Ailios nodded and followed the woman inside. From the corner of her eye, she caught movement. Ian walked back from the creek, a warrior at his side. She hurried into the kitchen, her heartbeat picking up. God, what would she do that night?
Her mind and heart battled. Whether she went to him or not, her heart would be broken. Torn to pieces the day his marriage arrived.
Chapter 33
Just before the evening meal, the outer gates were lifted to allow the rider to enter. The male dismounted and stood beside his horse until a lad came to usher it away. Dugan McDougall, Ian's cousin from the south came forward and embraced him. The huge warrior's usual easy manner was somber as he spoke. "How fares my uncle?"
"He's resting for now it seems," Ian responded, turning to walk back inside, the male coming alongside him.
Once in the great hall, Ian sat at the head table and waited for Dugan to sit beside him before questioning him.
Aiden joined them on the other side of the table and leaned into him. "I am considering that wench would be a nice way to warm up me bed tonight," The warrior nudged his arm and Ian looked to where he did. Ailios carried large platters of meat and root vegetables to place on the center of the tables.
"Nay, keep away from her," he snapped before thinking on his words.
Dugan let out a chuckle. "A bonnie lass to behold. It would be a good distraction to see which of you wins this contest."
"It is not a contest, she's not an option for you," Ian told Aiden.
"And how is that, cousin?" Aiden replied with narrowed eyes. "I say we do as Dugan suggests and compete for the beauty's attentions."
Ian clenched his jaw to keep from responding when Ailios neared. She kept her gaze from him while placing a trencher before them. "Would my Laird require anything else?"
"Nay, thank you," Ian replied.
Aiden cleared his throat. "Would you refill my tankard, fair lady?"
Her gaze lifted to Aiden and she nodded mutely and went to fetch a pitcher. Upon returning and leaning to fill his cup, he placed his hand on her arm. "It would be a fair night for a walk, do you not think, wee one?"
"Take your hand off her arm," Ian snarled, his voice higher than he intended.
"If the lass wishes to join me for a stroll in the moonlight, ‘tis nothing wrong with it. Would you not agree, lass?" Aiden asked Ailios not releasing his hold on her.
"If it was just a walk you had in mind, only then would I consider stepping into the darkness with you, sir," Ailios replied pulling her arm from his hold.
Dugan's bark of laughter stopped abruptly when Ian elbowed him in the ribs. "Enough of this nonsense, we must eat so that we can discuss clan matters."
The visiting cousin had the audacity to wink at Ailios with a smile. "Quite the beauty you are. It would be hard to resist you, lass. I am lucky to have a beautiful wife to keep me well in hand."
Ailios smiled at Dugan and refilled his tankard. "Thank you kindly, sir."
The meal continued with the men concentrating on talks regarding the threat of the Campbells upon their clan. Dugan assured Ian that the southern McDougalls were prepared to assist if needed. Since his marriage to the McNeil, it was possible they'd join as well. Although grateful of the offer, Ian was well aware his entire family, even with help from the McNeils, did not number enough to stand against the huge Clan Campbell.
After the meal, Ian made his way to his father's chambers hoping to find the man awake.
The laird lay against his pillows, although no longer feverish, his paleness and loss of weight was a stark contrast to the normally strong and vital man.
At his entrance, the laird's lips curved. "Sit, son, tell me what happens."
"The Campbells remain along the border, they watch us but make no move to encroach as of yet. Dugan McDougall came with news that not only are our cousins prepared to join with us, but the McNeils may as well. Dugan married Elsbeth McNeil."
The laird's eyes drooped, but he opened them and met his regard. "I trust you to do what is needed, son. Remember the safety of our people is most important. If attack is imminent, send your mother and the women of the keep to the southern McDougalls. Arrange a meet with the Campbell and come to an agreement with him that will save the lives of the villagers." With surprising strength his father placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it. "Promise me you will not fight a useless battle, you and your brother will not die for pride."
Ian hesitated to answer not sure he could allow his clan run off their lands. But when his father would not relent, he finally nodded. "Very well, Father, I promise. I will do as you advise. I give you my word."
"Good, that is good." The laird released his shoulder and fell back to his pillows seeming to be exhausted.
Ian pulled the blankets over his father and kissed his brow. "Sleep well, Da."
He made his way to his room, his shoulders heavy with the burdens placed upon them. Once inside he went to the window and peered out to the star filled sky, his mind full of all that transpired when he caught a soft fragrance near.
Ailios.
Ian did not turn to her, his spirits lifted considerably. "You came."
He turned to find her standing by the door, her wide eyes scanning his chamber. "I am not sure why. I changed my mind many times." Ailios fidgeted with the hem of her blouse. "Perhaps its best that I go."
Chapter 34
"No, please do not," Ian held his hand out. "Come, Ailios, I need you."
She inched forward not able to withstand the pull of him, and took his hand to allow him to tug her forward.
He held her against him in a tight embrace. It was endearing when he nuzzled into her hair.
"Are you unwell?" She had to ask by the way he held her, as if he needed something more than the physical from her.
"I am not ill Ailios." He spoke against her ear. "Yet I am at the most horrible place in my life. At the same time, holding you makes me stronger."
She looked into his darkened eyes, her gaze moving to his lips. "I am so sorry. Do you wish to talk?"
"No." Ian's mouth took hers. Ailios reveled in the hardness of his body pressed against her softer one and she pushed into him, needing to become one, to meld into him.
"I hoped you would come willingly to me, but didn't dare dream it would be." His voice was husky with desire and melted over her like a warm rain. Ailios let out a sigh.
The savagery of his kiss spoke of hunger, of need and desperation, and Ailios had no doubts how much Ian wanted her. The man trembled, his entire body quaking as he continued to kiss her, his hands sliding down her body.
He cupped her bottom and lifted her from the floor until she wrapped her legs around his slender waist.
Sensations like she'd never felt before filled her. Her head became light, and she clung to him. How she wished the night to never end. With so many wonderful new sensations and emotions, Ailios needed more time. Her world would not be the same after this night. On a deep level she understood it and part of her already mourned the loss of Ian once he married.
Any further thinking left when he lowered her and his darkened eyes met hers. "I must have you. See all of you."
His lips were swollen from her kisses, a sense of propriety within her made Ailios smile. Ian slid her simple blouse off her shoulders exposing her breasts to him, his hands slid down her arms until the clothing fell about her waist. "Beautiful."
When his mouth took the tip of her breast while his other hand cupped the opposite one, Ailios threw her head back and pressed her lips together to keep from crying out. She drew her fingers through his silken hair urging him to continue and Ian complied suckling at her breast then pulling back and flicking his tongue over the hardened tip.
Her legs threatened to fold under her. She held onto his strong shoulders forcing her unstable knees to remain in place. A moan escaped when he moved to the other breast, his hot mouth closing over it, and then took as much as he could. "Oh!" Her breathy voice sounded deeper.
/> Ian straightened and walked her backward toward the edge of his bed while pushing her skirts down past her hips onto the floor. Her shift quickly followed until she was completely bare.
"I can't wait to join with you." Ian lifted her and placed her on the soft bedding. Totally bare while he was still fully dressed, Ailios felt as if she'd drank too much ale, dizzy with desire and want.
"You are most handsome," Ailios told him, her eyes raking over his still dressed form. "Are you removing your clothing?"
"Not yet." His lips curved and he tugged her to the edge of the bed and kneeled between her legs. She was about to ask what he did when his tongue flicked onto her inner thigh, licking a wicked trail toward her throbbing center.
"Oh!" She cried grabbing onto the bedding unable to stop from lifting her hips when his mouth fell over her most sensitive nub. Sensations surged when Ian began to kiss her in a place so intimate, she could barely withstand it. He continued licking over the same spot until she was nearly coming undone. "Laird," Ailios gasped, "Oh!"
He lifted his head and peered up at her, a wicked curve to his lips. "Call me Ian."
A finger pushed into her at the same time he took her back into his mouth and she lost all control and cried out as her body fragmented into pieces.
When she stopped shaking, she opened her eyes to a most wonderful sight of Ian undressing.
Even more beautiful than in her dreams, the man before her was breathtaking. His skin was taut and tanned from the sun. His wide shoulders beckoned Ailios's eyes to wander down his well-formed broad chest and on past to his flat stomach and slender hips. His arms were muscular, well honed from lifting the heavy swords and daily exercising with the other warriors.
He never stopped looking at her as he pushed his breeches down freeing his thick cock. It jutted up hard and proud.
Fully nude, he climbed over her and took her mouth again. He tasted salty and smelled of her. Ailios took his tongue with greed when he pushed it into her mouth.
She reached for his hardness and she wrapped her fingers around it gliding it down his length enjoying his grunts of pleasure. She continued to stroke him while suckling at his tongue, at the same time her other hand roamed over his taut rear.
The feel of him was like nothing she'd ever experienced. Her husband had been old and their joining was a short and not quite enjoyable occasion.
With Ian she was completely enthralled. In that instant Ailios vowed to make this night unforgettable. She'd be in his bed only once, but the memories would be hers for a lifetime.
"Guide me into you, lass," Ian panted into her ear.
His cock was sizeable. Fully erect, it stood straight out. Ailios could hardly wait to join with him. Lifting her hips, she helped him to find her entrance and he nudged at it. With slow gentleness Ian slid into her and she took his mouth to keep from crying out in pleasure. Inch by inch he dove in, taking his time to ensure she could adjust to his large size.
When he stopped, he was so fully seated she could feel his sack against her. Ian began to move, pumping into her with measured movements. He placed his hands beside her shoulders and straightened his arms while continuing to thrust in a steady tempo.
He maintained eye contact while pulling out almost completely before driving in fully. Ailios arched up to him and his lips curved. "Anxious are you? Let me enjoy this. I wish to prolong our climax as much as possible."
She slid her hands over his chest. His skin was soft over the hardness of his muscles.
Her fingers brushed over his nipples and he closed his eyes. "Aye, that feels good." Ailios continued circling his now tight tips while he continued his unhurried movements.
Ian pushed completely into her and lowered his mouth taking hers in a hungry kiss and she responded wrapping her arms around his neck, enjoying the moment of total union.
He broke the kiss and looked down at her. "I've wanted you since first seeing you. What is it about you that draws me so strongly?" Darkened eyes met hers and she could only look into them as words evaded. He studied her, his brows drawn. "I fear what I already feel for you, Ailios."
The tenderness of the moment ended when he began to move again, his hips plunging and withdrawing and she wrapped her legs about his waist while holding onto his shoulders to give him space to move.
Ian thrust repeatedly, his cock touching a deep spot. The gracefulness of the muscular male hypnotized her, the friction of his skin and hair between his legs bringing unbelievable sensations when sliding against hers.
Ailios felt empty when he pulled out completely, she looked to see what he did. He rose to his knees and guided her to lie on her side. Then he lifted her leg and placed it over his shoulder. He slid back into her and she sighed at being joined with him once more. The lightness was short-lived as the position gave him more access to fondle her while sliding in and out of her. At the same time as his cock slid, his fingers danced over her center. Within moments, she was lost in the wonderful assault and started to cry out, only to bite her lip. "You can be as loud as you wish, Ailios, no one will hear you. My chamber is the only occupied one on this side." Ian assured her, huffing.
He watched her the entire time until she cried out, his gaze boring into her as she lost control and fell into an abyss of clouds and darkness. Her entire body shook and she grabbed at bedding in a futile attempt to gain control again.
In the fog of passion, her leg fell to the bed and once again Ian took her. With hard even movements, he thrust into her over and again. Mouth agape and eyes glazed over, Ian raced toward his own completion.
Ailios gripped the bedding, screamed and flayed under his continued drives, not sure she could remain conscious. The music of flesh slapping against flesh filled her every sense.
Ian growled finally finding release, his entire body quaking. He continued plunging into her, without rhythm as his heated seed spilled.
They held onto each other waiting for their breathing to normalize and it occurred to her that there was another reason for how hard they clung. Something very distinct occurred between them. It was as if finding a long lost treasure.
Ailios caressed his face. "It has never been like this for me. I didn't realize lovemaking could be so wonderful. I will treasure this moment with you."
Ian's lazy gaze met hers. "Honestly, neither did I." He pulled her close to his side.
"Tell me about your life before coming here."
Chapter 35
It amazed Ian how comfortable he felt with Ailios. As if they'd known each other for a long time and it was the most natural thing to be in bed together. Was it possible she felt the same?
The warmth in her eyes as he gazed at her made his chest constrict. "You're a brave woman. I know it was not easy to come and ask for shelter. Not after having a home of your own."
Her brow furrowed. "I'd rather that than live with a man who presumed to take me for his own. I was imprisoned once and refused to be again. I was forced into a marriage the first time. I was not brave Ian. I was desperate.”
The light breeze coming through the uncovered window flitted over their bare skin. He didn't moved to cover them enjoying the reprieve from the heat they'd created. With her leg thrown across his midsection, and her arm over his waist, Ailios fitted perfectly.
"You will always have shelter here."
She sighed, but did not say anything further, her eyes drooping closed.
Tucked beside him with her head on his chest the small woman seemed to ensure he remained with her while she slept.
Ian brushed burnished tresses away from her face with care not to wake the slumbering beauty and studied her. Her pert nose called for a kiss on its tip, her slightly parted lips beckoned as much.
Every instinct had warned him against seeking her, yet each day upon spotting her he wanted Ailios more. Now the wench had not just claimed his body this night, but every fiber of his being refused to ever let her go.
After thirty years of hoping, he'd found the one, the woman w
ho could easily claim his heart. God, why now? Why Ailios?
Sleep evaded as he scrambled with a solution to not marrying his betrothed. It was his obligation of course, there was no reasoning with the fact that his clan was in danger and only by joining with the McLeans would they have any hope of defense.
If only there was a way.
Ailios's brow crinkled and she snuggled closer. Ian pulled the covers over them to ensure she was warm and placed a kiss on her head. Would she accept a place as his lover? It was possible to continue to be with her. He could establish her in a cottage within the keep.
No. He refused to banish her to a life of isolation. The laird's lovers were not looked down upon, but neither did they have a set place in the hierarchy of the clan. She'd live separate from anyone other than whoever served in the house she'd live in.
Ailios deserved much more than that. She'd already survived an ordeal with her deceased husband.
Never a believer in prayer, Ian was not sure how to form the words needed; yet he whispered into the darkness, "Help me find a way."
Ailios woke to Ian's soft breathing. She tipped her face up to find he was awake. "Did you sleep well, Laird, er, Ian?"
"Aye." The huskiness of his voice told he'd just woken.
"I should go," Ailios made to move away, but he held her in place.
"Will you remain with me a bit longer?" Ian took her hand and placed it around his hard cock. "I fear I am desperately in need of you again." His lips brushed her hair. "Will you mount me?"
She slid her hand over the length and it lifted to stand straight up, seeming to repeat its owner's request.
She climbed over him and he pulled her forward and claimed her lips with a hard breathtaking kiss. "I cannot wait to join with you once again," Ian assured her.
Ailios lifted her hips and Ian guided his shaft to her center. He remained still allowing her to lower onto him at her pace. Already wet with want, he easily slid into her and she adjusted to accept him.
Highlander's Kiss: The McDougalls, Books 1-3 Page 18
