaide draped around her, yet exposed to his view were two smooth, milky-white knees. The muscles in his gut tightened.
She was a sight, his precious lady. His cock twitched, but he couldn’t have her now, not with potential danger lurking beyond the castle walls. “What’s happening?” she asked.
“False alarm.” He crossed the chamber to the bed. “Yet I must ride out and search the area to be sure.”
“Must you go?” She swept teasing fingers along his arm, raising gooseflesh.
“Aye.”
“Can’t you send someone else?”
“Of course.” She glanced away. Before she did, he noted her lip tremble. He hadn’t meant to hurt her feelings. He should reassure her, but he wasn’t good at that sort of thing.
“I expect you to be ready to leave for Glasgow when I return in the morning.” He brushed a light kiss across her brow and left the chamber, his thoughts consumed by the impending search.
* * *
A loud rapping woke Laurie before daybreak. She cracked the heavy oak door and peeked out.
“’Tis time,” Duncan said.
“Give me a couple of minutes.”
He nodded, and she shut the door. She swept her hair into a knot and pinned the unruly mass on top of her head. Using water from the ewer, she washed the sleepers from her eyes. During the night, she’d waffled between understanding and anger.
In the early morning-light things made better sense. Her anger was misplaced. Patrick couldn’t change the way he lived because she worried about his safety. Agreeing to wed a Highland lord meant accepting his life.
But would she ever get used to him running off into danger? Especially in the heat of the moment. Probably not.
Her core throbbed when she thought about where his mouth had teased when the horn blew. She’d gotten herself off after he left, but still…her emotions teetered on edge and her sex drive hummed. She was more than a little cranky.
After dressing in her own clothes, she prepared for travel. She wrapped her extra dress—the sapphire blue gown Patrick liked—and her undergarments in a soft cloth and packed them into the creel he gave her along with a few toiletries she’d gotten from Aine. The basket woven from heather didn’t weigh much. Laurie slipped the straps over her shoulders like a backpack.
She followed Duncan through the dim passages. Meeting Jamie and Elspeth in the courtyard, they hurried to the edge of the water where Patrick and his search party waited.