Dangerous Pride (32 page)

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Catriona pulled him down so  she could return his greeting.

Tenderly, Lachlan reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.  “If my mother were here, I would no’ be able to do this,” he teased, tugging her into his lap as he settled onto a plush, comfortable chair.  He had begun to place a trail of kisses down her slender, graceful throat when he suddenly pulled back.  “I canna believe I can be so easily distracted,” he growled, gently pushing her to her feet as he stood and walked across the room.

“Lachlan?” Catriona, called, confusion in her voice as she watched him reach the door.  His hand on the doorknob, he turned, his finger to his lips, indicating the need for her to keep quiet.  Pulling the door back slightly, he called down the hall, speaking in hushed tones.  Leaving the door slightly ajar, he walked back to his wife, taking her hand in his.  “For some time now I have been trying to think of a suitable wedding gift for you.  It was no’ easy, mind you,” he added, smiling at the delight that shone in her eyes.  “yer no’ one for expensive dresses or lavish jewelry.  It made the selection quite a challenge.”

Rarely in her life had anyone taken such time or effort to select a gift for her, and Catriona was touched by his thoughtfulness. Whatever he had chosen to give her would be hard pressed to surpass the impact of his display of concern.  “What is it, Lachlan?” she asked in her most seductive tone, coyly playing with the edge of his plaid as she stared up into his twinkling eyes.

“Well, it is no’ an ‘it’ exactly,” he said finally, when he could see she would stand for no more teasing.  “It is more like a ‘she.’”  Catriona’s confused expression deepened as he walked to the door, opening it wide.

The moment Annella entered the room, a huge smile broke across Catriona’s face.  “Annie!” she cried, racing across the room to fling herself into her friend’s embrace.  Lachlan was delighted to see that the look of sheer joy on the lass’ face was akin to that on his wife’s.  The pair hugged each other for some time as happy tears poured down their cheeks.  Finally, Catriona broke away from her friend, crossing the room to her husband.

“I canna thank you enough,” she said as she smiled up into his face, her cheeks still wet with tears.  “This is truly the most wonderful gift I could ever imagine.”  The affection shining in her eyes spoke of a tempting reward to come.

Lachlan’s gaze passed beyond his grateful wife to her friend, who still stood shyly in the doorway.  When he looked down at his wife, his eyes were filled with tenderness and affection.  “You have given me much joy, Catriona,” he said softly, “and I will do anything in my power to make you happy.”

Her renewed tears were all the cue he needed to take his leave.  One teary woman was bad enough, but two?  He couldn’t in good conscience expose himself to such risk.  “I’ll leave you lasses to yer reunion,” he said.  Looking over Catriona’s shoulder at her friend, he nodded his gratitude to Annella.  “You’ll have a few days to settle in at Tolquhon, lass, before you begin yer duties as Catriona’s maid.  See to it that you enjoy them.”

When Lachlan had left the room, Catriona grasped her friend’s hand, excitedly dragging her across the room to a comfortable seat by the window.  “I canna believe yer really here, Annie!  I ne’er thought to see you again.”

“Ye canna be more surprised than me,” the girl replied shyly.  The years had done little to alter Annella’s appearance, though her plain features shone with genuine joy.

“I hope yer happy to be here,” Catriona babbled nervously, her brow furrowed in concern.  “I would hate to think you would rather be at Boyne, though I would understand it if you would prefer to be nearer yer family.  I canna imagine Lachlan would bring you here against yer wishes, but when he gets his mind set on something…..”

Annella reached out and gave her friend’s hand a comforting squeeze.  “I was more than ready tae leave Boyne, Catriona, so do no’ get yerself in a fankle thinkin’ yer husband dragged me here kickin’ and screamin’.  As much as I’ll miss me mither, I ken  there will be many chances tae visit her.  Truth be told, I was right excited when Iain told me of the laird’s request.  I have missed ye terribly.”  Unshed tears clouded the young woman’s pale grey eyes, and Catriona felt a twinge of regret.

“I am sorry that I have no’ been a better friend to you, Annella.  There were many times, after Dugal left me in Edinburgh, when I wanted to write you, but I kent any letter I sent would have been intercepted by my da.”

“Or Calum,” her friend interrupted, her face dark with anger.  “You have no idea what a galoot that man is, Catriona.  He has done naught but undermine yer da, playin’ him false at the same time tae gain favor and power all at once.  It is no’ the same at Boyne now, not since Elizabeth died.  Yer father will no’ listen tae reason.”

A dark cloud shrouded Catriona’s features.  No one knew better than she the impact of Elizabeth’s death, but now, as she lived a life she’d only dreamed of before, she couldn’t help but feel guilty.  She had gained so much, while her sister had lost everything.  “You do no’ ken what has gone on here…,” Catriona voice trailed off.  When her friend nodded, Catriona quietly told her  how Calum had attempted to steal her away from Tolquhon.  From Lachlan.

Seeing her friend’s look of pity, she covered Annella’s hand with her own, squeezing it affectionately.  “In truth, he did me a favor, Annie.  Had he not attacked me as he did, I doubt I would ever have allowed Lachlan to become a part of my life.”  A pretty flush colored Catriona’s cheeks.  “In some ways, I owe him my thanks.”

“Why should Leslie concern himself with ye, Catriona, now that yer married and all?  I would no’ think he’d have a use for ye.”

“No matter how ridiculous this sounds, I think he fancies himself the rightful heir to Boyne – mayhap even Tolquhon.”  Annella’s look of confusion prompted a quick explanation.  “When Iain was off at sea, and I was gone, Leslie believed he would gain control of Boyne Castle when my father died.  But when Iain and I returned together, his plans were destroyed.”  Catriona paused, a cold shiver passing down her spine.  “I do no’ trust him, Annie.  He is mad with his lust for power. I do no’ think he will let anyone – or anything – stand in his way.”

Seeing the fear in her friend’s eyes, Annella rose to her feet, anxious to put her at ease.  “He’s an evil one tae be sure, but now that folk are wise tae his ways, he’ll no’ be doin’ any harm.”  She quietly brought the topic to a close as she walked around the richly appointed room, her admiration clear.  “It would seem tae me that ye no’ only have a handsome husband – who is besotted with ye, I might add – but also a beautiful home tae live in.  Do ye think ye might have time tae show me aboot?”

Catriona agreed quickly, affection shining in her eyes as she grasped her friend’s arm in her own.  She was anxious to introduce Annella to the keep, to the people who had accepted her as one of their own.

Lachlan would never know how much this particular gift had meant to her, but Catriona resolved to do her very best to show him.

###

When Lachlan sought the refuge of his chamber several hours after the evening meal, he was not surprised to find his wife had not yet retired for the night.  She had spent the afternoon – and most of the meal – huddled in conversation with her friend.  His dark mood had lightened as her girlish laughter had filled the hall.  The look of joy on her face when she had been reunited with her childhood friend had made every bit of effort worthwhile.

Perching his weight on the edge of the feather mattress, Lachlan reached forward and pulled one boot after the other off his tired feet.  It had been a long day, indeed.  In addition to seeing Annella settled in the keep, he and Rory had ridden throughout his holdings to check on the tenants, ensuring they had suffered no difficulties of late.  There were several roofs that needed to be rethatched before winter set in, and once they had returned Lachlan had instructed Quinton to see to ordering the repairs.  Other than reports of a missing cow and a few stray sheep the crofters had not related any unusual problems.  This had been a relief, for Lachlan had feared that Calum would redouble his efforts at raiding and reiving after his inglorious failure in his attempt to capture Catriona.

His wife.  Unbidden, a smile crossed his handsome features as he tossed his boots into a corner of the chamber.  Drawing to his feet, he added some peat to the fire in the hearth, banking the flames to take the chill off the room.  He reached down and took a pitcher from beside the fire, where Sorcha had set it to warm, using it to fill a basin.  He hardly wanted to greet his wife smelling of horse, leather and sweat.

Not that Catriona would have complained.  Nay, she would probably have offered to bathe him herself, he thought, his grin spreading.  The effect his wife was having on him was truly amazing – something that had taken him entirely by surprise.  Even his mother had remarked upon it, when he had spoken with her over the evening meal.  Rarely had he smiled so often, or felt so content.  It was Catriona’s influence, of that he had no doubt.

Though there had been many women in his life before Catriona, none had played a part in his life for more than a short time.  When he’d been younger, he’d never stayed in one place long enough to develop a proper relationship with a woman.  And when he’d returned to Tolquhon, he’d been careful not to abuse his position of power as laird.  His assignations had been discrete, brief, and, in truth, few and far between.  He had dared not jeopardize his role as laird, ignoring for the most part the  women who offered themselves for his enjoyment.

Surely, the changes he’d felt since his marriage went beyond the novelty of having a woman to care for him and see to his comforts.  Having seen the coldness that had existed between his parents for the duration of their marriage, he knew better than to expect real love from a pairing that was based on clan alliances and strategic positioning.  He considered himself lucky to be so fond of his wife.  The fact she seemed pleased with him, despite his limitations and his shortcomings, was indeed a blessing, and one he intended to enjoy to the fullest.

Lachlan was unbuttoning his homespun shirt when he heard the door to their chamber ease open.  Turning, he watched as Catriona came into the room, her features flushed prettily, her face brightened by a wide smile.  Her mahogany curls cascaded down her back, a riot of color trailing in her wake.  Shutting the door behind her, she made straight for his arms, pulling his head down for a demanding kiss.

“You’ve made me so happy,” she whispered, staring into his deep grey eyes, her face alight with her joy.  “I had no idea how much I missed her – I ne’er thought it would be possible to see Annie again!  But you kent what it would mean to me, and you made it happen.  How can I thank you?”

His eyes twinkling with amusement, Lachlan reached down to loosen the laces at the front of her gown.  “I’m sure I can think of something,” he replied, his tone husky as his fingers deftly slipped her gown from her shoulders.  Slowly, he kissed her chin, then her throat, gradually working his way back to nibble on her earlobe with gentle, teasing bites.  When she moaned deeply in response to his teasing touch, he could restrain himself no longer.  Sweeping her into his arms, he crossed the room to the bed, pushing the coverlet aside to lay her gently on the mattress.  She responded so passionately to his touch, he could scarcely believe she’d been a virgin but a short time before.

“You would try the patience of a saint, lass,” he scowled mockingly, as she trailed her hand down his chest, fiddling with the belt that the held his kilt in place.  Pushing her hand aside, he stepped back as he pulled her dress down the length of her body, tossing it to the floor in a rumpled heap.

“I do no’ think Sorcha will appreciate seeing my clothes treated thusly,” Catriona teased, pulling at his kilt to draw him closer, until his lips finally hovered above hers.  “I will have to see that her feathers are no’ ruffled too badly.”  Savoring the pressure of his lips against hers, Catriona thrust her tongue into the warm recesses of his mouth, as he had taught her, desperate for the feel – the taste – of him.

As their tongues mated, Lachlan growled his desire, pulling back from her warm, inviting body.  The dark outline of her peaked nipples was evident through the thin cotton of her chemise, and he bent down to suckle her through the moist, coarse cloth.  “I’m sorry, lass, but I canna be patient tonight.  Yer so bonny, I am nearly mad with wanting you.”  Catriona’s seductive smile only served to fan the flames of his desire.  He reached down to yank the chemise up until it was bunched about her waist.  “Sometimes I fear I’ll lose my mind, I want you so badly,” he whispered, his tone husky.  His blood surged as he saw his unbridled desire reflected in her emerald eyes.

With a groan of possession, he entered her in one quick, sure thrust, luxuriating in the caress of her tight, warm sheath as it surrounded him.  The look of surprise in Catriona’s eyes quickly changed to passion as she wrapped her long, slender legs around his waist, drawing him deeper inside her welcoming warmth.  “Aye, lass, you do no’ ken the power you hold over me,” he cried as he pulled her legs higher, pounding his hungry flesh into hers.  “I canna get enough of you.”

Catriona arched her back beneath him, her body matching his powerful thrusts as she lost herself in the passion of his possession.  The swiftness with which he had entered her had only served to heighten her passion, and she felt the waves of ecstasy take over her body too soon, as her world exploded in an intense climax that shattered her soul.  Lachlan found his release at the same time, his body shuddering inside hers as he flooded her with his essence.

As the frantic beating of their hearts gradually slowed, and the mists of passion receded into a warm and comforting glow, Lachlan once again found himself grateful that fate had delivered this passionate woman to him.  Soon, he could hear her quiet, steady breathing as she snuggled more deeply into his embrace, sleep overtaking her.

Though the lass had been responsible for ensuring the safety of his clan, he knew that the fate of his heart wasn’t quite so certain.