Taming Her Irish Warrior

by Michelle Willingham

  Now that they were alone once more, his awareness of her deepened. He rested his hand upon her bare knee, letting her know of his interest.

  After they’d finished sharing the bread, Honora unlaced his tunic and lifted it away. He didn’t know what her intentions were, but so long as she was removing clothing, he didn’t particularly care.

  Her hands sank into his shoulders, kneading his tired muscles. The sensation of her fingers touching him was exquisite, and he closed his eyes, hardly daring to breathe.

  ‘Honora,’ he said softly, ‘you’re quite good at this.’ He didn’t know how in the world she could ever believe her touch wouldn’t please him.

  She caressed his nape, her fingers sliding through his hair, easing the ache at the base of his neck. Though her touch wasn’t meant to arouse him, it was stoking a fire he yearned to quench.

  ‘You’re tense,’ she whispered. ‘Relax and let me care for you.’

  Relax? As her palms glided over his skin, he fought a hiss as she caressed his spine. To distract himself, he cupped both of her knees, leaning back against her. His thumbs moved beneath her gown, stroking her thighs.

  But when her lips kissed his shoulder blade, he’d had enough. ‘Stop,’ he gritted out.

  ‘Stop what? I only meant to ease you.’

  He turned to face her. Pulling her waist towards him, he set her upon his lap so she could feel the hard length of him straining at his trews. Her mouth opened in shock as he took her hips in his hands.

  ‘There’s only one way you can ease me, Honora. And if you don’t stop touching me, I’m going to take you right here.’

  Chapter Fifteen

  His words made her tremble. She hadn’t intended to touch him in this way, but once she’d started, it was hard to stop. His warm muscles were so tight, so well formed, she’d used this chance to run her hands over him.

  In his eyes, she saw desire, a suffering that only she could alleviate. And tonight, she would endure whatever lay ahead.

  Would it be so bad? From the thick ridge resting against her womanhood, she suspected it would be uncomfortable.

  She’d endured her husband’s attentions, and though it had hurt, she’d learned to ignore Ranulf and wait for him to finish. Never had he inspired any sort of desire, nothing like the way Ewan drew her in.

  She was hardly aware of his hands rubbing her back. ‘Honora, I spoke in haste,’ he murmured. ‘You know I would never force you. On my life, I swear it.’

  But when she gazed at him, his expression was strained, a man who was on the edge.

  ‘It wouldn’t be force,’ she found herself whispering. She couldn’t put a name upon the feelings she had for him, but even though her life had fallen apart, she was glad to be with him. It wasn’t right, it wasn’t fair to her sister, but she craved the comfort he could bring. And if she could ease him with her body, it hardly mattered.

  The interior of the cave had grown warm, the fire heating up the small space. She stood barefoot before him, her pulse racing with what she was about to do. Ewan’s eyes grew shadowed with an overpowering need, and in the golden firelight, his skin took on a darker cast. She wanted to kiss him, to mould her hands to those strong shoulders and let the past fall away.

  Ewan looked at her as though he wanted to devour her. He rose up, his hands resting upon her waist. ‘Will you let me join with you this night?’

  She knew tonight would be different from all the other times he’d touched her. And though she’d hated the act of letting a man inside her, she couldn’t deny that Ewan had made her feel like a treasured possession…

  ‘I will,’ she whispered. And he closed the distance, covering her mouth with his.

  She gave herself up, winding her arms around his neck. His kiss was that of a man trying to be gentle, but underneath it, she sensed a raw need. What would it be like to unleash that power?

  Honora opened her mouth, and his tongue slid inside. Wet and sleek, her skin tingled at the taste of him, her breasts tight against her gown. Ewan’s hands moved to the laces, and she felt a rush of cool air as he lowered her gown to her waist.

  His mouth led a path down to her aching breasts, and when his tongue flicked at the nipple, her breath shattered. He bit at it gently, sucking her, until her body grew wet. Last night, he’d touched her intimately, and his fingers had slid inside easily. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt as much as she thought.

  She loosened the ties of his trews, but Ewan didn’t lay her down on the sand, as she expected. Instead, he freed both of them of their clothing, laying it down to form a soft bed. From their belongings, he brought out the pallet, setting it atop the clothes to make a silken bed

  ‘Lie down,’ he ordered, and she obeyed, feeling the soft fur against her bare skin. He stared at her, as though he couldn’t quite believe she was truly about to give herself to him.

  ‘You’re the most magnificent woman I’ve ever known.’

  Honora flushed, for she had not the rounded curves of most women. She was too thin, and her arms were rigid and tough from the sword training.

  Self-consciously, she tried to cover herself, but he gently trapped her wrists at her sides. ‘No. I want to see you.’

  His hot gaze travelled all the way down her body, lingering upon her breasts and the juncture at her thighs.

  Resting his weight on his arms, he covered her body with his own. At the touch of his erection, she inhaled sharply.

  ‘It’s all right,’ he soothed, leaning down to kiss her again. She reached down to guide him into her entrance, planning to finish this, to get it over with.

  But he held steady. ‘You’re not ready for me yet, a ghrá.’

  Not ready? Her body was trembling, and she was moist as she’d never been for Ranulf. Surely it was time.

  Ewan kissed a path down her collarbone, moving towards her erect nipple. When she moaned at the sensation, he moved his hand between her thighs, entering her with two fingers.

  She arched her back, fighting against the shocking sensation of him caressing her, while his tongue stroked her breast. His thumb found the raised nodule, and Honora gasped at the pleasure when he teased it.

  ‘Wait,’ she pleaded, her breath coming in quick gasps. ‘I can’t bear it. I won’t be able to—to stop myself.’ She was so close now, so afraid of letting go.

  ‘Don’t stop. Let it happen.’ His mouth moved lower while he kept up the steady rhythm of his hands. He kissed a path down her ribs, to her stomach. The invasion of his hands forged a fire that rose up, higher and higher. ‘It’s going to happen more than once, Honora. Prepare yourself.’

  Then, abruptly, his mouth moved between her legs, his tongue plunging into the heart of her. Oh, dear God. She bucked at the wild, wanton touch of his tongue. Licking at her, sucking at her flesh, until she bit back a scream, her body riding out the surge of spicy fulfillment.

  He raised his head up and smiled wickedly. ‘Not yet, Honora.’

  Not yet? Her hands dug into the silky pallet as his tongue caressed her folds, nudging her towards yet another release. She was half-crying, desperate for him.

  ‘Ewan, enough of this. I need you.’ Her very skin burned for him, her body craving the joining.

  Ewan rolled over to his back, raising her body above his until she straddled him. ‘I am yours to command, Honora.’

  He guided her on to his hard length, and like a dagger meeting its sheath, she slid down upon him. It didn’t hurt, but her body still had to adjust to his size.

  She wasn’t used to this, being in command. From the dazed expression on his face, she gathered that he was fighting his instincts, barely in control of himself. Gently, she raised herself up, then lowered her hips again, taking him deep inside.

  The answering growl from his throat gave her confidence. Again she moved, and the sensation of him filling her was starting to become sensual.

  He moved his hips in counterpoint to her rhythm, penetrating gently, but in such a way that it was like a caress.


  ‘Faster, a ghrá,’ he urged. His voice, like rough velvet, commanded her to seek out the pleasure he offered. She experimented with a quicker pace, and a shudder flooded through her as she took him deep inside, her body trembling with each thrust.

  Ewan reached up to fondle her breasts. With his thumbs, he rubbed the hardened tips, moving faster as she arched against him.

  ‘More,’ he ordered, grasping her hips. He slammed her body against his, and she gasped at the violent bliss that surrounded their joining. ‘Ride me.’

  She did, her hips slapping against his until the fist of pleasure caught her in the gut, spilling over until her inner muscles spasmed around his length.

  It was then that he lost his control. Shoving her to her back, he lifted her legs around his waist. Grinding his hips, he plunged deep inside, pounding until she jerked back, straining hard until everything melted into a blinding pool of ecstasy.

  She closed her eyes, feeling the rock-hard length of him sheathed deep inside. Instead of resisting, she welcomed it. Another unexpected climax overtook her, and she clung to him in desperate surrender.

  Ewan groaned, thrusting once more until he lay motionless upon her body. A moment later, his mouth pressed lazy kisses against her throat, his body still joined with hers.

  She held him close, utterly exhausted, and yet not wanting him to move at all.

  This, this was what she’d been missing with Ranulf. Her husband had never taken the time to caress her, nor teach her anything. It was an awakening she’d never expected.

  Honora ran her fingers down his back, over the lean, muscled hips, learning his body.

  ‘Are you all right?’ he mumbled against her skin. He hadn’t stopped touching her, his hands stroking every part of her he could reach.

  She shivered, her body suddenly cold. Ewan rolled to his side, withdrawing from her body. Outside, she heard the rolling of thunder and the sound of rain.

  She sat up and reached for her gown. Ewan stopped her. ‘Leave it. I want to sleep beside you, my skin against yours.’

  She dropped the shift, settling back against him. ‘You’ll have to keep me warm, then.’

  ‘That will not be a problem, a ghrá He pulled her against him, pulling his cloak atop their naked bodies.

  ‘What are we going to do about John’s men?’ she whispered. She could imagine his men, gathered in wait for the dawn. Their chances of escape were minimal. ‘What if they find us?’

  ‘I won’t let them take you.’ His arms tightened around her. ‘No matter what happens.’

  The next morn, Honora dressed at dawn, moving quietly so as not to awaken Ewan. She’d slept badly, worrying about John and his men. If they left the cave, they would be exposed. And she couldn’t let herself be taken back to Ceredys. Not until she’d gathered her own army against John.

  Worry settled in her stomach, taking root. She sat down upon a large stone, watching Ewan sleep. It was then that she noticed his feet. Blisters and matted blood covered the soles.

  He’d not said a word about his discomfort. It was from all the running yesterday, and she could only imagine the pain of it.

  Ewan’s eyes flickered open, and he caught her staring. ‘What is it?’

  ‘Your feet. You should have told me, and I’d have tended them.’

  ‘They’ll be fine. It’s nothing.’

  She winced when he stood upon the sand, imagining the abrasion of the granules against his flesh. ‘At least let me bind them for you.’

  ‘I’ve my shoes. It’s enough.’ He reached out and donned his clothing and footwear, and as he covered up his body, she blushed. He’d made love to her twice more that night, and from the heated look upon his face, he was contemplating another round.

  ‘What are we going to do about the soldiers?’ she asked, pulling his attention back to the dilemma at hand.

  ‘You’re going to stay here. There’s a village a few miles from here, and I’ll try to convince one of the fishermen to help us get away.’

  Stay behind? Oh, not likely.

  ‘We’ll go together,’ she corrected.

  ‘You’re safer here. John doesn’t know where you are.’

  ‘And you think you can get away without them seeing you?’ She shook her head.

  ‘I’m good at that, Honora. Trust me.’

  ‘At least if we go together, I can guard your back,’ she argued. Did he think he was invincible?

  Irritation swept across his face, and Ewan fastened his sword belt around his waist. ‘I don’t need your help, Honora.’

  ‘If you think I’m going to remain behind, MacEgan, you’re sorely mistaken. Put away your pride and let me help you.’

  He crossed the cave and grasped her by the waist. ‘Do you think I’ll allow anything to happen to you?’ His hand palmed her spine, rubbing in small circles. ‘Stay here. Be safe.’

  He was treating her as though she had no courage at all. As though she should hide in the shadows while he went off to fight.

  ‘Would you do the same?’

  He tilted his head, not understanding her question. ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘If you were being hunted, would you stay behind while I went off to fight?’

  ‘It isn’t the same. You’re a woman.’

  She reached out and seized his sword, her anger rising up. ‘A woman, am I? I was trained, the same as you.’

  ‘You’re not as strong.’

  ‘My technique is just as good as my father’s men. I’m more help to you at your side than staying behind.’ She couldn’t believe the sudden change in him, as though she were incapable of defending herself. She might not have the same strength as a man, but she could certainly hold her own.

  Ewan leaned in to kiss her, but Honora wasn’t about to be talked out of it, even if he did make her knees weak from the melting touch of his mouth on hers.

  ‘You’re a distraction,’ he said. ‘If I’m to fight, I’ll be thinking of you and whether or not you’re safe. If you’re here, I’ll know that no harm has come to you.’ He grasped her shoulders. ‘Stay in the cave.’

  His arrogant decree didn’t sit well with her. She wasn’t a dog, trained to stay behind while he went off to fight. No. She was tired of being told what to do and how to behave. Ewan was going to get her help, whether he wanted it or not.

  She waited until he’d left. Then she gathered up the supplies and followed behind, her movements stealthy so he would not hear her. When he moved along the rocks, she struggled to balance the load and stepped out of the cave. The daylight half-blinded her, and she shielded her eyes, staring out at the sea.

  In the distance, she thought she saw a vessel approaching. A mixture of hope and trepidation rose up inside, and she stared hard at the boat. ‘Was it her imagination, or was the boat coming closer? She took a hesitant step forwards, glancing around. Perhaps it was one of Ewan’s brothers, as he’d claimed.

  When she glimpsed the top of the hillside, her heart plummeted. Wearing full chainmail armour, she spied John of Ceredys upon his stallion.

  She cursed, realising that Ewan was right. John wasn’t going to give up, not when he believed she knew the location of the treasure. He’d grown obsessed with it, and no doubt he would continue to search until he drew his last breath.

  Her fingers bit into the rocky limestone, and she remained in the shadow of the rocks. The army was waiting for them to leave their sanctuary. She glanced at the sea, wondering if she could swim out to the boat. Although she wasn’t a good swimmer, the vessel was their best hope of escaping.

  Ewan crept along the edge of the caves, moving towards her. He motioned her back, his face hardened and furious. ‘You were supposed to stay here.’

  She ignored the order and kept her voice low. ‘There’s a boat not far away. Do you want to try and swim for it?’

  ‘It’s my brother’s boat,’ Ewan said. He took her by the elbow, guiding her back inside. ‘The one Bevan sent back for me.’

  ‘That’s good
, isn’t it?’

  ‘Only if we can reach it before Ceredys’s men attack.’ He trapped her against the wall, his hands resting upon the limestone. ‘You risked too much, leaving the cave. I told you to stay.’

  ‘And I told you, I’m not going to hide like a coward. I fight at your side, MacEgan, not in your shadow.’

  He stared at her, his jaw tight with anger. ‘Don’t defy me, Honora.’

  She faced his fury, lifting her chin. ‘I make my own decisions, MacEgan.’ The sound of men’s voices and horses seemed to draw closer, and her pulse quickened. ‘They’re searching the coastline, aren’t they?’

  Ewan nodded, lifting his hands away. ‘We haven’t much time. If we don’t leave, they’ll trap us here.’ He gripped her hand while he led her to the entrance.

  ‘Give me your knife, and we’ll fight together,’ she argued.

  ‘They have arrows.’ He shook his head. ‘Without a shield, we’re dead. Wait until the boat is closer, and then I want you to swim out. Tell my brother what’s happened. He’ll know what to do.’

  ‘We could risk the swim together,’ she offered.

  Ewan didn’t seem to hear her words. ‘I’m going to let Ceredys take me captive. He’ll try to ransom me, or use me to get you. Go with my brother, and he’ll bring back our own army.’

  His idea might work, but Honora didn’t trust John. He wasn’t the sort of man to take prisoners. He’d sooner kill Ewan than hold him for ransom.

  No, it wasn’t worth the risk. They had to do something unexpected, something that would startle John enough that he wouldn’t react in time.

  Her idea took form, solidifying. Ewan wouldn’t like it. But the only way to ensure that he followed her was to seize the moment.

  Before he could stop her, she dropped their belongings and ran from the cave.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Honora raced across the sand, running towards the sea as fast as she could. Her feet hit the icy water and the waves slowed down her pace. Horses galloped towards her, but she dived beneath the surface, drowning out the mingled sounds of men shouting and hooves pounding upon the surf. Her gown weighed her down, dragging her further in.