William chuckled and winked. “Of course. Well, I wasn’t at the Battle of Culloden, but the other battles were fierce and bloody ones. All we Jacobites had were our swords and our hearts out on the battle lines. The English had muskets of course, and they shot us down in droves, me da and me brother included.”
William’s face hardened slightly. “I was injured at Falkirk and knocked unconscious, but me brother saved me by pulling me out from the piles of dead. And I was kept in hiding until after all the battles and the “cleansing” by the English was done.” William looked down at his wine. “‘Twas a beautiful thing tae fight for my land, but I can’t say that I’d be willing tae see all that bloodshed again. And it only brought the English down upon us more firmly. We’ve lost the clan control of our lands along with many of our people and traditions.”
Silence followed and Amelia worried that Wiliam would turn an angry face to her, since she was a Sassenach, part of the problem. But instead he turned to her and smiled. “And Jamie? As I said before, he was taken by the English and tortured after Culloden, each o’ the prisoners starved and whipped within an inch o’ their lives. Jamie’s got the scars to prove it.”
“Yes, I know.” Amelia replied somberly, thinking of happy, brazen, green-eyed Jamie being subjected to such treatment.
William’s grin widened into his wicked, boyish smile. “Och, do ye now?”
Chapter Twelve
Amelia was jerked back from her thoughts. “Oh! I just mean, yes, I would assume they’d be whipped, and he would have scars.” She smiled, hoping to remove suspicion.
William attempted to continue with his questioning when Amelia burst out, “My friend Marianne is thinking of coming to visit us here in Kinnaird Castle in a few months. She is a beautiful woman with light brown hair and green eyes. I’ve written to her all about you, William.”
William’s mouth was poised in reply, but then he simply chuckled and sat back in his chair. “Och, lass, ye sure do know yer audience. A friend of yorn, ye say?” William rubbed his beard and smiled. “Comin’ tae visit us here?”
Amelia coughed slightly, neglecting to mention that Marianne was a good Christian woman, not given to vice or tempted by charming, rougish men. “Yes, I hope to see her in the next month or two. She is a dear friend, come to comfort my mother and me in this time. Would you like an introduction?” She smiled, feeling confident that her conversational diversion worked.
“Aye, naturally.” he winked. “Any friend of yorn is a friend of mine.” They clinked their wine glasses before each taking a sip. Amelia drank contentedly, hoping to not have a repeat of William’s questioning. She was to be disappointed.
“So, tell me about yer knowledge of our handsome Jamie’s scars? Was there a moment when ye’ve had a chance tae see them?”
“Well…”
“Now, is that any way for a gentleman tae act, William?” Fiona entered the main hall to put her narrowed gaze on William.
William stood and nodded to Fiona, chuckling. “I am sorry, milady. Ye know me, social graces I’ve not been blessed with. Forgive me intrusion, Amelia.” He smiled at her, and she knew that he was holding back laughter.
He cleared his throat, and said “Ladies.” Then he exited the room.
Fiona chuckled and shook her head. “He’s a lovely boy, but a bit of a rascal, and very popular with the women, I’m afraid. I’m very sorry for his impertinence, dear.”
“Oh, it’s of no consequence,” Amelia said, and continued to sit in the chair, hoping to calm her nerves a bit.
Fiona went and sat next to her and cocked her head to the side. “Amelia, would you mind taking this to Jamie in his workroom?” Fiona handed her two pieces of paper. “I need him to mail a few things for me, but I must go to bed.” Fiona smiled.
Amelia reached out a hand to grab the papers. “Of course…I will do it directly.”
“Thank you, dear.” Fiona stood up to walk away, but then turned around. “Oh, and tomorrow, you and I can discuss the preparations for the Hogmanay feast. Good night!”
Amelia waited until Fiona’s footsteps faded, and she took a deep breath. I can do this. All I need to do is hand the man a couple of letters, nothing more. We do not need to engage in conversation or...more. And he’s very busy with his work, he may not even notice me enter.
Amelia stood up, smoothed out the wrinkles on her bodice, and breathed once more before she turned to cross the main hall, her shoes beating a rhythm on the stone that matched the increase in the beating of her heart. She entered the corridor where Donald had attempted to take her to the library. She arrived at Jamie’s workroom door, and her gaze lingered on the flame glowing in the wall sconce next to it. She lifted her fist to knock lightly.
“Come in,” a deep voice called from within. And Amelia swung open the door slowly, the papers held firmly in her hand behind her back.
“Good evening, Amelia.” A surprised Jamie looked up from where he’d been working on his desk, a pile of maps and letters littered around it.
Thank God the room is dark, or else he will see my reddened face. She lifted her hand up to cool her cheek, and said, “Good evening, La...Jamie.” She quickly walked over to his desk to hand Jamie the letters. “Your mother asked that I bring you these to post.”
“Thank ye.” Jamie stood, his gaze not leaving Amelia’s face as he stretched out his hand to take the papers, his fingers brushing against hers, heat on heat.
Amelia swallowed. “Well, good night! Best of luck with your work.” She turned to leave, and had almost reached the door when she heard, “Amelia.”
Amelia’s heart skipped a beat, and she paused. Jamie had spoken that one small word with such a kind softness that it almost broke Amelia’s heart. And there was something else in it. Affection?
She turned, placing a smile on her face. You are in control. “Yes?”
Jamie walked out from around his desk, his white shirt open at the collar, tucked into his tan riding breeches. He was holding a small package in his hands. He approached Amelia, and held it out to her.
He cleared his throat. “‘Tis customary on Hogmanay tae give gifts.”
“Oh, yes of course. William was explaining it to me tonight.” She paused to take the package from his hands. Could this really be for me? “Thank you. I’m sorry, I’m not accustomed to this tradition, so I have nothing for you.”
He waved away her apology. “‘Tis only a trifle, but I thought ye might like it.” He walked over and sat on the edge of his large carved wooden desk, crossing his arms, and smiling.
“Well, thank you, Jamie.” She smiled a genuine smile, and left the room.
Jamie sat in silence for a few moments, the click of the door as she left reverberating in his mind. Will she like it? Or will she find it too intrusive? He worried for several minutes before returning to his desk with a huff.
Amelia entered her chamber and shut the door. She had lit a candle on the way up to her room, and she laid it down on the nightstand next tae her bed. She sat down on the bed’s edge, and stared at the gift in the candlelight. Amelia undid the pins from her hair and let the blond locks fall around her shoulders. She placed one hand on her head and one on her hip, deep in thought. He gave me a present? She tried to reconcile with this idea in her mind. First, he’s abominable, then he’s intelligent and brave, and now he’s thoughtful and kind?
Her fingers nudged at the corners of the gift’s wrapping, moving slowly to unwrap the gift. She held her breath, wondering what it could be.
And there it was. A gleaming stack of beautiful crisp white paper, cut and prepared and tied together loosely with a woolen string. A note sat behind the string as well, and Amelia unfolded it to read:
Amelia,
You are the strongest and most beautiful woman I know. You want to read stories about strong female characters? Then, right a story about yourself, and anyone would be honored to read it. I hope this paper will be enough.
Jamie
A tear
dropped onto the letter, causing the ink to smear on one edge. Such warmth and kindness and thoughtfulness had not come from a man in so long. William was kind, for certain, but this, this gift, was so intimate and touching. She knew Charles would not have given such a gift. He’d have filled her arms with gowns and jewels, but not such a simple, beautiful gift.
I have to thank him.
She laid down the gift and wrappings and walked to the vanity. Her hair was down, but she tied it into a braid and straightened out her dress. The only thoughts were to tell this wonderful man how much his gift meant to hear, how much he...she didn’t know what the end of that sentence was, but she kept her mind focused on the task, and took the candle in hand to wander down to the work room again. I hope he’s still there.
Finally, she arrived. A light fluttering of nerves twitched across her chest, as she raised her hand to knock once again.
This time, Jamie came to the door. “Amelia? Is all well?” He opened the door wider and reached out to touch her cheek, tears filling her eyes.
She smiled and placed her hands on his chest. “Yes, yes, all is well.”
“Well, come in.” Jamie reluctantly let go of her and motioned for her to enter in the room.
He went and sat on the desk again, crossing his arms.
Amelia stood strong and said, “I just wanted to thank you for such a beautiful gift. Truly, it was very thoughtful, and I cannot thank you enough.”
She walked over to him, laid her hands on his crossed forearms, and placed a kiss on his cheek. She lingered there for a moment, smelling that hint of peppermint and rosemary, along with a sweet smell of working man.
“I…” she began, but let the word hang in the air on its own.
She breathed quicker, and she caught his gaze as she pulled away from his face. Jamie uncrossed his arms, and drew her into them.
With abandon, he crushed his lips to hers and felt her melt into him, her mouth opening, sweet and ready to taste him once again. She sighed and lifted her arms to his broad shoulders and down his arms, feeling his muscles along the way. Jamie brought his hands up to her face and guided her mouth to deepen the kiss. Then, he pulled away and kissed down her neck and across her chest.
Amelia moaned with pleasure. “You make me ache. Here. I don’t know what it is.” She drew his hand to her abdomen.
Breathless, Jamie replied. “Aye, lass I can help ye with that. I can make the ache go away and make ye moan even more. Are ye sure it’s not wine mixing yer words? Do ye want this?”
She stared into his eyes and nodded. Jamie’s whole body tingled as he grabbed her to him again to slant his mouth across hers. He beckoned her to explore him with her tongue, and she responded with fervor. He never wanted to stop kissing this woman. It was like breathing.
Jamie turned Amelia around and lifted her at the waist to sit on his desk. They broke the kiss for a moment as Amelia lifted her skirts up to free her legs. Then, she wrapped her legs around Jamie’s buttocks and yanked his head down to hers again, where she kissed him hungrily, deeply, toying with his tongue as she explored his mouth. Then, Jamie pulled at the trappings of her dress to free one smooth shoulder. He put his mouth to it, as Amelia put her head back, eyes closed. Then, he kissed the tops of each perfect breast, and slid a hand up a pale thigh.
It was a long tantalizing journey, but he took his time, and Amelia felt the core of her throbbing, and she hoped finally, he could sate this need. He rubbed a rough hand along the smoothness of her inner thigh, and yanked down the undergarments to reach her sweet bed of curls.
Amelia had been clinging to Jamie’s muscled biceps, feeling the muscles move and tighten as he held her and moved his hand to the center of the ache. And then, he found it. Amelia groaned with pleasure as Jamie captured her mouth with his. Jamie used his thumb to roll over her nub, feeling her wetness on him. He rubbed and moved, and Amelia’s moans became louder and more frequent. She pulled away and said, “I want to touch you.”
“Not yet, lass. Ye take yer pleasure first.”
“There’s more?” Her eyes open, and her cheeks flushed.
Jamie could have hugged her for her innocence. “Aye, so much more.”
And he continued to rub, and then slowly slid a finger inside. Amelia laid back on the desk, her braid having come undone and her blond locks laid around her like a halo. Her eyes were closed, and her lips parted. She arched her back to grind against Jamie’s hand. The pressure was building, and she felt as though she was on the edge of a waterfall, ready to plunge into the unknown. Jamie kept sliding a finger in and out of her, and Amelia’s moans grew in intensity. And then, she arched her back once more, and trembled, letting out a final cry of ecstasy as she allowed herself to flow off of the waterfall and fall down, down, spiraling into the waters of pleasure.
Jamie removed his hand, and lifted Amelia up, a contented smile on her well-kissed lips. Her eyes were half-closed, and she asked. “‘Tis worth writing a whole novel about.” And she giggled to herself, so sated from their wicked deed.
“Will you let me see you now?” She had felt a long hardness but had never seen a shaft before.
“Aye, but I’m afraid I willnae last very long, not after seeing ye come tae yer pleasure.”
“Is that attractive?” Amelia asked innocently as she toyed with the ties on his breeches.
He swallowed, his face looking slightly pained, and said, “More than ye know, lass.”
With Jamie’s help, Amelia freed his cock from its prison, and its size made her gasp. She reached out to grab it, her soft fingers clutching the silky skin.
“Ye move up and down, lass.”
“Like this?” Jamie groaned in response. “Aye.”
And Amelia rubbed and pulled, savoring the feel of his smooth man flesh, so hard and sturdy in her hand. He leaned over her, hands on either side of her on the desk as she continued her rhythm, steadily growing in speed. And then, she felt his cock stiffen and thicken and then his seed began to pour out, Jamie growling into her neck, shaking, and then exhaling deeply.
Chapter Thirteen
They embraced, breathing heavily for a few moments before Jamie said, “Sorry, lass, I’ll clean that up for ye.” And he tied up his trews and went to grab the pitcher on a side table and wetted a cloth to come wipe the table and her dress.
“Oh, ‘tis nothing. Jamie?”
He looked up at her, and she was smiling. “That was the most wonderful thing I’ve ever experienced.” She sighed contentedly. “How did you know that is what I needed, to make the ache go away?”
Jamie cleared his throat uncomfortably, and rubbed his hand on the back of his neck. “‘Tis normal for a young man tae have a few experiences now and then.” He didn’t make eye contact.
“Ah, I see.” He looked up to see her face, not angry, but thoughtful. “Seeing as you’ve had experience, did I do it right?”
He laughed at her slightly furrowed brow, and he kissed her lightly on the lips. “Amelia, ye were perfect, so beautiful, so strong. And yes, ye can tell ye did it right as I’ve got tae clean meself up after.” He winked.
He kept cleaning while Amelia whispered, almost to herself. “I suppose I am not virginal anymore, not that it matters much anyway.” He saw her shrug and then adjust her dress before jumping down from the desk.
“Nay, ye still have yer virginity.” She turned in surprise, unknowingly having expressed her inner thoughts aloud.
“I do? But what was that we just did? Was that not a tryst?”
Jamie rubbed his beard and went to sit behind the desk. “Certainly, of sorts. But, that was not the full act. The full act would be...my...uh...tool, pushing inside of you.”
“Really?” Amelia looked fascinated. “I suppose that makes sense, but my father always hid me from such discussions. But...you’re huge. I don’t think that ye’d fit.”
He chuckled and crossed his arms. “Ye’ve unknowingly complimented me lass. But, aye, I would fit. ‘Tis a natural act.” His eye
s darkened with heat as he stared at her fascinated face.
She giggled. “Well, I suppose I need to go to my chamber. Lady Fiona will be wondering why I have dark circles under my eyes if I do not get any sleep.” Jamie tried not to let his disappointment show. She smiled and walked to the door.
Jamie stood to say goodbye, and she turned once in front of the door. “Thank you so much for the beautiful gift, Jamie. I’ll get started on that story.”
He walked over to her and before she could say anything else, he placed his lips on hers, a gentle parting kiss, like two whose urgent passions have been wonderfully sated. “Good night, lass. And yer welcome.”
Amelia stood back, the little furrow in her brow returned. “Good night.” And she dazedly left the room.
Capturing The Highlander's Heart (Lasses 0f The Kinnaird Castle Book 1) Page 10
