Ginny wrapped her legs around his middle and reached back with one hand to caress his sack. Her other hand was firmly around his neck, to keep her balance. Ian groaned his approval as he grabbed her hips and began to move her back and forth, in and out. At this angle, Ian's erection was hitting the perfect spot inside Ginny, and soon all thought was gone, only the pleasure of the moment remained. The burning of her orgasm was driving her wild and she began to buck wildly against him, making Ian grit his teeth to hold out, to give her more time.
Almost magically, Ginny was engulfed in all encompassing ecstasy. Like lying on the beach, each wave of her orgasm slammed her body, leaving her spent and fulfilled. Ian, in his own need for release, threw Ginny on her back and continued to pound into her until his orgasm rocked him. Spilling his seed into her, Ian gave a satisfied grunt. He moved to the side, carrying her with him, cradling her in his arms. He kissed her tenderly, but realized that he was already getting hard again. Thinking of his new wife, he pulled the blanket over them and began to rub her back gently.
The room was cool, which for once felt good against Ginny's heated skin. The only sounds were their soft panting, as they tried to regain some control. Ian shifted uncomfortably, as a piece of the straw mattress dug into his back. “Och, sorry, my love.” He moved over, carrying her with him, to a more comfortable position.
“Aaah, that is much better. Are ya comfortable?” he asked her, so tenderly it almost made her cry.
Silly , she thought, wondering if she is about to get her period. Hoping she did so she could justify her weepiness and to confirm that she won't be giving birth without an epidural. It occurred to her that he was waiting for an answer to his question. “Aye, I'm comfy.” Taking a deep breath and bracing herself for his reply, she finally asked the burning question, “Why did you come back?”
Refusing to look him in the face, she buried herself into his chest. The silence went on too long for good news, she thought. Finally, she looked up to his face, into his beautiful blue eyes. “I dinna think I could live without ya.” Well, that explained nothing and Ginny wanted to know what happened after she left.
“What happened?”
“I spoke to the Sinclair. He told me about his father. He and Alec fought alone. Alec could have killed him, but he dinna. There will always be bad blood, but no one was killed today.”
Ginny's eyes widened with the shock. Her plan had worked, as convoluted and hastily put together as it was. There had to be a catch. There was no way that she was getting out of this unscathed. “But your clan, they hate me now, don't they?”
“Nay, only Broderick. He may leave when ya return.” Ginny's eyes turned sympathetic at this news. Broderick was very important to Ian, as a commander, confidant and friend.
Turning her eyes down, she said softly, “I'm sorry. I would never ask you to choose.”
Gently placing his hands under her chin, Ian raised her face back up to his. “I know ya wouldnae ask that of me. I will convince Broderick to stay. Ya may no' want to be around him for a while.” He dazzled her with a brilliant smile. She smiled in return, hoping it would all be right in the end. Just like the novels.
"Do you think he'll ever forgive me for taking his horse. Again," Ginny asked, with an innocent smile on her face.
Ian laughed. “I dinna know about that." Becoming serious he said, "I love ya, lass. I need ya with me. After ya look over Alec, we will return home.”
“Why am I looking over Alec?”
“He was injured during the fight.”
Ginny looked incredulous. “Why are we lying here... or better yet, why did we just... fool around if your brother is hurt?”
Ian smiled again. He loved how indignant she got over silly things. “He isnae hurt so badly. A couple of scratches, maybe a broken rib. He will live.”
Pushing away from Ian, Ginny got herself dressed. She skulked around, mumbling to herself about her stupid husband, trying to find her shoes. By the time she'd made herself presentable, Ian was standing there, fully dressed and waiting. She walked past him to leave the room and he grabbed her and kissed her so passionately, she thought that getting dressed was a huge waste of time. At the last moment, he pulled away. “Och, Ginny. Ya make me forget myself. Best get moving before I put ya on yar back and have my way with ya.”
“That's what I've been trying to do.” Ginny quickly walked up the hallway, knowing it was only a matter of time before he grabbed her again. She almost made it, got all the way to the door of the great room as a matter-of-fact, before Ian had her in his arms again, nuzzling her neck and feeling her up over her clothing.
“Do you want me to look at your brother?”
“Nay, I want ya to look at me.”
“No, you want me to do something else to you.”
Ian let out a hearty laugh. “Ya may be right. Ya better get in there, Ginny.” He leaned closer, mouth against her ear and whispered, “I am already hard for ya. I may take ya against this wall here.”
Never one for public displays of affection, or even potential ones, Ginny ran into the great hall.
* Chapter 28 *
There were few windows in the great hall, so there was little light in the room, save for the candles here and there. In front of the hearth, Ginny saw a few monks crowding around Alec, who was sitting in a chair. As she began to walk over to him, Ginny remembered what he said about her being a traitor. Her steps slowed and become unsure as she wondered if he would even let her near him.
Ian grabbed her arm and dragged her the rest of the way across the room. His lack of sensitivity certainly did speed things up, but did nothing for her fragile self-esteem at that moment. Literally dumping her in front of Alec, Ian announced, “Take a look at him. We need to leave soon.” After this, Ian simply left the room, along with every monk who had been attending Alec. They were curiously alone.
“ Ian says you're hurt,” Ginny stated in a monotone voice while staring at the wall above the hearth. She had to be getting her period, because she could feel the tears forming in her eyes. Maybe it would be better to get angry , she thought. Tears made you look weak, and Ginny hated to look weak.
“Ginny...” Alec sounded forlorn. He knew he hurt her earlier, with his unfounded accusations. Truth was, Alec had never admired a woman like he did Ginny. Even his wife, who he loved more than life, had never done the brave things this woman had done. If he didn't know better, he would have bet she was a man.
Hearing his voice, Ginny braved looking at him. His head was in his hands and he was covered in bruises. Without another word, she began to examine his wounds. Nothing serious, a lot of bruises, but no cuts required stitching. Ian did mention his ribs, so she asked, “Does your chest hurt?”
Alec, who had been silent and still during the examination, finally looked her in the eye. “Please forgive me, Ginny. What I said to ya... Yar the bravest lass I have ever known. Thank ya for what ya did for our clan.”
The tears fell over and down her cheeks. Until that moment, Ginny hadn't realized how important it was that he believe in her, that he respect her. She smiled and sighed. Maybe this would work out after all. “Your welcome,” was all she said.
He stood up and hugged her, like a brother would his sister. As the tears continued to fall, Ginny melted into his arms, enjoying the protection and warmth. Alec gently rubbed her head and back. For whatever reason, she now felt like she might be able to live this life if she had to. She had the love of one man and the respect of his family. What more did she need, besides showers, coffee and Hershey Peanut Butter Cups?
An angry throat clearing came from across the room. “I can see yar well enough to ride home, brother.”
Alec laughed as he released Ginny from his bear hug. “Ya got a fine wife here, Laird. I wouldnae do anything stupid to lose her. There are many who would have her,” he said, still looking at Ginny and smiling.
“They can try, but they will die trying.”
Ginny didn't think she was much into
the macho bravado that many men displayed. Somehow, hearing he would kill anyone who touched her kind of turned her on. Of course, in Ian, this wasn't bravado. He would truly hurt another man who came near her. Still, very flattering.
Clearing her throat and wiping the tears from her face, she turned to Ian. She smiled, lifted an eyebrow and looked quite taken by her husband. Ian narrowed his eyes as if understanding what she was telling him with only her eyes. “Alec, go see if the men are prepared to leave. My wife and I will be out in a few minutes.” With that, Ian picked her up and carried her back to their little cell.
“What do you mean a few minutes,” Ginny asked him as he carried her off. All she could hear was Alec laughing as she left the room.
* Chapter 29 *
Three Months Later
Ginny couldn't believe it could get much colder. It was summer when she came, so she got a rude wake up call when autumn hit. The temperatures dropped and the wind picked up. The village was preparing for winter, for when there was little to do outside. Ian had told her that they would often host the clan in the great hall, to keep everyone from going crazy from cabin fever.
She sat by the hearth, relishing in the heat. It seemed that like a good Catholic girl, she got pregnant on her wedding night. When her period never came, but the nausea and vomiting did, she was quite certain of her fate. Ian was as giddy as a schoolboy. He was constantly talking about their son and how they would name him after his father. Thankfully his father was named Ronald, so it wasn't as bad as it could have been.
Aileana sat across from her, working on some embroidery. She was quite certain she was having a girl. Since that first awful night when she realized she was pregnant, Aileana had come to find peace. It seemed that this child was the best thing to happen to her, giving her a new lease on life. Aileana needed someone to take care of, and with that care, she could be healed herself. She asked Ginny to be there, for the birth. What could Ginny say? She was beginning to love her new family.
As Ginny came to get used to the way of life here, she depended on Maude much less. It was a good thing, too, since one of the McKenna soldiers, a young man named Timothy, had started courting her. Maude was an expert at casual indifference and was leading the poor man on a merry chase. Ginny had begun to think she was not interested at all when one evening, in a dark corner outside the great hall, she caught them kissing. Both were equally embarrassed, but neither seemed inclined to stop, so Ginny went on her way, leaving the love birds to their moment.
Then, there was Broderick. He made his home, in a newly built hut, outside the walls of the keep. His wife was always so excited to tell everyone about how much she loved her husband. Everyone, except Ginny. Although they decided to stay, they made it very clear that Ginny was not to have anything to do with them. As the Laird's wife, it was sometimes difficult to keep her distance, but Ginny did. It made things easier for her husband.
As Ginny enjoyed her warmth and quiet company with Aileana, Ian strode into the great hall. Without asking, he pulled Ginny from her seat and sat down on the newly vacated chair and placed her on his lap. Aileana smiled, but said nothing, just continued with her embroidery.
Ian leaned in to whisper in his wife's ear, “I thought ya meant to rest more, love.”
“I'm just sitting here, Ian. What more can I do?”
“Ya can go lie in my bed and sleep.”
Dear God, he did worry about her. He was almost unnervingly affectionate, but Ginny knew they were growing closer. His world did not include using her as a partner in all things, but she'd grown accustomed to taking care of his home. Ginny would often wonder if she would grow tired of the second class citizen feel. When things got bad, Ian would only have to seduce her to make her put her fears aside. Damn, but the sex was still incredible.
As much as she hated to admit it, she was tired all the time. A little nap certainly would do her good and make her husband feel as if he'd taken care of her. Ginny had told him that she loved him, but she still had a level of uncertainty. There were many things about him she loved, even thought she could really mean it eventually, but right now, she just enjoyed their time together.
“Very well, husband. I will take a nap, but only because I know it would make you feel better.”
“Aye, wife. It would make me feel better,” his smile was genuine, his voice a caress. Ginny could almost feel her loins tighten at the sound. Seeing the look on her face, he added, “Ya better get going before I forget ya need a nap.” His eyebrow raised, mocking her. Before she could get up, he leaned in and gently kissed her lips.
Ginny got off his lap and stretched. She reached the door out of the great hall, turned and looked back at him. He was staring at her departure, watching her make her way. Suddenly, Ginny felt dizzy and her vision blurred. Her head began to swim, like after a long night of drinking. Ian must have noticed the funny look on her face, because the last thing she heard was him say, “Ginny, are ya unwell?”
And then, there was nothing.
Coming Soon
A Lesson in
Forgiveness
Enjoy a sneak preview of Jennifer Connors' next book in the “Lesson” series.
* Chapter 1 *
Gentle rocking. Back and forth, back and forth. The only sound was the rhythm of the rocking. No smells or tastes or feelings. Only the rocking. It was soothing and relaxing. Mostly, it was hypnotic. No pain, no worries, no anxieties.
Then, it ended, abruptly. The carriage hit a pothole and Ginny was jarred so hard she hit her head against the seat. Her eyes snapped open. She held the carriage seat as if it was a life preserver. That was what it felt like. She was drowning in a sea of mis-comprehension and the feel of the wood and cushion were the only things that kept her afloat.
Her breathing was shallow and sweat began to form on her forehead. The carriage was small and she was not the only occupant. Across from her were two people, a man and a woman, both older, with graying hair and wrinkles around their eyes and mouths. Both were asleep, the man slumped against the carriage and the woman slumped against the man.
Ginny began to examine the rest of the interior. The rocking continued, except now, it wasn't so soothing. There were doors on either side, with small windows that were currently open to allow for air flow. Right beside each door was what looked like an oil lamp, although neither was lit since it was daytime. Everything was a stained dark wood, except for the cushions, which were a lively red velvety material.
Staring out the small windows, Ginny saw a whole lot of nothing, trees and fields along a seemingly never ending dirt road. No highway, no cars, no telephone poles and no houses.
She closed her eyes and took a deep, shaky breath. Where the hell am I now? she wondered, keeping her eyes closed against the reality that she was still not home. Ginny had just lived a strange woman's life in medieval times. She was a romance novel heroine, saving the day and winning the hunk. Of course, that wasn't her real life. The life she left behind in 2008, working as a physician's assistant and living the single life of a thirty year old.
The last thing Ginny could remember was walking away from Ian, her mega-hunk, right before she passed out. Passed out? she thought disbelievingly. More like passed to yet another person's life I will have to live.
Reaching up with both hands, covered in fine, soft gloves, Ginny began to rub her face. If I keep my eyes closed, maybe it will all go away. I will be back where I'm supposed to be and Lisa and I can have a big laugh over my outrageous dreams.
It was not to be Ginny's lucky day. Slowly, she opened her eyes to see the two other occupants of the carriage staring at her. The woman had large brown eyes and a stern, down-turned mouth. The man, whose salt and pepper hair was cut very short, had sympathetic green eyes and a kindly face. Ginny had hoped to remember some information on who she was currently occupying before she had to speak, but since it wasn't her lucky day, she wasn't to be disappointed.
“You will not fade in the background here, young lad
y. It is your responsibility to make a fine marriage and no man wants a woman who cannot hold a conversation,” said the stern looking woman. Ginny surmised she was her mother and she was not happy with her.
The man held a hand over the woman's hand and said more gently, “We don't want you to be alone, Bethany. We want you to have a happy life. Your mother and I want to see you settled before...” Her father, she presumed, didn't finish his sentence. It was probably a conversation he'd already had with her on many occasions.
Ginny didn't know what exactly was going on, but she could figure most of it out. “Yes, sir,” was all she replied, hoping it would put an end to the conversation and she could sit quietly waiting to find out who she was. Again, she was not so lucky.
“Two seasons! Two! You should be betrothed by now. There were so many fine gentlemen available. If you would just talk to some of them. I can count how many times you danced on one hand. You are such a beautiful girl.” Her mother let out an exasperated sigh and turned to look out the carriage window.
“I will try harder, mother,” she replied, figuring it was what she was supposed to say. Since the woman continued to stare out the window, Ginny figured it was also the same thing she'd said in the past. Or rather, the same thing Bethany had said. Before she could expound more on a subject she was completely unfamiliar with, there was a knock from above.
“There now, it seems we have almost arrived,” her father smiled openly. “It will be a pleasure to finally meet Lord Whitmore in person. His correspondence has been most helpful.”
Ginny had no idea what that meant, so she decided to keep quiet. The carriage turned down a long drive and suddenly her mother looked almost excited.
A Lesson in Passion Page 21
