Although her eyes were warm at meeting his, she brightened more at noting Ian who pursed his lips. "You are a lucky man indeed, Calum. I for one have developed an appetite." His cousin nodded at Meagan and went towards the keep.
"I must go and see about the evening meal," Meagan turned to follow behind Ian.
"Is the meal truly why you are anxious to go back to the keep? Or is it perhaps that you plan to meet with him in private," Calum snapped, his focus burned on Ian's retreating back.
Meagan's gasp and rounded eyes jerked his attention back. Her hand flattened on her chest, she took a step back. "How dare you," her voice shook. Hurt, anger and disappointment flashed from her eyes. She picked up her skirts and ran.
"What did you do?" His sister neared, her eyes narrowed. "Why are you always so hard, so cross with her?"
Calum clenched his jaw and drew Cailyn from the group. "I merely stated the obvious. My wife hangs on every word Ian expels. Whenever I look, he is around her."
"You are a stupid man," Cailyn slapped his arm. "You rarely pay Meagan any attention. Most of the time you act as if she's invisible." His sister looked toward the garden where Meagan had stopped and now stood, seeming to be at a loss to where to go. "In the two years since you married, Meagan's gone from the bright happy beauty to a sullen, bitter woman."
His sister spoke the truth, yet he did not admit it to her. "And how is this my fault?"
"The blame is solely on your shoulders. You ignore and rarely touch your wife. When is the last time you've stolen her away or paid her a sincere compliment?"
"I told her she looked beautiful but moments ago," he replied, inwardly acknowledging he'd spoken without emotion.
Cailyn ignored his reply and continued. "Of course she's enjoying Ian's attentions. A woman requires attentiveness, admiration, and to feel desired."
Each word she spoke was like a spike thrust into his chest. "I must speak to her."
Cailyn inhaled and drew her brows together but did not say anything else. She understood, that sister or not, he was still laird and she chose wisely not to push the matter.
When Calum walked towards the garden, Meagan darted into the keep. She'd planned to go to their bedroom and would have if not for the loss of ability to breathe. She only made it into his study. Damn the tight bodice of the dress.
A few paces behind her, her husband stormed into the room, slammed the door and stood in the doorway, blocking any chances of escape. His accusation earlier broke her heart and she wanted to die from humiliation.
"I was wrong. Forgive me." Calum closed in and wrapped his hand around her forearm. Meagan remained still, not looking at him.
Her head pounded and she looked to the ground willing the pain in her chest away. "Aye, you were. Or perhaps not," she whispered. "I should have not encouraged Ian's attentions. I assure you at no point did our conversation ever veer to anything inappropriate, we spoke mostly about our childhood, and you were part of most everything we spoke of." She motioned to the doorway with her hand, palm up. "I will remain in our chambers for the rest of the games."
"I believe you." Calum took her chin and lifted her face. "You do not have to cloister yourself."
Meagan only nodded, but did not look to him. "I actually prefer it."
"Why?" Calum asked.
"Because I am tired, Calum. I have made a decision. Please send me back to my clan. Release me from this marriage. It would allow you to be free of this forced tie. Free to be with someone you desire."
She began to cry and when he went to comfort her, she pushed his hands away and backed up. "Enough! Let us be honest. Don't try to comfort me. I should be accustomed to being shunned, but it hurts to be constantly ignored by you. How stupid I am. I worshipped you as a young girl and hoped to one-day warrant at least caring from you. Instead you join with me only when you cannot hold off any longer, you never spill inside me. Last night you left the bed immediately after." Meagan gulped a breath and covered her face with her hands.
"Oh, Meagan, forgive me." Calum took her in his arms and this time she allowed it, her strength gone.
The comfort of his arms would not change her mind. It was best to leave as it had become unbearable to live with the daily reminder he didn't care for her. Her spirit was dry, empty.
It took her by surprise when Calum sunk to his knees and wrapped his arms about her legs. "Don't leave me, please. You are my most prized possession." His husky words although muffled by her skirts were clear. "Forgive me, wife."
The sight of the huge male kneeled before her struck her wordless. Meagan stiffened not sure what to do. "Calum, I am not a possession."
He pressed the side of his face against her legs. "I do not know pretty words. Am at a loss at how to express how I feel to you."
With slow movements, she disengaged his arms and lowered to her knees as well. When she looked at her husband's face, the pain etched across his handsome features shocked her. "Tell me why you ignore me. Why do you avoid our bedroom?"
His deep blue eyes darkened, and he burrowed his brows. "Do you not see? I am this huge calloused warrior. Too rough to be paired to such a delicate flawless creature like you. I desired you from the first time we met, but..." Calum squeezed his eyes shut and took a breath. "I almost killed my mother, she could barely give me birth as I was so large."
He cupped her face and kissed her brow. "It terrifies me to think what would happen if my seed takes root in your womb. You are so small. So perfect."
Meagan took his large hand in both of hers. She lifted it and kissed his knuckles. The entire time, his eyes remained locked to where her lips met his skin, but he did not move away.
Her chest constricted at the new knowledge. Calum sought to protect her all this time. He'd not known how to keep from her any other way, than to keep her at arm's length. How could he feel unworthy of her?
One of the most powerful lairds in the region and also one of the most handsome men in the Highlands, women fought for his attention before they'd married. And by the sounds of his conversation with Bertrice earlier, they still did. "I love you, Calum. To have your child would make my life complete. Have you considered that your mother bared another two children after you without mishap?"
"You love me?" He actually seemed perplexed.
"Yes, I've always loved you, Calum. I find your size and powerful strength most attractive. When you undress, I covet each second I can study you. To me you are a beautiful and amazing man."
"I am a fool." He acknowledged pulling her against his expansive chest. "I don't deserve..."
"Stop." Meagan placed a finger on his lips. "You are worthy of so much, Calum. You are a fair laird who leads our people with care and understanding."
"I love you." His lips crushed hers with such force she clung to his shoulders to keep from toppling over. Calum brushed his tongue across her lips and she parted for him to allow it past. Heat burst through her and she pushed into him. When his hand slid up to cup her breast, her entire body began to quake with need.
Someone cleared their throat and like forbidden lovers, they jerked apart.
"What do you want, Conor?" Calum growled at his younger brother and jumped to his feet pulling her with him.
Conor met his brother's angry gaze with a wide grin. "Your presence is requested on the field, the next competition begins." Conor's eyes flickered to her and her brother-in-law winked at her.
Calum turned toward her, his lips curved and his eyes full of promise. He took her breath away. "Come with me, wife." He held her hand and guided her from the room.
"I cannot wait to make love to you tonight and begin to make up for my stupidity. I will make you scream my name many times before daybreak," Calum whispered in her ear as they followed Conor to the field.
Meagan's eyes widened at the heated words.
Chapter Five
It was one of the most memorable days for Calum. The weather was warm, the ale cold, and there was much laughter. He did not remember smilin
g so much in a long time. Every once in a while he'd catch Meagan's gaze and in her eyes spied warmth he'd not seen in years. When her intense gaze slid down his body, he fought against grabbing his wife and fleeing with her to their chamber.
For the first time since they'd married, he could hardly wait to be alone with the enticing beauty.
"One would think you just got married the way you track your woman," Ian's wide smile told he enjoyed the day as well. "It warms my heart to see you happy, cousin."
Guilty at having thought badly of his cousin, Calum slapped the male's shoulder. "Thank you, Ian."
His clan performed well in the games. The intensity of the rivalry made for some brawling, but mostly the men behaved as well as could be expected.
Finally the day of gaming ended and the clans prepared for the evening as the bagpipes played a joyful tune.
Calum groaned at the thought there were still several hours before he could steal away with Meagan and have her to himself. Relieved for the distraction, Calum smiled when children circled him singing and praising their laird. Maybe soon, he'd have one of his own to join in the chant.
After the evening meal, the great hall became animated when the music and ale flowed. Most men were ready for a tumble with a woman after spending the day competing, their eyes scanning the room for available lasses. Calum laughed at spotting Ian who grabbed a woman and popped her on his lap. The woman feigned disinterest slapping at his shoulder, but was slow to move away.
"Do you not wish to dance again, husband?" Meagan leaned to him, her soft breasts pressing against his arm. Calum grimaced and adjusted in his seat. His cock had become too hard to allow comfort, he gave up.
At Meagan's frown, he pressed a kiss to her brow. "I cannot dance at the moment. I fear I may have a hard time even walking." He took her hand and pressed it between his legs.
Her wide eyes met his and then her lips curved. "Is that for me?" she teased, taking him by surprise, as they'd never played like this. She arched a brow and he swallowed giving her a quick nod before looking back toward the dancing.
Under the tabletop, fabric slid, his tunic pushed up and Calum was about to adjust it when warm fingers stroked his stomach before slipping down the front of his breeches. He turned to Meagan with what he was sure was a look of shock but she did not face him. In fact, she spoke to someone beside her while her left hand continued its descent until wrapping around his hard cock.
Calum leaned forward, placed his elbows on the table and spread his legs wider. Her hand tightened around his cock and she slid it down to the base and then back up to stop at the pulsing head. He practically spit out his ale, but managed to nod to a clansmen who said something he could not make out, past his attempt to keep from panting. When her fingers cupped his sack, Calum reached under the table and stayed her hand. He leaned to her ear. "Come with me, now."
Meagan barely kept up with Calum's long strides when he pulled her from the great room. It was impossible to keep from smiling when her eyes met Cailyn's who raised an eyebrow in question before looking at their grasped hands.
The ever-intrusive sister blocked their path to the stairwell. "Brother, it's early yet, we have not presented the sweets." She put her hands on her hips. "Do you not plan to dance with your lovely wife?"
"I'm sure they will be enjoyed without me. I do not wish to dance," Calum told her. His jaw tight, a slight flush creeping up his face.
Cailyn's gaze swept over her brother and her eyes widened as Meagan pressed her lips to hold back a giggle. His sister no doubt noticed his bulge and practically jumped to the side to allow them to pass. "Good night to you two then."
They reached their room and he pulled her inside. "Finally," Calum swung Meagan around and wrapped his strong arms around her, his mouth seeking hers. When his lips crushed over hers, she dragged her fingers through his silky hair. He tasted of ale and desire. The feel of his large body trembling with desire for her was something she'd have to get used to.
His hands reached around her and began to undo her gown’s lacings, serving to fan the embers of the cravings for her laird. Her handsome and intoxicating husband.
Her gown fell to pool around her feet at the same time Calum picked her up and took her to their bed all the while his lips traveling from one corner of her mouth to the other. "I want you so much. Have not stopped thinking of lying between your legs. Of making love to you until we both are exhausted." His husky words fell over her, washing the hurt of years away.
Meagan pulled at the bottom of his tunic and yanked it up. He lifted his arms to allow her to remove it. At the sight of his bulging muscles, Meagan leaned forward and licked his nipple. Calum's grunt of pleasure encouraged her to continue to the other one trailing between them with a pointed tongue.
With one hand Calum pushed away his breeches and then lifted her hips to grind his hard shaft against her core. Meagan raked her nails on his biceps all the while her eyes looking into his darkened ones. "I want you, husband. Need you to take me, mark me as yours."
"How could I have robbed us of so much?" Calum was solemn, but a corner of his mouth lifted. "No more. As a matter of fact, you may come to regret this turn in our marriage."
Meagan lifted her leg and slid it up his thigh. "I do not think so, Calum." Her breathing hitched when he bent and took her nipple into his mouth. He suckled it while continuing to thrust his hips forward. The soft skin covering his cock, a contradiction to the hardness beneath.
"I cannot wait, I need you now, Calum." Meagan took his well-formed ass in her hands and massaged it, pulling at him. "I yearn for your hardness inside me."
His hand slid between them and he pushed a finger into her, then a second. Meagan mewled and pulled him down for a deeper kiss. His tongue darted into her mouth and she sucked it hard to make a point of how she wanted to be taken.
"I don't want to hurt you," Calum groaned.
Meagan stiffened and pushed him away. "Stop."
Mouth open, Calum blinked at her reaction. "Meagan..."
Her eyes narrowed, lips parted, she glared at him. "Get on your back, Laird. Now." She pushed him to guide him onto the bed. "I am not going to worry about whether I hurt you or not." She huffed and climbed over him. "And as far as I'm concerned, you can lay there without moving and allow me to do what I wish."
Calum went to chuckle but when her mouth closed over his left nipple, he stopped. Her pointed tongue flicked back and forth over it and he had a hard time not holding her head in place begging her to continue. Her fingers circled the other one and then she began to trace circles with her tongue down his stomach.
Each movement although not gentle was so sensual, he worried at the embarrassment of spilling before joining with her. "Hurry, love, I must take you," he panted, but stopped talking when she lifted an eyebrow at him.
"Don't talk. I am doing what I’ve wanted to do for so long. To make you mine in every way I have imagined." Her breathy voice was almost his undoing.
He'd never dreamed of her this way, that she would be such a sensual creature. God what had he robbed them of for so long.
All thoughts evaporated when her mouth descended until the wicked tongue of hers flicked over the head of his cock while at the same time her fingers wrapped around and she stroked the length.
With the other hand, she pressed his thigh down to give her more access. Calum threw his head back and arched into her mouth when her full, beautiful lips surrounded the head of his cock. She sucked hard and he fisted the bedding groaning in pleasure.
Meagan took him in until he touched the back of her throat, her tongue flat against the bottom. She suckled and allowed him to slide out almost completely before pulling him back into her hot delicious mouth.
"God, woman, that feels like heaven."
Finally she allowed him to slip from between her lips, but she did not stop making love to him. Her wicked lips pressed kisses against the bottom of his throbbing member, until they lay against his sac. She licked the soft sp
ace between his sac and rod and Calum called out.
"Are you ready to take me fully?" Her breasts heaved with her heavy breathing when she climbed over him and guided him to her entrance. With a swift lift of her hips, Meagan impaled herself onto him.
Both moaned at joining and Meagan hesitated allowing her body to adjust to the intrusion.
"You feel so good, Calum." She looked down at him and a more beautiful picture he would be pressed to ever see.
Calum held her hips as she began to lift and lower with force, their bodies slapping with each connection.
Through half closed eyes he watched her, his own hips rising to match her rhythm.
When she began to tire, his large hands encircled her waist and he held her in place as he pounded into her, no longer worried that he’d hurt her. She'd made it obvious he did not. Free to take his wife beyond the beckoning, he moved with a steady pace.
Her short whimpers alerted that she neared completion, Calum released her waist and with his fingers, he flicked her nub. Meagan bucked at his ministrations and she lost any semblance of control. Meagan shuddered and her erratic movements actually enhanced the experience, the friction of skin sliding against skin swallowed him and Calum found himself lost in her.
With a loud cry, Meagan trembled and her body clenched constricting around him. She collapsed onto his chest and Calum held her in place and continued pumping into her. His loud pants intermixed with her moans. The sounds of their lovemaking consumed him. Calum cried out and thrust into her one last time. He fell from a height never reached in his life. Floating down not seeing anything but a vast expanse of nothing but Meagan.
Warmth traveled up her body and Meagan’s eyes popped open. Sunlight across her face made her close her eyes again only to gasp at new sensations between her legs. "What?"
Her legs were pinned open, her husband's face at a level that left her fully exposed to him. "Oh God, Calum, what are you doing?"
No words were needed, his tongue flicked over her nub and she jolted. He continued moving his tongue back and forth over the sensitive spot until she began to fly. When he took it into his mouth and suckled it, Meagan screamed in release.
Highlander's Conquest, The McDougalls, Book 2: The McDougalls Page 3
