Enticed by the Highlander: The Moriag Series

by Hildie McQueen

  Mimicking what he’d seen his brother do, he invited several of the townsfolk for an evening meal.

  At sundown, the great room bustled with activity. Several townsfolk were in attendance. Long, wooden tables hosted two families and another was filled with men from surrounding lands. At the fourth table, Declan ate with his men. He wasn’t ready to sit at the high board alone with, perhaps, only Ian for company. It seemed pretentious to him.

  Dugan reported to have found rich farmlands and groves of fruit trees on his trek that day. Well pleased by also having found a farmer with four pretty daughters, the guards asked Declan to invite the family to dinner. Declan agreed, as he’d ride out to the lands himself in a few days.

  He’d yet to see the surrounding area to the south. Planned to do so the next morning. Hopefully sneak off early before Ian awoke and get away alone.

  A piper played lively music and Declan watched as the people clapped. The conversations became animated as the maids served mead and ensured his guests were well served.

  This was to be his home, his people. A sense of pride and purpose like he’d never felt filled him.

  On occasion, his mind wandered to the woman in town. Meredith Stuart. What had brought her to kiss him? Would her brother come to him demanding explanations? He’d have to wait and see. It would be interesting to see if she’d come as well.

  Certainly would be good to see the beautiful woman again.

  Although the circumstances could prove to be even more awkward than their first meeting.

  Chapter Four

  Meredith stalked from one end of her chamber to the other. What had she done? Foolish and impulsive as usual, she’d once again acted before thinking through the consequences of her actions.

  Truth be told, she didn’t want to marry anyone. Now, somehow she had to convince her brother to not take the matter of what happened in town to the new laird.

  The dark-haired man was fine-looking, but without any knowledge of as much as his name, she could not be sure if he was a gentleman or not. What if he had a price on his handsome head? He could be wanted for killing or treason.

  She took in the familiar space. If only women were granted the freedom to do as they wished. A small cottage by the loch is where she’d live. She’d pass the days peacefully, harvesting herbs for healing and cooking meals for the elderly of the village.

  The handsome stranger’s face formulated in her mind and Meredith decided she would also take a lover in her cottage by the loch. A handsome man, like the stranger, who would bring her flowers and baubles.

  Lily’s entrance dragged her from her daydreams. “Milady. You are lucky your brother is not home, but away for two days.”

  She wondered where Aiden had gone. He’d not mentioned anything about a trip that morning before she’d left for the village. “Where did he go?”

  “Carob says to visit the Campbell. They sent a messenger to fetch him.”

  “Interesting.”

  Aiden and the Campbell were on good terms, and even with a large difference in age, often visited and spoke for long spells. Yet she wondered at the message. Was the Campbell ill or had something unexpected happened?

  Lily brought one of her dresses out of the wardrobe and shook the folds with gusto before placing it over a chair for the next day. “Would you like me to bring you something to eat, milady?”

  Often when Aiden was gone, she ate in her room. The only female in a house full of men, she liked to allow them time to speak freely without having to measure what they spoke of. Already the noise of the conversation was so noisy she could hear the loud guffaws in her chamber. “Perhaps just bread and cheese, I am not very hungry.”

  “I will bring ye a proper dinner.” Lily gave her a stern look. “Ye had only a piece of bread at the inn. It’s a wonder ye almost fainted.” The maid hid a smile behind her hand.

  “Eat with me, Lily, then.” Meredith smiled back. “I was foolish today. Should listen to you more often.”

  With a bob of her head, Lily left and Meredith moved to the window. What was the stranger’s name? What would happen if he were brought before the laird? Everyone would know the folly of her ways and she’d be humiliated and the gossip of the town. Aiden would surely not want his first meeting with the new laird to be about his impetuous sister.

  Her stomach flipped. “I won’t marry anyone. I’ll run away and ask the new laird for asylum before I do.” She could offer her services as maid or seamstress, or…she let out a huff. Depressing how limited her options were.

  Mind awhirl, she began the task of letting her hair down to enjoy a relaxing evening in her chamber. She’d worry about everything else the next day.

  Bam. Bam. Bam.

  Meredith jerked awake as her brother stepped through the doorway. His dark expression made her sit up and move back against the headboard. “Aiden, what happens?”

  “What happens? Did you just ask me what happens? I am the one who wants to ask that question of you, sister.”

  Obviously the guards wasted no time in relaying what occurred the day before to Aiden. “I was sleeping until you walked in. You frightened me. Where were you? I was told you were to be gone two days at Clan Campbell.”

  “Your attempt to distract me will not work. I was told you stole away with a stranger in town yesterday. Were kissing him. Explain this to me.”

  Although her brother had been her guardian only five years and was that many years older, his anger alarmed her. It became impossible to swallow past her dry throat. “I-I do have an explanation, but you have to calm. You are scaring me.”

  A glower was the only response but her brother moved to the fireplace and leaned against the wall. Not quite calm, but less threatening. “Is there a reason for your actions other than to ruin your reputation?”

  “I was…am distraught at the thought of being matched to marry again. Is it too much to ask that I at least be given a choice? I acted without thought. Only I can be blamed for kissing the man without him expecting it. Aiden, I need more time.”

  It gave her comfort that Aiden seemed to ponder her words. In the years since their father died, he’d changed from a relaxed demeanor to a darker, easy to anger, and hard man. Meredith studied his profile and wondered at the burdens her brother carried that he didn’t speak of.

  His two-toned gaze took her in. “The death of your new husband has affected you, I understand. However, I must find you a good home, ensure you are protected and cared for by a good husband. Who is this man you kissed with? Is he someone of good standing?”

  “I don’t want to cause you more to worry about, Aiden. I am sorry.” Meredith avoided answering, not wanting to admit she had no idea who the dark-haired stranger was. “I will accept whatever you decide is best. But I don’t understand why I can’t remain here with you. It’s what I wish above all else.”

  His face softened, he moved closer and cupped her face with one hand. “You can remain here, sister. But I will marry one day and whoever my wife is will oversee the household. I know this will cause conflict. You are not one to give control over easily. Besides, you are a beautiful woman who deserves a home and family of your own.”

  His words brought tears to her eyes. Aiden knew her well and understood her thoughts of such things. Yes, what she’d always dreamed of was a good husband and many children. A family and home to take care of.

  “I will go to Laird Gordon and investigate his plans as far as marriage. If he is willing, I will propose a match. You cannot do better in this region.”

  It was hard to bite back a retort. All she could do was pray the Gordon was not willing. “Aye, brother, I love you.”

  “And I, you.” Her brother kissed her cheek and left the room.

  Fast as she could, Meredith pulled on a simple frock and grabbed her shawl. Before Lily came, she’d sneak food from the kitchen and escape outdoors. If her days of freedom were numbered, she’d make the best of them.

  Soon she rode past the edge of the Stuart
lands, toward a clearing where she planned to spend the day writing poetry, laying in the sun, and allowing nature to release her from the worry of a possible match to the awful, lust-filled Gordon.

  Declan rode hard and fast. He relished the feel of the wind and the freedom that came from running his horse. The sun was warm upon his back, the cooler breeze on his face. A smile curved his lips as he saw a flock of birds lift from their hiding place and soar to the blue sky.

  His steed, fast as the wind, lunged forward seeming to enjoy this time as much as he did. The bunching of the strong muscles flexed under Declan’s body.

  Upon reaching the nearby loch, Declan brought the horse to the shore and looked across the calm waters. In the distance he made out another keep. The McNeil’s no doubt. If his life would revolve around judging disputes and assuring his people were taken care of, he would make time to get to know both the Campbells and the McNeils. It was best when any argument happened between townships to have a feel for how the other lairds would respond.

  The horse drank its fill of water and moved to graze on nearby tall grass. Once he was assured the horse was hobbled properly, Declan kneeled at the water’s edge and splashed water on his own face.

  Out of the corner of his eye, movement caught his attention and he stilled. Lowering, he moved sideways to peer over a fallen tree.

  Next to a large rock stood the lass from the day before. She placed a basket on the ground, pulled out a blanket and laid it on the grass. Next she removed her dress, followed by her chemise and stockings and walked fully naked to the water’s edge.

  A more beautiful sight he’d never seen. Creamy skin over her lush curves called for a touch. Her large breasts fell softly upon her chest, the rosy peaks taut from the cool wind.

  Her hair fell to mid-back, just about to the roundness of her backside.

  Mesmerized, he moved closer, while careful not to make a sound. She sang a sweet song, her voice light and airy as she washed up. When she dove under the water, he moved to stand nearby ensuring to be hidden by a tangle of leaves and vines.

  She’d pick a good location; several trees grew sideways, their long branches creating a canopy over the water.

  With barely a splash, the bathing beauty emerged and turned onto her back, floating on the surface, her pert breasts above the water. His cock stirred to life and he reached down to press his palm against it. If the lass were indeed senseless, she was beautiful madness. She turned onto her stomach and dove under once again, her round buttocks disappearing too quickly.

  The surface stilled and he wondered where she’d gone. He took a step forward just as she surfaced.

  A branch snapped beneath his foot and she yelped and began flaying in the water. Sputtering, she sunk down until only her head remained above it. “Who goes there?”

  Declan stepped from behind the tree feeling a bit foolish at being caught. “I was out for a ride and overheard you. It seems we both seek the beauty of the outdoors today.”

  “Oh.” Her mouth open, she stared at him wide-eyed. “You are the man from the square.” She looked to where her clothing lay on the rock. “Why are you here? This is my brother’s land.”

  The edge perhaps, but he doubted it. “Who is your brother?”

  “Aiden Stuart. We are the small clan who lives on the southern edge of the Gordon lands.”

  “My friend, the Gordon, assures me his lands run to the hills there.” Declan pointed to the nearby higher ground. “Most of the loch’s edge is part of it.”

  She looked from him to the hills and remained quiet. He noticed her teeth were chattering. “Aye, perhaps you are correct. But it’s very close to my brother’s home. I am sure the Gordon would not mind.”

  Declan picked up the blanket. “True, I believe he would not. Allow me to assist you, milady.”

  “You may put it down and turn away.” She lifted her chin. “I will not prance before you bereft of clothing.”

  “May I remind you we may be forced to marry if your brother brings me before the Gordon?” Declan found he enjoyed bantering with her.

  “Look away.” Her eyes locked on his until he looked past her. She swam forward and walked toward him. Declan was hard-pressed to maintain his gaze away from her. When she stopped just a yard before him, he lost the battle.

  Long, red ringlets cascaded past her shoulders, several falling across her breasts. Centered on the mounds of creamy flesh were berry colored, erect nipples. Her body curved inward to a small waist, flaring to rounded hips and on past to long, well-formed legs.

  The smattering of hair atop her sex was also reddish. He fought to breathe at the thought of burying his mouth there.

  “I’m cold.” Her words jarred him back to reality. Her face was flushed at his scrutiny, but she didn’t move away.

  He embraced her, covering her with the blanket and pulled the shivering woman against him. Her hair smelled of water and flowers. The soft curves against him sent burning trails of desire throughout his body.

  “I will warm you, lass.” He ran his hands over her covered form. “Relax against me. That’s it.” Of their own accord, his eyes closed.

  Slowly, her shivers subsided but he wasn’t ready to allow her free of his embrace. She looked up to him, her green gaze traveling from his eyes to his mouth. “I am unsure why, but I feel so much when with you. Never before has a man affected me so.”

  He took her mouth and once again was astonished at her eagerness. She kissed him in return, her lips pressing hard to his. “Slow down, lass.” He saw to it that she held up the blanket and took her face with both hands. “Now, soften your lips and allow me to kiss you. When you respond, do so without trying.”

  “I don’t understand…” he pressed soft kisses to each corner of her mouth and then slowly drew in her bottom lip. When she inhaled sharply, he slid his tongue into her mouth and toyed with hers. She responded by suckling at it. One hand holding the blanket in place, she wrapped the other around his neck and pressed her body against his.

  Her response brought his body to life, desire filled him and his length hardened, demanding release against the barrier of clothing.

  “Mmmm,” the lass let out a soft sigh when he pulled back. Her eyes opened slowly and she regarded him. “I have never felt so. I don’t know how to explain it.”

  “Are you unspoiled, lass?” He knew she’d been married to the older man for a few days, but they may not have consummated the marriage. If she were a virgin, he’d not proceed further. Although he’d bedded many women, he’d never deflowered one.

  “Nay. I lay with my husband of three days. He died soon after.” Bottom lip between her teeth she blushed. “I shouldn’t share such things with you. But yet, you are correct. We do not know what will happen once my brother brings you before the laird. Still, I will not join with you. I will only do so with my future husband.” Her gaze on his lips belied her words.

  “What will you do if the laird and your brother force us to marry?” Declan asked.

  “I will run away. I will only marry a man of my own choosing and who, in turn, chooses me, not one who is forced to marry me.” She jutted her chin out and he found it adorable.

  “Is that so?”

  “Aye. First I will beg the laird to take me on as a maid. I can cook and know herbage well.”

  “What if I want to marry you? Would you marry a man with no title, with only a small home and parcel of land to claim?”

  Her face softened and the moist lips curved. “As long as I chose to. Aye, I would.”

  He lowered to take her mouth with his. She gasped and grabbed his shoulders. Not sure if she planned to push away or pull him closer, Declan suckled at her lips, taking her with great care, not wishing to scare her. It was obvious from her clumsy attempts to kiss him earlier she’d not been kissed well before. He pulled back and waited for her to open her eyes. It was hard not to chuckle when she opened her eyes and studied him. “You are beautiful.”

  A blush crept across her f
ace. “Do not lie to me. Allow this moment between us to happen without ruin.”

  He wondered why she was so willing to allow his kisses, but at the same time, it was nothing new for a woman to seduce him or allow him to.

  She held on to his shoulders and her blanket began to slip. He trailed kisses from her jawline down to the apex of her neck and shoulders and teased her there with the tip of his tongue. Her sharp inhalation a sure sign she enjoyed it. He lifted one of her breasts free of the blanket and took the pert tip into his mouth.

  “Oh,” she exclaimed and ran her fingers through his hair. “I fear I will fall.”

  “I won’t allow you to.” Declan teased the now hard tip with his tongue and fondled the other beauty with his other hand.

  “Relax into me, lass.”

  “I cannot stand this. I feel as if I’m about to break to pieces.” Her breathless words made his already hardened member throb with need. “I have never felt such stirrings.”

  He slid his hand under the blanket which she held up with one hand and slid his fingers through the center of her sex. The lass trembled and grabbed his shoulders with both hands, not seeming to notice the blanket had fallen to the ground and pooled around their feet. Declan circled the swollen nub of her center with his finger until she began to shake.

  When she opened her mouth to cry out, he covered it with his own. No need to bring the attention of anyone that may be out looking for him.

  Slowly, he lowered her to the blanket and lay next to her. His hand between her legs, he prodded them a bit apart, then slid a finger into her sex.

  “I’m going to make you feel good things today, lass, but will not take you fully. You are not mine as yet.”

  Her head moved from side to side when he strummed her center while moving his fingers in and out of her wet tightness. “Oh. Oh. Oh,” she repeated over and over.

  Declan covered the breast closest to him with his mouth and lapped at it, taking pleasure in watching her come undone at his ministrations. Finally, she cried out and trembled all over, her legs stretching, toes pointing.