Leaning forward, he spoke softly in her ear, “That one was for your pleasure.” She groaned and moved her hips against his hand. She wanted him deeper inside her, and she certainly didn’t want him to stop. The warmth from where he’d smacked her grew across her buttocks and heightened the sensation of his fingers playing a seductive, sultry rhythm inside her. He nibbled her ear and pressed soft kisses against her neck. She couldn’t keep up with the feelings he was arousing in her. She only knew she wanted something that seemed out of reach.
“Please, Duncan,” she said huskily. “I can’t take much more.”
His answer was a soft chuckle as his free hand pressed against her lower stomach.
“Ohhh,” she cried as she ground her hips even harder against his hand. As she almost reached her climax, he suddenly withdrew his hand and slammed his cock into her. The force knocked the breath from her and sent her over the edge. She convulsed violently around him, her orgasm coming in waves as he continued his unrelenting pace. He moaned, a deep, animalistic sound as his climax filled her completely.
They stayed like that for several minutes, her back to his front, his arms wrapped around her waist. She could feel him growing small inside of her but wasn’t ready for him to separate from her. She wanted to stay like this forever. She could feel his breath against her ear and the beating of his heart as it slowed its previous erratic pace. At length, he slipped out of her and rolled her next to him so that she was cradled in his arms. She snuggled against him, already feeling drowsy. She enjoyed the way his fingers caressed her hair and trailed lightly against her cheek. She sighed.
“Ye should get some rest, Leannan.” His warrior’s mask of indifference firmly back in place, she nestled into his arms, unsure of where this was headed.
“Duncan, I don’t want to be just your best weapon,” she whispered, propping herself on one elbow, her eyes locking with his. “I want more.”
“I know,” he stated, simply. “But I can’t give ye what ye want.”
She didn’t know how to respond to him. After all, what could she say that they hadn’t already said or explored? She knew that as long as he was fighting this war their relationship would take a back seat.
“Leannan,” he said softly, tilting her chin so that she was looking in his eyes. His black hair fell over his shoulders, and the celtic tattoo that circled his upper arm reminded her of his devotion to his fight. “Dinna let this come between us, lass. No one has ever claimed my heart as ye have. I dinna ken what more ye want.” He kissed her forehead.
“Everything,” she replied breathlessly before his lips found hers and he claimed her once more that night.
Chapter Ten
Caitriona woke with a start, beads of perspiration dotting her brow. She kicked the covers from her slender body, allowing the warm mid-morning air from the open window to dance lightly across her skin. She sucked in deep breaths of air, the remnants of her dream dissipating with the dawn. Unconsciously, she rubbed a hand across her brow, still feeling the sting of where the dream-blade found its mark. She groaned and rolled to her side. I should be used to this by now, she thought.
Her hand noted the indent in the bed where Duncan had been. It was still warm so she knew he hadn’t been gone long. At the memory of their lovemaking, a smile crossed her face. She stretched, noting the soreness in her legs—muscles I clearly haven’t used in a while, she thought, a wicked grin dotting her face. She felt the pull deep in her belly and wished that Duncan was still in bed with her. She could think of a hundred different ways to say good morning.
Rolling onto her side, she thought about the remnants of this latest dream-vision, the term she’d given to the visions that plagued her sleep. At first, she thought they were merely dreams, but as the prophecies in her dreams played out, she began to realize they were connected to her gift of second sight. She was also reminded of Dani and Duncan, their naked bodies entangled together in a lover’s dance. She pushed the thought from her mind. She didn’t want anything to ruin her good mood. Besides, it wasn’t clear what the vision meant so she refused to give in to her fear.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear Duncan come in.
“Ye look like ye’ve seen a ghost, Leannan,” he said, his voice laced with a hint of concern. “If I didna ken any better, I’d say ye’ve had a vision and that yer puzzling over what it means.” He sat down next to her and stroked her back, pressing soft kisses along her spine. She groaned, enjoying the feel of his hands on her body.
“Astute as ever, highlander,” she said, trying to keep the annoyance from her voice. “But we can discuss it later. Right now, there is only one thing on my mind.” She rolled over to face him, capturing his lips and enjoying the taste of him.
He pulled her tight against him, his hands tracing the curve of her breasts. She arched her back, his name a soft moan on her lips. She ground her hips against him until her need became his own. His erection grew hard as he rolled her nipples between his thumb and forefinger, watching as they grew hard and taut under his careful ministration.
Caitriona ran her hands the length of his back, reveling in the hardness of him. She was amazed at how much she needed this man, how much she ached for him and craved his touch. When they were together it was as if she was consumed by him, lost in the world they created. Nothing else mattered: her sister, Nicolas, the New World Order. All of it became inconsequential. She wrapped her legs around his body and pressed herself against his hardness. He groaned against her, capturing her lips, his passion consuming them both and bruising her tender flesh.
She became more insistent. She needed him inside her. She needed to feel the connection that only they shared. Arching her body, she reached down and freed his erection from his trues, her small hand stroking him and urging him to enter her.
“Nay, Leannan. I dinna want this to be over so soon.” Shedding his trues, he picked her up and, rolling them both, positioned her on top of him.
A wicked grin lit her face as she positioned herself over him and slid down the length of him. He moaned as she adjusted to the girth of him, his hands fisting in her hair. She began a slow circular movement with her hips that she knew would drive him mad. Her lips parted as she slowly began to increase her tempo. She could feel him give in to the sensations and his own body soon began to match the rhythm of her hips.
Increasing her tempo, she placed her hands on his chest, marveling at the well-toned muscles that were all hard lines and ridges. Even without his genetically enhanced strength, this man exuded power. Her breath hitched in her throat as he reached and found her clitoris, stroking the little nub in rhythm with their movements.
“Sweet goddess,” he groaned. She could tell he was close. She could feel her own release building as she climbed the precipice. She needed to feel that sweet release that only he could provide. His hand increased his maddening tempo and she arched her back giving him greater access to the secret places between her legs.
“Caitriona,” he gasped. “Come with me, lass.” The passion and desperation in his voice was her undoing. She came violently against him as his own release washed over her. He continued to pump her as he filled her with his seed. Her body shook as her own release shattered her completely. Collapsing, she fell against his chest, listening to the rapid beat of his heart as they both floated back from their emotional high.
In time, Duncan’s hands caressed her back, bringing tiny goose flesh to the surface as his hands rhythmically matched the beating of her heart. She sighed, not wanting to break the spell. But she knew his obligations would soon invade his thoughts once again.
As if on cue, his communication device chirped loudly, indicating an incoming audio transmission. “Ignore it,” he murmured against her hair.
“I don’t think I’m the one you need to worry about,” she quipped. She enjoyed the feel of his strong hands drifting lightly across her back. She snuggled deeper into him, hopeful that they could steal a few more hours before duty called them both
back to reality. She hadn’t been this close to him in weeks and she missed the strength of his arms and the satiated feeling she derived from their lovemaking.
The chirping became more insistent. “Damnu,” Duncan exclaimed, rolling her off him.
She sighed as time and duty robbed her once again.
“Open audio,” Duncan’s deep baritone penetrated the silence of the room.
“Gawain’s asked his advisors to assemble,” Duncan’s second in command, Lee Tadeo, said in a clipped rush. “He’s asked Caitriona to join but I haven’t been able to reach her. Do you… ”
“She’s with me,” Duncan interrupted him. “We’re on our way.” He closed the communication before Lee could respond.
“Get dressed, Caitriona,” he barked as he slipped into command mode.
She sighed and rolled off the bed pulling the sheet around her. “Do I have time for a shower?” she asked hopefully.
“Quickly. Gawain wouldn’t call an unscheduled meeting unless it was important. And the fact that he’s invited you means there’s information that involves you.” He pulled his trues on and tugged his white cotton shirt over his head. “We’ll be in the day hall.” With that, he left without even a nod in her direction.
Chapter Eleven
Caitriona pushed back from the table and stood up abruptly. Almost as one, the men instantly rose, an old-fashioned, chivalrous reaction that didn’t allow them to sit when there was a woman standing in the room. Caitriona glared at them, her intent clear in her eyes. She was damned tired of being everybody’s pawn.
“Sit down, Caitriona,” Duncan demanded, his eyes meeting hers. She could feel the tension in the room and briefly considered his request. But she had set this train in motion and there was no stepping off now.
Taking a deep breath, she met his steely gaze. “No.” The single word reverberated throughout the vast room. “You can’t actually be considering his request, Duncan,” she stated, fury fueling her fight.
“He has asked for intercession and parlay, Caitriona. I am duty bound tae honor such a request. I’ve explained this tae ye.” The exasperation was barely kept from his voice. He nodded once again to her chair and to the others who also remained standing. Pausing only briefly, Nicolas, who had been seated at her left, held her chair out for her in an exaggerated gesture meant to diffuse the growing tension. She noted the almost pleading look in his eyes as she took her seat next to him.
The other men took their chairs once again as a tense silence settled around the guests. Duncan glared at her, the fury in his eyes unmasked as he allowed the camarara to pour him another cup of coffee. The Grand Maester was the first to break the silence.
“My troops are at your disposal, MacKinnon,” the older man said softly, but with a distinct air of authority that came only with age. “But I agree with the Seer,” he stressed her title. “Hawkins is cunning and will stop at nothing to get what he wants.”
A slight smile creased the corners of Caitriona’s mouth as she realized she might just have an ally in the room.
“However,” he stressed, watching as Caitriona slumped in her chair, “Duncan is correct. We are bound by law to honor Hawkins’ request. I will also add that if there is a way to end this bloody war and have both sides living in peace, we should make every effort to nurture that.” He took a sip of coffee and looked pointedly at Duncan. “I trust you will take every precaution to see that the Seer is well guarded and protected during the event.”
“There is no way I’m letting my sister anywhere close to that monster,” Dani replied haughtily, glaring at the small ensemble who’d gathered to discuss the missive that came through earlier that day. The message was short, formally requesting intercession and parlay as was the custom.
“We need to discuss all our options, mi niña dulce,” the Grand Maester stated. “I don’t think any of us want to risk the Seer’s life, but Hawkins is within his right to request who he wants at the intercession and parlay.” As Nicolas and Dani both started to protest, he raised his hand. “Just as it is within our right to ensure adequate guards and precautions are undertaken.”
“The fact that Hawkins is requesting this now leads me to believe we may have weakened him more than we thought,” Gawain said. He had arrived at Casa Naica earlier that day, unescorted and without the fanfare that was customary for a man in his station. Caitriona presumed it was because of Hawkins’ request. She knew the older man would have preferred to gather his strategic advisors at Castle Dunrobin, but Hawkins would be expecting that. Casa Naica, she knew, provided a well-hidden advantage.
“He also doesn’t seem to know we have Danika, which gives us an even more powerful advantage,” Gawain added.
“Yes, but her powers are weaker than Caitriona’s,” the Grand Maester interjected.
“We haven’t yet taken both women to the caves,” Duncan stated, all eyes turning to him.
Caitriona looked at her sister, who also seemed taken aback by the turn in conversation. “Quit talking about us as if we aren’t in the same room, let alone at the same table,” Dani quipped. She reached for Caitriona’s hand under the table and squeezed it reassuringly.
“This is absurd,” Caitriona said. “Why can’t you just tell Hawkins we aren’t interested in his offer of intercession and parlay?” she stressed the last part sarcastically. “I can’t believe you people would actually entertain this idea. This man is no more interested in a truce than I am in going to the caves.” She rolled her eyes and exhaled loudly.
“I’m with Catie on this one,” Dani spoke firmly. “I saw what our caves did to her. I can’t imagine going to the Crystal Caves—even with full gear.”
Duncan pushed his chair back and stood. “I want to talk to Caitriona…alone.” All eyes were on him, but his grey eyes never left Caitriona’s face.
Caitriona gave Dani’s hand a reassuring squeeze and nodded at Duncan. She folded the napkin that had been in her lap and delicately placed it next to her half-eaten meal. Pushing her chair back, she rose gracefully, her eyes never leaving his face. Nicolas rose as well and almost as one, the remaining men rose to their feet, all eyes focused on the commander of the Templars Knights. The next move was his and they all knew it.
“I will accompany her,” Nicolas announced, his blue eyes locked on Duncan’s, challenging his authority.
“Nay,” Duncan replied sternly. “This doesna concern ye, LaFelle.” He pressed closer to Caitriona and took her arm, leading her from the room. Nicolas pushed back his chair, his intent clear. A low growl erupted from Duncan as Nicolas crossed the room, effectively blocking the door. Caitriona placed her hand on Duncan’s chest, attempting to diffuse what she knew would soon be an impossible situation.
“Nicolas, I will be fine,” she said hurriedly. “I need to talk to Duncan as well…in private.”
He stared at her and she knew he was reading her emotions. He finally stepped back. “If you need me…” The unspoken statement spoke volumes.
She kissed him lightly on the cheek and leaned in close to his ear. “Thank you.”
Duncan touched her elbow and guided her from the room. She stole a glance at him and could see the tick in his jaw, evidence—she knew—of his burgeoning anger. She glanced behind her at Nicolas and could see the worry etched in his brow. What a mess, she thought. She didn’t dare glance at Dani; she knew her sister would jump to her defense in a heartbeat if she thought she was being mistreated. And while she knew Nicolas would protect her—with his own life, if necessary—she also knew he would do almost anything to end this war. Her role was not up for debate.
Duncan led her to a smaller room just outside of the main dining hall. He pulled the door open for her and ushered her inside. Her gaze swept the room where rows and rows of printed books lined the wall. She walked to the array of books and ran her hand over the old, worn volumes. Even in her century, printed books were becoming more and more obsolete as digital technology took over. She knew this was a rare find.
After what felt like minutes, Duncan released her, his hand brushing the hair from her face. “Caitriona, I am yours,” he told her. “In every conceivable way, every part of me is yours. I willna let anythin’ happen to ye.”
“Duncan, you can’t promise that,” she interjected. She didn’t need to remind him that Hawkins had penetrated their defenses once already and that one small breach had almost cost her, her life…and Duncan his war.
He sighed and pulled her against his chest. He rested his chin on her head and she snuggled deeper into his arms. She loved the way she fit in his arms. She only wished she fit as easily into his life.
“Even if I said yes, Duncan, I won’t risk Dani’s life as well.”
“Dani kens the risk, lass. And there’s a good chance she’ll try something even more reckless on her own. She’s as keen to end this war as any of those men sitting in that room. With parlay, Hawkins will be unable tae touch ye. Neither side is permitted any weapons and the intercession is purposely kept to only a handful of men and women from either side.” At her worried look, he continued. “Catie, lass, this may be the only chance we get tae see what Hawkins is really up tae.”
“Then you don’t believe he really wants a truce?”
“Nay. He kens ye have power—but I dinna ken if he knows the depth of yer abilities.”
“That makes two of us,” she said, resentment in her voice.
He ignored her jibe remark and instead began pacing the floor. He was once again in warrior mode, and she was once more relegated to his warrior’s tool chest. She sighed.
Dark Gathering Page 8
