A Thistle Beyond Time: Book 2 of The Thistle & Hive Series

by Jennae Vale

  “I have places to go and people to see, sweet cheeks, so I’ll get out of your hair… for now.” Jonathan leaned in and kissed Jenna’s cheek and Cormac lunged at him. Jenna grabbed Cormac before he could make contact with Jonathan.

  “Don’t, Cormac. It’s exactly what he wants.” Jenna stood between the two men who continue to glare menacingly at each other. “Goodbye, Jonathan.”

  Jonathan strutted away, with a cocky look on his face.

  Cormac glanced down at Jenna, his eyes questioning. “Are ye sure ye dinnae still care for him, lass?”

  “God, no! Cormac, I’ve already told you that. I’d say my feelings for him come closer to hate.”

  “Then why do ye not allow me to knock him on his arse? I’ve no doubt he’d stop bothering you if I did,” Cormac assured her.

  “I know him and I know what he’s trying to do. He wants you to punch him. When you do, he’ll have you arrested and then he’ll try to coerce more money out of me, to get the charges dropped. I can’t let that happen to you. I’m going to call my lawyer tomorrow and get a restraining order. Then he’ll have to stay away from me.”

  Cormac appeared confused and she chalked it up to the language barrier. He obviously didn’t understand many of the American terms she used. Jenna put her arms around his waist, very aware of the well-muscled physique under his tuxedo. “Come on,” she coaxed. “Let’s not allow him to spoil our night, okay?”

  “Aye,” Cormac agreed as he hugged her close.

  Jenna shivered and laughed. “I was warm and now I’m cold.”

  Cormac took her hand and they walked back inside to the fairyland atmosphere of the gala.

  ***

  The music and dancing continued long into the night and Jenna seemed to be relaxed and enjoying herself. Cormac was sure to stay close and kept a watchful eye on their surroundings to be sure that Jonathan didn’t appear again. It hurt his pride that he was unable to protect Jenna from the threat that Jonathan presented. A man in his time would have ensured her safety by removing the threat, but in this time, it was apparently frowned upon. So many of the things he had seen since his arrival were perplexing to him, and he had no choice but to accept them. He would do it to keep the peace with Jenna - unless things worsened, of course.

  Cormac stood guard in the hallway outside of the ladies room, when Jenna visited it, waiting for her to reappear. The scowl on his face went a long way towards keeping people at arm’s length.

  “Is everything alright, Cormac?” Jenna’s Aunt Angelina laid a gentle hand on his arm to catch his attention. “You look fit to kill someone,” she teased.

  “Aye. I’d like to, but Jenna will nae allow it,” Cormac answered, tension written all over his face.

  “Why, what’s going on?” Angelina asked.

  “Jenna’s former husband is making her miserable. We had words outside earlier.” He clenched and unclenched his fists in frustration. “I just dinnae ken why Jenna willnae allow me to take care of him. It wouldnae take much to get him to leave her be.”

  “Unfortunately, Cormac, you’d end up in jail.” Angelina fussed with her dress and glanced at the line of women waiting to use the ladies’ room. “She’s lucky to have you to protect her.”

  “She doesnae want my protection, Angelina. She has told me not to interfere and I have honored her request, although it chafes to do so. I can protect her and if he tries to hurt her, he will regret it, but I’m only here for a short while. I must return to my home. I’ve asked Jenna to come with me, but she willnae.”

  “I see. Well, you have only known each other a short time, right? Maybe after she knows you a bit better she’ll change her mind.”

  “I cannae stay, I must go back. Mayhap she’ll change her mind before then. It’s a fine life I can offer her, but she doesnae trust me yet.”

  “Cormac, I can see you’re an honorable man. Jenna deserves that. Especially after what she’s been through with Jonathan, but this might all be happening too quickly for her. When do you have to leave?”

  “I have a few more days here,” he answered.

  “That’s a shame. It would do Jenna good to get away for a while. Maybe you could convince her to go for a short vacation.”

  “Vacation?”

  “Oh, dear, I’m sorry. For rest and relaxation,” Angelina said.

  Cormac continued to look puzzled.

  “Sorry I took so long.” Jenna approached them from the ladies’ room. “I’m always amazed at the wait.”

  Angelina laughed and Cormac nodded, even though he wasn’t sure what the wait was for.

  “‘Tis nothing to apologize for, lass,” Cormac stated.

  “Shall we go back to our table?” Jenna asked.

  “Aye,” Cormac said, as he took her hand. Angelina joined them, following along beside Jenna.

  “Jenna, Cormac told me that Jonathan has been bothering you. Why didn’t you say anything to me about it?” Angelina sounded concerned.

  “It’s no big deal, really. I’m going to call Bill tomorrow and get a restraining order. He’ll have to stay away from me then. Besides, he doesn’t scare me. He thinks he’s intimidating, but he’s actually just very annoying.” Jenna rolled her eyes and snickered.

  “I ken ye dinnae believe he’ll hurt you, lass, but I’m nae so sure. I’d feel better if ye’d let me threaten him with bodily harm if he doesnae stay away from ye,” Cormac said.

  “Cormac, stop being such a caveman!” Jenna exclaimed.

  “He just wants to help, Jenna,” Angelina said.

  “Aye, lass. Ye ken that dinnae ye?” Cormac asked, not wanting to upset her.

  “I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. You’re not being a caveman. You’re just being kind and I appreciate that, but you needn’t worry. My lawyer will take care of it and if he comes near me, I’ll call the police. Let them take care of it, Cormac. I don’t want you to get into trouble.” Jenna looked contrite and Cormac decided it would be best to drop the subject.

  “It’s getting late. Maybe we should head back to the house. Angelina, do you need us to drop you off somewhere?” Jenna asked.

  “No, sweetie, I’m staying right here in this hotel. Thanks for asking though.” Angelina smiled sweetly at both of them. “I’d think twice about letting this one get away, Jenna.” She leaned in and kissed Jenna’s cheek as she grasped Cormac’s hand. He adeptly raised her hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. “I rest my case,” she laughed. Cormac and Jenna watched as she walked away and then they headed for the valet parking.

  THIRTEEN

  The air outside was crisp and cool after being in the crowded ballroom. Jenna held tightly to Cormac’s arm as they waited for their limo to appear. She even felt comfortable enough to rest her head on his upper arm. She was rewarded with a crooked grin as Cormac pulled her into his arms and held her close. The limo pulled up and the driver exited, coming around to open the door for them. Cormac guided Jenna into the back and then followed as the driver closed the door and then took his place behind the steering wheel.

  “Did you have a good time, Cormac?” Jenna wondered aloud.

  “Aye. I was with ye - and that was all I needed to enjoy the evening.”

  Jenna smiled and snuggled a little closer. His body emitted a great amount of heat and she doubted she would ever need much more than him, to keep her warm on a chilly night. He undid the bow tie and the top few buttons of his shirt to reveal a stretch of muscular chest. Jenna lifted her nose and nuzzled his neck, enjoying the scent of pine and musk that had been set loose to assail her senses. She felt so comfortable with him. Once again she found herself wishing he was staying. She should be able to convince him, shouldn’t she? She relished the feel of his arm around her back holding her close, the rise and fall of his chest beneath her cheek. This moment was perfection and she didn’t want it to end. She felt safe and treasured. She had a realization at that moment. This is the way a man should make a woman feel. Jenna wished she had known this before.
If she had, she might not have married Jonathan. She had been his safety net and he had never offered her the same courtesy in return.

  The limousine continued across the city, stopping at the occasional red light on its way to Jenna’s home. The two passengers remained comfortably silent as they pulled to a stop in front of Jenna’s place. Jenna looked up into his glorious blue eyes and smiled sweetly, waiting for the door to be opened by the driver. As it did, Cormac exited the vehicle and put his hand inside the door to take Jenna’s and help her out onto the sidewalk. They thanked the driver and hurried up the steps. Jenna fumbled through her evening bag for the keys to unlock the front door. The beep of the alarm system reminded her to reset it once they were inside and the door was closed and locked. She had butterflies fluttering around in her tummy, not sure what to do next. She hoped Cormac was on the same wavelength as she was and then, before she could give it a second more of her attention, Cormac took her into his arms and lowered his head to hers. He kissed her gently at first and then with more passion as his lips lingered on hers. Jenna came up for air and smiled, drunk with desire. She realized that up until this night, she had been the one making all the first moves and she was elated that Cormac had taken the lead this time. She decided that she would let him continue to do so.

  ***

  Determined to kiss her before she kissed him, Cormac was pleased with the result. Jenna looked radiant and he knew that his kiss was the cause. The path to winning her heart was a treacherous one. He was uncertain how to proceed, but he let his instincts take control, leading her into the living room and the large, yet cozy chair set by the fireplace. Jenna reached over and flicked a nearby switch and the fireplace came to life. Cormac did his best not to seem awestruck by the sudden appearance of flames licking at what was obviously not a real piece of wood. He focused his attention back on Jenna, sitting comfortably on his lap. His fingers traced the line of her jaw seductively, then continued up to her parted lips. Jenna sucked his finger into her mouth and he knew he was lost. Dipping his head once again his tongue flicked out and teased her lips. His hands gently cradled her head, fingers tangled in her silky hair. She moaned softly, urging him on. The kisses were sweet and hot, soft and passionate. Coming up for air, Cormac changed tactics, kissing her chin, her throat, and up to her sweet little ears. She reached up to remove her earrings, which were impeding his progress. Soft mewling sounds came from deep within her throat and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

  “I really must get out of this dress,” Jenna panted, as she pulled away.

  “Aye, ye must.” Cormac had a wicked twinkle in his eye. “Shall I help?”

  “Please… I’d like that.” She smiled coquettishly. “And while we’re at it, you need to get out of that tux.”

  Cormac was completely enamored with Jenna. All he had to do was look at her beauty and his rigid manhood made itself known instantly.

  “I’m going to get a bottle of champagne and some glasses,” Jenna said, getting up from his lap. “I’ll meet you in my bedroom.”

  “Nae. I’ll wait for ye. I dinnae wish to take my eyes off ye. Ye are so beautiful.” He reached out and grasped her fingers in his hand as she backed away towards the bar. Cormac stood and adjusted his painfully tight pants. He followed Jenna with his eyes, watching her every move. When she returned, she handed him the bottle as she took his other hand and they headed for her room. Cormac swallowed deeply, wanting to savor every single moment of this night.

  ***

  They entered the bedroom and Jenna turned on the lights. “Oh, too bright!” she said. She immediately set about lighting the candles, which were on every flat surface all over the room. “Much better,” she smiled, as she turned off the lights. The candles cast a sensuous glow throughout the room, setting the mood for romance.

  Cormac popped the cork on the bottle of champagne and Jenna set the glasses down on her dresser for him to fill. Picking up one of the filled flutes, Jenna spoke. “To us.”

  “To us,” Cormac repeated, clinking his glass with Jenna.

  They sipped their champagne, eyes locked on one another. Cormac set his glass down first and drew Jenna into his embrace. Wrapped in his strong arms, Jenna could feel the muscles rippling as he stroked her back. His large hands encircled her waist as he stepped back and spun her around so her back was to him. He skillfully unzipped her dress, which glided over her soft, curvy figure ever so slowly as it headed for the floor, leaving Jenna in nothing but her tiny lace thong and high heels. Cormac’s sudden intake of breath told her he obviously liked what he saw. She cupped her breasts with her hands as she turned to face him shyly. His hands rested on her shoulders momentarily and then his fingers brushed across her chest. He gently put his hands over hers, moving them out of his way.

  “I would like to see ye, Jenna,” he said, his voice husky with passion.

  She gazed up into the deep blue depths of his eyes, watching as they took in every inch of her from head to toe. He led her to the bed, where she sat as he knelt in front of her and began to remove her shoes.

  “I dinna believe I’ve ever seen shoes like these,” he smiled up at her, holding one of the strappy heels in his hand. “I like them verra much. I like them, almost as much as yer tall boots,” he added, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He placed the shoes on the floor by the bed and standing, removed his jacket. Jenna sat watching what was turning out to be a very seductive striptease. His shirt came next. She realized she had been holding her breath and gasped for air at the sight of his glorious physique. He kicked off his shoes and removed his socks. Her eyes were riveted to the waistband of his pants, knowing what was about to happen. Cormac unbuckled and unzipped his pants, letting them drop to the floor. Jenna gasped and her eyes went wide at the sight of a fully naked Cormac standing within easy reach.

  “Did I frighten ye, lass?” Cormac teased, with a knowing grin on his face.

  “No. No, not at all,” Jenna teased back. “Let’s just say, I’m pleasantly surprised.”

  He knelt down in front of her again and she wrapped her legs around his torso. “Just making sure you don’t try to get away.” She smiled alluringly.

  “I dinnae believe ye need worry. I dinna intend to go anywhere, but right here.” Pushing her back onto the bed, Cormac unwrapped her legs and hooked a finger on either side of her panties, pulling them off and tossing them away. Rising from his knees, he lowered his body, covering hers easily with his large frame. Jenna looked up at him as he rested himself on his forearms. She gently touched his face, examining each feature, committing it to memory. If he was leaving in a few days, she wanted to be sure that this moment and the moments to come were readily available for her to recall this special night. Her hands went around his neck again and she pulled him down closer to her lips, which she grazed across his chin. His hot breath tickled her ear as she brushed her face against his razor stubbled cheek. Her own breathing was becoming ragged at the feel of his hands caressing her sides and her hips. His lips kissed a trail from her cheek down to her breasts, where he took one and then the other into his warm mouth, swirling his tongue across and around her pebbled nipples. The pulsing between her thighs was becoming insistent with need as she wrapped her legs around him once again, this time nestling the hardness of his swollen manhood against the softness of her moist center. She thrust her hips against him and he threw his head back and growled, coming back to nuzzle her neck with his nose.

  “Dinnae tempt me, Jenna, or I’ll take ye right now,” he groaned.

  “I’d like that,” Jenna gasped.

  “Aye, I ken ye would, but I believe ye’ll like this as well.” Cormac winked at her as he slid down her body, his kisses tickling her waist, her hips, and her thighs as he guided his fingers into her warmth. Jenna’s breath came in gasps and her heart beat wildly in her chest. His thumb grazed her sensitive nub and she closed her eyes giving herself up to the sensations running rampant through her body. She opened her eyes to
see Cormac watching her. “Do ye like it, Jenna, love?”

  She couldn’t answer him, because her whole body was vibrating, humming with emotions. Jenna was under his spell. She felt his mouth on her, and her frenetic breathing increased as she slipped over the edge and was flooded with the most amazing sensations she had ever had.

  Cormac slowly climbed up Jenna’s body, a smug smile lighting his face as his hands found her breasts and his lips met hers in a crushing kiss. It couldn’t get much better, Jenna thought, but somehow it was. Cormac’s rock hard shaft pressed into Jenna’s satiny folds, which were so sensitive she jumped at his touch. She could feel his smile on her lips as his tongue entered her mouth, playing languidly with her own. He thrust himself further into her and rested momentarily before beginning a sensual dance. His long dark hair hung like a curtain around Jenna’s head. The staccato of his movements brought her close to release one more time as his frenetic pace increased and he relentlessly pounded into her. She cried out and Cormac answered her with a husky growl and one final thrust. Jenna held tight to Cormac, and they both panted from their efforts, as he rolled onto his back. In heaven, she rested her head on his solid chest, her body covering his as she closed her eyes and sighed happily.

  ***

  Having Jenna here in his arms was merely a dream when he first arrived; a dream, which he was pleased to note, had finally come true. His feelings for her had blossomed over the last few days and he suddenly felt confident Jenna would join him when he returned to Breaghacraig in two days’ time. A satisfied smile made its way across his handsome face. He’d found the woman who would be his wife. He would be sure to thank Edna when next he communicated with her. Cormac propped himself up on a pillow, pulling Jenna closer and covering them both with a soft blanket.

  His gaze lit on Jenna’s face just as she opened her eyes and gazed up at him. “Jenna, my Jenna,” was all he could say.