Brows lifted, he looked over and smiled. "Would you like to take the horses for a trot?"
"Of course not," she snapped. Had he noticed her discomfort? "If I trot, it will be not with you, but away from."
Several hours later, the tightness of her muscles and bottom reached unbearable and Claire attempted to muffle a whimper when her horse bounced her.
Lachlan finally called everyone to a stop and turned off the path toward a clearing. "We will camp here for the night." He moved closer to the men and they began discussing guard duties.
Claire attempted to lift her leg to dismount, but found herself too numb to move. She turned to the wagon and caught sight of her maid's head poking out. She waved the girl over. "Maggie, help me down, I fear I may never be able to walk again."
The short girl rushed over and shoved at her leg, "I cannot reach higher, Lady Claire," Maggie told her jumping and pushing at her now throbbing leg.
"I'll have to push myself off," I suppose. She lay forward on the horse and attempted to dismount. Instead of sitting, she ended up with both legs up behind her, on her stomach on the horse’s back in a most unladylike position.
Strong hands wrapped around her waist and lowered her to the ground where she collapsed in a heap. Lachlan then took her under the arms and attempted to stand her. Her legs crumpled once again.
"Blast it, woman, why didn't you say anything?" He lifted her and carried her to sit on soft grass. "Ye'll be sore for days."
A tear escaped at the painful tingling traveling up her legs and bottom. He squatted in front of her and brushed it away. "Don't cry, Claire. It may help if you dip your bottom half in the cool stream water." The warrior actually seemed worried about her state. "You should have said something."
She sniffed and wiped at her face with the edge of her sleeve. "Will you help me get to the water's edge, please?"
"Aye," he motioned for the maid. "Bring a change of clothing for your mistress." Maggie scurried off to the wagon and once again Lachlan picked her up.
It was shocking how easily he carried her. With a firm expression and eyes straight ahead, he stalked to the nearby creek. If it were not for the pain, she would admit to liking the experience of being held by a striking man.
Hours later, Claire felt much better indeed. She ate the warmed mutton they'd brought along and watched the McDougall guards move away to where they'd spend the night. It was easy to see they formed a circle around where she and Maggie would sleep. She wondered if it was more to keep her from escaping or as protection. Maggie went to set up bedding for them in the back of the wagon, while she paced back and fourth, no plan of escape formulating. If she rode in the back of the wagon, it would be harder to get away. On foot, the men on horseback could easily catch up.
It was a nice night out, the sun barely setting. Claire removed the pinnings from her hair and allowed the auburn waves to fall past her shoulders. She stretched like a cat appreciating the fact that she could finally move freely after all the hours on horseback.
Lachlan neared and Claire looked up just in time to catch his heated gaze before he quickly shifted to look away. When he looked at her again, his eyes were flat and emotionless prodding her to wonder if she'd imagined the earlier regard.
It still perplexed her that he was a McDougall, so different in coloring than his brother. He had the McDougall build, wide shouldered and tall. And also, had the same intense personality that she'd grown to dislike.
Pompous the whole lot of them. Used to women immediately at their beck and call because of their fair faces.
An idea struck. Perhaps the answer on how to avoid marriage to the awful McDougall stood before her.
"I have never slept outdoors," she allowed her voice to quiver. "I am afraid to sleep so far away from you. Can I sleep here on your pallet?" She ran her hand over the bedding he'd put down just minutes earlier.
Lachlan's eyes widened, moved to her lips, and then away. "Nay."
"Why? It will be easier for you to ensure I do not run away."
"Claire." The huskiness in his voice made it hard for her to keep the façade of a terrified maid.
"Yes?"
"Why do you resist marrying my brother so? He is a good and fair man."
"I prefer to choose who I marry. Besides he is not the type of man I prefer. A wife should be attracted to her husband." A deep chuckle made her frown at him.
He moved closer and lowered to sit next to her. The urge to touch him was strong. Her reaction to him was perplexing. How could she feel any type of attraction for a McDougall? It didn't help matters that she could feel the heat of his body permeating at his proximity.
Seemingly oblivious to her reaction of his nearness, he continued speaking. "What do you know of such things? Ye are a maid and perhaps nervous at the prospect of joining with a man. I assure you all will be well once you marry."
"Bah!" Claire gave up the pretense. "I am no maid." She gasped at her outburst and went to stand, but he held her arm and yanked her back to sit.
"You've been with a man before?"
She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. "At the harvest festivities. All the single clanswomen get to pick a lad to steal away with, as you know. Of course it has always been different for my sister and me. No man dare touch the laird's daughters for fear. Last year, I chose a lad and took him."
Lachlan's mouth fell open. "You took him by force?"
"Only at first." Claire leaned forward toward Lachlan and smiled. "He didna resist for long."
His darkened eyes met hers. "You are an unusual woman, Claire McLean." The tone of his voice even, as he studied her for a moment. It was as if he touched her skin when his gaze slid to her mouth. "Under different circumstances..."
Quick for his large size, Lachlan got to his feet. "Your maid is here. Good night. Sleep in the wagon. I will give you privacy, but don't think you will get far if you run." After one last look, he stalked toward the tree line leaving her to stare at his back.
Chapter 39
The water was quite cold, which was exactly what Lachlan needed at the moment. Another few laps and hopefully he'd rid himself of the hardness between his legs. The damn woman pulled at his very essence. There was no denying it. He desired Claire McLean like he'd never any other woman in his life.
His brother's betrothed. Christ and he still had to spend two additional nights with the tempting wench.
Gasping for breath, Lachlan pulled himself from the river and lay on the soft grass. The stars twinkled above, but did little to settle him. Why was he being tempted like this? Although he could never be accused of being stern, Lachlan took pride in his ability to control his passions. A warrior was good as dead if he could not keep his head focused on the present.
The lass was breathtaking, with the darkest red hair, fair skin, and those bewitching green eyes, so full of wicked promise. Like a curse she was forefront in his mind again. Lachlan reached between his legs and took himself in hand. Stroking his cock, he allowed her to fill his mind. The thought of her tempting lips surrounding made him even harder. Perhaps, it was best if he took care of the matter. He was far enough away from camp, so not to be overheard.
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 40
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 fully understand that 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 soon to be laird, lightly. She, on the other hand, was glad it happened. At least now she knew what passion felt like and that 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."
"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 grab
bing 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 41
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.
Highlander's Kiss: The McDougalls, Books 1-3 Page 20
