A Bridge Through Time: Book 1 of The Thistle & Hive Series (20 page)

After dinner, Ashley caught Helene’s eye and with an imperceptible nod, Helene left the great hall and headed towards the stables, walking swiftly. If all went as planned, Dougall would soon be joining her. Ashley hoped Helene wouldn’t freeze up when Dougall arrived. She’d coached Helene about what to say, and given her some pointers on flirting, which Ashley suspected Helene didn’t really need, and the rest was up to Helene. Ashley had no doubt Dougall would quickly be smitten with Helene, if he weren’t already. Ashley had observed him throughout the meal and noticed his eyes followed Helene as she moved about the great hall.

“Would you care to walk with me, mo chuisle?” Cailin asked, offering Ashley his hand.

“I’d love to,” she smiled at his use of the Gaelic endearment, which meant my heart’s pulse. Ashley had learned about it in her research on Scotland before she arrived.

As they made their way out of the hall, Ashley searched around for Dougall. “Cailin, I wonder if Dougall could run a small errand for me?” She started to turn in Dougall’s direction, but Cailin caught her by the arm to stop her.

“What kind of errand? Surely one of the servants would be better suited to help ye.”

“Nope, it has to be Dougall.” She did her best not to sound smug and schooled her features to keep her expression neutral.

Cailin’s eyes narrowed. “Mayhap ye’d like to tell me what yer about?”

“I will, but not yet.”

“Well, if it must be Dougall, then… Dougall!” he yelled to the man across the great hall.

Dougall responded with a wave and saying a few words to his companions, crossed the room to join Ashley and Cailin.

“Aye, Cailin, did ye need me?”

“Ashley has a request of ye,” Cailin said dryly. Dougall stared at Cailin, who shrugged his shoulders and cocked his head in Ashley’s direction.

“Dougall, I hoped you wouldn’t mind finding Helene for me. I believe she’s gone to the stable to check on my horse, Destiny,” Ashley began.

Dougall seemed a bit puzzled at first, but smiled brightly when Ashley continued.

“Would you kindly tell her I won’t be in need of her help tonight, so she’s free to enjoy herself for the rest of the evening.”

“Of course, m’lady. ‘Twould be my pleasure.”

“Thank you, Dougall.” Ashley elbowed Cailin in the ribs.

Cailin grinned. “Dougall, find someone to take yer watch tonight. Yer free to enjoy yerself, as well.”

Ashley giggled when Dougall gave Cailin a questioning glance, which was answered with a shrug, which suggested Cailin didn’t have any more clue than Dougall did about what was going on.

As they turned to head out through the doors and away from the others, Cailin took Ashley’s hand. “What was that all about?” Cailin asked.

“Just a little matchmaking is all,” Ashley admitted.

“Do ye think it wise to meddle on Helene’s behalf?”

“I’m not meddling,” Ashley protested. “I’m just trying to help, and besides, Helene is in on it too.”

Cailin raised an eyebrow. “So ye’ve sent Dougall off like a lamb to slaughter, then.”

“Slaughter… I’d like to think it would be much more enjoyable than that, for both of them. I have a hunch Dougall is interested, so we’re merely giving him an excuse to be alone with Helene.”

Cailin chuckled and pulled Ashley closer, placing a quick peck on the top of her head. “I think yer right, love.”

She stopped walking and looked up into his eyes. “And you know what I think? I think I’d have enjoyed that kiss much more, if it had been on my lips,” she teased.

“Well, if that be what ye want, I cannae refuse.” Placing his hands on either side of her face, he gave her a bone-meltingly soft, slow deep kiss. Ashley moaned softly as her hands found their way through his silky black locks and anchored around his neck. She pulled herself closer to Cailin, pushing her hips into his. Cailin’s strong hands caressed down her back, holding her close. He stroked across her arms and then found her waist. His hands kept moving until he grabbed her backside and propelled her even closer to his body.

Ashley trembled in his arms. She couldn’t seem to get near enough to him. The heat of his body warmed her and sent deep waves of longing pulsing through her body from head to toe.

“Cailin,” she moaned against his cheek.

“Mmmm,” he answered.”

“I think I’m going to need some help getting out of my dress,” she panted. “Helene is busy.” She threw her head back, exposing her neck, which Cailin proceeded to pepper with kisses. He flicked his tongue across the sensitive skin below her ear before he whispered huskily. “I’d be glad to help ye, love, but I think it might be best to get to yer chambers first.” Cailin took her hand in his and kissed her palm. “Come. No distractions this night.”

He put his arm around her waist and they walked back towards the keep. There was no hurry this time. They strolled slowly, having eyes only for each other, knowing that nothing would deter them from their hearts’ desire.

*****

At the bottom of the stairs, Cailin swept Ashley up and kissed her again, suddenly impatient. He held her in his arms as he made his way up the stairs and into her chambers, pressing kisses to her cheeks and throat. He gently released Ashley, settling her onto the floor and turning her, so her back was facing him, and he could begin the complex task of removing her gown. His fingers were nimble and sure as he unlaced and unbuttoned her gown, from top to bottom. Cailin’s lips followed the trail his fingers had created as he worked his way down her back and he found himself mesmerized by the little sounds of delight Ashley made as he touched her.

“Cailin,” Ashley began, sounding breathless when she spoke, “there’s something you should know.”

“What’s that, love?” He dropped the gown from her shoulders and watched it pool at her feet, before his gaze slowly trailed back up Ashley’s body, perusing every inch of visible skin. Although she still wore her shift, it covered little and Cailin hardened still further at the thought of what was to come.

Ashley stepped from the rumpled material and turned to face him, although she kept her eyes lowered to the ground. “I know it’s important here in your time, but even though I wish it was different,” she hesitated, seemingly uncertain of his reaction to whatever she needed to say.

Cailin frowned a little, and brushed his fingers across her cheek, attempting to soothe her. “What, lass? What’s wrong?”

Ashley took a deep breath and then lifted her gaze to look directly into his silvery eyes. “I’m not a virgin.”

“Ah, well, neither am I, lass.” He smiled, ensuring it was his most disarming, wanting to reassure Ashley that it didn’t matter one iota to him.

He saw the tension leave her shoulders in a visible whoosh, when she realized he really didn’t care. “Wouldn’t you like to get out of your clothes? I seem to have gotten a head start on you,” Ashley suggested seductively.

She eyed his shirt for a second, and then pulled it up and out of his kilt. She slipped her hands under the shirt and onto his belly, running her fingers across his abs, and then slid them upwards, raking her fingers through the soft hair which covered his chest. His breath grew ragged under her touch and he couldn’t tear his gaze away from Ashley’s as they stood facing one another.

“Yer right,” he finally managed, as he ripped his shirt over his head. He heard Ashley gasp at the sight of his naked torso. “‘Tis yer turn.” Cailin pointed to her shift, throwing his own shirt into a corner.

Cailin watched hungrily as Ashley slipped the straps of the shift from her shoulders, slowly and seductively, before letting it slide down the length of her body.

Cailin fought desperately for control over the primal need to sink himself deep inside of her. Breathing heavily, he reverently ran a hand across her belly, marveling at the softness of her skin beneath his calloused fingers. Each of his hands found a soft, sweet breast, and he circled the taut, rosy nipples with his thumbs. He wanted to savor every moment and he wanted Ashley to experience as much pleasure as he did. He continued stroking her breasts as he lowered his head to kiss her waiting lips. He begged for entrance with his tongue and Ashley seemed more than willing to grant him access. He wanted this woman, more than he’d ever wanted any other before her. Every other woman paled in comparison to this dark haired beauty, who had captured his heart from the moment he first saw her on the bridge. Cailin intended to show her just how much she meant to him, and he’d do it slowly and completely, and repeatedly, before the night was through.

He traced the curve of her waist and hips, settling his hands on her perfectly rounded bottom. The very same bottom which had taunted him for days, whenever he’d watched her walking away from him, was now firmly in his grasp and he was delighted. Never before had he experienced the kind of sensations which were currently coursing through his fingertips as he touched her reverently. They electrified his entire body and his skin seemed to hum with desire.

*****

The throbbing between Ashley’s legs was becoming all-consuming. Desperately, she reached for the belt holding his plaid in place, unbuckled it and sent the plaid sailing to the floor.

“Mmm… that’s convenient,” Ashley murmured breathlessly, as her eyes travelled the length of his completely naked body.

“Aye, ‘tis convenient, indeed,” he said with a wry grin.

Ashley took a moment to drink in the sight of him. He was beautiful, his body perfection. She couldn’t believe that this man, who must surely be every woman’s innermost fantasy, was about to make love to her. She reached out and caressed the rock hard evidence of his desire. To her ears, Cailin seemed to hold his breath and her touch had him swaying on his feet. Ashley sucked in a breath of her own, when Cailin swiftly took her in his arms and deposited her onto the bed where he covered her with his solid frame, and his mouth devoured hers. They both gasped for breath as his kisses became more probing and passionate. Cailin left her mouth and kissed his way down her throat and lower still, stopping to take each breast into his mouth, teasing her nipples with his tongue. Ashley wriggled beneath him, pushing her hips against him, impatient to have him inside of her.

“Nae’ yet, love,” Cailin growled.

Ashley moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist, trying to draw him closer. His masculine hardness rubbed against the soft wetness between her thighs and Ashley bucked against him, wanting more. Cailin unwrapped her legs from his waist and then brushed his fingers down her sensitive ribs and hips, making his way to the pulsing need in her core. He took command of her body expertly, his hands and fingers plunging in and out of her while his thumb flicked across her sensitive nub, making her cry out in sheer ecstasy.

“Cailin,” she panted, desperate for more.

He kissed his way lower, towards the place where his hands were so masterfully working their magic. Ashley arched her back, losing any last shreds of control. Cailin’s mouth took over the job his fingers had begun, sending her spiraling closer to release when his tongue began its assault. As her climax approached, Cailin increased his efforts until she cried out and shuddered beneath him and still he didn’t stop.

Ashley had never been with a man who was so unselfish with his lovemaking. His only interest seemed to be in pleasing her, and he was doing an excellent job. All Ashley could do was close her eyes and enjoy the physical sensations overtaking her body. She reached the peak of ecstasy a second time and lost the ability to focus on anything, but what her man was doing to her trembling body. “Mmm… that was incredible,” she moaned.

Cailin looked pleased with himself as he rose up to kiss her swollen lips and guided himself inside her hot, wet body. He growled in satisfaction as he settled deep inside and then began to glide slowly in and out, his body slick with sweat. They moved together, instinctively learning the others needs and wants. Cailin grabbed Ashley’s hips as he drove deeper into her body and Ashley moved her own hands to his buttocks, pulling him into her, wanting to become one with him. Cailin frantically increased his pace, his gray eyes locking onto hers as they reached their release together. Cailin exploded inside of her, letting loose with a roar that Ashley answered with her own cries. He rolled to his side, taking his weight off her body and held Ashley close as they both caught their breath. Cailin remained inside her body and they lay joined together for a long, long time.

TWENTY-SEVEN

The morning brought a soft glow to the sleeping chamber. Ashley opened her eyes for the umpteenth time, but now Cailin was sleeping soundly at her side. She shook her head in disbelief, at what had truly been a night to remember. They’d made love so many times, Ashley had lost count, but each time, Cailin had proven himself a caring and unselfish lover. A tiny smile played on her lips and her cheeks flushed as she replayed the details in her mind. The bedding was a tangled mess, but unlike all the other nights when she had slept alone, Ashley hadn’t been cold at all last night. Cailin had kept her very warm. She continued to bask in the afterglow of amazing sex as she studied her man in sleep, marveling at how truly beautiful he was. His long black tresses fell across his shoulders, and his eyes, fringed with ebony lashes, remained peacefully closed. And those lips… they had brought her such pleasure all through the night. Her gaze lowered, to the chiseled chest and abs she adored, and then lower still to the part of him that had remained rigid through a night of unparalleled pleasure.

Ashley was reaching out to touch him, naughty thoughts playing through her head, when there was a quiet tap on her door. Before Ashley had a chance to call out, warning whoever it was not to come in, Helene dashed into the chamber.

“M’lady, I must speak with ye,” Helene said breathlessly.

Ashley bolted upright, dragging the furs up swiftly to cover herself and Cailin. “What is it, Helene? Is something wrong?”

Helene took in the scene in front of her, and a blush slowly crept up her face. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Nothing is wrong,” she stammered, backing towards the door. “I just wanted to speak with ye, while I helped ye dress.”