by Mary Morgan
“Just a traveler,” he stated rubbing a hand over his brow.
“In the woods?” Meggie could tell by his clothing, which had seen better days, and other belongings that the man probably had no home.
He waved his hand over him. “The forest can provide all I require.” Glancing at her basket, he plucked a mushroom out, tossing it away. “Poisonous one.”
“Goodness, I’m always so careful. Thank ye,” she mumbled. “The forest can be a cold and wet place, especially this time of year.”
The man gathered his cloak and satchel. Reaching around the tree, he brought forth a walking cane. “Aye, I ken it well. I am sorry to have disturbed your walk.”
Meggie watched him stride away, and she bit her lower lip. Obviously, the man was in need of a place to stay, food, and a bath. She couldn’t turn him away. Lucas, Scott, and Bruce would surely have words about her new rescue. At least he wasn’t another injured animal.
“Wait,” she shouted. Running after him, she pulled on his arm. “My name is Margaret MacKay. Ye are more than welcome to stay at Castle Aonach. There’s plenty of room.”
His face broke into a lop-sided grin. Patting her hand, he said, “Nae. I would not want to be a burden.”
She started to protest, but he shook his head. “I shall make do with some tree branches and such.”
Her shoulders slumped as he walked away. Tapping her foot in thought, she smiled. “There’s a cottage nearby. It’s vacant and hasn’t been occupied in decades. I believe it was the home of the gamekeeper or gillie. I was told about it some months ago. No one need ken ye are using the place, so feel free to stay as long as ye need be.”
He angled his head to the side as if debating the situation.
“At least let me show ye the place. If it does not suit ye, then leave.”
Leaning on his cane, the man nodded. “I am humbled by your generosity. Show me this cottage.”
“Wonderful,” she exclaimed. “Follow me.”
Taking a path that hadn’t been used in some time, Meggie pushed aside large pine branches. Every so often, she’d glance over her shoulder, making sure the man hadn’t collapsed or tripped. Stepping over a fallen log, she came to a clearing. The cottage looked bleak, especially with one of the windows broken and the roof sorely requiring new thatching.
“’Tis perfect. Quiet,” he said.
“I’m glad ye think so, for it looks a mess. I fear what’s behind the door,” Meggie stated.
“Never fear the darkness. It can bring the light.”
She chuckled. “Aye. Shall we?”
“Lead the way, Mistress MacKay.”
Stepping toward the door, Meggie lifted the mat. Snatching the key, she unlocked the door and flung it open. Musty smells greeted her, and she sneezed. Swiping at the cobwebs overhead, she glanced around the place. Walking over to the lone table, she set the basket down. Wood was stacked in a basket by the hearth, looking as ancient as the place. Dust covered everything.
“I wish ye would reconsider staying at Aonach. At least it’s clean and warm.”
The stranger stood at the entrance, blocking what little light filtered inside. “I prefer the solitude.”
“Then it’s yours. I’ll fetch some food and clean linen. There’s a room to the right and a place to wash. If I recall, the well is in back. Naught has been done to the cottage to make it modern, so I apologize.”
The man came forward. Reaching for her hand, he clasped it between his two. “Thank ye for your kindness.”
Meggie shivered from his touch. “If I were ye, I would get a fire started in the hearth.”
“My thoughts as well,” he said releasing her hand.
She grabbed her basket on her way out. “I’ll return shortly.” Meggie paused at the door. “Do ye have a name?”
He gave a slight bow. “I am called Lachlan.”
Chapter Sixteen
“The lovers walked along the path strewn with crystals, only to realize they had traveled the road to oblivion.”
Adam pushed open the window in his chamber, welcoming the brisk breeze. Glancing up at the late night sky, he rested his arms against the ledge. Sleep never came easy. In the quiet stillness of the night, his body and mind craved another. Working in the lists and training with Conn before daybreak did naught to quench his desire or his concerns. They had become his daily companions.
With each day that passed, Adam feared all would be lost.
“I want all of ye, Meggie. Did I ask too much?” He rubbed a hand over his weary face. “Dear Lord, what if she cannae remember? Are we doomed? Show me a way, I beg ye.”
Each night it was the same request. A plea. Some sign that would show him the way to help her. As always, his prayers were met with silence.
Running his fingers over his wooden cross, he bent his head and let out a sigh. Concern clawed at him, especially when she came running in late for the evening meal. She brushed aside her cousin’s questions and chatted non-stop with Jamie. Walking to the table by the hearth, he picked up the jug wishing it to be that delicious drink she called Irish beer, instead of water.
Growling, he slammed it down on the table and left his chamber, heading toward the kitchen. Maybe a couple bottles would help to calm his racing heart and troubled mind. However, when Adam opened the door, he froze. Sitting by the window, her feet curled under her body, was Meggie—fast asleep. Her head was propped against the wall as if she had been gazing out at the night sky.
Leaning against the wall, he drank in the vision. “If only ye ken how my heart yearns for ye, Meggie—my love is all for ye.”
Walking over to her, his hand shook as he swiped away a curl from her eyes. The mere contact caused her eyes to flutter open, and the look she gave him, pierced his soul.
“Adam,” she whispered. “Is it really ye, or am I dreaming again?”
“Och, my leannan.” Lifting her into his arms, his lips brushed lightly over hers. “’Tis real if ye so wish.” Adam’s heart pounded against his chest, fearing she would nae longer want to be with him.
Meggie wrapped her arms around his neck. “Make love to me Adam. Now. Tonight. I want to feel again.”
His heart shattered at her words, and silently Adam carried her out of the kitchen and up the stairs. “Which is your chamber?” he murmured against her ear.
“The one at the end of the corridor,” she whispered, nibbling on his chin.
When Adam reached her door, he nodded for her to open it while keeping her tucked against him. He did not want to part with her in any way.
Stepping over the threshold, he kicked the door shut. “Bolt it, Meggie,” he ordered.
As soon as he heard the latch click, Adam’s mouth descended over hers, taking her moan deep within his body. He needed Meggie as much as he needed the air to breathe—no longer caring about the future, only this moment.
Lowering her body until her feet touched the floor, his hands roamed across her shoulders, pulling down the flimsy material of her gown to reveal her full breasts. “Ye are a vision, Meggie, and all mine.”
Giving her no time to react, he took her taut dusty pink nipple into his mouth, savoring her sweetness. She gasped as he teased first with his tongue and then his teeth. Cupping her other breast, he lavished the silken globe. He growled when she took her fingers and dug them into his hair, all the while gasping his name. His mouth lingered a bit longer, before his lips seared a path to the other breast, teasing and tormenting her with his mouth. Her taste filled him, and he longed to savor more. Picking her up, he strode over to the window bench.
He gazed into lavender eyes that mirrored his own need. “I want to make love to ye with the moonlight on your body, Meggie.”
She traced a path over his lips with her finger. “Put me down,” she whispered.
Turning around, she moved away. Slipping the gown free from her body, she kicked it away. When she glanced over her shoulder at him, her smile was inviting, sensual, and Adam’s gaze traveled down t
o her shapely bottom.
“By the hounds,” he groaned. Adam’s cock strained to be released from his trews. No longer was this the young maiden from several years ago. Nae, his Meggie had become a woman and she stirred his blood into fire.
He ripped his shirt over his head and in two strides he brought her lush body against his chest. His hands roamed over her soft, ivory skin. Taking one of her legs, he lifted and placed her foot on the bench.
“What are ye doing?” she asked, her voice husky with need.
“Afraid of the pleasure I shall bring ye?” he teased, while tracing a path with his fingers down along the nape of her neck, brushing over one breast.
She trembled under his touch. “Nae. Have your way with me, for I wish to return the pleasure.”
“Meggie, Meggie,” he whispered against her cheek, treasuring the feel of her in his arms. His hand slid down her taut stomach to the swell of her hips and across her thigh, until he felt the nest of soft curls—moist and welcoming. Swiping at her center, he felt the tight nub and circled it lazily with his finger. She shuddered from the intimate contact and leaned fully against his chest.
“Oh…yes. More…dinnae stop,” she moaned, rubbing herself against his hand.
Adam grazed his teeth along her neck. “Slowly, my leannan. I will not rush your pleasure.” Giving her a kiss on her shoulder, he continued giving her pleasure until he knew she was near her peak when he heard her soft gasps and felt her trembling body. He withdrew his finger, exploring a pathway across her thigh.
“Nae,” she protested.
He turned her around and covered her mouth savagely. Adam became dizzy from the delicious sensation of her lips, as their tongues warred for control. She placed her hands over his enlarged cock, and he swelled even more. Fearing he would spill his seed right there, he released her hands and stepped back.
Meggie tugged at his trews. “’Tis obvious ye need some help out of these.”
His smile turned predatory. “They have sharp teeth.”
“So do I,” she responded with a wink.
Adam’s breathing became labored as he watched her tiny hand unfasten the button. Then she slowly placed her hand between the teeth of the trews and his cock and he let out a hiss. He thought he died the moment her soft fingers touched him—the contact igniting a fiery desire. Beads of sweat broke out on his brow as she undid the rest of his trews, freeing him. He watched her place a finger over the top wiping away the moisture. “Meggie,” he groaned, watching as her eyes turned to one of a huntress—devouring him with her look.
Placing her hands along the muscles of his chest, she rubbed up against him. “Take me now. I feel like I’ve waited a lifetime to have ye.”
Stepping free from the material, Adam cupped her bottom and lifted her. Meggie wrapped her legs around his waist and lowered her lips to his—kissing him with reckless abandon. He barely made it to the bench, before he thrust deep within her core, their cries of pleasure echoing within the chamber. He withdrew, watching her eyes go wide, and then he plunged harder into her. Their mingled scent filled him, and he fought to control his release.
Time stilled within the moonlit chamber. When Meggie arched under him, her guttural cry of release slammed into his body—his soul, and he shattered. The blood roared in his ears, as he thrust deeply one last time, emptying himself within her. She was his—no matter if she remembered the past or not.
Blissful silence filled the room.
Meggie could feel his heart thundering against her own. His arms held her so tight she could barely breathe. But she made no protest. From the moment she opened her eyes in the kitchen and found him standing over her, she wanted, nae needed Adam for more than one night. He filled a part of her soul. When they touched, she felt a spark of something familiar, though faint. He spoke of being her lover, but what if there was more?
She cradled his head against her breast, his breath warm against her skin. A tingling sensation caused her body to ache all over again for the man. Taking her hand, she brushed his long hair over his back, stroking his skin.
He lifted his head and Meggie saw sadness in his eyes. “What pains ye?” she asked softly. She never thought to ask if his past was haunted by grief.
Adam cupped her chin. “I never thought to be with ye again, Meggie.”
Her lip trembled. “Ye nae mind that I cannae remember our time? Or that I have been with another?”
Untangling himself, he rose from the bench and lifted Meggie into his arms. Holding her as he gazed out at the night sky, she rested her head on his shoulder. When he didn’t answer, she feared that perchance he did care. Was she the one that brought pain to him? Never would she wish to harm another. Especially Adam.
He let out a long sigh. “Ye have done naught wrong. ’Tis the loom of fate. Our paths are our own, though none of us chose this destiny.”
Meggie’s hand gently fingered the wooden cross around Adam’s neck, and she lifted her head to meet his gaze. “Ye must have faith. The Fates have brought us together once again.”
Wariness shown in his eyes. “I have long forgotten what it means to have faith.”
“Then ye must find a way back. Pray to your God, to the Goddess, or to the Fae. Find your faith, Adam.”
His brow furrowed. “How did ye find your way, if ye could not recall your memories?”
Meggie laughed softly, shrugging. “It was the one link that never left me.” She pointed to her head and heart. “The Fae live within me. My walks in the woods only strengthened my own faith. I am grateful for their love, Adam.”
“Only my bonny Meggie would believe as ye do.” He gave her a small smile, his dark hair falling over his shoulders.
She draped her fingers through the thick mass. “Why do ye keep it so long?” she asked shyly.
“Truth?”
She nodded.
“I have had nae time.”
“Ye must have journeyed for many moons,” she observed. “Would ye like me to use shears and trim it for ye?”
“Aye,” he replied and nuzzled her neck.
As he placed her down, she took his hand and led him to a chair. “Would ye…umm…like your pants?” Seeing his partial erection, Meggie swiftly met his gaze—one of pure hot male.
He leaned forward and grazed his lips across her ear. “Nae. For when ye are finished, I plan on claiming your body again.”
Her skin churned with anticipation. Heat pooled in her stomach, sliding lower. “I’ll return shortly.” Hastily walking away from the sexy naked man, she grabbed her robe from the bathroom, wrapping it around her. Glancing in the mirror, she smiled wickedly at her reflection, flush from their lovemaking. Pulling out the shears and a large comb from a drawer, she then reached for a towel from the closet.
Dashing back into the room, she froze, her heart beating wildly at the scene by the hearth. By the Gods, he reminded her of Angus Og—Celtic God of Love. Her mouth became dry, and she almost dropped everything. He angled his head to the side, his smile melting her insides. As her feet finally moved again, she refused to look any lower than his face. She could have made a bet that he was rock hard again.
Draping the towel around his shoulders, Meggie pulled his hair from beneath the material and straightened it down his back. Leaning forward, she placed a kiss below his ear and heard his low growl. Smiling, she said, “I shall only cut to the shoulders. I enjoy running my fingers through your hair.”
“I have hair in other places as well,” he suggested.
“Later,” she promised. Taking the comb, she patiently removed the glossy tangles. How the man managed not to have more with so much hair was surprising. Picking up the shears, she proceeded to cut Adam’s hair. The only sounds besides snip-snip was their breathing, and the flames snapping in the hearth. When Meggie deemed she had done her best, she laid her items down. Taking the broom, she swept the hair into the fire.
As she turned back around, Adam was standing and her mouth gaped open. His haircut only accent
uated his features. “Ye surely were chiseled from the Gods,” she uttered softly. Such an attraction should be perilous.
He said naught as he clasped her to him. Untying her robe, he placed his hands over her breasts. She gave a cry of pleasure as he pinched her already sensitive nipples. “Don’t ye…wa…want to see what I’ve done to your hair?”
“Nae,” he stated, cupping her around the waist and bringing her against his chest.
Meggie could feel his length against her stomach as his lips moved over hers, teasing, coaxing them open. His tongue sought hers, and she couldn’t tell who growled first. Breaking free, he took her hand and led her to the bed.
Slowly and seductively, his gaze slid downward and back up to her face. Meggie laced her fingers through his rough hands. She trembled craving his touch in her most sensitive areas. Did he know what he did to her? How he made her feel? The man stirred something primal, as if their souls had been fused together centuries ago.
Bringing her onto the bed, his hands roamed over her skin, as he placed lingering kisses along the side of her neck, down to her collarbone, to the valley between her breasts. Her nipples so hard and her breathing shallow—waiting, watching, wanting his mouth to descend over them.
She clenched her thighs, the pleasure building, but he lifted his head and smile wickedly at her.
Taking his hands, he spread her legs apart. “Ye will taste so verra sweet, my Meggie.”
“Ye are going…um…” Meggie couldn’t finish the sentence. Did he truly mean to take his mouth to her most intimate area?
His eyes held a challenge. “If ye let me taste from your sweet nectar down there—” He slid his finger gently between her folds, and she gasped at the sensation. “I will let ye have your way with me.”
Meggie couldn’t breathe, his words igniting a fiery storm of pleasure. All she could manage was to nod her head in agreement.
With a growl, he took his time with lingering kisses around the area. One on her thigh, another near her curls, before blowing lightly. Her body vibrated with a terrible need, and he hadn’t even touched her there, yet.
