Highlander's Bride (Heart of the Highlander Series Book 1) (25 page)

She bristled at his words. "Faith, I didn't
know you were so famished. Perhaps you should not have waited and simply eaten
without me." Frowning, she added, "If my slow appearance vexes you
so, perhaps I should continue to dine in my own chamber."

"No, 'tis no need for that."

He nodded as a servant approached the table
carrying a large covered bowl. "Ah, at last. Here lad, set it before my
wife." Turning back to her, he said, "'Tis a special dish I had
prepared for you, but it doesn't keep well. 'Tis my reason for haste."

Looking down at the large container in front of
her, she pasted a thin smile on her lips. Surely he didn't mean to sound so
demanding. After all, he'd had the food prepared just for her. "I am sure
'twill be delicious, my lord."

He shrugged. "Not everyone cares for
it." Snorting, he added, "Why, none of my own men will touch it. Is
that not so, Malcolm?"

 The older man grinned and nodded. "Aye, few
warriors dare try it."

Katherine attempted to swallow her rising anxiety,
but her stomach churned with trepidation. Sweet Mary, what was it? She darted a
worried glance at her husband. "My lord, will you join me? From the size
of the bowl 'tis plenty for both of us."

"No, lass, I ordered it all for you. Come
now, eat up. It grows cold."

With trembling fingers, she lifted the heavy lid
from the container. Her mouth dropped open and she blinked twice. Squealing in
delight, she quickly set down the lid and thrust both hands into the dish.

A small black and white kitten scrambled nimbly
into her grasp to escape its temporary hiding place. Katherine immediately
cuddled it against her breast with a gentle whisper and it responded with a
soft purr. "Oh, you bonnie thing. You wee sweet darling."

Alexander laughed and called out above her quiet
crooning. "Och, Malcolm. Have you ever seen a grown lass play with her
food so?"

She beamed at him then burst into a fit of
giggles. It was a moment before she could catch her breath. "Oh,
Alexander, thank you. I love the wee creature. Faith, but you had me
worried." Before she stopped to think of her actions, she leaned over and
kissed him. The feel of his warm lips sliding over hers sent a jolt of emotion
through her. Her enthusiasm and delight in his gift, coupled with his touch,
left her breathless and eager for more.

He wrapped his arms around her and deepened the
kiss. All of a sudden he jumped back with a startled oath. "What in thunder?"

She looked at him, then down at her new pet and
grinned. "Even small kittens have sharp claws my lord. I fear we squeezed
it more than it liked."

"Well, lass, give it to one of the maids to
care for. Then we will finish what we began."

Heat flooded her face. She straightened in her
seat and placed the kitten in her lap. Quickly, she passed a plate of bannocks
to Alexander. "Aye… you are right. I'm quite hungry. And you?"

He arched an eyebrow and licked his lips slowly.
Leaning toward her, he whispered in a husky tone. "Aye, lass, I am near
starving. But 'twould seem my appetite will have to wait a bit longer. Do take
pity and don't leave me to starve forever at your gate."

The bannocks slid from her trembling hand and
scattered across the table.

Malcolm chuckled. "Alexander, ye'd best tell
the cook to serve the rest of the meal soon. I fear your lady grows weak with
er… hunger."

Knowing the fire in her cheeks outshone the color
of her gown; she looked down at the kitten in her lap and petted it. Faith, her
emotions were so unsettled, she'd best keep it with her throughout dinner.

 As the remains of the meal were cleared away,
Alexander rose and offered her his arm. "Would you play a game of chess
with me, my lady? I think we might find a basket for the kitten so you could
keep it near you."

A warm glow filled her heart at his simple request
and thoughtful gesture. "Aye, I would like that." An hour later, she
found herself yawning for the second time. She tried harder to concentrate on
the game, but she could not hold back another yawn. She sat back and smiled at
Alexander. "I'm sorry. I fear I grow sleepy." 

"We can finish the game another time if you
wish, lass."

"No, I would like to stay with you… to finish
the game." She felt heat flow across her face and quickly looked back down
at the chessboard. Her queen was in danger of being taken by an opposing
knight. She would have to keep her wits about her. Aye, and for the game too.
Eventually she felt herself nodding off over the chessboard.

Alexander quietly pushed back his chair and gently
lifted her into his arms. He carried her up the stone staircase to her chamber
as if she were made of fragile porcelain.

Sleepily, she snuggled into his shoulder as he
climbed the steps. His strong arms carried her tenderly, securely. Mmm, it felt
so good. The furs on her bed tickled her face. Furs? Her eyelids flew open. She
shot a nervous glance at him as he bent close. What she saw puzzled her. His
look seemed filled with fondness and need, not harsh lust. Had he truly begun
to care for her? Or was lust simply hiding behind that gentle guise?

Slowly, he reached out and touched her cheek with
a feather light caress. He paused, then knelt beside the bed, holding one of
her hands to his chest. "Lass, I know I have much to atone for. I will not
force you, but ask only that you give me a chance. I vow to prove to you how
much I care."

How she wanted to believe those words. But she
wasn't ready yet to trust him completely. She nodded in silence and drew a deep
breath for courage. "Alexander, there is one thing that will prove your
sincerity. I wish to sleep here alone. …Until I'm sure."

She watched him as he knelt there, motionless and
silent. Was it sorrow or merely disappointment that pulled at the corners of
his beautiful eyes? Faith, she wished she knew his thoughts.

He nodded, then lifted her hand to his lips and
kissed it tenderly. "If that is what you truly desire, lass, then you
shall have it. Sleep well."

Long after the door closed behind him, she lay
there wondering. Was that what she really wanted?

Chapter Eighteen

Alexander smiled down at Katherine as she pulled
away the last of the bandages from his arm. There was only a slight scar.
"I can't believe 'tis been but five days since you first tended this. It looks
near healed and I have full strength in it again. You are a wondrous healer,
lass."

He cocked one eyebrow. "Or perhaps 'tis been
the time you've spent with me these last few days that have made me hale. If
only I could convince you to spend your nights with me as well." He
watched her face deepen in a rosy blush, even as she smiled. Since her fondness
for him had apparently grown, the fact that she continued to return to her
chamber alone each night tore at his heart.

She discarded the soiled linen strips and touched
his arm gently before she spoke. "I don't think the wound needs to be
bound any longer. A bit of fresh air and a few more days of salve, and you
shouldn't notice any pain at all." She held up the small pot containing
the ointment. "Would you like me to put it on your arm now, or do you wish
to do it yourself later in your room?"

Sighing, he replied. "Ah, lass, if you won't
be there to do it, I will ask you to do it now. 'Tis your touch that makes the
difference."

After she finished, he gently took her hand in
his, pulling it toward him. Instead of kissing it, he propped her fingers on
his shoulder, then bent forward and touched his lips to hers in a feather light
touch. "That is partial payment, my lady. When you truly wish it, I will
gladly pay my debt in full."

Her startled smile warmed him all the way back to
his room.

**

It was the kitten that brought them together.
Scrambling about its mistress' chamber late one evening, it climbed up a
tapestry and onto a wooden ceiling beam. It walked half way across, sat down
and curled up to lick its paws. But within a few minutes, apparently too
frightened to climb down, the young cat crouched motionless and began to cry
pitifully.

Katherine rose from her bed and attempted to coax
it back down. Her sleepy maid tried to nudge it from its aerial perch with her
broom. When neither approach was successful, Katherine turned to the girl.
"I fear you will have to fetch the gardener. Tell him to bring a
ladder."

Stifling a yawn, the maid nodded and left.

Unable to sleep, Alexander sat in his room reading
over the castle accounts. Hearing a clatter in the hallway, he looked out to
see the gardener carrying a long ladder. "Ho, man. What need you of that
at this hour?"

Halting, the man grumbled, "Lady MacGregor
sent fer me to bring her kitten down." Yawning, he added, "It picked
a poor time to climb beyond her reach."

Alexander chuckled. "Och, give that to me. I
will do it. Get back to your bed."

"Aye, many thanks, my lord."

Taking the ladder, Alexander carried it to his
wife's chamber and knocked on the door. When it opened, he smiled at
Katherine's wide-eyed expression. "My lady, did you have need of a knight
errant? I heard there was a wee thing trapped in a lofty bower."

Her eyes sparkled and she opened the door wide.
"Aye, sir, how kind you are." Turning to her maid, she added,
"Thank you. I vow the laird can do it now. I will see you on the
morrow."

The young woman nodded and left.

Alexander entered, leaned the ladder against the
wall and climbed up onto the narrow oak ceiling beam. Crooning to the kitten,
he inched his way along. When he reached it, he tucked it securely inside his
shirt and slowly backed toward the ladder. Arriving back on the ground, he
pulled the small feline from his shirt, rubbed its head in a playful manner and
handed it to Katherine.

She cuddled her pet for a moment before she laid
it in the basket beside the hearth and turned back to him with a brilliant
smile. "Thank you. I was worried the poor thing would fall."

The delight in her voice and the happy glow on her
face filled him with longing. He gazed at her from her sleep-tousled hair to
her bare toes peeking out below the loose flowing bed gown. The urge to protect
her and make her smile flowed as strongly through him as did the fire of
passion which he kept banked with difficulty. He didn't want her ever again to
fear being with him. She was too precious to lose. "Ah, lass, I feel 'tis
I who has been hanging on a limb yearning each night to be with you. Will you
not give me the chance?" He reached out to her and waited, praying she
would believe him.

Her words tumbled out as if she couldn't deny him,
or herself, any longer. "Aye, I… I have missed you also."

Leading her to the edge of her bed, he sat down
then lovingly pulled her onto his lap and held her within the circle of his
arms. Touching her and having her so close intensified his passion to the point
of need. He grew hard with his overwhelming desire to bed her. God, how he
wanted her. His arousal rubbed against her soft bottom and he bit back a groan
of pleasure. His pulse raced and he forced himself to relax. He must move
slowly, not frighten her.  He had treated her shamefully the first time. It
would never happen again. Tonight he would make sure of her pleasure before his
own.

He reached out and gently ran his fingers over her
face. Her skin felt like smooth silk warmed in the sun. She was so soft.
Slowly, he kissed her forehead then ran his lips over her closed eyelids and
down her cheek. He lingered as he nuzzled his face against her neck.  Then
moving lower, he touched his lips to her breasts through the fabric of her bed
gown. He felt her tremble through the thin covering. Her breasts rose and fell,
rubbing his face. He breathed deeply. Her feminine scent curled around him,
urging him on.

Alexander lifted his head and looked down at her.
She was so beautiful. Gently, he took her hand and pressed it to his heart. Did
he dare put his feelings into words? "Katherine, I know I hurt you. Before
God, I am ashamed for ever doubting you." Lifting her palm, he raised it
to his lips. He kissed it tenderly and cupped her fingers over his cheek.
"I want to show you how much I care in a way which will please you. I
never want to cause you hurt or fear again."

A long moment of silence passed between them as he
looked into her eyes, searching for trust, for hope.

She reached out with her free hand and brushed his
hair back from his forehead. "I want to believe you, Alexander."

'Twas all he needed to hear. He stood up with her in
his arms and carried her back to his chamber.

**

Katherine snuggled deeper into Alexander's embrace
as he nudged the door closed with his hip. Did he truly not want to release
her? When they reached the side of his bed, he bent and carefully lowered her
onto it. Smiling, he caressed her cheek.

She looked up into his warm gaze and her heart
began to hammer in her chest. She watched, mesmerized, as he rose slowly,
walked around the room and blew out the candles. All but one which sat on a
small table beside the bed. He turned to face her, and never once looking away,
he quietly removed his boots and hose, his shirt, and his kilt. They fell to
the floor unnoticed.

The illumination of the single candle glowed over
his nude body. His face and form were the likeness of a powerful statue of
Atlas, upon whose strong shoulders she could rest her weary heart.

The flickering light played on the firm planes and
valleys of his muscled torso. It slid down his flat abdomen. Lower still, it
faded to shadow in the short dark hair curling at the base of his manhood. His
thick muscled legs were spread slightly apart and hid none of his erection. It
rose aroused and full, leaving no doubt of his virility.

The sight of him lit a flame of want in the pit of
her stomach. Yet she yearned for him in more than just the physical sense.
Could she really trust her heart to him? She needed more than just this fire
his body inspired. She needed love and trust. Dear God, please let him truly
care.  

Her heart raced in anticipation and she had to
remind herself to breathe. Lying there, she rubbed her hands across the blanket
the way she wanted to touch him, lingering and sure. Nothing could tear her
gaze from him.

He walked over to the bed. It creaked as he slid
down beside her. Tenderly, he pulled her to him. No words. No rush. Just his
embrace. For several minutes, he simply held her close in contented silence,
stroking her hair with a light touch, lifting strands of it to his lips and
rubbing them across his face.

She sent up a silent prayer of thanks for his
patient, easy manner. Sighing, she snuggled deeper into his embrace.

Alexander kissed her temples, then her face, and
down the side of her neck to her shoulders. Everywhere his lips touched, they
blazed a trail of pure, hot sensation, leaving her skin tingling. Katherine's
heart beat in her throat. She could think of nothing but him, only him.

Slowly, he unlaced the bodice of her bed gown.
Sweet Mary, how she wanted him, needed him.

His hands whispered over her shoulders and down
her arms, to her hips. When he reached her thighs, his fingers glided over them
in ever growing circles, leaving her breathless. His fingers grasped her gown
then stopped. He lay there motionless gazing into her eyes. Unhurried. Waiting.

Why had he stopped? Her gaze locked with his as
she reached out and covered his hands with hers. Certainty boiled in her veins.
Slowly, she pulled his hands up her legs.

The bed gown slid upward. Cool air whispered
across her burning flesh. For a moment, the fabric clung at her hips then slid
beyond her waist and higher still. Her nipples tightened in anticipation.

Katherine leaned forward, and with one last tug,
she was free of her confining clothing. With a shiver of anticipation, she lay
back against the bed, exposed and unashamed.

Alexander's eyes darkened and seemed to smolder
with an inner fire. He cupped her face reverently in his hands.
"Katherine, I want you to know what it is to feel true joy between a man
and a woman. I vow I will not hurt you. Never again."

Little by little, he bent toward her until their
lips met in a soft, lingering kiss. Then he lifted his head and gazed at her as
if he sought to memorize the very sight of her. His mouth curved into a
compassionate smile; one of giving rather than taking. "Ah, my love, you
take my breath away." He kissed her chin, then down to the hollow of her
neck, and across her shoulders to her breasts. Slowly, his warm lips surrounded
her nipple.

Katherine moaned softly. Never before had she
known such a wondrous feeling.  His mouth was hot, moist. The feeling
intensified as he continued to lick and suckle while his hands explored her
body.

Alexander rose to his knees beside her. Leaning
over, he suckled her other breast then slowly slid his tongue down her side to
her hip.

Her breath caught in her throat and her body
trembled as he continued downward. He blazed a trail of kisses down her leg.
Gradually, he lifted her foot and kissed her instep, blowing his hot breath
over her skin.

Her toes curled at the heated touch of his lips.

He did the same with her other foot, then
gradually eased one of his legs between hers spreading them apart, and lowered
himself until his body covered hers.

Katherine tensed, remembering the last time they'd
been together thus. She fought back her panic at the feel of his immense body
and hard muscles forcing her deeper into the mattress.

Alexander looked into her eyes and whispered,
"Shh, lass. Be at peace. I vow I want only to please you." He slid
his other leg between hers. He didn't rush to take her though 'twas obvious his
body was ready.

His tongue stroked her nipples in a hot, wet
caress. He slowly blew on them; his warm breath made them tighten and tingle.
With infinite care, he kissed her breasts and nuzzled his face between them. A
wondrous excitement invaded Katherine's senses. Her skin felt flushed. Hot. She
gazed at his body and her passion grew.

The physical joining didn't come next as she'd
expected. Surprised, Katherine watched as he continued to slowly kiss his way
down the center of her body; over her ribs, past her waist, below her hips.
Heaven help her, his kisses were traveling to the very edge of her womanhood.
She trembled with anticipation.

Alexander spread her legs wider as his eyes sought
hers. "You are so beautiful. I want you to know all the beauty you
possess."

His words touched her heart. She felt cherished,
loved. His patient, loving touch bound her to him as no chains could.

She watched as he slowly bent his head then cried
out as he began to nuzzle her slowly, teasingly; his warm breath caressed her
and heightened her desire. All at once, he buried his face in her, his mouth
closed over the spot of her aching need. Dear God! What was he doing to her?
Her body began to tingle. Sizzle. Burn.  She writhed under him. Never had she
wanted anything more. Needed it more.

Suddenly, her body came alive with passion. The
feelings he awakened in her were more glorious than anything she'd ever
imagined. She moaned and pulled at his arms to draw him closer. It was as if
she stood on a cliff top, being buffeted by the wind. Soon. One more breath of
desire and she would plunge over the edge and plummet into bright oblivion,
like a fiery comet hurtling through the summer sky.

Alexander seemed to sense her need. He suckled and
licked faster, laving her with his tongue.

Katherine gripped his shoulders. Her body tensed
and she gasped for air as lights exploded behind her eyelids in a fiery
maelstrom. She felt herself spiral into the night as hot, electrifying sparks
shot throughout her body.

As she reveled in the rapturous sensation,
Alexander thrust into her. He was thick and full and hard.

New vibrations pulsed inside her. With every stroke,
the intensity heightened. He moved erotically, boldly. She felt wanton and wild
with abandon. Yes! The feeling grew stronger and magnified until it totally
engulfed her. It blazed a fiery path of wonder and sent her whirling again
through space. Dear God. Yes! The feeling surpassed the previous heights to
which he'd just taken her and she screamed out his name in sheer ecstasy.