The Highlander's Secret Vow

by Eliza Knight

  “They will all know what is going on in here,” Cora said, biting her lip.

  “Och, lass, they all knew what was going to happen anyway. ’Tis why they offered for us to rest.” He nodded toward the tub. “See? A tub big enough for two with steaming water inside.”

  “Oh,” she sighed, “that looks lovely.”

  Liam chuckled and placed her feet on the floor. They glanced at each other, then at the tub, then they both started to strip quickly out of their clothes, reaching to help each other between heated kisses. Both of them stumbled more than once, catching on to each other. It was a race to see who could get naked first.

  They tied.

  Hand in hand, they entered the tub and faced each other, Cora’s legs draped over his. Saints, but it was heavenly sweet warmth on his tired, dust-riddled body from the road.

  “I want to wash you the way you washed me.” Cora wiggled her brows suggestively.

  “I fear we will nae last long…” Liam drawled, already grabbing for the soap and linen.

  “Why not?” she asked, taking the proffered items.

  “Ye shall see.” He winked at her, letting her see in that one gesture how wicked he planned to be.

  They lasted a little longer than either of them thought, and their mouths locked in a heated kiss as they soaped each other up. Liam pulled her onto his lap, her legs straddling his hips. Unable to help himself, he gently pushed inside her heat. Cora groaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. She shifted on his lap, and their mingled moans were cancelled out only by their roving kisses. She felt so good, so tight. The way she shivered in his arms was enough to make Liam want to shout to all the Highlands that he was the happiest man alive.

  Cora started to ride him, slowly at first, and then quicker as her pleasure increased. Water sloshed all around him, and he was certain it dripped through the floorboards to whomever was housed below. But neither of them seemed to care. They needed this, wanted this, had to finish this here and now.

  Cora arched, her entire body shuddering as her climax stole over her. Liam grabbed hold of her hips, guiding her movements as he thrust up inside of her tight channel again and again, until he was crying out his release.

  They clung to one another, nibbling lightly at each other’s lips as their heartbeats worked to settle, their breathing tamed.

  “Oh my,” Cora said, twirling a lock of his hair around her finger. “I’ll never be able to bathe again without thinking of this moment.”

  “It is my sincerest goal to make certain each of your baths are just as pleasurable,” he teased.

  “I would expect nothing less,” she said with a laugh.

  Liam lifted her up and out of the tub. He moved quickly to dry her off and then tossed her onto the bed. The chill in the room was quickly subsided by the heated look his wee minx of a wife gave him.

  “More?” she asked.

  “Oh, aye, lass, I canna get enough. We have nearly six days to make up for.”

  “But what about the feast?” She glanced toward the closed door.

  “Are ye hungry?”

  “Only for you,” she sighed.

  “Then, sweetling, I plan to feast all the night through.” At her gasp of surprise, he leapt onto the bed and made good on that promise. He kissed every inch of her, including her most delicious parts, licking, and suckling at her sweet sex until she screamed with delight.

  Then it was his turn to gasp and grip the sheets as he taught her how to take his shaft into her velvet hot mouth, working her way up and down. His little vixen was a fast learner, and before he could stop her, he’d spent himself against her tongue.

  The look of pure satisfaction on her face was enough to get him going again. Never before had his stamina matched this. Until bedding Cora, he hadn’t even been aware that it was possible, and yet he’d already climaxed twice and wanted more.

  He flipped her onto her back, climbed atop her and swallowed her laugh of delight with a demanding, carnal kiss as he thrust inside her, taking them both to the pinnacles of pleasure once more.

  By the time they reached the great hall some several hours later, the feast was in full swing and the wine was flowing, for which he was glad. Music played, men, women and children danced, people ate and drank with gusto, and shouted their greetings with cheers that shook the rafters upon seeing them.

  “To the new Earl and Countess of Ross,” they cheered.

  Liam glanced down at his wife. “Who would have thought all those years ago, that we’d be standing here today?”

  Cora grinned. “You will not believe the dreams I had for us.”

  Liam laughed, pulled her into his arms and swung her around the room in a merry jig. “I hope we make them all come true.”

  “We’re off to a perfect start.”

  If you enjoyed THE HIGHLANDER’S SECRET VOW, please spread the word by leaving a review on the site where you purchased your copy, or a reader site such as Goodreads or Shelfari! I love to hear from readers too, so drop me a line at authorelizaknight@gmail.com OR visit me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor. I’m also on Twitter: @ElizaKnight. If you’d like to receive my occasional newsletter, please sign up at www.elizaknight.com. Many thanks!

  More Sutherlands—ready for the next book in the series?

  Releasing June 25, 2019

  The Highlander’s Enchantment

  Lady Blair Sutherland has always followed the rules. As the youngest of five, she’s spent years observing her older siblings misbehaving—but even more importantly she’s learned a lot about smoothing over disputes. On a playful dare with cousins, Blair writes a fictitious note, and puts it in a bottle, but at the last minute refuses to follow along and send it out to sea. As the months pass, she forgets about what she’s written until a warrior lays siege to her clan’s castle—in her name—claiming her brother is murderer. For a lass who’s never been in trouble—her world is about to turn itself inside out.

  * * *

  Laird Edan Rose has been looking for a way to prove himself to his clan after the murder of his older brother. When he was a lad, his father sent him to foster with Robert the Bruce, but never asked him to return home. Gone all these years serving his king, he has to make his mark and show his clan he has what it takes to lead by finding his brother’s killer. When the possible answer to his deliberations comes in the form of message in a bottle, he wastes no time in taking action. Though he hopes the man responsible for his clan’s pain will surrender, Edan is not afraid to wage war. If he has to, he’ll lay siege to the castle, rescue the lass, and take out his enemies, gaining the respect he seeks.

  * * *

  When a Highlander rides on her brother’s castle, Blair is aware the blame lays at her feet. If the only way to clear her family’s name is by giving herself up to a stranger and helping him find the true assassin—for she’s certain it is not her brother—then she is willing to be the sacrificial lamb. But once she’s in Edan’s arms, the only thing that comes to mind is wondering if his kiss is as powerful as his embrace. Having only desired to show his worth to his clan, Edan is now determined to prove himself worthy of Blair’s heart. However, their passion comes to halt when the one who wanted his brother dead, decides the two of them are a loftier prize.

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  Excerpt from The Highlander’s Temptation

  Where the Sutherlands all began…

  Prologue

  Spring, 1282

  Highlands, Scotland

  They galloped through the eerie moonlit night. Warriors cloaked by darkness. Blending in with the forest, only the occasional glint of the moon off their weapons made their presence seem out of place.

  ’Twas chilly for spring, and yet, they rode hard enough the horses were lathered with sweat and foaming at the mouth. But the Montgomery clan wasn’t going to be pushed out of yet another meeting of the clans, not when their future depended on it. This meeting would put their clan on the map, make them an asset to their king a
nd country. As it was, years before King Alexander III had lost one son and his wife. He’d not remarried and the fate of the country now relied on one son who didn’t feel the need to marry. The prince toyed with his life as though he had a death wish, fighting, drinking, and carrying on without a care in the world. The king’s only other chance at a succession was his daughter who’d married but had not yet shown any signs of a bairn filling her womb. If something were to happen to the king, the country would erupt into chaos. Every precaution needed to be taken.

  Young Jamie sat tall and proud upon his horse. Even prouder was he, that his da, the fearsome Montgomery laird, had allowed him to accompany the group of a half dozen seasoned warriors—the men who sat on his own clan council—to the meeting. The fact that his father had involved him in matters of state truly made his chest puff five times its size.

  After being fostered out the last seven years, Jamie had just returned to his father’s home. At age fourteen, he was ready to take on the duties of eldest son, for one day he would be laird. This was the perfect opportunity to show his da all he’d learned. To prove he was worthy.

  Laird Montgomery held up his hand and all the riders stopped short. Puffs of steam blew out in miniature clouds from the horses’ noses. Jamie’s heart slammed against his chest and he looked from side to side to make sure no one could hear it. He was a man after all, and men shouldn’t be scared of the dark. No matter how frightening the sounds were.

  Carried on the wind were the deep tones of men shouting and the shrill of a woman’s screams. Prickles rose on Jamie’s arms and legs. They must have happened upon a robbery or an ambush. When he’d set out to attend his father, he’d not counted on a fight. Nay, Jamie merely thought to stand beside his father and demand a place within the Bruce’s High Council.

  Swallowing hard, he glanced at his father, trying to assess his thoughts, but as usual, the man sat stoic, not a hint of emotion on his face.

  The laird glanced at his second in command and jutted his chin in silent communication. The second returned the nod. Jamie’s father made a circling motion with his fingers, and several of the men fanned out.

  Jamie observed the exchange, his throat near to bursting with questions. What was happening?

  Finally, his father motioned Jamie forward. Keeping his emotions at bay, Jamie urged his mount closer. His father bent toward him, indicating for Jamie to do the same, then spoke in a hushed tone.

  “We’re nearly to Sutherland lands. Just on the outskirts, son. ’Tis an attack, I’m certain. We mean to help.”

  Jamie swallowed past the lump in his throat and nodded. The meeting was to take place at Dunrobin Castle. Why that particular castle was chosen, Jamie had not been privy to. Though he speculated ’twas because of how far north it was. Well away from Stirling where the king resided.

  “Are ye up to it?” his father asked.

  Tightening his grip on the reins, Jamie nodded. Fear cascaded along his spine, but he’d never show any weakness in front of his father, especially now that he’d been invited on this very important journey.

  “Good. ’Twill give ye a chance to show me what ye’ve learned.”

  Again, Jamie nodded, though he disagreed. Saving people wasn’t a chance to show off what he’d learned. He could never look at protecting another as an opportunity to prove his skill, only as a chance to make a difference. But he kept that to himself. His da would never understand. If making a difference proved something to his father, then so be it.

  An owl screeched from somewhere in the distance as it caught onto its prey, almost in unison with the blood curdling scream of a woman.

  His father made a few more hand motions and the rest of their party followed him as they crept forward at a quickened pace on their mounts, avoiding making any noise.

  The road ended on a clearing, and some thirty horse-lengths away a band of outlaws circled a trio—a lady, one warrior, and a lad close to his own age.

  The outlaws caught sight of their approach, shouting and pointing. His father’s men couldn’t seem to move quickly enough and Jamie watched in horror as the man, woman and child were hacked down. All three of them on the ground, the outlaws turned on the Montgomery warriors and rushed forward as though they’d not a care in the world.

  Jamie shook. He’d never been so scared in his life. His throat had long since closed up and yet his stomach was threatening to purge everything he’d consumed that day. Even though he felt like vomiting, a sense of urgency, and power flooded his veins. Battle-rush, he’d heard it called by the seasoned warriors. And it was surging through his body, making him tingle all over.

  The laird and his men raised their swords in the air, roaring out their battle cries. Jamie raised his sword to do the same, but a flash of gold behind a large lichen-covered boulder caught his attention. He eased his knees on his mount’s middle.

  What was that?

  Another flash of gold — was that blonde hair? He’d never seen hair like that before.

  Jamie turned to his father, intent to point it out, but his sire was several horse-lengths ahead and ready to engage the outlaws, leaving it up to Jamie to investigate.

  After all, if there was another threat lying in wait, was it not up to someone in the group to seek them out? The rest of the warriors were intent on the outlaws which left Jamie to discover the identity of the thief.

  He veered his horse to the right, galloping toward the boulder. A wee lass darted out, lifting her skirts and running full force in the opposite direction. Jamie loosened his knees on his horse and slowed. That was not what he’d expected. At all. Jamie anticipated a warrior, not a tiny little girl whose legs were no match for his mount. As he neared, despite his slowed pace, he feared he’d trample the little imp.

  He leapt from his horse and chased after her on foot. The lass kept turning around, seeing him chasing her. The look of horror on her face nearly broke his heart. Och, he was no one to fear. But how would she know that? She probably thought he was after her like the outlaws had been after the man, woman and lad.

  “’Tis all right!” he called. “I will nay harm ye!”

  But she kept on running, and then was suddenly flying through the air, landing flat on her face.

  Jamie ran toward her, dropping to his knees as he reached her side and she pushed herself up.

  Her back shook with cries he was sure she tried hard to keep silent. He gathered her up onto his knees and she pressed her face to his leine shirt, wiping away tears, dirt and snot as she sobbed.

  “Momma,” she said. “Da!”

  “Hush, now,” Jamie crooned, unsure of what else he could say. She must have just watched her parents and brother get cut to the ground. Och, what an awful sight for any child to witness. Jamie shivered, at a loss for words.

  “Blaney!” she wailed, gripping onto his shirt and yanking. “They hurt!”

  Jamie dried her tears with the cuff of his sleeve. “Your family?” he asked.

  She nodded, her lower lip trembling, green-blue eyes wide with fear and glistening with tears. His chest swelled with emotion for the little imp and he gripped her tighter.

  “Do ye know who the men were?”

  “Bad people,” she mumbled.

  Jamie nodded. “What’s your name?”

  She chewed her lip as if trying to figure out if she should tell him. “Lorna. What are ye called?”

  “Jamie.” He flashed her what he hoped wasn’t a strained smile. “How old are ye, Lorna?”

  “Four.” She held up three of her fingers, then second guessed herself and held up four. “I’m four. How old are ye?”

  “Fourteen.”

  “Ye’re four, too?” she asked, her mouth dropping wide as she forgot the horror of the last few minutes of her life for a moment.

  “Fourteen. ’Tis four plus ten.”

  “I want to be fourteen, too.” She swiped at the mangled mop of blonde hair around her face, making more of a mess than anything else.

  “
Then we’d best get ye home. Have ye any other family?”

  “A whole big one.”

  “Where?”

  “Dunrobin,” she said. “My da is laird.”

  “Laird Sutherland?” Jamie asked, trying to keep the surprise from his face. Did his father understand just how deep and unsettling this attack had been? A laird had been murdered. Was it an ambush? Was there more to it than just a band of outlaws? Were they men trying to stop the secret meeting from being held?

  There would be no meeting, if the laird who’d called the meeting was dead.

  “I’ll take ye home,” Jamie said, putting the girl on her feet and standing.

  “Will ye carry me?” she said, her lip trembling again. She’d lost a shoe and her yellow gown was stained and torn. “I’m scared.”

  “Aye. I’ll carry ye.”

  “Are ye my hero?” she asked, batting tear moistened lashes at him.

  Jamie rolled his eyes and picked her up. “I’m no hero, lass.”

  “Hmm… Ye seem like a hero to me.”

  Jamie didn’t answer. He tossed her on his horse and climbed up behind her. A glance behind showed that his father and his men had dispatched of most of the men, and a few others gave chase into the forest. They’d likely meet him at the castle as that had been their destination all along.

  Squeezing his mount’s sides, Jamie urged the horse into a gallop, intent on getting the girl to the safety of Dunrobin’s walls, and then returning to his father.

  Spotting Jamie with the lass, the guards threw open the gate. A nursemaid rushed over and grabbed Lorna from him, chiding her for sneaking away.