To Save a Savage Scot

by Tamara Gill

  “My parents’ marriage wasn’t a happy one and I didn’t want to return to my time regretting any of my choices here. My mother regrets most of her choices in life, probably all but me, and I don’t want to live like that. I had to see you again.”

  A slight, wicked smile lifted his lips, and Kenzie’s legs jiggled like jelly. “And what would seeing me again achieve, lass?” He stepped closer still, and without thought, she reached out, clasping his hip, the tartan kilt rough against her palms.

  “It would mean I would achieve saying goodbye to you. You disappeared without coming to see me, so we may wish each other well.”

  “I dinna think ye would care if we wished each other well. We dinna part on the best terms the last time I saw ye. If I recall we were in disagreement about the kiss.”

  “I hardly think it was a disagreement.”

  He stepped closer, giving her a lazy smile.

  Should she let him tease her into kissing him? Right now, Kenzie wanted nothing more than to show him he was not the only one who could taunt and tease. But by doing so opened up a whole can of worms where emotions could start to come into play and feelings that could result in pain.

  “I should imagine you’ve kissed many women.” History certainly stated Black Ben had a woman in every port and inland town, prior to his marriage, at least. Kenzie hated reading about such things, knowing so many women had enjoyed the man before her, but maybe with any luck it was all false. It was something certainly to hope for.

  “I have, but no one that mattered since Aline passed away.”

  “Gwen said she found you the night before you arrived at her home in a tavern, and your business there was obvious, if you know what I mean.”

  “Nay, what do ye mean, lass,” he asked, meekly.

  Kenzie almost scoffed. There wasn’t a meek bone in his body. “The rumors that followed you to Gwen and Braxton’s home suggested you’d been whoring your way around Scotland since Aline’s death.”

  “Aye, I may have been, but ye cannot believe everything ye hear. And I’m here now, with you.”

  “Hmm,” Kenzie said, sitting herself down on a chair close to the fire. “I have some of Braxton’s men outside the walls. Will you let them in? I’m sure they’re hungry and in need of a good night’s sleep.”

  “When the guards came and told me of your arrival, I sent them word to allow the men to enter. Cook will have some fare taken out to them since we’ve already eaten this evening.”

  Her stomach chose that exact time to rumble. “Would it be any trouble if I could also have something to eat? I’ve not eaten since lunch.”

  Ben yelled out to a man who stood silently at the end of the room. “Have some of tonight’s dinner brought up for our guest, and have a room prepared. She’ll be staying for a time.”

  She met his gaze and her toes curled and her body thrummed from the look. They were alone here now. Gwen and Braxton were miles away and not around to interrupt…

  “You have a beautiful castle. I’ve visited it, you know, in my time.”

  “Ye have?” Ben’s seemed genuinely delighted by the notion. “And ’tis it as grand as it is right now? Are my descendants still ruling the area?”

  Thankfully, the food arrived for it allowed Kenzie to prepare her answer. She placed an apple and a pear on her plate along with some flat bread and pheasant. What could she say to Ben that wouldn’t give away what was to happen to him in a few months? Had she been in his position, she would want to know the truth, no matter how painful. “Castle Ross, unfortunately, is not as grand, and your family is no longer in charge of it. But it has a new owner now, who is determined to make it as magnificent as it once was. I have no doubt she will succeed.”

  He sat forward, the line between his brow as deep as a ravine. “My family no longer have Castle Ross?” He gestured with his hands. “How can that be? Why?”

  “A lot of castles and great estates were lost to the great families who owned them after the first World War that took place in 1918 to 1922. They placed taxes on estates that were never there before, and after such a bloody war, where a lot of families lost their heirs and the workers who helped keep the estates running were killed in action, a lot of the homes were sold or demolished.” It wasn’t what had happened to Ben’s family or Castle Ross, but it was the truth for so many others, and Kenzie wasn’t ready to tell Ben that he lost his home in his own time due to an unknown entity that she had yet to figure out. This way was better and hopefully, would ease the hurt he no doubt was feeling about the revelation. “I’m sorry, Ben. I know it’s not what anyone would wish to hear.”

  “What is this World War you talk of?”

  How could she explain this to him and make sense? “It’s a large-scale war involving many powerful countries around the world. This war spanned multiple locations with wide-spread battles.” He looked bewildered.

  He slumped on to a nearby chair, running his hand across his stubbled jaw. “This is upsetting.”

  “History is cruel, and this is not something that you were ever to know. Had I not arrived and told you, it would not be a concern of yours.”

  “Aye,” he said throwing her that devilishly gorgeous lazy smile that made her ache. “I see ye point.”

  Kenzie ate some pheasant, using her fingers to pick up the bird since she couldn’t find a knife. She watched Ben while she chewed. He was lost in thought and staring at the fire. She didn’t like seeing him look so sad, but she could understand why he was quiet, so she let him be while she finished her food.

  “Tell me of one of your fondest memories growing up here. I’m sure this castle has lots of history and tales that its walls could tell.”

  He met her gaze, nodding. “’Tis true, it has many stories. One of my fondest was hiding from Nurse. Upstairs near the nursery there is a hidden room between the two rooms. Not many of the staff know of it, and whenever I wished to skip my reading or writing lessons, I’d hide in there. I could hear them running about, calling out my name, and eventually, I’d come out and sit back at my desk as if I’d been there the whole time.”

  Kenzie laughed. She could just imagine the young laird being a little shit when he was younger. “It seems your ability to be naughty hasn’t changed.”

  He threw her a look of pure wickedness and her stomach clenched.

  “Where’s the fun in being good?”

  Not willing to open that can of worms, Kenzie placed her empty plate down. “I hope you don’t mind me coming to stay. As I said, I’ve always wanted to see Castle Ross, and since I’m here now, I thought it a good idea to visit.”

  “I dinna mind in the least. I look forward to having ye stay here with me.”

  “Gwen mentioned that Clan Grant were here. Are they still?”

  “Nay, they were gone by the time I arrived home, but my steward mentioned that Evan Grant, the future laird, was only too willing to yell and order around my clansmen while he was here. Not that they obeyed, mind. My men would know better than to betray me in such a way, but I wonder at what Evan meant by such actions. ’Tis certainly an act of betrayal. I would never presume to do such a thing in his keep.”

  Aline’s family seemed to be troublesome and the more Kenzie heard of them the more she was inclined to believe it was them who would attack and kill Ben. He may not believe anyone was out to get him, but they were. History said so, and the Grants were showing many signs of antagonism toward Ben. She would have to convince him to be wary of them.

  Ben sipped his ale and his gaze caught hers over the top of the mug. He placed the cup down and leaned forward in his chair. “Let us talk of other things. I dinna want to waste my breath on the Grants.”

  “What would you like to discuss instead?” Kenzie asked, warily.

  “I would like to discuss this feeling that I have toward ye that I get each and every time you’re near.”

  Kenzie would like to do more than talk about the ‘feeling’ but would it be too forward if she made the first mo
ve? This period in history said no to acting in such a way, but she doubted Ben would care overly much. She got up and went to stand before the fire.

  “I won’t play coy and say that I don’t know what you’re talking about, because I do.” Boy, did she ever. She’d been drawn to the man ever since she was a young girl and she’d seen the painting of him. She’d always wondered what he’d been like, who he’d loved, and what had happened to him. “Maybe we could try that kiss again?” she said, hoping he’d agree.

  Shock registered on his face before the hunger that made her own blood sing took hold. He stood and came toward her. Unable to wait a minute longer, Kenzie reached up and pulled him down for a kiss.

  Their lips met, and her heart was in serious trouble. For all the roughness about Ben, his lips were as soft as butter. His hands clasped her face, and he deepened the kiss, the invasion of his tongue not wet and sloppy, like other men she’d kissed, but sweet and seductive. Kissing was always enjoyable, but this kaleidoscope of emotions, the rioting feelings that he evoked in her, left her grasping for purchase and unlike anything she’d ever felt before.

  Kenzie threw herself into the kiss, no longer satisfied with doing what was safe, or what was expected. Tonight, she would allow herself to be swept up by a man who challenged, infuriated, and fascinated her all at once.

  She lifted herself up on her toes, wrapping her arms about his neck. Ben did the same, but in a more languorous way, sliding his hands down her throat and arms and then her hips, pulling her hard against him. Within Ben’s arms, everything was different. It was as if her senses were on overdrive and out of control.

  His hands flexed against her hips as he ground against her. She gasped, feeling the bulging excitement behind his kilt. He was big. She hoped she’d not bitten off more than she could chew.

  “Do ye want me to stop, lass?” He pulled back a fraction, his lust-laden gaze burning with unsated need. “I shall leave ye, should ye wish it. But if we continue this way, I’m not sure I’ll ever let ye leave my arms again.”

  Oh my… This man said all the right words. It was if she was living a real-life romance novel, where the heroine found her soulmate in a different century. Not that they were soulmates—they fought and disagreed on too many things, but still… His deep Scottish brogue was seriously sexy. “I don’t want you to stop.”

  He growled and hoisted her into his arms, kissing her with a fervor that left her breathless. His determined strides ate up the distance from the great hall to the stone staircase. Was he taking her to his room? Oh, yes, please.

  Kenzie didn’t break the kiss, not ever wanting to stop kissing this man. There was something about him that drew her even before she’d known him in person. It was an oddity she’d never understood. Perhaps they’d been destined to meet all along and be just as they were now, clasped together and about to have some hot and heavy sex.

  Making his room, he kicked the door shut, and Kenzie giggled. It was so barbarian of him. He placed her on her feet, and she started to undo the laces at the front of her dress. He watched her in silence. Each time her gown gaped a little more, his gaze turned darker.

  With a swoosh, her gown pooled at her feet, and she stood before him in nothing but her shift. Thankfully, beneath her feet was a bearskin rug and a roaring fire behind her that threw out plenty of warmth. “Are you going to take off your kilt, Ben” she asked, running her hand down his back and over his perfectly formed ass.

  “Why don’t ye do it for me.”

  Kenzie grinned and untied the sporran about his waist, before unpinning his kilt. It, too, fell heavy upon the floor and left him standing in nothing but his birthday suit. Kenzie expelled a satisfied sigh at the sight of Ben naked. Now he was hers to do with as she pleased. Not a shred of embarrassment marked his visage, and she marveled at his confidence. “You’re more of an expert at this type of thing. What did you want to do next, my liege?”

  Ben lifted her up as if she weighed nothing at all, and she wrapped her legs about his hips, gasping as his member nestled against her sex. She’d never been this close to a man that she wanted so much before. His hardness and pricking of hair against her tickled and teased.

  Yearning for more, she undulated against his cock and heard his muffled curse against her ear. She wanted to ride him, lose control, and be anything but a lady in his arms.

  “Ye’re so sweet, lass.” His hand moved up her leg to clasp her bottom, squeezing her flesh and rubbing it in turn. “I want ye so much.”

  She clasped his unshaven jaw, making him meet her gaze. “I want you, too. More than I’ve ever wanted anyone in my life, but there’s something you should know.”

  He frowned, taking in her features. “What is it?”

  “I don’t want you to think I’m sleeping with you to gain a husband because I’m not. No offense, but I’m not staying, so I’m hoping you’ll look at this interaction as a bit of fun—an enjoyable way to pass the time while I’m still here.”

  He chuckled, picking her up again and walking toward the bed. “Are ye trying to tell me in the nicest way possible that ye’re not looking to have me as ye husband? That ye just want me to tup ye so well that your time passes pleasantly?”

  He laid her on the bed, and a shiver of excitement ran through her. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Kenzie reached down and stroked his cock, unable to fathom she was about to sleep with a Highland warrior. Ben leaned over her, a tower of muscle and dark beauty, and somewhere deep inside, Kenzie knew her life would never be the same again.

  …

  Ben watched a full-body flush disperse across perfect, unblemished skin, and he wanted to kiss every inch that the rose bloom marked. Kenzie was so beautiful and smart that she literally left him in awe.

  That her viperish, no-nonsense tongue didn’t put up with any of his shit was also quite a turn-on.

  She shuffled back on his animal-skin-covered bed, and he followed her, running his hand along one flawless foot all the way to her hip, where he reached around and kneaded one perfectly sized ass globe.

  “Will it vex ye to know that since ye attended me that first night, I’ve wanted to tup ye? Have ye just as you are right now. Naked and mine to do with as I please.”

  Her breasts were a perfect handful, and he ran a finger over the peaks, watching as the skin on her nipples pulled tight and darkened in color. Kenzie’s breathing became ragged, which was only fair, as Ben’s own body was on fire and not the least in control.

  This woman did odd things to him, made him yearn for things that he’d never thought to have again. He reminded himself this was a little fun. A bit of tupping between two adults who wanted no other responsibilities with it. Never again would he place another woman in jeopardy by making her pregnant. No matter what the healer said, Ben couldn’t help but wonder if giving birth was the sole reason behind Aline’s untimely death. Not a tumor…

  Tonight, he would take this lass, but he wouldn’t spill his seed within her. Never again would he be so reckless.

  She reached up and linked her fingers behind his neck, the trust in her eyes making his body ache with need. “If we’re being honest with each other I, too, need to tell you that on that first night, before you opened your mouth and ruined all my fantasies, I wanted you, too. You were so untouchable and rugged, I thought my heart would burst free from my chest, you made it beat so hard.”

  Pleasure rocked through Ben at her words. She had wanted him? The truth of her statement made him desire her even more. Writhing and screaming his name against his ear, feeling her body convulse around his cock when she came.

  Damn, he needed her like he needed air.

  “I’m glad to hear it, lass,” he said, taking her lips, showing her without words how much he wanted her. Needed her even. She kissed him back, taking his mouth with vigor. Her hips pushed up against his hard sex, teasing him as much as herself with the friction.

  “I want you Ben. Now.”

  He growled and sitting up, k
neeled between her legs. Again, the delightful blush rose on her skin, but she would color a lot more before this night was over. He grinned at the thought.

  He pulled her legs up and ran a finger down the inner side of her thigh, all the way to the apex of her legs where she glistened with arousal. It took all of his control not to take her as quick and fast as he wanted. But no, not tonight. Somehow, in some way, he’d earned her trust enough that she was willing to give herself to him. He wanted to be the man, like no other, in giving her pleasure.

  He would not mess it up or rush what he wanted Kenzie to remember forever. Take a little piece of his soul to the future with her and measure all her lovers against his standard.

  Slowly, he ran his finger across her patch of curls, sliding it between her folds, enjoying the view of Kenzie biting her lip and squirming beneath his touch.

  He delved further and found her entrance hot and tight, too tight to be able to take him straight away. Ben pushed into her heat, watching her as he teased her wider, deeper with each stroke.

  “What are you doing to me?” She sighed, reaching for him.

  He met her gaze and was glad to see the lust that echoed his own reflected in her emerald eyes. “Has it been awhile since ye slept with a man, lass? I dinna want to hurt ye.” She nodded, moaning when he stroked the pleasure point, before sliding again into her welcoming heat.

  “I’m so ready. Truly ready right now, Ben.” She licked her lips, and seeing her delightful pink tongue made his cock tighten. The need running through his veins was too much, and Ben took himself into his own hand, stroking his cock, while fucking her with his fingers.

  It was too good. Too right. Kenzie reached up and helped him. He had to have her. Now. He settled over her, and excitement and trepidation met his gaze.

  “All will be well, lass. I’m sure ye won’t have any trouble accommodating me once I finish teasing ye. I want to give ye pleasure and nothing more.”