Her Highlander's Promise (14 page)

Chapter 23

“I’m told your room awaits,” John said. He gestured toward the door with a wave of his hand.

Blair offered his father a curt nod, then stepped around the elders, leaving the great hall. “Good thing my da came along when he did. I’d have hated to pummel an old man, but nothing is going to interfere with our first night together. Now that I am laird, things are going to change around here.” He didn’t bother to lower his voice, fully intending for those still lingering nearby to hear his declaration.

Laurel didn’t respond. Instead, she nuzzled her cheek against his chest and released a soft sigh.

Arriving in the hallway and not quite sure which way to turn, Blair paused, shifting her in his arms. “I’ll need some directions, my love. I have no idea where to find our chamber.”

“We’ll be sharing my parents’ solar on the second floor. There is a large clan shield hanging on the door, you canna miss it.”

After climbing the stairs, Blair proceeded down the hall. The door to their room was ajar, so he opened it with his elbow. He carried her to the hearth before setting her down, quickly returning to close and bar the door. “We’ll have no uninvited visitors.”

Glancing around the ornately decorated room caused him to grin. “Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to make things perfect.”

The roaring fire warmed the room. Fresh rushes covered the floor and flower petals adorned the embroidered linens atop the massive, canopy-covered bed. A jug of wine and a tray containing and assortment of food had been placed on the bedside table.

“They’ve thought of everything. We could stay in here for days and want for nothing,” Blair said, smiling. He removed his tunic, tossing it onto a chair, before heading toward Laurel. But he stopped short when her green eyes widened.

Sensing her uneasiness, he harnessed his passion. Not a simple task. But she obviously needed more time to settle in. He studied her in the glow of firelight, the outline of her petite figure, along with her stunning features, making his heart skip a beat. His gaze finally settled on her full lips. He craved the taste of her. He longed to take her, to find sweet release, and claim her as his own.

He yearned to show her the wonders of making love, but if he moved too quickly, he might frighten her. He wanted their first time and every time after that to be pleasurable. Shoving aside his need, he focused on hers.

Blair went to the table, poured wine into two pewter goblets, then held one in her direction. “Would you like some? It might help you to relax.” He picked up the other vessel and took a sip.

She shook her head. “Nay, I dinna care for spirits.” She lowered her gaze and nibbled on her lip. A habit he’d noticed whenever she felt uncertain.

He downed his drink, then placed the empty goblet on the table. “Take as long as you like. We have all night ahead of us.” His mouth dropped open when she turned her back to him and swept her auburn curls over her shoulder.

“Could you help me with my gown? It fastens at the neck. My maid usually assists me,” she said softly.

“Aye.” Somehow he forced the words past the sudden lump in his throat. He fumbled with the laces, but managed to untie them. When she didn’t move away, he slid the satin fabric off her shoulders, letting the garment fall to the floor.

She grasped the hem of her kirtle, then slid it over her head, her naked back and bottom exposed for his pleasure. He swallowed hard as he lightly ran his fingertips down her arms, then traced the curve of her tiny waist. When he felt her tremble, he nuzzled his nose against her ear. “You are so lovely, Laurel.”

Closing his eyes, he inhaled her scent of lavender and heather, which he found more intoxicating than the wine. Rather than pull away, she turned to face him. Their eyes met, and he immediately hauled her against his chest, the proof of his arousal pressing on her belly.

Then his hungry mouth found hers, and he swept his tongue past her slightly parted lips. To his surprise, she responded by mimicking his actions.

She splayed her fingers across his chest, making no attempt to push him away. Instead, she nestled closer. “Make love to me,” she said against his lips.

“Are you sure you are ready?”

“Aye.”

There was no coaxing necessary. He carried her the short distance to their bed and laid her upon it. After kicking off his boots and removing his trews, he joined her, drawing her into his embrace.

He couldn’t believe the agonizing wait was over. She was finally in his arms, wanting him as much as he burned for her. The excitement of being the first man to make love to her pushed his reserve to the limits, but he wanted to savor every minute of their union.

Rolling to his side and resting on one elbow, he feasted on her beauty, committing every sensual dip and curve of her figure to memory. He envisioned her long, shapely legs, topped with a nest of tawny curls, wrapped around his waist. Round, rose-tipped breasts beckoned him. A man could only take so much torture.

Blair kissed her lips, cheek, and jawline, pausing to nibble on her ear. She whimpered and snuggled closer. His heart raced, certain this was a sign of her surrender. He continued his sensual trail down the curve of her neck, dropping to her shoulder and beyond. His mouth moved over each luscious breast and his tongue flicked taut nipples. She arched her back and released a sob of pleasure as he slid his hand along her inner thigh, coming to rest over her most intimate place.

“I love you, Blair. Make me your wife,” she said on a strangled breath. She remained very still and shut her eyes as the tip of her tongue slid across her lips.

He covered her with his body. “Look at me,” he whispered. He wanted to gaze into her beautiful emerald eyes as he succumbed to the lust and desire coursing through his veins.

She stared at him with trust and affection. His breath lodged in his throat, his groin stirred, but his feelings for Laurel went much deeper. No woman had ever stirred such an overwhelming array of emotions.

“You captured my heart on the day we met, Laurel. I dinna think it possible, but each time we are together, my love grows stronger.”

Coupled in a heated embrace, flesh against flesh, their hearts pounding in unison, he claimed his bride.

Laurel’s eyelids fluttered open. She couldn’t believe she’d been apprehensive about her wedding night and had almost backed out of the marriage based on fear. How wrong she had been. Blair was gentle and considerate. He’d taken his time, allowing her to reach her womanly pleasure, time after time, before experiencing his own.

A sigh of contentment escaped her lips as she recalled how his sensual touch and the feel of his warm, moist breath on her skin caused her to tremble with delight. When he gently nudged her legs apart and entered her for the first time, her breaths grew short, her body tense with anticipation. Heat ravaged her belly and spread below, the sweet agony leading to her release, taking her to the height of ecstasy. She never wanted it to end.

She clucked her tongue. She should be ashamed of herself, do penance for her wanton thoughts. But Blair awakened something raw and primitive from deep within her soul. Anything that amazing couldn’t possibly be a sin, and she couldn’t wait to see what wonders the future held.

Laurel caught his scent again, desire rising inside her. She eyed her husband sleeping peacefully at her side. With his tanned muscular frame, silken locks, handsome face, and ability to pleasure a woman for hours on end, he reminded her of a mythical Norse god. She considered herself truly blessed.

“What are you staring at, my love?” he asked.

She cleared her throat, then giggled. “My handsome husband and laird, of course.”

He enveloped her in his arms and rolled her beneath him. “And are you pleased with what you see?”

“Aye. I’m verra happy.”

He cocked his head to the side, and a mischievous grin tugged at his lips. “I could easily make you happier.”

“Oh, dear,” she exclaimed upon feeling his arousal against her thigh. “You’re insatiable. Do you never tire?”

“I’ve waited a long time to make you my wife. I plan to love you now and often, if you’ll have me.”

“I’d like that verra much.”

Blair smiled at her response.

“Is it safe for me to assume you found our joining pleasurable?” he asked.

“Oh, aye. I was a fool to worry. Making love with you surpassed anything I could ever imagine.”

“We’ll have to see about that.” He feathered kisses down her body until his mouth rested on her belly. “I pray my father gets his wish.” He gently pressed his lips to her flesh, then worked his way back up her slender frame until their eyes met.

“What wish?”

“A son come summer would please me, too.”

“And what if we have a daughter?”

“Then I will consider myself fortunate and cherish the wee lassie as I do her mother,” he replied, then nuzzled his nose against her ear. “But best we make certain my seed is well planted. We dinna want to leave anything to chance.”

Laurel nodded and hugged his neck, bringing him closer. “I would like to have at least five babes, more if the Almighty is willing. Four sons and a daughter would be wonderful.”

“While the Lord may bless us and keep us safe, I’m afraid the rest will be up to me and you.” He chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose. “Best we get started.”

His hand strayed until he found the tawny curls guarding her most intimate place and her pearl of pleasure. He began to stroke, lightly at first, but when she started to pant and moan, he quickened his pace.

She arched her back and whimpered, aching to feel him inside of her again. “Join with me,” she begged.

“In good time, my love. Let yourself go,” he whispered. “I want to watch you find release.”

Her body trembled as her core tightened, followed by a surge of moist heat from between her thighs. She wanted him to stop, but was glad when he refused, again taking her to the height of passion.

As her body stopped quaking and slowly returned to normal, she gazed up at his handsome face. “That was amazing.”

“There is much more,” he replied, then rolled on top of her.

As they were about to make love again, a soft rap on the door disturbed what promised to be another earth-shattering encounter.

“Who is it?” Blair growled.

“Mairi, m’lord. It is well past noon, and I thought you might be getting hungry.”

“Aye, I am ravenous,” he said, grinning. “But not for food,” he rumbled in Laurel’s ear. “Come back later, Mairi.” Then he captured his wife’s mouth with a kiss that caused her toes to curl.

Also from
Soul Mate Publishing
and best-selling

author
B.J. Scott
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THE FRASER BROTHERS TRILOGY

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The last thing Alasdair Fraser expects to find on an isolated beach in Northern Scotland is a beautiful, unconscious lass. Unable to turn his back on someone in need, he delays his journey and tends to her injuries—an act that has him questioning his destiny and his plans to rejoin the fight for Scotland's independence.

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