“Would it?” he asked innocently while he shifted his hips up a fraction.
She bit her lower lip and nodded. “The time has passed.”
With one arm still locked around her back, his free hand wrapped around the back of her head and his lips closed over hers. Though she pulled back at first his lips closed more securely and his tongue slid into her mouth. Lightning quick, the feelings she’d had when in his arms earlier resurfaced. As before, the emotions that bubbled to the surface were a heady rush of both rage and desire. A wicked burn flooded her center and brought near pain to her abdomen and thighs.
Even as Alexander’s tongue danced with hers he pulled a fur cloak around them to hide from curious eyes. Unable to help herself Iosbail wrapped her arms around him and kissed more deeply. She lifted just enough to allow him to pull up both of their robes. When his large weapon roughened hands slid up her legs and cupped her arse, she groaned.
Her head fell back and she bit her lip when his lips trailed down her neck and his thick, rigid cock burned against her belly. Hot steam started to simmer between them and sweat broke out all over her body.
“Iosbail,” he murmured, sucking her nipple through the wool material of her robe. “So perfect, lass.”
What she wouldn’t do to have their bodies without clothes. But the others slept just across the way and this was all they’d have. Impatient, wet, she dragged her center over his member and kissed his lips hungrily when they met hers again. Throbbing, in a pain she’d never quite experienced, Iosbail positioned him and slowly sank.
Alexander released a strangled sound and his head fell back.
Still she sank.
The Sinclair had more than most so it took time to work her way down. Perhaps there was something to be said for a Norseman after all. In a near pant she continued, determined, until fully seated. His eyes, mere slits, watched her closely. It was the way his eyes studied her face that made Iosbail nearly release without moving another fraction.
As though he had her right where he wanted her… imprisoned in near brutal pleasure.
Trembling, it occurred to her she’d lost any control she’d thought she had. The feeling of his strong hands gripping her arse beneath the fur made her legs weaken. When he lifted her slightly and pulled her back down pain and pleasure cut through her core so sharply that she cried out.
Though his chest rose and fell harshly, Alexander’s eyes stayed steady, watching her every reaction. Before she had a chance to recover from the sensation he pushed her up again then down. Hands braced on his robed chest Iosbail bit her lip, alarmed, her skin aflame. Unable to control what he did next, the Sinclair lifted her further then slammed her back down.
Muscle upon muscle locked up and she became instantly breathless.
Alexander pulled her forward and brought her mouth alongside his neck. Still her muscles locked from her thighs to her feet. When her body started to tremble he wrapped his arms around her and thrust up one last time.
Iosbail didn’t recognize the sound that came from her throat when her body exploded. She’d never felt such a wonderful pain. It seemed to rip her open from head to toe. In that single moment she gave up all control and screamed against his neck.
Though she’d made love more than most women this was different, unique, capturing.
“Shh,” he whispered, stroking her sweat slicked head.
Ripples of pleasure continued to slice through her so quickly that she had no choice but to let him hold her… own her. The masculine smell of him filled her nostrils; the heavy thud of his heart thrummed against her body. White knuckled she continued to grasp his robe. Time seemed to pass without passing. The fire dimmed.
Long minutes passed in an instant.
Eventually his soft words met her ears. “I must keep the fire going.”
Though it took all her strength Iosbail nodded. He’d not found his own release. On purpose he’d not released. But why? Before she could pull away he cupped her cheeks and kissed her once more. Slow and with intent, he kissed her. Aroused once more she ground forward but he pulled back and shook his head.
When he left her to feed the fire she pulled the fur around her and watched.
What sort of man wanted but didn’t take?
Not any she’d ever met.
“You should eat, lass. Gain your strength.”
Iosbail took the bit of meat he handed her and chewed absently. Why was it she felt so empty? Unfulfilled? The Sinclair had just made her feel exceptional. But as they ate in silence Iosbail found herself brooding. Aye, he was a handsome man. Aye, he had a wonderful way of filling her and pulling forth the sex.
But something remained lacking.
For once in her life Iosbail felt a hole inside her, an unhappiness she didn’t understand.
It was with those thoughts in mind that she ate her fill then sat back watching him.
Alexander Sinclair, rightful heir to the throne of Scotland.
Yet something much, much more.
Though she thought herself watching him the whole time it was only when Alexander shook her awake did Iosbail realize she’d nodded off.
“Come, now. I must show you something.”
She made to respond but it was too late.
He was gone.
Chapter Ten
Alexander stood outside waiting, his every thought of her.
It’d been half the night since they last stepped outside, most of which she’d slept. He, however, had not. The fire needed attention to keep the others warm. Besides, he’d been in no mood.
He’d much preferred watching her.
Never before had he lain with a lass and not taken care of his needs. With Iosbail, he’d had no choice. Somewhere along their journey he’d grown tired of their battle. He’d grown tired of being enemies. When they’d been together this time he wanted to take control… needed to. If only to make sure she was fulfilled and not he.
Iosbail needed to realize that he wanted more than just the physical pleasure.
But he’d left himself in a state of ferocious need, a feeling that he’d have to temper.
When she came from the alcove it was with boots on and a fur cloak wrapped around her. “What is so pressing that we need be out right now?”
“Opportunity.” He led the way around the edge of the wall until he found the spot he was looking for. A small path cut through the mountains. She followed him without question down a fairly steep ledge. Six inches of newly fallen snow gave traction enough to keep them from slipping.
“Careful.” He took her hand as they rounded a corner. As if God himself were on his side the storm rolled away and the moon peeked out from beneath the clouds.
Iosbail stopped. “Is that what I think it is below?”
“Aye.” He stepped behind her and held her shoulders. “Those are the rocks that led us here and this path leads straight to them.”
“How is this possible?”
“I know naught.”
Iosbail turned. “This is too easy. Even you must see that!”
“With the sun comes a new day, one that says we can leave this God forsaken place.”
“And what is your plan? To have all of us down there at the crack of dawn?” She frowned and shook her head. “Innis will be waiting. I have no doubt.”
“What choice do we have but to go back beneath the waterfall?” Alexander took her arms. “And if we do that will Innis not be waiting?”
Though shadowed by the miscellaneous light, Iosbail’s expression darkened. “This is a treacherous route. We’ll be weakened once we descend. Innis will count on it. At least the other way you and I stand a chance to defend and fight our way through.”
“Fight our way through hundreds of men, some with magic? Never. We’d go down proud for sure but trust me, we’d go down, and what would that mean for Shamus and Caitriona?”
She glanced at the ocean. “A better future than dropping hundreds of feet into the sea!”
Alexander
squeezed her arms gently. “Iosbail, this is our chance and as I see it one given us from your ancestors.” When her eyes grew defiant he continued. “In one thing you must trust, while I manifested your Ma and Da when with the enemy I didnae manifest the Oak or the verra safety in which we’ve enjoyed. That, lass, is of the Eire. Surely you know it to be the truth!”
Her hands clasped his arms as he held her. “So stands reason that they’ve sent you to help me along. We fight well together. The Goddess knows we do. Let us take the opportunity afforded and break through all to get to the stones, not this death-defying route!”
Alexander scowled. He had a good idea what inspired her to such foolery. Upset, he grabbed her hand and pulled her after him until they’d once more returned to the safety of the fire. The more he thought about it the more frustrated he became. He tore away his fur cloak and towered over her. “What is it about this place that fuels your stupidity, lass?”
She tore away her cloak as well and stood tall. “You wish to risk too much danger!”
“You do the same if not more.”
“At least mine won’t have our friends fall to their death.”
“No, yours will have one taken to be quartered, the other to play whore to this obscene clan.”
“They’ve not the horses to quarter with,” Iosbail countered.
Alexander looked at her amazed. “So any other death for Shamus will do?”
“You’re running away with this,” she defended.
“You’re far gone with this!” he said, truly angry. “And you’ve yet to answer my question about your draw to this place.”
“I’d think it obvious, laddie,” Shamus said softly. “She feels alive.”
Both were about to continue arguing but stopped to stare.
“Aye, I’m just fine I am,” Shamus said.
Iosbail tossed one final dirty look at Alexander before crouching in front of the Irishman and putting the back of her fist to his forehead. “Are you truly then?”
“Aye.”
Alexander couldn’t help but laugh and held a hand down to shake the others. “Good to have you back, my friend.”
Shamus smiled. “Help me up then, laddie.”
When the Irishman stood it was with sure foot, as though he’d had a good rest and was ready for the next thing life offered. Yet when he did it was with a hand over his arm. As if he remembered he had an injury there he patted the spot and said, “Last I knew this limb was going. What happened?”
“Her,” Alexander said, not entirely surprised to see Caitriona, wide-eyed, watching them.
Even after all she’d done the lass appeared timid and afraid. Iosbail went and crouched in front of her, a wide smile on her face. “I’m verra proud of ye, lassie. Have ye any idea the good ye’ve done?”
Alexander would never quite understand why Iosbail slipped so heavily into her Irish lilt at that moment but it appeared she had a grasp on things. Caitriona, though still clearly confused, seemed quite taken with the praise and nodded.
“Can you stand?” Iosbail asked softly.
Caitriona never took her eyes off her mistress. “Aye, my lady.”
“Verra good, then.” Iosbail helped her stand then held her hands while she gained her footing. “Do you remember what you did?”
All along he’d known Iosbail was the one meant to lead Caitriona in her new gift and it seemed now the Broun saw that as well. She released one of the Norman lassies hands and took Shamus’s. “You saved him from certain death.”
When both looked at her with confusion she said, “Caitriona, you’ve the power of healing. When you were there to support Shamus your gift ignited and saved him. You now hold the hand that should not have existed had Alexander and I had our way.”
Equally shocked, Caitriona and Shamus stared at their hands then his arm then one another. The Irishman took no time but pulled Caitriona into a strong hug. “Thank ye, lassie. Thank ye so much!”
Alexander and Iosbail smiled.
When he pulled back Shamus had water in his eyes. “What a thing you did.”
She smiled politely. “But I’m not so sure, sir.”
“Sir!” Shamus bellowed. “Nay.”
Iosbail laughed. “Caitriona, ‘Tis nothing to fret over. I will talk to you more about what happened. ‘Tis all easily explained.”
The Norman lass looked at her with confusion but nodded.
“How do you feel now? Well enough?” Iosbail asked.
Caitriona looked at their happy faces and smiled. “I suppose so, my Lady.”
They all laughed. It was, without doubt, a joyous moment.
As much as he disliked doing it, Alexander had to break up the good time. “The sun rises soon. We must make haste to the rocks.”
“’Tis what you fought about when I awoke,” Shamus said soberly.
“Aye,” Alexander said. “We’ve one of two ways to get there.”
“Aye,” Iosbail said. “And his way will kill the lot of us.”
“My way will save the lot of us.”
“So you say.”
“Enough.” Shamus nodded outside. “Tell Caitriona the gist of it then we’ll set things to a vote.”
“A vote?” Alexander couldn’t believe it. “You’re supposed to do whatever I say is right.”
Iosbail nodded at Caitriona. “And she’s supposed to do the same of me. That means the lads are going one way, the lassies another. Shamus is right. Let them vote.”
Alexander narrowed his eyes. She smiled coyly.
Fine then.
Ever the gentleman he looked at Iosbail. “You explain first.”
So she said, “My way takes us back the way we came. Aye, it will be treacherous but there are now three able warriors to fight. That aside, I’m convinced that if we leave at this hour we will beat those sent by Innis. ‘Tis a route we’ve all been. For that alone we have the advantage.”
Alexander kept his smile to himself and said, “My route is newfound. While steep and oceanside, it keeps us out of harm’s way until we are within feet of the Stonehenge. If we leave now, even if the enemy does wait, we have the element of surprise. Why? We come not from the direction they expect.”
“The path the Sinclair speaks of is narrow and a sheer drop off one side. One wrong step will see you falling hundreds of feet into the cold sea.” Iosbail shrugged. “Mine will keep you warm and with sword in hand.”
Alexander had no need to further argue his point. Both Shamus and Caitriona looked at Iosbail with frowns on their faces.
Iosbail’s eyes rounded. “Alexander’s route is far more dangerous. Surely you must see that!”
Shamus clasped her shoulder. “Aye lass, perhaps, but it makes more sense than going back the way we came.”
Alexander nodded. His man saw things well and true.
“I agree,” Caitriona said quickly then bowed her head.
Iosbail frowned. “Nay lass, you’re better protected going back the way we came.”
Though the poor Norman lassie looked defeated she quickly responded, “Nay. ‘Twas the way we came that got us caught to begin with.”
Alexander hid his smile fast when Iosbail’s eyes shot his way.
With a calm, level voice he said, “So we have it then, we’ll go the new route.”
Iosbail all but stuck her nose up at him while she ground her jaw. “A mistake.”
“And one the majority vote has agreed to make together.”
The Broun said nothing more but he could feel her aggravation. His route didn’t ensure another good battle of the blades. What fun was that for her?
After Caitriona and Shamus had a bite of what they’d cooked earlier, the four left. Though the sun had yet to crest the horizon it wasn’t far off. When they reached the beginning of the path he said, “I’ll lead, the women in between. Shamus will take the rear.”
There was no better way to go about it.
Caitriona fell in behind him, Iosbail behind her.
The fi
rst leg of the journey was easiest. It was when they arrived at the second that he stopped and looked over his shoulder. “I’ve not gone beyond this point. A few feet further and we start around the bend. There we’ll find wind shear. Follow my every step and keep your weight against the rock.”
Though he couldn’t see her face he suspected Iosbail scowled. Regardless, she said nothing. Good lass. Now was not a time to worry the others. Careful, he inched his way along the ever narrowing path. Perhaps three feet wide the way was not easy. Long minutes crawled as he leaned against the rock and moved forward. As anticipated it wasn’t long before the wind increased.
For he and Shamus the weight of the swords at their back would affect balance. The Irishman was a seasoned warrior and knew well how to travel with a blade. It didn’t keep him from worrying though. And God knows a man shouldn’t stress when attempting to conquer anything.
That in mind, Alexander put thoughts of his friends from his mind and continued. The sun inched higher and higher until the new sky lit with a faint orange. Wind increased. One thing he’d left out when convincing them to go this route were the heavy winds that always followed a storm. But Shamus and Iosbail knew. The Norman lass was better off ignorant.
“It’s craggier than I thought,” he whispered to himself. The path should have been more weatherworn and made slippery by the wind but it wasn’t. Though the snow was blown away on the path ahead, nothing was quite as it should be. He suspected that it was as much created by Iosbail’s gods as the safe haven in which they’d found shelter.
Wind whistled around the mountains and became far more forceful every step he took. Yet they’d already come so far. Now they walked adjacent to the ocean, the Stonehenge only a few hundred feet away. Alexander didn’t pause to look down at the raging sea foam below or the massive sun as it finally broke over the horizon.
No, he kept his eyes to the rocks that would take them out of here.
Step by step, he continued…ten feet, twenty feet, and then thirty feet more.
They were going to make it.
So convinced was he that it didn’t occur to him when he slid slightly that the others might do the same on the spot.
Highland Persuasion (The MacLomain Series- Early Years) Page 12
