Highlander's Claim

by Hildie McQueen

  With careful steps, Claire inched toward the water's edge where she'd seen Lachlan go earlier. The excuse of having to relieve herself worked on Maggie who was already groggy with sleep.

  The site of him fully nude, lying on the soft grass looking up at the stars, took her breath. The moonlight shone on the muscular yet lean body, definitely built for speed in battle. He was also built for war. A soft grunt escaped his lips and his hand slid down from his flat stomach to between his legs.

  Fingers wrapped around his cock and he began to slide them up and down the shaft, his movements precise. Breathing hitched, the other hand began to caress his chest. Each pant sent a call to her and she inched closer, no longer caring if he knew she watched.

  Sweat glistened on his brow and his hand began to move faster until a drop of moisture appeared on the tip sliding out from his fist.

  Lachlan must have heard her because his face jerked to her and he squeezed his eyes shut. Groaning, he flattened his cock against the smooth stomach.

  Claire went to him and laid her palm his chest. The skin trembled under her fingers.

  Lachlan's jaw visibly clenched. "If you don't leave now, we'll both regret it."

  "I don't wish to go." She slid her hand down his chest, fingers tracing a lazy pattern down to his fluttering stomach to cover his hand. "You desire me, don't you?"

  "Aye." He gritted out the words and arched to her touch.

  "I yearn for you, as well."

  "We are damned then." Heated eyes locked with hers and she found herself helpless to look away. "Kiss me, Claire."

  Not willing to stop touching him, she skimmed her hands up his large body until cupping his face.

  The light of the moon was enough to look into his eyes and in that moment she knew. They were meant to be, the reason didn't matter, the consequences even less. He was hers and she'd stop at nothing to attain and keep him.

  When their lips met, he pulled her against him with a hungry urgency and held her tightly against his hard body.

  Lachlan's mouth was warm, soft...hungry. His tongue pushed into her mouth and began to take more from her. Claire moaned and pressed harder into his solid form.

  She yanked at her night shift and he lifted it up and over her upstretched arms. It was quickly discarded in the want to feel skin against skin. Lachlan drew Claire over him. Calloused hands glided down her back and cupped her bottom. He slid the tantalizing hardness between her legs at the same time his hot breathing brushed her neck. It was the most intoxicating mixture of sensations and Claire had to dig her fingers into his shoulders to remain grounded.

  "Take me, I cannot wait," Claire begged while raking her nails down arms. "Now, please."

  He reached between them and guided himself to her center. With a swift thrust he entered her and both moaned in unison. He waited for her to adjust to his size and didn't move until she relaxed. Claire took his mouth once again when he began to move. With a steady pace, Lachlan's hips lifted and fell, his length sliding within her.

  Tension eased from his face, his mouth parted and eyes half closed. Drunk from watching him and by the friction of his movements, Claire kept her hands on his chest moving in conjunction with his thrusts. The stirrings in her body merged with sounds of their lovemaking taking her to heights she'd never experienced.

  Lachlan rolled Claire to her back and held himself up on his elbows while continuing to drive into her. "Come with me, Claire," his words sunk through the haze that swirled over her. His finger found its way to the folds between her legs and began to rub over the most sensitive part sending delicious pulses of indescribable sensations. Claire shattered and thrashed beneath him, losing complete control.

  He covered her mouth with his, taking her cry as he plunged into her fast and hard until he too trembled with his release.

  Chapter Five

  Her view from the back of the wagon was limited and it annoyed her to no end. Whenever Lachlan rode past it, she could not see or know what he did. Claire spent every minute he was within eyesight searching his face for a sign of what he thought.

  Claire wasn't sure what to do about her failed plan. She'd hoped once seducing Lachlan, he would then inform Ian about her actions and they'd return her to McLean lands breaking the agreement between the clans. But now it was what she feared.

  Even if married to the laird, she would rather remain with the McDougall clan and have the opportunity to see Lachlan on occasion. For she had never felt so aware of someone, so tied to a man until him.

  The worst thing she'd accomplished in all of this was to learn the one man she desired more than anything could never be hers. It was easy to see what he felt this day. Unlike her, he was sorry for what happened between them. He kept his distance from her. They'd barely spoken at all since their night together.

  Guilt hung over him like a heavy cape. Of course. He was a man of honor and did not take the matter of betraying his own brother, and so to be laird, lightly. She on the other hand was glad it happened. At least now she knew what passion felt like. She now knew for certain it did exist.

  From the corner of her eye she caught him looking at her. She turned to face him and smiled. His lips curved just a bit before they straightened and he frowned.

  "My lady needs to rest. Can we stop for a bit?" Her maid spoke to Lachlan, the woman not at all intimidated by the warrior.

  "Aye." He urged the horse forward and disappeared from her view.

  Claire studied her maid. "Why did you ask for us to stop now? We will be setting up camp in a few hours. The sun will be setting soon."

  Maggie gave her a knowing soft smile. "Ye must speak to McDougall in private. Make one last attempt to keep from marrying his brother."

  Something fluttered in her chest at how obvious her feelings were. "It won't do any good, Maggie. He will not bring dishonor to his clan."

  "Just the same. Try my lady. It is obvious what transpires between the both of you. It's a rare thing to see it." Maggie sighed and wrapped her arms around her slender waist. "It is what Seamus and I have."

  The farmer who tended the clan's harvest, Seamus O'Malley, traveled with them to live with the McDougalls since Maggie would go with Claire. He was a good man, always whistling while tending to his chores.

  "Seamus is a charmer." Claire smiled at seeing Maggie blush. "I could only wish for what you have."

  "That is why you must fight for your love, milady."

  They stopped near a stream in an enchanting clearing that beckoned a wanderer to stop and rest. Claire walked from the wagon and looked over her shoulder toward Lachlan, who watched her with interest.

  She didn't acknowledge him, but instead kept walking until she reached the edge of the water away from where the rest of the men were watering their mounts and splashing water on their faces.

  The water was fresh and cool when she dipped her hands into it. With hands cupped, she lifted some and drank. From her sleeve she pulled a smaller cloth and dipped it into the water, then ran it over her face and neck.

  "Are you feeling ill?" Lachlan's voice startled her and she dropped her cloth into the water.

  He bent to retrieve it and handed it to her, his eyes studying her face.

  "No, just tired of being in the cramped wagon. I needed to stretch my legs, but honestly, we didn't have to stop. Maggie was worried about me."

  He nodded. "We should have stopped earlier. I forget women are not used to long hours of traveling." Lachlan cupped her face, lifting it up. "I am not sure what will happen when we reach my home."

  "I do not wish to marry your brother." She mirrored him by cupping his jaw. "Can't I marry you instead?"

  Lachlan's eyes widened. "You wish to marry me?"

  "To my surprise, I find you agreeable. I want to be with you again and again. I cannot stop thinking about it."

  His lips parted and he let out a breath. She almost smiled when he looked around as if to find a private place. "I do not know what to do to be honest with you, Claire."
r />   "Come." She took his hand and pulled him away from the others to behind some trees. "Take me and know I am only yours."

  Lachlan wasted no time loosening his breeches. He hoisted her up against a tree while somehow managing to reach under her skirts to move them out of the way.

  Claire held to his broad shoulders already wet with want. Her breathing hitched when the head of his cock pushed against her entrance. His hungry mouth took hers and at the same time he thrust his entire length in.

  "Oh!" Claire closed her eyes and allowed the wondrous friction to consume her. Heavenly was the only description she could think at the sounds of Lachlan's quiet moans while he moved in and out of her.

  "Come with me, beauty." His words were deep and husky as he sped his movements. "Ahhhh!"

  She trembled while grabbing his face and bringing his mouth to hers.

  Too soon he withdrew and helped her to her feet. Lachlan's face was devoid of emotion while he adjusted his clothing.

  Fear that he'd not fight for them seized Claire and she grabbed his arm. "What are you thinking? Are you sorry about what is happening between us?"

  His worry-filled eyes met hers. "No, I am not sorry. Give me time to think on this." He kissed her and motioned for her to return to the rest of the party before him.

  With her head high, not daring to meet anyone's gaze, Claire hurried to the wagon. It was doubtful the warriors did not discern what happened between them.

  Chapter Six

  Lachlan looked away from Claire's questioning gaze. He'd avoided her, not sharing more than a few words with her the rest of the day. Preoccupied with thoughts that flew between facing his brother upon their return, and wanting to have the bewitching woman again, he'd not been able to form a single coherent plan.

  Riding next to him, Rowan McDougall took a swig from his wine skin and held it out to him. "Look to be needing something stronger than water, cousin."

  He knew. Lachlan was not surprised. One of the reasons Rowan was so successful at battle was his ability to see beyond the obvious. He reached for the skin and took a drink, the sour liquid coating his throat.

  His cousin's piercing gaze met his for a moment. "Are ye going to tell Ian?"

  "Aye. I would never lie to my brother."

  "Good." A man of few words, the man reverted back to silence. Which was not what Lachlan needed at the moment.

  He took another swallow and handed the skin back. "I'll offer to marry the lass. We will keep our bargain with the McLean."

  His cousin replied with a noncommittal shrug.

  "Rowan?"

  The large male's lips curved. "Quite a sacrifice you be makin'. The lass is comely is she not?"

  With a chuckle Lachlan nodded. "She is." The lightness of the moment left immediately when the guilt at betraying his brother hit him with a cold fist.

  Rowan turned his steed and brought his horse to a trot motioning for him to follow. Lachlan signaled the other two to keep moving with the wagon and followed the male into the forest. His cousin dismounted and waited for him to near. Not sure what to expect, Lachlan closed the distance between them.

  The hit came so hard and unexpected that Lachlan did not know it happened until he lay on his back and stared up at the treetops. His jaw pulsed in pain and he reached up and cupped it. "What the devil are you doing?"

  "For betraying our future laird." Rowan placed his fists on his hips and nodded. "There, that should cure ye of any self-reproach."

  His cousin then extended his hand and helped Lachlan to his feet. This time Lachlan kept his fists up in case Rowan swung again. He didn't. Instead Rowan walked to the horse and took the skin back out and took a drink. Taller and broader than him, the normally silent man studied him, the grey gaze unnerving. "Don't back down, Lachlan. I've seen the way you look at each other. It's uncommon to have that."

  He mounted his horse and guided it back towards the others. "Come now, we can't let our guard down, we near Campbell lands."

  Lachlan watched the horseman make his way through the trees. The pain he'd seen in Rowan's eyes told more than the words. He wondered who'd broken his cousin's heart.

  The weary travelers arrived at a village inn. With another day’s ride before they would reach the McDougall keep, they stopped to allow Claire to rest and bathe before arriving at their final destination.

  The innkeeper ensured they filled their stomachs and provided them with excellent ale. Glad for a soft bed to lie in, Lachlan made his way up the stairs after a hearty meal of mutton and potatoes.

  He stopped at Claire's doorway and knocked. Her servant cracked the door and peered up at him. "Lady Claire is bathing, Laird."

  "Tell her I wish to speak to her. I am next door." After Maggie nodded, he left and went to his chamber.

  Nerves tangled in his stomach with the ale and mutton and Lachlan huffed in disgust at the adolescent display. Tomorrow he'd face not only Ian, but also his father.

  He'd take full responsibility and admit to what happened between him and Claire. And he'd accept whatever consequences they threw at him without complaint. Once that was done, he hoped to convince them to allow him to marry Claire in Ian's stead.

  What if his request was denied? Could he stand to see her married to Ian? Nay, he'd never allow it. But first he'd speak with Claire about it. No bedding, no touching with her. He would just speak.

  The knock on the door announced Claire's arrival. He opened it and once again his stomach pitched.

  She threw herself on him before the door was fully open. Her plush lips offered up to him, soft curves pressed close. "I've missed you, Lachlan."

  Her breathless confession stole all of his resolve. The offered prize sealed it away.

  With a moan of relief he took her mouth pleased at her similar response. Her hands slid up his arms and wrapped around his neck leaving her body open for him to explore.

  And discover, he did. The plump orbs of her breasts overfilled his palms, with gentle squeezes and circling of her tips with his thumbs, he brought her to tremble.

  "Take your clothes off for me, Claire," he asked, the words hoarse with want. "I need you."

  "You first," came the coy reply.

  Although reluctant to release her, Lachlan pushed away from her and began to untie the ties of his tunic, before lifting it up over his head. His eyes locked on hers, his hands went to the breeches next.

  Nothing short of death could pull Claire's eyes from the feast of flesh before her. Lachlan's skin already glistened with perspiration brought from their kiss. His hand trembled slightly as he made quick work at the fastenings at his waist. He pushed the clothes away.

  Heat...no, fire in the gaze that met hers, his hand sliding down his stomach to between his legs. A sharp inhale lifted his sculpted chest when he took the jutting length in hand. "’Tis obvious how much I hunger for you, lass." He released it and lifted his eyes to hers. "Now you."

  Her mouth went dry in anticipation, as she loosened the stays at her waist and pushed the dress from her shoulders. Lachlan lowered to sit on the bed not taking his eyes from her. He looked at her as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world and she felt as such at his reaction when she removed her shift.

  Lachlan's breath hitched, and lips parted while his eyes roamed her body.

  She moved to stand between his legs, and his hands encircled her waist. Her back arched when his mouth met with her skin, kissing a path from one hip across to the other.

  His fingers moved between her legs slipping into her already wet core and she bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out. Tremors coursed down her legs when he began to lick a path down to meet his hand. He stopped and looked up to her. "I am going to lay back, come up on your knees until you are directly over my face."

  Once on his back, Lachlan guided her until she was positioned where he wanted. Hands on her hips, he held her in place while his mouth feasted on her. The sounds of his suckling soon disappeared as every one of her senses peeked and exploded. S
he fell over onto the bed, her sex completely on his mouth and still he continued until bringing a second wave of release.

  Mewling sounds seeped and she recognized the voice as hers. Without her realizing it, he'd flipped her onto her back; Lachlan climbed over her and took her mouth. Frantic to join with him, she grabbed his bottom. Digging her fingernails into the taut firm muscle, she pulled him closer wrapping her legs around his slender hips at the same time.

  More than ready for him, she was completed soaked in want and this time she didn't need time to adjust to his girth. He plunged into her with wild abandon and she urged him to continue. "More...More! Yes."

  She slid her hands up his back and began to relax into the motion of his lovemaking, the continuous rhythm of the sliding of his cock inside her. His panting and the wetness of their bodies melding into a delicious experience.

  Lachlan slid his hands under her and lifted her hips off the bed. "Place your legs over my shoulders."

  She held onto the headboard rails and did as he asked. The reward was his cock deeper within her. The cords of his neck strained as he continued to drive, Lachlan's movements picking up the tempo. They locked gazes and Claire watched the captivating features tense and eyes glaze over as his heated seed spilled.

  The moist skin of his back felt wonderful under her palms when she massaged it. "Lachlan, we are going to marry upon arrival at McDougall keep."

  To his credit, he barely tensed and when his eyes met hers, his thoughts were well hidden.

  Within moments, she was beside him and coverings lay over her. One arm around her, the other under his head, Lachlan frowned at the ceiling.