She floated, neither awake or asleep, just…content.
Malcolm’s slow, regular breathing and the slack grip he had on her breast convinced her he was asleep. This was a rare thing, something to cherish. She’d had times like this with Duff at the sheiling, but had not been alone, awake while Malcolm slept very often. He was with his brother most of the time and since they had much to do they’d not had time to play. Play was for long, cold, winter nights. She would enjoy this snuggling while she could.
As he was asleep, and they were alone, she took a chance.
“I ken you canna return it, but I love you, Malcolm MacDougal,” she whispered. “You are a good man, a kind man who puts his people afore himself. That alone endears you to me. When I lie with you like this your strength, courage, and honor canna be seen. But it is always there.”
Kiera’s breathing slowed as she relaxed into him. She would remember this moment when she was furious with him, or he was away. She’d remember and feel blessed.
She drifted, letting sleep take her where it would go, knowing she was safe in the arms of one she loved.
* * * *
Malcolm fought to keep his breathing slow and regular. Kiera loved him? How could she? He was a nothing compared to her. Though he was laird of a castle beyond his wildest dreams, it was not what he was born to be. Though he detested lies, he was living one. They called him laird and looked up to him but it was all due to his marriage with Kiera. He was an unschooled, barely literate man from the west coast who’d had to scramble all his life to survive. How dare he think he could rule over people?
Kiera had grown up with men who should have been great as they’d been sons of powerful lairds. Some had even been educated at St. Andrews in Edinburgh while he barely knew his letters. It was still more than her father, who’d admitted to needing a hand guiding his quill when he signed his name on their marriage contract.
But, though MacKenzie could neither read, nor write, he was a wily man with power over more land than any other in the Highlands. How could Kiera think of him in the same league as her father? He had no right to a woman like this, yet she’d chosen to marry them both.
Perhaps it was the babe she carried. He’d heard women got notional when carrying one. But women got notions to do strange things when they weren’t, as well. From what Laird MacKenzie said, his lack of knowledge about women had nothing to do with growing up without them. Most men, it seemed, were confused by females.
What didn’t confuse him was how he felt having Kiera sleep in his arms. Powerful. Protective. If anything happened to her, if anyone tried to harm her, he would not stop until she was safe, and avenged.
Perhaps she spoke those words because their marriage finally allowed her to come to Kinrowan? Yes, that must be it. She was convincing herself that her life was as she’d dreamed it.
“Aw, lass, ye drive me mad,” he whispered.
She was a puzzle, a perfect lady outside their chamber and a wild woman inside it. None but he and Duff saw her concentrate at the chessboard as if the outcome would determine whether their castle would lose a siege, or triumph. None heard her laughing in delight as she came while riding them.
Duff was right. She was beautiful, inside and out.
He would easily give his life for her, especially knowing his brother would take over when he was gone. He would die for her, but he’d rather live to watch their bairns grow and, if they were blessed, have babes of their own. The child she carried was Duff’s. None would know who the father of the rest were. Nor did it matter.
He let her sleep. Growing a baby was a miracle that took time, energy, and rest. His cock had other ideas. It hardened, inching up between the cleft of her arse. Should he move to let her sleep? Her breathing didn’t change, but a knowing smile appeared on her beautiful face.
“Did I wake ye, lass?” He whispered in case it was a dream smile.
“Aye, but ’tis a wondrous way to wake.” She wiggled her hips, rubbing her arse against him. Somehow she caught his cock between her cheeks and squeezed.
“Jesu!”
She giggled. “Why don’t you put that where it would do the most good?”
His cock jerked in agreement. “Ye need rest.”
“I’ve had a rest. I need your cock in me. Now.”
Lust hit him like a strike of lightning. “Are ye sure?”
She got up on one elbow to look over her shoulder. He chuckled at her glare. He set the tip of his cock on her pussy and entered in one thrust. They both gasped. He held her body tight to his chest, just feeling her clench around him. Lying on their sides like this he had access to her breasts.
“I like how the babe has changed yer body.” He gently squeezed her breast, making a good handhold for his thumb to flick her nipple.