Rescued by a Highlander(58)

Confusion rolled through Maddie’s mind as sheer pleasure coiled through her belly. This was nothing like her time with Niles. How could this be? Was it true? Could she actually enjoy the touch of her betrothed? Would she be able to be a good wife to Alex?

Alex rolled over, tucking her beneath him, leaning his weight on his elbows. He kissed her cheek and trailed a line of kisses down her throat. A light sigh escaped her lips at the tender touch on her skin. Stopping abruptly, he drew Maddie to her feet with him. Where was he taking her?

“The loch, Maddie. Let’s get wet together.” He held his hand out to her and she grasped it. As they reached the edge of the loch, his hands reached down to untie the ribbons on her gown. What was he doing?

He coaxed her toward the lapping water. “Come in with me, the warmth is wonderful.” She nodded her head, trusting him completely. Alex drew the fabric over her head and tossed it. She stared at her gown as it landed on the grass. Alex unhooked the broach on his plaid, pitching it back in a pile along with his plaid.

Maddie’s breath hitched as she noticed her betrothed’s nudity. Too stunned to move, she glanced down at herself and realized she stood in just her chemise, her taut nipples clearly visible. She glimpsed again at Alex’s nude body before gasping. What were they doing?

“Like what you see, sweeting?”

He tugged her into deeper water as she giggled.

“Alex, it’s cold!” When the water was almost to her shoulders, he stopped and pulled her in close, brushing her arms to warm her.

“Remember that I will never hurt you, Maddie. If you want to stop, just tell me, I will accept it. But remember that married people do enjoy each other’s bodies. I need you to understand this is for pleasure for both of us, not just the husband. Love and marriage is about giving each other pleasure.”

Had she heard him correctly? Did he mention loving her? She blinked, nodding her head. She wanted this as much as he did. While a part of her thought this was wrong, another part of her knew this was right. Alex was to be her husband soon. She needed to get used to touching him and being touched. Their gazes connected and she was amazed at what she found in his eyes: no anger, no fury, just desire.

Her courage grew. She ran her hands over his shoulders, loving the way his muscles felt under her fingers. Alex had his own aroma, she breathed deep to savor it. Excited about this new feeling, she realized she trusted Alex. He would never hurt her. The sensations he stirred in her were warm and wonderful. She hoped they would always have these moments together.

What was happening to her? Her body tingled in places she had never felt before. She could feel every inch of his hardness, and it didn’t frighten her because it was Alex. Why had she always fought this part of their relationship before? Why had she hit him? Exciting possibilities entered her thoughts. She had not expected to want his touch so much. The water was a little cool, yet she was hot. How could that be? He stopped for a moment and gazed into her eyes, and all she could say was, “Alex, don’t stop.”

He reached up to the front of her chemise and cupped her breasts. He kissed her hard again. When Alex rubbed his thumb over her nipple, she groaned and moved into him, trying to get closer. He continued his assault on her breasts through the chemise as she threaded her fingers through his hair, leaned back and moaned. She let go and floated on the water, unknown sensations slicing through the pores of her skin.

Alex ‘s hands kneaded her inner thighs, working their way up her body slowly until he kissed her neck and whispered, “Sweeting, you are so soft. I need to feel your skin, I want to feel your skin against mine. Maddie, I want to see your luscious body.” He started to pull on the ribbons of her chemise to free her breasts.

And Kenneth interrupted her thoughts. “Nooooo, Alex! Please do not!”

Shoving against him, she bolted toward shore. Before standing, she realized she had only her chemise on and sank back in, but far away from Alex. What would he think of her? She couldn’t let him see what Kenneth had done to her. She would never be free. She slapped the top of the loch over and over as she thought of all her stepbrother had done to her.

Alex’s fists were clenched at the side of his body. He was still panting and tried to slow his breathing. By the saints, but she had been so good in his arms! Would they ever work through this? Why did she not trust him? Mayhap this was hopeless.

He stared at his betrothed across the water. Her movements erratic, a moment passed before he realized what she was doing. The sheer fear had been visible at first, but now all he noticed was anger. She was angry and swinging at the water in anger. Anger! But somehow, he knew it wasn’t him she swung at. This could be what she needed to do, express her anger at her stepbrother and the Comming. He waited, giving her the time she needed to work through her feelings.