***
Utterly dazed over what had just transpired, Lark could still feel the sparks of rapture going off inside her. She blinked several times and her brows drew together. This was not the ugly, messy business her mother described to her. Nor was it painful or disgusting; it had only hurt for a second or two. Her face burned in shame over her wantonness. Was it wicked of her to have enjoyed it so much? She had had no command over her body from the moment he started kissing her. Even now, her flesh tingled from his caresses. She must admit that he had been gentle with her; she decided it had been a beautiful experience, and she now felt like silly goose for worrying so much over the bedding. She moved her head slightly and saw that her husband looked as though he was fairly overcome by what had happened as well.
It made her smile to think that at least she wasn’t the only one left overwhelmed. Her satisfaction didn’t last long. If the big galoot thought for one second that he could share what they had just shared with any other woman, he was very much mistaken. Slowly she let her gaze drift over his magnificent form. My, oh, my, he’s so beautiful and built so powerfully. Her eyes went back to his handsome face. She still couldn’t believe this man was the foul, stinking creature she first met. Who would have thought that underneath all that facial hair was such a glorious-looking male? It was sacrilege to cover up such beauty. Her mouth tightened, knowing that other females would certainly find him attractive and would try to seduce him into their beds. Perhaps it might be wise if he grew back his beard At least that way, she wouldn’t be continuously beating women off him with a stick.
She watched as his eyes opened and a wide grin of proud male satisfaction spread across his face. She could tell that he was very pleased with himself. Rolling over on his side, he placed a possessive arm across her waist, his eyes glowing with mirth. “I canna see what ye are so pleased about, ye sniveling dog,” she groused, trying to hide the fact she was just as happy.
“I was hoping I dinna hurt ye too much, dearling.” Cameron replied in a low, gravelly voice. His hand came up and stroked the side of her head.
“Nay. ‘Tis a fact that I hardly noticed what ye were about. I was too busy reciting my favorite prayer.” She couldn’t help but smile when he burst into laughter.
He drew her closer until she was flat up against him. “Is that right? Mmm, mayhap I’m losing m’ touch. I’ll have to practice some more.”
Annoyed, she elbowed him in the stomach. “Ye willna be practicing with anyone else, ye randy ram. I’ll slice ye to ribbons if ye even think about it.”
He bought his hand up from her stomach and cupped her cheek. “Ye need have nae fear of that, sweetling. I can assure ye that ye have ruined me for any other wench.” Her jealousy pleased him greatly.
“Harrumph, we will see. Ye ken that it was completely different to what my mother told me to expect. There was nothing filthy or messy about it. Why do ye think she lied?” She stared up at him curiously.
With a tip of his shoulder, he smiled tenderly back at her. “I canna say, dear heart. Some women never find pleasure in mating. ‘Tis a fact that some men are selfish, only concerned with their own desire and take what they want without any concern for their partner.”
She considered his explanation and decided he was probably right. She felt sorry for all those poor women who never found any pleasure when mating with a man. She could only be thankful that her husband was different. She let out a throaty purr when his fingers lightly grazed down her arm. It set off tingles throughout her body and she snuggled closer. Without realizing what she was doing, her hand caressed his wide, solid chest. The light hair spattering it tickled her palm, sending sensations sparking through her.
“I, on the other hand, sweeting, plan to give ye as much satisfaction as I can. I want to pleasure ye until ye scream my name and beg for mercy.” He whispered in her ear.
The promise of those words tipped her over the edge; her whole being suddenly burst with desire and need. She rolled on to her back and dragged him with her. She grasped the nape of his neck and drew his face down to hers. She took his mouth aggressively as her fingers dug into his shoulders. She was unconcerned by how wicked and wanton she was being. The hunger for him was back, even stronger than before. Mouths fused together as their tongues teased each other’s. He caught the sounds of her pleasure as his big hand stroked and caressed every inch of her. His magic fingers between her thighs sent her over the edge. Her whole body curved up as he settled between her spread legs and slipped into her body.
At first they slowly rocked together, but soon it wasn’t enough, so she wrapped her slim legs around his waist and forced him to increase his strokes. She tossed her head from side to side when his lips clamped around her nipple and sucked it deep into his mouth. She started to tremble as something momentous built in the pit of her stomach. When he plunged inside her again, her world shattered in brilliant lights. Her body went taut and she cried out when she was flooded with rhapsody. He continued to drive into her, and tossing his head back, he gave a shout as his own release poured into her. Everything became a blur after that, the only thing she remembered was her wide, happy smile of satiation as she drifted off to sleep.
***
In the dim light of dawn, Cameron studied his sleeping wife. Last eve had been an amazing experience. Who would have thought that this wee bundle of a woman could be so passionate? She was a wild little kitty; she bit, she clawed and she purred, and he had enough marks to prove it. He liked her jealousy and possessiveness, but she didn’t have to worry about him wandering. He had taken vows and he would honor them. Besides, after mating with her, no other wench would ever satisfy him the way she did. It didn’t concern him in the least, because what he found in her arms he would never find in another. Even though he was fully aroused, he didn’t dare touch her, knowing that she would probably be sore. He shouldn’t have made love to her the second time, but he had been unable to resist.
Now he could understand why she had wanted to get sotted last evening; her mother had put the fear of mating in her. It was just lucky for him that her passion had overwhelmed her and she hadn’t had time to panic. A chuckle tickled his throat. She had certainly been the aggressor the second time around. He had been stunned at first, but not for long. He had to admit that coming inside a woman and leaving his seed behind had been a new experience for him. It had been utterly astounding to finally be able to complete the act for the first time. He’d never felt such elation or gratification. It had opened a whole new world of rapture for him, and he knew he was already addicted. Aye, his wee wife had turned his life upside down, but he wasn’t concerned. It would not interfere with his duties or make any difference in his daily existence.
Only his nights would change, and for the better, to his way of thinking. Even though Gwen had been his mistress, he had never slept with her through the night and had never rutted with her in his own bed. She wasn’t allowed to enter his chambers at all, because he knew that when he married, he would not want them soiled by another wench’s presence. He knew it had angered the woman, but he would not budge on the matter. Though he loathed to do it, he would keep her here a few more weeks before he sent on her way. He needed the time before his wife’s father came in hot pursuit after his daughter, and most assuredly the man would. Cameron had to make certain that Lark was happy and contented, that she would not even think about leaving him. Even if she did want to, of course, he would never allow it.
He doubted she would, though. She had, after all, honored the contract, and he didn’t think she was all that happy about being forced to wed the other man anyway. His mouth turned hard at her father’s lack of integrity. It did not speak well of the man, and he would make certain that his wife saw very little of him. He wouldn’t trust the man and would never welcome him under his roof. It would probably upset her a bit, but he would not change his mind. When someone lost their principles, you could not believe a word they said, and you would certainly be foolish indeed to tu
rn your back on them. It was going to be interesting to see how all this played out.
When his wife purred in her sleep, he pushed the disturbing thoughts aside and grinned. He enjoyed the little sounds she made in her sleep. They told him she was contented. The sounds he loved the most, though, were the ones she cried out when he was deep inside her. She had indeed let him know how much she was reveling in their lovemaking. It made his chest swell with pride that he could so easily take away her inhibitions. His discipline was swiftly disappearing as his cock bucked and throbbed, and he knew that if he didn’t leave now, he would make love to her again. He let his gaze caress her face once more before he turned away. It would be probably be a day or two before he could touch her again, he realized in disappointment.
A dissatisfied sigh rolled out of him and he swung away from her, slipping off the mattress and strolling into the other chamber. Going to the trunks, he opened one and removed a shirt and his kilt. Dressing quickly, he pulled on his boots and left the room. He didn’t expect anyone to be up so early after the long night of celebration. Down in the hall, he grinned at all the men sleeping, some at the tables and some on the floor. He didn’t doubt that there would be many a sore head when they woke. Though the great room was a mess, he knew that the servants, when they crawled out of their beds, would set it to rights. His head spun around when the door was thrown open and one of the men who stood watch rushed inside.
“My Laird, visitors will be arriving in three hours. Word was sent there’s a large party of Clan McDowell approaching.”
Heaven help him, that was all he needed. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the messenger. He did not mind Laird McDowell himself; it was his daughter that Cameron found so aggravating. The wench was spiteful, self-centered and had tried to seduce him too many times to count. She was sure to cause no end of trouble by her arrival, he did not doubt that for one second. It would probably be even worse once she learnt he had married. His wee wife would probably lose her temper a time or two, he was certain of that as well. Och, it was sure to be a very unpleasant visit. He gave a loud shout to wake the sleepers in the hall. The place needed to be cleaned up before his ‘guests’ arrived.
Most likely his wife would like a bath, and he wasn’t looking forward to explaining about their visitors, but he would have to warn her what Lady Janice was like ahead of time so that Lark would be properly armed against any nasty jibes. He could only hope the irritating woman was smart enough not to ridicule the wee lass’s height. There were sure to be fireworks if she did. He should have realized they would come; the McDowells’ visits were increasing and he knew the reason why. They were foolish indeed if they thought he would dishonor himself and not go through with wedding his betrothed. Even more stupid to think he would wed Janice. He shuddered at the thought of taking that shrewish witch as his wife. He snapped out orders to a group of servants and bounded up the staircase. Entering his chamber, he strode into his bedchamber and saw his wife sitting up, a cross expression on her face.
“What in tarnation has ye bellowing like a bull at this time of the morning?” she grouched, glaring at him with annoyance.
He shrugged. “Visitors will be arriving shortly.”
She stared at him in disbelief. “But it’s barely dawn.”
“Aye, ‘tis barely dawn right now, sweeting, but they will be here in a few hours naetheless,” he explained with what humor he could muster lacing his voice.
“Well, that is so very considerate of them.” Her tone was sarcastic as she flopped back down on the pillows.
A chuckle rumbled in his throat and he coughed to cover it. “Aye, ‘tis most, ah, considerate of them. I must warn ye, though, that t’will nae be a very pleasant visit. Lady Janice McDowell will, nae doubt, be vindictive towards ye. She and her father had hopes I would forget the contract and offer for her. She is nae a verra pleasant wench. She will poke at yer temper and ridicule ye.”
“Well, aren’t I just the lucky one? I suppose the slattern will be all over ye like a rash.”
Her waspish tone told him how much she disliked the idea, and it was taking him every effort not to grin. “Aye, she canna keep her claws to herself. I have rebuffed her every time, but she willna take the hint.”
Lark snorted. “Let me warn ye, ye rutting goat. She will regret it if she pushes me too far.”
“All I’m asking, dearling, is for ye to try and stay calm. The wench has never meant anything to me. In fact, I have very little liking for her at all, and once ye meet her, ye’ll understand. Now I’ll go order a bath sent up straightaway for ye.” He leaned over and brushed her lips lightly with his own. “I had hopes for a more pleasurable start to our day than this. Ye pleased me greatly last eve, and I dare hope I pleased ye as well. I am a verra lucky man to have such a passionate wife.” He straightened up, swiveled around and left her.
With a soft, happy sigh, she watched her husband stride out of the room. Her heart had skipped over his praise. She wasn’t looking forward to meeting their guests; the woman sounded selfish and nasty. Lark very much doubted she could keep her temper, but she was going to try. The servants arrived and were filling the tub. As soon as they had left, she threw back the covers and slipped off the mattress. She winced at the tenderness between her thighs, and embarrassed over her nakedness, she hurried into the other room and sank beneath the water. Making quick work of washing herself, she was soon out of the tub and drying off.
The thought of visitors arriving shortly and certain that the great hall would be untidy, she raced to dress and do her hair. Downstairs a short time later, she relaxed slightly, seeing that the servants had everything under control. She gave them a few more orders, then hurried off to speak to the cook. She wanted something else besides porridge this morning. Relieved, the woman agreed to serve what she asked. She returned to the hall and started helping the servants. She was just picking up a knocked-over bench when a steel band wrapped around her waist and lifted her off her feet. “What do ye want now, ye lughead? Canna ye see I’m busy?” she grouched over her shoulder.
“Aye, I can see ye are, and that is another thing we have to talk about, but it will have to wait for later. Our guests are about to arrive.”
“I demand ye put me down, you infernal insect.” Once her feet were back on the floor she swiveled around and raised her chin. “Well, what are ye waiting for? Shouldna we be outside to greet them?” He grasped her elbow and led her across the hall and outside. More quietly she said, “Ye best be keeping yer hands, yer mouth and everything else to yerself, McCloud, or I’ll be loppin’ them off.”
“Have nae fear on that, sweeting.”
A frown of disbelief pulled at her brow. It was not that she didn’t believe him; her concern was more over the unknown woman about to descend on them. Was this harpy so enamored of her husband that she could still have hopes that he would wed her? Had he given her any inclination he would? It made her sick to her stomach to think there might have been some intimacy between them. She peeked up at him from the veil of her lashes and saw his mouth was slashed in a hard line, telling her he was not at all happy or looking forward to their visitors arriving. She clucked her tongue and wondered what she was about to face. Before they stepped out the door, her husband stopped her.
“I promise ye, sweeting, I have nae ever led the woman to hope I would ask for her hand. I have nae ever laid so much as a finger on her.”
Damn it, how in the hell had he known what she had been thinking? It was starting to become an annoying trait. “So ye say, ye pickled goose,” she said as she shrugged her shoulders, “But I warn ye, if I find out differently, ye will be plucked and roasted before ye can blink.”
His laughter filled the hall as he swept his wife off her feet and kissed her soundly before lowering her back to the floor. “Then I have naething to worry about.”
“Harrumph. We will see, ye slow-witted slug,” she grumbled, but inside she was doing a happy jig. Somehow she knew he was telling her the t
ruth, and it pleased her to know that it was one less woman that would tempt him into her bed. It annoyed her greatly that she loathed the very idea, but after what they had shared last eve, the thought of him sharing that amazing passion with another female made her furiously jealous. She had to make certain, though, that he would never know, or he would only grow a bigger head than the one he already had.
Chapter Six
With guarded curiosity, Lark watched a young woman and an elder man stride towards them and climb the steps. Straightaway, she could feel the waves of hostility coming from the other female. This, she thought, was going to be a very unpleasant visit. She forced herself to smile sweetly as she looped her arm through her husband’s. Immediately the lady narrowed her eyes and sneered, but in return, she merely held her smile, knowing this was definitely going to be a visit from hell.
“Laird McDowell, Lady Janice. Welcome to our home. Let me introduce ye to my wife, Lady Lark. Sweeting, these are close neighbors of ours.” Cameron made the introductions and wasn’t surprised by the reaction his words caused.
“Wife! Married? When did ye get married?” Janice shrieked in disbelief.
“Calm down, daughter. ‘Tis a pleasure to finally meet ye, Lady Lark.” McDowell said unhappily.
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