"As you wish, Laird," she replied in a forced low voice.
Once the meal ended, Analise left the room. At a loss of what to do, she went through a side door to a small garden. The day was warm and she looked to the open field. Some men trained and others meandered about doing whatever daily chores they had to do. The air was fresh and she held her face up to the sun.
"What are you doing out here?" A clansman she didn't recognize stormed toward her, a maid shuffling behind him. "You are not allowed outside unaccompanied. Do you wish to be harmed and start a clan war?" The man reached out for her, his fingers wrapped around her upper arm like a vice. Analise cried out and tried to tug it out of his grasp.
"Release me. You are hurting me."
He squeezed tighter and yanked her forward. "Be quiet, don't call attention. Women are not to raise their voice." His lips curved into a cruel mocking grin. "Tell me. Did your husband fuck you well last night, lass?"
"Please..." Analise gasped at the pain. "I will return inside."
She swayed from the sudden release. The man moved away, his eyes no longer on her, but past her. Analise took a step toward the entrance only to stop upon hearing Carrick's voice. "Stay where you are, wife."
His dark eyes latched to where she rubbed her arm for only a split second before he attacked the man. Analise screamed at the crunching sound of the landing of her husband's fists against the man's jaw. The men grappled falling to the ground exchanging blows.
Carrick's opponent jumped to his feet first and took a couple steps back. "You need to keep a better watch on your woman. At least explain the clan rules." He glared at Analise and spit blood on the ground then stormed away hands clenched at his sides.
Carrick neared, but didn't touch her. "You are to remain inside when we stay at Gordon keep. It is not safe for you to wander about alone."
A quick scan assured the high thick walls remained. "I don't understand, this keep seems impenetrable. How could you expect me to believe there is danger within?"
"The drawbridge remains down most days." He looked in the direction the man had gone. "Danger is not always from outside the clan. I am to be the next laird. As my wife, you can be used as a tool to hold power over me."
Analise opened her mouth, but decided it was best to not point out that in all probability he would not come after her if she were taken. Just a fact, after all, they did not know each other or have any type of bond. She cleared her throat. "I apologize for troubling you with my actions. I wasn't aware."
He moved closer. Analise kept her gaze at the opening of his tunic, the tan skin reminding her of having pressed her lips to that specific spot the night before. "It is not your fault, but mine for not having warned you. In three days we leave for my home. It is called Moriag. There you are free to roam the gardens without restraint."
"About that. I was searching you out in hopes of speaking about our plans."
His eyes were light in the early afternoon sun, almost matching the amber in the sky at sunset. "What do you wish to speak of?"
Once again she focused on his chest, not daring to look him straight in the eye in case he angered and was as temperamental as his father. "I--I propose you send me forth with an escort. To your other house. You do not have to remain by my side. You could remain here and do as you wish."
At the silence that stretched for several moments, she was forced to look up. His jaw was clenched, his nostrils flared. Flat eyes finally met hers. "If you wish to remain apart from me, I will allow it."
Her relief was short lived when he spoke again. "You may remain here. I however plan to return to Moraig."
"No." Analise reached forward and clutched his tensed forearm. "I do not wish to remain here without you."
"Your choice." He shrugged and turned toward the door. Her hand fell from his arm. "Come, I will find you a personal maid to help you find something to do while you await our departure. She will also move with us to Moriag." He looked over his shoulder at her. The distant look in his eyes confirming, he cared none at all what her decision was. "If you decide to remain here, then she will remain with you."
Chapter Seven
Carrick wanted nothing more than to leave for Moriag immediately. However he was forced to remain several days giving his men time to train with the clansmen and begin to form a bond for when he came back to takeover as laird. It would not do for the men to be total strangers when they'd be forced to fight side-by-side.
He shifted to a more comfortable position in his bed. Heaviness like that of a boulder crushed his chest. It angered him to have allowed Analise's request to affect him. How foolish to have hoped after her responses to his lovemaking, after calling his name, she was actually happy to be married to him.
How absolutely stupid he was.
They'd depart in the morrow, and he needed to sleep, to rest in preparation for the two-day ride to Moriag. But slumber was elusive, the entire time his thoughts were on the woman in the adjoining room. He'd not share the bed with her again, not physically. Mentally, he'd visited many times. Like now.
Her skin was the softest he'd ever ran his palms over, her breasts full and supple. The way her small waist flared out to rounded hips and plump buttocks, how he wished he could trace them once again. Run his tongue between the creamy thighs of hers.
Carrick groaned at his arousal, his cock throbbed in a silent but resilient request for release.
The adjoining door cracked open and he bit back a curse. What did she want? This was the most inconvenient time. Analise's eyes peered from the side of the door. "Are you awake?"
Carrick pushed to sit, pulling furs across his hips to cover his aroused state. "Aye."
She hesitated. "May I enter?"
"Aye. I would rise, but am without clothing."
Her eyes skimmed over the expanse of his chest causing him to concentrate on a tapestry on the wall past her to keep from jutting his hips upward. His wife moved closer, standing beside the bed, her hands clasped together. "I wondered if I could share your bed. I find I am nervous tonight and cannot sleep."
Her request surprised Carrick and left him momentarily without words. This was not the time to allow her any power over him. "You may lay in my bed, but I will not be able to keep from taking you."
Blue eyes snapped to his. "I am willing." She moved to the other side of his bed and removed her nightdress then slipped in between the covers and turned to her side facing him.
For a few moments, Carrick was not sure how to proceed. The woman intrigued him. Her thoughts and motivations did not make sense. Just days earlier she asked to live separate from him and this night she asked to share his bed. He almost smiled when he lowered to his back and she immediately snuggled against him and released a sigh.
"Do you miss your late husband?" He cringed not sure why he asked the question.
He felt her nod against his chest. "Aye, it's been almost two summers since his passing but I miss this. Having someone to speak with in the darkness. A firm body beside mine." She gasped. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to over step by speaking so freely."
"I asked you." He wrapped his arms around her, his hand sliding down her side.
She sighed, her arm draped across his waist.
"Roll onto your stomach." Carrick nudged her away. He would have her and allow her in his bed, but he would not fall again for whatever game she played. No doubt when morning came once again she'd ask about living in separate locations.
Analise did as he asked, her heart shaped buttocks begging for his touch. Carrick lifted to his knees, poised behind her. He took her hips and lifted her bottom from the bed. "Spread your legs." His breathing came harder now as his heartbeat accelerated. When her knees adjusted he leaned over her and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. Then grazed his teeth over the silky skin.
Keeping an arm around her waist, he guided his cock to her opening and thrust in without preamble. Analise gasped and turned to look at him over her right shoulder, but once he began to move she t
urned away, her face pushed into the bedding by his hard thrusts.
It was not lovemaking. No. He fucked her as hard and fast as he could to achieve his release. It was not meant to please her. He didn't want to care if she was pleasured, but by her moans and backward push into his plunges, she enjoyed their coupling.
He groaned and relented, but only to prolong his release and reached between her legs to finger her nub. Analise cried out and rocked back and forth her wetness covering his fingers.
"I will fuck you harder now." He grabbed her hips and pounded into her stunning body not caring if she mewled with passion or from pain.
Carrick climbed higher and higher until finally falling from the peak he'd achieved. His entire body shook with his release and he bit into her neck to ground himself. Analise tightened around his engorged cock milking him completely.
He collapsed over her and held her in place, his face in the crook between her neck and shoulder until he realized she struggled to breath.
Rolling away from her, guilt instantly assailed. What had he done? This was not who he was. He'd acted like his father. Been cruel. She'd asked for shelter and he'd responded by taking her like a brood mare.
"I apologize. I should not have been so rough." He waited in the stillness, the bed moving as she settled into it.
"You warned me. I told you I was willing." Although her response was appropriate the words were stilted. "Carrick?"
"Aye?"
"Will you hold me?"
When she once again came alongside and laid her head on his chest. Carrick felt like the lowest of men. He held her as gently as possible and squeezed his eyes shut when she let out a shaky sigh.
Once her breathing became even, he kissed the top of her head. "I am so sorry."
Chapter Eight
Weariness fell over her like a heavy cape and Analise almost wept with relief when they stopped to make camp. It had been a long day of riding. A curse escaped her once again at being too proud to ride in the wagon. Now after an entire day astride, her bottom throbbed. Carrick seemed to understand her hesitance to dismount and came to help her down. He held her upright his strong arms around her waist until her legs stopped wobbling.
He motioned her maid over. "Go with her to the river's edge. Ensure she doesn't fall." The maid, Erin--about five years older than her, hurried to her side. The maid was sure-footed since she'd ridden in the back of the wagon.
Analise kept from watching where Carrick went. He'd not spoken to her since they'd left the keep. He'd guided his steed to the front of the small procession, leaving her to ride behind him with two of his men flanking her. "Here we are, milady," the maid told her pulling her toward the water. "Would you like to wash your face and hands?"
"What I need is to soak. I fear I will never sit again," Analise moaned when she bent to cup clear water with both hands. "Whatever shall I do?"
Erin frowned. "Let's pull off your skirts and do just that. There is plenty of privacy here."
Once she undressed to just her chemise, she allowed Erin to assist her down the slight slope until waist deep. Although the chilled water made her tremble, it soothed her sore muscles perfectly.
When they returned, a large fire was lit and several tents had been erected. Analise neared one and peered inside. Many pallets were made for sleeping. Just as she neared the second one Carrick came out from it. His eyes darted to her and then toward the fire. He didn't want to be near her. She wanted to understand him, know what he thought, but she didn't dare ask.
After last night, she decided to avoid him. She had been a fool to seek comfort from him. At first he'd attempted at a conversation, seemed agreeable to her joining him in bed. Then without any provocation, had taken her hard, almost as if in anger. Her face reddened at the fact she'd enjoyed the rough lovemaking. It was not meant for her enjoyment, he'd not ensured she'd been ready before taking her so hard. Truthfully, she'd been ready when entering his room. Her want of him was what had kept her from sleeping, and seeking his comfort.
"I made a pallet for you in here." He pointed into the tent. "You must be tired. I will have someone bring you food." Carrick walked past her toward where his men stood around the fire.
"Should we join them?" Analise asked her maid who shook her head.
"No, milady, it's best you remain away."
With one last longing look at the fire she went into the tent. Almost immediately a young lad entered with food for her and Erin. They ate while sitting on her bedroll. Before she finished eating, her eyes began to droop. Carrick was right, she was quite tired.
The next day Analise was smarter and rode in the wagon with Erin. She asked her maid questions about Carrick, but Erin was new to the Gordon keep and had not a chance to know much about the laird's eldest son.
The day was almost over when the maid shook her awake. "We arrive, milady. There's Moriag."
Before a backdrop of mountains, mist, and lush forest stood Moriag. The gray stone dwelling, although much smaller than Gordon keep, remained imposing. Tall torrents jutted toward the sky. But there were no walls or any type of barriers. "Why does he live without protection?" Analise questioned the maid.
"I was told by one of the men the nearest town is a day’s ride. Although we are on the edge of Gordon lands, the surrounding areas are not claimed by any clan." She pointed away from Carrick's home. "Over there is another large parcel of land, it belongs to a Campbell."
They traveled along a short walled bridge toward the front of Carrick's house. Analise pulled aside skins keeping the back of the wagon covered and peered out to take in the surrounding grounds. There were only a handful of people present.
Two of the accompanying clansmen entered the small courtyard first, followed by Carrick and finally the wagon and lastly four additional men.
Once they dismounted and the horses and wagon taken away, Analise waited for Carrick. She felt awkward, not sure what to do or where to go. Carrick came alongside her and took her arm. A small staff of five stood side-by-side waiting to meet her.
Her husband introduced her to the cook, the chambermaid, and two lads who helped around the house. Each bowed or curtsied at her coming to stand before them. Lastly he introduced her to a curvy maid, the woman narrowed her eyes at Analise and remained stock-still. She'd seen this type of proprietary look before and would not allow it to affect her. Analise lifted her chin and waited for introductions. Her name was Lisbeth who in addition to keeping the home, must have kept Carrick's bed warm by her heated regard of him. Plump and tall with large breasts, the woman held very few charms. Her mouth remained twisted as if she'd smelled something rotting which for some reason made Analise want to giggle.
They entered the great room and Analise was astonished at the lack of housekeeping. The room was musty and dark. The rushes were old and several chickens pecked through it for food, their droppings evident everywhere. She took a deep breath and regretted it.
Carrick's gaze slid to Lisbeth before meeting hers. "I'm sorry, I gave clear instructions for the house to be prepared for you. I will deal with this."
"No." Analise placed her hand on his forearm and leaned toward his ear. "I ask as your wife you allow me to oversee the tasks inside the home."
He nodded and guided her to a staircase and looked to the chambermaid. "I hope my chambers are in good condition." The threat was left unsaid, but the young maid heard it clearly. She wringed her hands together, blushing. "Aye ‘tis, milord."
Two days later, Analise woke once again to an empty bed. At least Carrick slept with her, but he'd not made to touch her. No matter, she knew he'd not wanted the marriage. It was out of duty to his clan that he'd married her. Admittedly she missed his touches and wished for a husband who cared for her, desired her. But nothing could be done about it.
She'd rested enough. Today she'd planned to see if her orders had been followed. The two lads had been directed to sweep all the old rushes from the great room and to scrub the floors. Today she'd oversee the cle
aning of the tables and chairs as well as the cleaning of the fireplace. She didn't particularly care for the use of rushes, instead she preferred a floor to be swept and scrubbed regularly.
After dressing she went downstairs to the kitchen. The red-faced cook blustered at her appearance. "Milady, I don't understand why you insist on eating in here. Lord Carrick eats in the great room. So should you." Thankfully the cook kept the kitchen pristine, so she did not fear becoming ill from some sort of rotted portion.
Analise wrinkled her nose. "I don't see how he can eat in there. It’s much more pleasant in here."
With a pleased smile the cook served her and continued her tasks while she ate. Lisbeth entered, her steps faltering at seeing her. "Milady, I did not..."
"Yes, I am aware, the lady of the house should eat in the great room. You prefer my husband and me to eat amidst the chicken droppings and dirty rushes of the great room."
The woman's nostrils flared and her lips tightened in a straight line, but she was intelligent enough not to speak with disrespect. "I will see to the great room being cleaned."
Analise took a sip from her cup. "There is no need. I've already ordered it. I hope the lads did as told, otherwise they will be replaced." She cocked her head to the side and studied Lisbeth who began to fidget. "Tell me, Lisbeth, what exactly are your duties?"
The cook cleared her throat loudly while Lisbeth's eyes rounded. "I--I oversee the house, of course."
"Hmm, by the condition of the house, the task is beyond your capabilities." Analise waved her hand when Lisbeth opened her mouth to speak. "I am here now. The home is not large enough for two overseers, your tasks may have to change."
Lisbeth let out a huff and placed her hands on her hips. "Carrick should be the one who decides. Not--not you."
"Is that how you address my husband?" Analise kept her tone even.
Beauty and The Highlander Page 3