Dangerous Pride (30 page)

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered, marveling at her tiny waist, which he could all but span with his two hands.  Her long legs were slender and well-formed, and for a moment, he lost himself in the thought of what they would feel like wrapped around him.  Stretching out beside her, Lachlan pulled her into his arms, again claiming her mouth in a searing kiss.  Catriona reached up, putting her arms around his neck, bringing him closer to her as her breasts pressed warmly against his chest.  As his tongue breached the seam of her lips, he stifled a growl of desire as she matched him, thrust for thrust.

Emboldened by her heated response to him, Lachlan caressed her nipple between his thumb and forefinger while placing kisses along her throat and chest.  Tentatively, she reached out to stroke his arm, then his chest, her fingers trailing down until they reached his belly.  Shifting his weight, Lachlan moved lower, taking her nipple into his mouth.  With a gentle touch, he caressed her thigh, then grasped her hip and brought her closer to him.  His manhood throbbed, aching for release, but Lachlan forced thoughts of his own pleasure to the back of his mind.  Tonight was Catriona’s night, and he intended to make it one she would never forget.

Slowly, he brought his hand between her legs, to the juncture of fiery auburn curls that shielded her femininity.  Catriona gasped at his touch, tensing, but he moved slowly, and she gradually relaxed in his arms.  Gently, he slipped his finger into the folds of her womanhood, an action that caused her to cry out in surprise.  He took her mouth in a consuming, demanding kiss as he slowly caressed the nub of her desire.  It wasn’t long before she found the rhythm of her own need, and she began rocking her hips against his hand.

Pulling his mouth from her lips, Lachlan paused to watch the emotions crossing her beautiful features as she adjusted to the feeling of his hand at the very core of her being.  Gently, he slipped a finger into her tight, hot sheath, and he was rewarded with a gasp of satisfaction from his wife.  Plunging his finger deep inside her, he encountered the barrier protecting her innocence.  He slowly pulled back, a groan of disappointment her only response to his loving assault on her senses.

Catriona tossed her head on the pillow, her eyes closed, her attention fully focused on the feelings his hands were creating deep inside her.  She had never known it could feel like this – that she could be made to feel like this.  Slowly, she opened her eyes, smiling as she saw him gazing down upon her, desire reflected in his passion-clouded eyes.  “If you want me to stop, lass, you’d best tell me now.  If we go much further, I do no’ think I could.”

Catriona reached up, pulling his mouth down to hers for a deep, soul-brushing kiss that spoke of her newly awakened passions.  “If you stop, I do no’ think I will ever forgive you.”

Lachlan smiled down at her, his manhood, heavy and full with his need, nestled tightly against her thigh.  Shyly, she reached down, touching him with tentative fingers.  His moan of delight emboldened her, and she encircled his thick, hard shaft with her fingers.  He could sense a new hesitancy within her, and he ran his fingers slowly down her back, seeking to ease the tension from her body.

Catriona grew more bold, running her fingers down the length of his manhood.  As she explored his body, Lachlan renewed his efforts to enflame her passions, caressing her womanhood until she arched her hips, desperate for more of his touch.  Raising himself up on one arm as he looked down at her, Lachlan lost himself in eyes that gleamed like precious gems.  “The first time, lass, there will be some pain.  But I promise you, I will be as gentle as I can.”

There was a brief flicker of worry in Catriona’s eyes, but she nodded her agreement, and smiled encouragingly at him.  “I’m ready, Lachlan,” she whispered as she arched her hips against him.  Lachlan reached down, gently pushing her legs apart with his knee as he positioned himself at the entrance to her body.  Slowly, he slipped inside her, giving her body time to adjust to his presence.  It took all his willpower not to sheath himself deeply inside her, but he knew she needed him to go slowly.

Catriona was shocked at the feeling of fullness as Lachlan moved inside her.  When she had first seen his manhood, had first held it, she had not believed it would be possible for them to join together.  Yet as she savored the feel of him deep inside her body – felt the caress of his breath against her cheek as he held himself still above her – she opened herself to the overwhelming feelings he awakened in her.

After several long moments, Lachlan began to move slowly, tenderly, above her, thrusting gently into her body, only to withdraw, and then thrust again in the intimate dance that was as old as time.  Catriona wriggled beneath him, anxious to draw him deeper into her body, to fill the aching void she had never before known existed.

When Catriona wrapped her supple legs around his waist, Lachlan knew that he could delay the inevitable no longer.  Gently, he grasped her hips in his hands, and in one swift, powerful gesture, thrust through the barrier that had separated them.  Breathing deeply, Lachlan held himself still above her as she adjusted to yet another new sensation.

Catriona felt a brief stab of pain as he pushed his body deeper into hers, but within a few moments, it passed.  She shifted her body beneath his, gradually accustoming herself to these new sensations.  Slowly, Lachlan began to move above her, thrusting into her with deep, gentle strokes.  Tentatively, Catriona reached her hands to his back, caressing the straining muscles.

As she adjusted to the feeling of him deep inside her, she began to move beneath him, matching his thrusts.  Gradually, she became aware of a force within her – a force she didn’t recognize – but one that saw her matching his pace, pushing him to bring her to a destination that she didn’t yet understand.

Lachlan’s hands were still at her hips, guiding the motion as he thrust into her body again and again.  Her body enveloped his in a way he had never experienced before.  Her timid, innocent reaction to his presence almost undid him as he struggled to control his desperate need for release.

Catriona felt as if she were teetering on the edge of something wonderful when her world suddenly exploded in a flash of color.  She cried out, digging her fingernails into his back in a desperate attempt to bring him closer, deeper inside her.  Tremors shook her as her body responded, reveling in the feelings that swept through her.

Catriona’s release was more than Lachlan could bear.  As she cried out, he thrust powerfully into her, almost savagely, unable to wait any longer as he spilled his seed deep inside her.  His body shaking with his release, he whispered her name as he pulled her closer, unable to reconcile the feelings she had ignited in him.

They lay entwined, struggling to catch their breath, for some time before Lachlan had the strength to withdraw from her.  Gently, he pulled her with him as he rolled onto his back, shifting his body so she law sprawled atop him.  Catriona stared down at him with wide, beguiling eyes, her cheeks flushed with passion.  Yet there was no hint of modesty or discomfort – only the happy grin of a woman well-pleased.  He said a silent prayer of thanks as he realized he couldn’t have asked for a more responsive and giving wife.  Lover.

Catriona searched his handsome features for some sign of regret or remorse, but she saw only a deeply satisfied grin.  Still overcome with emotion, she stared at him, as if seeing him for the first time.  “Is it always like that?” she asked finally, and was delighted with his rich, deep laugh.

“And how was that, lass?” he teased, sure he knew what her response would be.

“You ken what I mean.  Is it always like that – does it always feel that way? I’ve never felt like that before.  I didn’t ken it was possible to have such feelings.  No one ever told me it could feel like that…” she said, her words trailing off as she lost herself in the memory of what they’d shared.

Her innocence and delight in the passion they’d created together warmed his soul.  He was a lucky man, indeed.  “Nay, lass, it is no’ always like that,” he replied finally, as he stroked her back in an intimate, possessive gesture.  “But when two people care for each other, it can be that wonderful.”

There was a long pause before Catriona asked the one question she desperately needed answered.  She pushed herself up, resting her weight on her elbows so she could watch his reaction.  “I did no’ disappoint you then?”

Lachlan’s heartwarming smile was answer enough, but Catriona still needed to hear his response.  “You could never disappoint me.  What we shared was incredible, special – something I have no’ experienced before.”  He reached up to cup her face in his hand as he stroked her cheek tenderly. “You are as passionate as you are beautiful, and I am a lucky to be married to you.”

Catriona grinned widely in response, content in the sincerity of his answer.  Thoughtfully, she chewed on her lower lip as she considered her next question. Her hair streamed around her shoulders, forming a gleaming auburn tent as she leaned above him.  “When can we do it again?” she asked, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

Lachlan’s laughter bounced off the walls of their chamber as his body shook with mirth.  Once he caught his breath he rolled her to her back, amazed she was capable of such a question.  “You are going to be the death of me, lass,” he joked, but his eyes shone with affection.  “We can do it again as soon as yer ready.  And any time after that when you should feel so inclined.”

It was the middle of the afternoon before Catriona stirred from the comfort of Lachlan’s huge bed, her body cozy in the downy mattress that enveloped her.  Slowly she opened her eyes, adjusting to her surroundings.  It took a few moments before she realized where she was – and why she was there.  When she did remember, a smile toyed at the corners of her full lips.  Sliding further under the covers, she could feel the heat beginning to spread over her cheeks.  Memories of the hours they had passed together flooded her, and she stretched languidly, relishing her sense of peace and contentment.  Though her body was stiff and sore, she was overwhelmed with a sense of fulfillment and belonging.

It was ironic, she thought, that someone as evil as Calum Leslie would help bring her to such happiness.  Regardless of what he’d tried to do to her, he’d given her the shock she needed to move forward.

The hours she’d spent with Lachlan had been such a wonderful awakening.  Never had she guessed she could feel that way in the arms of a man, and she was pleased she’d evoked similar feelings in her husband, too.  The quiet understanding she’d seen with happily married couples like Quinton and Mairi suddenly made much more sense to her, now that she had an inkling of what they, too, shared.

She’d known Lachlan had fond feelings for her, but she’d never guessed he would desire her in the way she desired him.  He’d been so gentle and caring with her, doing everything he could to break down the walls she’d built between then, introducing her to the marriage bed in a way that was tender and accepting.  Basking in their newfound closeness, she’d shared Calum’s threats with him, content in the knowledge her husband would keep her safe from harm.

Catriona smiled again when she remembered asking him how often they would be able to make love.  His amusement and pride in her passionate, open response to him had warmed her heart.  Though she knew little of what passed between men and woman who were joined in marriage, Catriona knew instinctively she had been blessed with a kind, attentive husband.

Catriona moved to throw back the covers from the bed, but was suddenly aware of her nakedness beneath the bedclothes.  It was Lachlan’s room, and she had no dressing gown with her.  Fortunately, her nightrail lay discarded by the side of the bed, and gingerly, she reached out to grab it.  She had just pulled the garment over her head when she heard a light knock at the door.  Sorcha peaked her head in, pleased to see her mistress was finally awake.  “Good afternoon, my lady,” she said, bustling into the room with her usual brisk efficiency.  ” I am glad tae see yer finally awake.  Are ye feelin’ well?” she asked politely, and Catriona felt a fresh wave of color spread across her cheeks as she nodded.  Did everyone in the keep know what had transpired in this bed? she wondered idly.  She wasn’t sure she was ready to deal with their knowing glances – not yet, anyway.

“I thought ye might be wantin’ a bath, mistress, so I’ll have the lads set it up in front of the hearth, if ye like.”  Catriona thanked the young girl, grateful for an opportunity to soak her aching muscles.

With Sorcha’s help, Catriona twisted her hair into a knot at the top of her head before she gratefully sank into the warmth of the bath.  The steaming water felt wonderful as she lay back in the tub, luxuriating in its soothing heat.  As the serving lass left the room to fetch Catriona’s clothing, she found her thoughts racing back to her husband.  Lachlan had stayed with her for most of the day, seeming to want to be with her as much as she had wanted to be with him.  She had been surprised when he was not there when she woke, but she knew he had many responsibilities that could not be ignored.

Lying back in the tub, Catriona dozed for a time, still exhausted from all that had transpired in the past day.  Hearing a knock at the door, she startled awake, noting with discomfort that the water in the tub had grown quite cold.  “Thank you for bringing my clothes, Sorcha,” she responded, her sleep-heavy eyes struggling to focus on the flames that burned brightly in the hearth before her.  The room had darkened, and she realized with a start that it had grown quite late.  “I must have fallen asleep,” she said sleepily, “I am so wrinkled, I’m sure my skin will ne’er be smooth again.”

“That would be a shame, lass, for now that I’ve seen how beautiful yer beneath those clothes, I would no’ want aught to mar it.”

With a start, Catriona turned to face her husband as he peered down at her, a broad grin on his face.  She attempted to hid her nakedness with the small washing cloth she’d held in the tub, but soon recognized the futility of such modesty.