In Bed With A Stranger(22)

His mouth broke away from hers, trailing kisses along her cheek. She shivered as the skin of her neck begged for a touch from his lips. Her fingers pushed deeper beneath his shirt so that her entire hand might be flush against his body. Her heart was thumping hard, working hard.

“Ye shall have your inspection, lass, but ye’ll also have a taste of frustration.”

A tiny bite was placed on the column of her neck before he released her. She stumbled as he let her go and the night air cruelly swirled around her. The separation of their embrace made her shiver. He cupped her chin, a hint of a scowl on his lips.

“Ye’ll take the same longing to sleep tonight that I will, and maybe by sunrise you’ll cease talking about returning to yer father.”

He clasped both sides of her face, holding her for his kiss. This time he didn’t begin with teasing touches. His mouth took her, pushing aside her effort to hold him off. His tongue thrust deeply inside, stroking the length of hers. A tiny moan caught between their joined mouths as desire pounded through her. It didn’t begin softly this time but rose instantly. His mouth left hers, trailing hot kisses along her cheek and onto her neck. Never once had she noticed how sensitive the skin of her neck was. Each kiss sent a shaft of need through her. But Brodick didn’t just press his lips against her; he used his teeth to gently nip her. Her hands curled into talons on his shirt, an insane impulse to tug the fabric away from his skin making her shove away from him. She didn’t understand such an idea or why it was so vivid. Her breathing was rough as she staggered back several paces from him, fear actually tingling through her.

But not fear of him; it was far worse. She was frightened of what she wanted to do to him.

He followed her but forced himself to stop. His body shook as she heard him draw in a ragged breath. He crossed his arms over his wide chest, almost like he needed to keep himself from pulling her back into his embrace.

It would feel good if he did.

“Best ye ken me now, madam. Our bed is not to be a chilly one. Ye can have yer inspection, but when that’s past, ye will have done with yer standoffish nature. I’ll have none of it.”

“Or what? You cannot change who I am. You should take this night to consider how ill matched we are.”

“Why would I do that when ye have such passion locked behind that cool exterior?” He stepped toward her and she retreated without thinking. A warm hand cupped her chin, allowing her to feel his strength once again. “I dinna need to change ye, lass, I just need to do my part of introducing ye to yer own nature.”

Horror flooded her as she shook her head. The fingers cupping her chin tightened, stilling her denial.

“Aye, lass, ye kissed me back and that is all I needed to ken. We’ll learn to make our union   work. But feel free to deny that yer body is burning with need. Tell me yer nipples aren’t hard.”

They were.

“You shouldn’t say things like that.”

“I shouldna state the truth? We’re married, it’s nae a sin to discuss passion.”

He ran his hand over her face, clicking his tongue as his fingers stroked the blush the night covered up.

“Ye’re blushing for me. It’s a basic form of communication. Yer body is trying to attract my attention and I find it very pleasing.” His thumb pressed down onto her lip and her breath caught as sensation erupted from the touch.

“Most couples in our station aren’t so lucky.”

He removed his hand, slowly, and her skin begged her to lean forward just a tiny amount to prolong the contact.

“I’ve been negotiating with yer father for over two years and I’m nae going to give up just because ye don’t value a union   between us as much as I do. Our marriage is for the benefit of more than just the pair of us. Better set yer mind to thinking about all the people that will have better lives.” He moved closer again, curling his hands around her upper arms. He leaned close so that she could see his face clearly in the dim light.

“Best ye ken that Brodick McJames will nae be told no by his own wife. You are mine, madam. We shall share a bed…often, and I intend to kiss each of yer nipples.”

He turned her loose, giving her a push towards the camp. She stumbled but regained her footing.

“I belong to no one.” The words left her mouth before she thought about them.

“Well now, that’s something I’m going to enjoy showing ye the error of yer ways.”

Her words were far too bold for any woman, even a queen. Women did have a harder life and their male relatives held a great deal of authority over them. That was the law in both England and Scotland. Brodick wasn’t abnormal in his thinking that she belonged to him. Every court in the land would agree with him.