The Bride Chooses a Highlander

by Adrienne Basso

  But would he give her love?

  She was a McKenna through and through, possessing a strong need to love and in turn be loved. Katherine knew that she would come to love her husband, yet was unsure how she would cope if he never came to love her in return. Would she turn bitter? Hateful? Or would she graciously learn to accept whatever joys they were fortunate to share, along with the sorrows and disappointments?

  They turned together, preparing to leave the chapel, and the men all gave a heartfelt cheer. Katherine remained silent as Lachlan took her hand and led her outside. She flushed at the familiar, possessive way his hand held hers, enjoying the contact.

  “I know that this was not the wedding ye always envisioned,” Graham said as he embraced her.

  “I’ve no regrets. Truly. I only hope that ye’ll not suffer Father’s wrath fer the role that ye played,” Katherine said honestly, grateful for her younger brother’s support.

  “I look to yer husband’s good sense and tact to keep us both in Father’s good graces,” Graham said with a smile.

  “I dinnae wish to court disaster by mentioning his name, but I must know. Where is Sir Hamish?” Katherine inquired. “I half expected him to come charging down the chapel aisle during our wedding ceremony, brandishing a sword and cursing us all to Hades.”

  Graham and Lachlan shared a conspiring look. “Drummond is passed out drunk in one of the monks’ cells. Brother Gregory was charitable enough to assign him a chamber with a door lock. Though ’tis doubtful he will regain his senses anytime soon, we locked Drummond in the cell, just in case he awakens before dawn.”

  “Ye’ve thought of everything,” she remarked with a grin, heartened to witness her brother and Lachlan working together.

  It boded well for future family relations, which were sure to be strained once her family—especially her father—learned of her marriage to the MacTavish laird.

  A glint of satisfaction eased into Lachlan’s eyes. “I’m glad that I’ve pleased ye.”

  Katherine nodded, but her joy was short-lived. “We cannae be together tonight,” she regretfully whispered to Lachlan. “The abbey has strict rules about men and women sharing the same chamber, even if they are married.”

  “I respect Brother Gregory and wouldn’t abuse his hospitality so blatantly,” Lachlan replied. “However, I’ll not be denied my bride so soon after our vows have been exchanged.”

  Her heart leapt with excitement. Intrigued, Katherine bowed her head and asked, “How can that be?”

  “Do ye not know that ye’ve married a wise and capable man? In addition to the wedding ceremony, I made the appropriate arrangements fer our wedding night.”

  His lips curved up in a mischievous smile that made him look carefree and years younger. It brought such bliss to Katherine’s heart to see his delight that she found she could not cease smiling back at him.

  “Married less than five minutes and ye are already bringing me joy,” she quipped, her smile widening. “I knew that where ye were concerned, Lachlan MacTavish, I was right to trust my instincts.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Lachlan tightened his hold on Katherine’s hand and led her through the courtyard and away from the monastery. The moon broke through the clouds, but the path was difficult to negotiate in the darkness and she had to squint to find her way. Her feet stumbled on the uneven ground. Instantly, Lachlan’s arm curled around her waist, preventing a fall.

  “Thank ye,” Katherine muttered, before stumbling again.

  “Bloody hell,” Lachlan swore. “Fergive me. I should have brought a torch to light our way.”

  Katherine was about to tell him that she was fine when he stopped, reached down, slid his hand beneath her knees, and lifted her into his arms. Squeaking in surprise—and delight—she laced her fingers together behind his neck.

  “Och, now that’s much better,” she teased. “When ye lose yer footing, we’ll both take a tumble.”

  He laughed. “Aye, lass, we’ll be tumbling fer hours, that I can promise ye.”

  His tone was sultry and intimate. Katherine could almost feel her blood start to heat. Lowering her eyes, she joined in his amusement.

  He walked through a dense copse of trees into a hidden clearing. In the distance, Katherine spied the fabric of a tent, nestled within the trees. They entered and Lachlan set her down. She heard the strike of a flint and soon the soft glow of candlelight filled the space.

  “How on earth did ye manage to get a proper bed in here?” she asked, amazed at the sight.

  “The MacTavish are resourceful men,” he replied, gathering her again in his arms. “Only the finest will suffice fer my bride, so I made certain to provide it. I’m glad that it pleases ye.”

  “It does.”

  Katherine couldn’t fully see his face in the dim shadows, but she could feel the heat of his body, hear the sounds of his breathing. He smelled of clean soap and fresh air and hungry male. ’Twas a heady mix.

  Shivers of anticipation coursed through her. She felt cold all over, then flushed with heat. Taking a deep breath, Katherine willfully pushed any doubts about the future from her mind. This was her wedding night and she was going to open her heart, surrender her body, and find as much pleasure from it as possible.

  Lachlan cradled her face in his hands and kissed her, his mouth moving restlessly against her lips. Katherine responded, parting her lips and sliding her tongue forward. Their kisses grew slowly in intensity until they were sending a restless, dizzy excitement through her. Lachlan’s hands slid down her sides to her hips, then around to her bottom. Her pulse spiked as a trembling ache claimed her. His touch was gentle, soft, and infinitely arousing.

  He broke their kisses and when she opened her eyes, she was staring directly into his. “I like it when ye kiss me,” she whispered.

  “’Tis but the start,” he promised. “We’ve all night, Katherine. No need to rush.”

  Lachlan moved to the small table near the bed. He poured two goblets of wine, handing one to her. She gazed into the dark liquid, then raised her vessel in a toast.

  “To us,” she said solemnly.

  “Yer happiness,” he replied, raising his goblet higher.

  Only mine? What of yers? Trying not to read too much into his words, Katherine took a small sip. The wine was tasty, with a rich, smooth flavor that coated her tongue. She took another gulp, then placed her goblet on the table.

  She had eaten little supper and did not want the wine to muddle her head. Nay, she wanted to be in possession of her full senses tonight.

  “I wish that I could have worn a more suitable gown fer the ceremony,” Katherine said, smoothing her hand over the dusty skirt of her dress. “I wanted to look pretty fer ye.”

  “Ye are beautiful.” His lips parted in a rakish smile. “I’ll let ye in on a little secret, lass. A man prefers his woman without her clothes.”

  His woman. Her heart quickened. She liked the way that sounded—very much.

  “Do ye need my help?” Lachlan asked.

  Katherine stared stupidly at him for a moment, then realized he meant removing her garments.

  “Aye. Would ye unlace the section down the center of my back?”

  She turned, showing him what she meant. He downed the remainder of his wine and reached for her. It took several moments to successfully untie the knot securing the laces at the top of her gown and even longer to pull them free. Katherine lowered her head and smiled, secretly pleased to discover Lachlan’s fumbling unfamiliarity with women’s clothing.

  After he bared her back, he slowly ran his finger along her spine. The warm touch stormed her senses, making her shiver with anticipation. His fingers next threaded through her hair as he searched for the pins binding it tightly to her scalp.

  Lachlan removed them carefully, unbraiding her locks until they were free of constraint. Unbound, Katherine’s hair tumbled beyond her shoulders to her waist in a thick, glorious shower.

  She could feel his fingers gliding th
rough the silken strands. The sweet caress made her catch her breath and a bloom of warmth spread through her lower body. Eagerly, she tugged down her sleeves and chemise, baring her upper torso.

  Lachlan released a low exclamation of pleasure. Encouraged, Katherine rubbed her damp palms on her skirt, then pushed the garment down past her hips. She pivoted on trembling legs and turned to face him. Lachlan’s eyes skimmed over her naked flesh in quiet admiration, emboldened her to stand tall and proud, despite the nerves that fluttered in her stomach.

  “Ye are quite lovely, Wife,” he said in a husky, sultry tone that sent a pulse of desire rippling through her.

  The heat of a blush warmed her cheeks and she lowered her head. But only for an instant.

  “I should like to gaze upon my husband as well,” she said softly. “Unclothed.”

  Lachlan favored her with a lazy, almost lopsided smile and reached for the collar of his tunic. He pulled it up and over his head, removed his shirt, and made quick work of divesting himself of his boots and trews.

  Katherine sucked in a sharp breath at the sight of him. The candlelight shimmered over his muscular physique and the dusting of hair that sprinkled his chest. His waist was narrow, his arms and thighs heavy with muscles. His strength was daunting, masterful, thrilling.

  She moved closer, drawn to his magnetism. He stroked the side of her face with his thumb, then tipped her chin. His eyes darkened and Katherine knew that he was going to kiss her. She circled her arms around his neck, raised herself up on her toes, and leaned closer, molding her body to his.

  With a low growl of impatience, Lachlan’s lips found hers. She gloried in the kiss—the sensual feeling of his soft lips moving over hers, the stroke of his tongue, the pleasing scent of fresh soap and sunshine. He tasted as wonderful as she remembered and she pressed forward, eager for more.

  He held her in a tight, possessive embrace and she clung to him with equal fervor, raw emotion seeping out of every pore. She could feel the furious hammering of his heart against her own, delighted to discover his passion for her was equally consuming.

  Their kisses grew deeper, stronger, almost frenzied. Katherine felt her control spiraling and slipping as she gave herself over to the bold, swirling feelings Lachlan so easily evoked inside her.

  The ropes of the bed groaned beneath them. He rolled her onto her back, his heated weight pressing her into the straw mattress. She gazed into his eyes and felt her heart start to throb with a sweet, tender ache.

  They were married, bound together for the rest of their days. The wonder of it all was almost too impossible to believe.

  “I want ye to find pleasure in our joining,” he said softly. “Though I’ve heard the first time can be painful fer a maiden.”

  “I’ll not break,” Katherine promised, moving her legs restlessly.

  Lachlan smiled. His muscles were taut, his eyes glazed with desire. Without warning, he pressed his open mouth to her throat and she was so startled by the caress that she cried out.

  He seemed to enjoy her response, nipping playfully at her collarbone before moving across her chest. His mouth traveled temptingly over her breast and then suddenly he pulled her nipple into his mouth.

  Katherine moaned, arching toward the pleasure he created as he suckled enthusiastically. Her hands reached for him, threading through his hair, holding him close. She could hear her rapid and uneven breathing, could feel the flush of desire rise from her chest. Lachlan overwhelmed her senses and she responded instinctively, allowing the passion between them to break free.

  His hands and mouth seemed to be everywhere. He feathered kisses lower, down her ribs, across her stomach, coming to rest at the top of the curls between her thighs. Katherine lay utterly still, her breathing halted.

  Nay, he couldn’t mean to . . .

  She cried out as she felt his tongue glide over the slick, aching bud of her womanhood. Good Lord, how could he know to do this to her? ’Twas indecent, immoral, depraved—and utterly glorious!

  Her body seemed to come alive, the sensitive heat pulsing between her legs. It felt so wicked to have his mouth against her flesh. She was shocked and slightly embarrassed, but any protests of modesty died on her lips as the pleasure kept rolling over her, through her.

  He cupped her bottom and lifted her to his lips. Stroke after stroke, his tongue curled against her in the most intimate, provocative kiss. Every nerve ending tingled and danced with excitement. She felt mindless in her need for him, in her cravings for the satisfaction his questing hands and tongue promised her.

  She moved her hips closer to his teasing tongue, pressing against his mouth, desperately searching for a release from the exquisite torture. With each new caress, she could feel herself starting to lose control. Suddenly, Katherine shoved her fist in her mouth, stifling her screams of ecstasy as her body crested the peak.

  When it ended, she felt boneless, contented, and completely spent. Slowly, she looked up, having only the strength to half open her eyelids. Lachlan loomed above her, his body tight, his breathing labored.

  She could feel the evidence of his desire, thick, stiff, and heavy against her belly. His knee slipped between her thighs, nudging them apart, pressing his arousal against her still-throbbing womanhood. She reached out to him, hardly believing they could find even greater pleasure together.

  “The pain might be sharp, but hopefully swift,” he promised.

  Their bodies merged. Shocked, Katherine bucked, barely managing to smother her cry of pain. Lachlan immediately stilled. He held her close, nuzzling her cheek with his forehead, pressing his lips against her hair. Wrapped in the circle of his arms, Katherine gradually felt her body start to relax.

  “Is it over?” she whispered.

  He groaned, his breath hot and moist against her ear. “I’m not yet fully inside ye.”

  “Oh.” She chewed her lower lip. That was most unfortunate.

  Lachlan pushed himself onto his elbows and gazed down at her. Katherine averted her eyes, unable to look at him. It had started so well. She’d felt his passion and it had intrigued her, excited her.

  He had done wicked things to her body—kissing her in the most intimate places—and she had reveled in it. Their joining was the culmination of a carnal promise that began with their very first kiss. And instead of being the fulfillment she had so eagerly anticipated, it had cooled her ardor faster than a bucket of ice water.

  “It takes time fer a couple to learn the best rhythm,” he said gently, brushing a damp strand of hair off her brow. “We need not rush. We have all night. We have a lifetime.”

  The sudden shyness and embarrassment that gripped Katherine slowly eased. He wasn’t angry or disappointed. Thank goodness.

  “I do want ye, Lachlan,” she insisted, raising her hips.

  His cock pushed farther inside her and the discomfort returned, but she forced herself to ignore it. His fingers skimmed along her thighs, gently massaging her flesh, attempting to soothe her.

  “Wrap yer legs around my waist,” he instructed. “I promise ye willnae be disappointed.”

  Trustingly, Katherine did as he requested, wriggling her bottom to better position herself. Lachlan dipped his head toward her breast, capturing the nipple between his lips. He pulled hard, suckling her until a moist heat pooled between her thighs and the restless desire once again began to stir.

  Katherine’s breath grew erratic as he continued to arouse her with his hand and lips. Gradually, the flush of passion and yearning returned. Their eyes locked and held as Lachlan slowly slid inside her, inch by inch. The pain eased and her body yielded and Katherine felt herself once again trembling with desire.

  Reaching out, she touched his chest and shoulders, marveling anew at his strength and magnetism.

  “Better?” he muttered.

  She nodded, hardly recognizing his voice, deep and hoarse with longing. His caring and concern touched her heart, spearing it with a fit of possessiveness.

  Mine! He belongs to me
just as I belong to him.

  Gripping the taut cheeks of his buttocks, Katherine pulled him toward her. Understanding her need, Lachlan drove into her deeper. He had promised her greater delights and she fully intended to experience them.

  The cool night air brushed against her face, but Lachlan’s heat radiated through her. It was the most extraordinary feeling to be joined together thusly, but there was no time to think upon it. Every nerve ending in her body was alive with a growing excitement.

  His thrusts increased in speed and intensity. Faster, harder, deeper, stirring her body into an almost wicked frenzy of want and need. She could feel the raw strength and power of his flesh pounding against her, reminding her that in this act they were equal participants, equal partners. They were no longer two, but one, joined together in mutual need, desire, and passion.

  Lachlan wedged his hand between their bodies, placing his fingers at the juncture of her thighs. Pressing against her most sensitive spot, he rubbed the delicate nub and Katherine felt herself quickening again.

  Her hand gripped the blanket, balling it between her fisting hands. The sweet spasm of another climax took her unexpectedly and this time she allowed herself to cry out her pleasure. This time she held nothing back as her body exploded.

  Lachlan quickly joined her. She could feel his cock pulse and jerk within her as every muscle in his body strained and then went still. The warm rush of his seed bathed her womb. He fell forward, landing heavily atop her, his breath coming in short, loud pants.

  Katherine’s arms rose to cradle and embrace him. She kissed his neck and nuzzled against the scruff of whiskers along his jaw. Emotions she never imagined flowed through her, bringing tears to her eyes.

  The connection, the feeling of belonging together, of being important and valued by her husband, was humbling. She had hoped consummating their marriage would be pleasant—and it had been—but she was surprised by the depths of joy that she felt.