Tara helped Myra pull the layers of fabric over her head leaving her in her underclothes.
“Is he already on his way?” Amber asked.
Her mother smiled. “You have some time. The men are pouring more spirits for him while they boast about their own wedding nights.”
“I’m sure that’s not all they’re boasting,” Lizzy said.
One layer at a time, her sisters helped her peel away her clothes before dressing her in a long silk nightdress. The silk was a luxury brought back from one of the many trips in time. It’s dusty rose color complimented her coloring and hugged her figure.
Lora bid her to sit so she could remove the flowers from her hair and brush it out. The pampering wasn’t something Amber had an opportunity to enjoy when she was last in the Keep.
Tara and Lizzy carefully folded the dress to pack away.
Lora caught Amber’s gaze through the mirror. “When you were a child, I would sit for hours brushing your hair. Both of you.” She smiled at Myra and continued with long strokes as she talked. “Myra was less tolerant of my hands, but you…you’d sit with me chattering about everything from the barn cats to the meat pies you were so fond of eating.”
“I still love meat pies.”
Lora smiled but there was a hint of sorrow behind her eyes. Or maybe Amber’s gift was once again leaking in.
“I knew there would be a day I wouldn’t be able to do such a simple task. I didn’t realize the reason why. Such is the way of my gift. I don’t always know the why…or the when.” Lora stopped brushing and caught her eyes again.
Amber reached a hand to hold onto her mother’s. The touch brought a wave of longing. Her mother had knowledge of something and was keeping it to herself.
“What is it?”
Lora kissed the top of her head and stepped back. “You’ll be leaving tonight.”
Tara sighed.
“I thought we’d stay a little longer,” Amber said.
“I don’t know why you’re leaving, only that by morning you’ll be gone.”
Amber sighed and resolved herself to what her mother said. Her premonitions were never wrong.
Lizzy walked over and pulled Amber to her feet. “I’m getting really tired of all these goodbyes,” she teased. “But seeing how we just did this a few days ago and you’re already back, I’m not going to stress out about it.” Lizzy pulled her into a hug. “Tell my son we love him and to take care of his wife and child.”
Amber refused to feel sad with her impending departure. This day was for happiness, for her future, her marriage. For family. “I’ll tell him.”
Tara pushed forward. “My turn.” She hugged her and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Bonded sex doesn’t hurt the first time. Just thought you’d like to know that.”
Amber laughed and said a phrase she’d heard Lizzy repeat more than once. “Thanks for sharing.”
Tara pulled back laughing. “I love ya.”
Where the other women were smiling, Myra was tearful. Her hug was longer. “I’m so happy he found you and brought my sister back—even if only for a short while. We can move on in life knowing you’re happy.”
Lora hugged her last but didn’t cry. From the pocket of her skirts, she removed the necklace Gavin had taken off her neck when she arrived. Amber pulled her hair back and allowed her mother to join the clasp. “You know where we are should you ever need us.”
Amber couldn’t help feeling she’d see them all again. Such a contrast from the last time they’d parted ways. “Does father know I’m leaving?”
“Aye. And he wants you to know he trusts the man you’ve married. You’ve grown stronger with him by your side, and I can’t help but feel that will only improve. Trust your instincts and remember the bonds of this family.”
“I will. I wish Cian would accept my husband.”
“We all do. Perhaps one day.”
Amber couldn’t dwell on her brother’s grief. Not with her husband waiting to join her.
“Gavin’s waiting.”
After one more group hug each of them left her room so she could await her husband’s arrival.
Only a few minutes passed when the sound of boots and shouting men, well into their cups, escorted her husband to her door.
The tradition really was barbaric.
“Don’t keep her waiting!”
“Go on, man.”
“Back off!” she heard Gavin shout with laughter in his voice. “Not one set of eyes moves through that door.”
Amber hid a smile behind her hand as the door slowly slid open and Gavin looked around it. Seeing her standing well away from the door and any wandering eyes, he pushed at someone and then moved into the room. He locked the door behind him, not that he needed to worry. No one would have entered.
“That was crazy,” he said before he turned to give her his full attention.
“Aye. It was.”
The grin he had on his face dipped when his eyes swept over her.
She refused to fidget under his stare.
“Wow.”
Okay…now she found her feet moving.
“You’ve seen me in far less,” she reminded him.
He approached her slowly. “Yeah, but…not like this. Not here.”
She took a moment to soak him in. The plaid of her family draped over his shoulder and around his waist. It suited him as much as it did her father and brothers. His broad shoulders and firm build would match any man in this time. He was the most handsome man she’d ever met, making her a very lucky woman.
“It’s me who’s lucky,” he said when he stopped in front of her.
She tilted her head back and placed the palm on his shirt. “Peeking into my thoughts again, husband?”
“I am.”
Her eyes skirted past him toward the bed. The bed they would share.
“W-we don’t have to.” His words were weak, but his heart wanted her comfortable. For that, she would gladly give herself to this man.
“I don’t believe I’ve flinched once since you entered the room.”
Relief washed through their joined gifts.
He reached for a lock of her hair and brushed it off her shoulder. “No. I don’t believe you’ve flinched for days.” His palm moved to her neck and cradled the back of her head.
There was no hesitation when he tilted her head back to accept his kiss. She sighed and pressed into him, his warmth. His lips were soft on hers, tasting and, if she read him correctly, savoring her.
He spread one hand around her waist and pulled the small of her back toward him, bringing her entire body flush with his. Her soft curves met his hard ones with only her thin gown and his kilt separating them. The feel of his tongue sweeping in her mouth distracted her and made her moan.
Gavin angled his head and kissed her deeper.
A roar of laughter interrupted their embrace from outside the door.
Gavin growled and Amber giggled.
He broke their kiss and rested his forehead to hers. “Wait right here.”
He stormed toward the door, threw it open, and shook his finger at the men on the other side. “Go! Away! Now!”
Amber didn’t dare look to see who stood there, but she did hear Fin’s voice. “Time for us to leave, men.”
Gavin closed the door again. This time when he stood back, she noticed the blue aura of his gift spread to circle the walls of the room.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m making sure no one out there hears a thing happening in here.”
“That’s not playing fair,” she said with a click of her tongue.
He was back at her side in three steps. “I don’t care. I want to make love to my wife, to hear you moan when I bring you pleasure.”
His words made her insides quiver, as did his hands as they circled her hips and pulled her back into his arms.
“And I will bring you pleasure, Amber.” He kissed her briefly. “So much pleasure.”
If his kiss was a
ny indication, she needn’t worry. The taste of ale on his lips, the smell of the wool of her family plaid mixed with the unique bold scent of Gavin was something she would always remember from this night.
She reached into his hair and returned his kiss with as much fervor as he gave. When he pulled away again, she nipped at his lip, catching him by surprise. “My little minx.” Gavin bent down, gathered her into his arms, and walked her to the bed. The soft mattress of straw, plush feathers, and wool met her back before Gavin moved beside her, cradling her.
“I want in here,” he said tapping her head.
Amber opened her thoughts. I’m not keeping you out.
Yet once she said the words in her head a flood of emotion, of raw feeling had her closing her eyes to embrace the enormity of it. All Gavin…every ounce of the man wanted one thing.
Her.
“Oh, Gavin.”
Something inside him had changed since the last time they were this connected.
“Coming here, having the blessing of your parents weighted on you.”
“It did.”
He stroked the side of her face as he spoke. “When your father joined our hands that weight lifted.”
“Aye.”
Gavin grasped one of her hands and brought it up between them. “Whatever the future holds, we will work it out together.”
There wasn’t an ounce of doubt in his mind, and that fact pushed away any that might have lingered inside her. “I will be true to you, Gavin. Always.”
And I will protect and cherish you, Amber. Always.
His vow to cherish her began with a kiss. When breathing became difficult, he moved his lips to her neck and rounded his hands down her hip and leg.
I love the way you taste. He pushed aside her gown, licked, and kissed her shoulder.
I-I love the way you taste me.
He released a small laugh. I’m going to enjoy teaching you what you’ll truly love.
She knew there was more than kissing to enjoy. He’d already taught her that much. I’ll be your willing pupil.
He ran his hand under her nightgown and caressed her thigh. Everywhere he touched, her skin tingled.
“You like that.”
Her eyes fluttered closed. “Aye. Your touch is like a fresh breeze on my skin.”
A breeze?
He shifted until his knee rested between her legs.
With a will of its own, her body arched into him, closer. “Oh!” The very center of her body heated and that breeze grew into a wave of heat.
I prefer heat to a breeze, he told her.
You’re very good at creating heat.
He licked the lobe of her ear, and she nearly shot off the bed.
“Yes, it’s going to be a joy to teach you everything.”
She clawed at his shirt, pulling it. Do that again.
Demanding little minx.
Her eyes opened and a tiny bit of doubt slipped in. Is it too bold of me?
He shook his head and gave a reassuring smile. “Ask me to do anything, and I will. There are no limits here, with us like this. If something doesn’t feel right, stop me. I’ll never hurt you.”
“I know you won’t.”
Gavin leaned down and nibbled her ear. Is this what you like?
I like that very much.
As he nibbled and kissed, her hands found his waist and tugged his shirt away from his kilt.
Gavin reached down and unfastened something on his leg before a loud thump hit the floor.
My weapon.
My warrior is always ready.
God help anyone who disturbs us now.
She laughed. She couldn’t help herself. “You really are desperate to have me.”
“More than you can know.”
Being inside his head, she had a pretty good idea. She envisioned her hands on his backside, felt his desire for her to touch him. Instead of bringing the image into her head she took the liberty of walking her hand down his bottom, loved the taut round feel of it against her palm.
He groaned, or maybe that was her. It didn’t matter. The feeling of making him squirm mixed with the electricity of touching Gavin in such an intimate way exhilarated her, made her bolder.
While his hands danced up her leg, she allowed hers to do the same to his. Every muscle rippled beneath her fingertips. When she reached the apex of his leg where it met the bare curve of his arse, Gavin captured her lips in the most soulful kiss he’d delivered yet. She couldn’t touch enough of him, couldn’t separate her feelings from his. They both had the same goal—give the other complete satisfaction.
Something inside him switched, and he pulled away long enough to strip his shirt and all the finery that went with it. In only his kilt, he lowered his chest to hers and took her lips again.
His strong back was silk beneath her hands. Such a strong capable back. Such a strong man. Hers.
“I am yours.”
And I’m yours.
He lifted off her long enough to help her remove the silk that separated them. The gown slid to the floor and Gavin looked his fill.
“You’re so beautiful.”
Amber lifted a hand and traced the ridges of his shoulder and down his chest. His hard muscles twitched, and she leaned forward to kiss and taste him.
Gavin leaned back against the bed. Yes.
Her tentative touch found the sensitive nub of his nipple. It grew into a tight bud, much like hers did when he touched her. When Gavin moaned, she felt his pleasure ripple through her and dampen between her legs.
Gavin filled his palm with her breast before she realized he’d moved over her again. His fingers played and without any warning, his mouth was on her, licking and making all rational thought explode from her head.
You’re killing me, Amber.
The thick ridge of him sought her through his kilt with a need to be touched. Amber had no idea what it was like for a woman to have intimacies with her husband for the first time without the bonding link they shared, but she knew it couldn’t be as all knowing as this time was for them. Her husband’s desire to be touched moved her hands with a will of their own. Her hand traveled higher on his thigh until she felt him.
Yes. Please.
Amber smiled under his kiss and reached for him.
His thickness shocked her. Yes, she’d seen him before, but never like this. Her gentle squeeze brought a moan to his lips and complete abandon to whatever she wanted of him over his soul. He was so much larger than she was.
Before the thought managed to form in her head, Gavin said, “We’ll fit. I won’t hurt you.”
I know you won’t hurt me. How can anything so perfect ever hurt?
She ran her hand along his length and felt the joy it gave him, felt her own excitement grow.
Gavin undid his kilt and swept it from his body.
It was only them, this moment. He pressed her open, wider, and slid a hand between her legs. One swipe of his fingers left her pushing him closer.
Please, Gavin.
No reason to beg, my love.
He moved between her legs and positioned himself over her.
Open your mind. Think of my pleasure.
She gasped as he pressed down. She felt her own sheath closing around him, accepting him into her tight, welcoming home. The intensity of the moment brought the flames in the hearth across the room higher and the candles flickered against her closed lids.
Gavin moved away and back, filling her a little more.
As her excitement grew, so did his, yet she knew he held back, afraid he’d hurt her. Instead of telling him he wouldn’t, she pushed the thought of them joined and the feeling of how glorious it would be having him fully embedded inside her.
Gavin leaned up on his elbows and opened his eyes, which she met without waver. An emotion she wasn’t sure she wanted to label moved between them as he took her fully. Her body hesitated, but she only felt her husband’s pleasure. She was tight, gripping him and making it nearly impossible for hi
m not to move.
Energy circled them both, solidifying their bond in a way only intimacy could.
He kissed her, slowly. Tell me I can move, Amber…Please God tell me I can move.
Instead of answering him, she surged against him. The friction forced his name from her lips.
The feel of him within her wasn’t something she could have prepared herself for. The emotion of joining him completed her.
With each stroke of his body against hers, all thoughts of anything other than unraveling in his arms fled. “Gavin,” she cried.
Thank goodness his gift filtered the sound of them in the room from anyone else in the Keep. When he found the perfect pace, her body fought the climb until it surged over in a stream of fire and heat.
As her pleasure pushed over the edge, she felt a wave of ecstasy crash over her husband like a wave on the sand. The tidal wave swept her up with him, leaving them both rolling back to the earth in slow foamy tremors.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Gavin enveloped her. The enormity of emotion that welled over him when he claimed her was too big to describe. Even now, as he lay by her side with her leg draped over his, he wasn’t close enough.
Tara was right.
Amber’s thought drifted in his head. “Tara was right about what?”
“I-I didn’t want you to hear that.”
He laughed. “Too late.”
Amber snuggled closer. “She told me that because we’re bonded I wouldn’t feel any pain.”
A completely male part of him swelled. “It’s a perk of our heritage.”
“Yet you and I both know you’ve never used that perk before.”
He tilted her head and smiled down at her. “I’ve never needed it before.”
Kincaid felt her pride in knowing she was the only maiden he’d ever taken to his bed. What she probably didn’t know was he was the one who felt like a god. He’d made her first time something special, something she’d treasure. Hell, he’d treasure it his entire life. The way she moaned and called his name made him feel more powerful than any gift from his ancestors, whoever they may have been.
Laughter from the great hall drifted up the stairs. “Are there any other crazy traditions I need to be aware of tonight? Anyone gonna rush in for an early morning roast?”
Highland Protector (MacCoinnich Time Travels Book Five) Page 24
