Highlander's Claim Read online

  He cupped her bottom and lifted her from the floor until she wrapped her legs around his slender waist.

  Sensations like she'd never felt before filled her. Her head became light, and she clung to him. How she wished the night to never end. With so many wonderful new sensations and emotions, Ailios needed more time. Many more hours with him. Her world would not be the same after this; on a deep level she understood it and part of her already mourned the loss of Ian once he married.

  Any further thinking left when he lowered her and his darkened eyes met hers. "I must have you. See all of you."

  His lips were swollen from her kisses, a sense of propriety within her made Ailios smile. Ian slid her simple blouse off her shoulders exposing her breasts to him, his hands slid down her arms until the clothing fell about her waist. "Beautiful."

  When his mouth took the tip of her breast while his other hand cupped the opposite one, Ailios threw her head back and pressed her lips together to keep from crying out. She drew her fingers through his silken hair urging him to continue and Ian complied suckling at her breast then pulling back and flicking his tongue over the hardened tip.

  Her legs threatened to fold under her. She held onto his strong shoulders forcing her unstable knees to remain in place. A moan escaped when he moved to the other breast, his hot mouth closing it, and then took as much as he could. "Oh!" Her breathy voice sounded deeper.

  Ian straightened and walked her backward toward the edge of his bed while pushing her skirts down past her hips onto the floor. Her shift quickly followed until she was completely bare.

  "I can't wait to join with you." Ian lifted her and placed her on the soft bedding. Totally bare while he was still fully dressed, Ailios felt as if she'd drank too much ale, dizzy with desire and want.

  "You are most handsome," Ailios told him, her eyes raking over his still dressed form. "Are you removing your clothing?"

  "Not yet." His lips curved and he tugged her to the edge of the bed and kneeled between her legs. She was about to ask what he did when his tongue flicked onto her inner thigh, licking a wicked trail toward her throbbing center.

  "Oh!" She cried grabbing onto the bedding unable to stop from lifting her hips when his mouth fell over her most sensitive nub. Sensations surged when Ian began to kiss her in a place so intimate, she could barely withstand it. He continued licking over the same spot until she was nearly coming undone. "Laird," Ailios gasped, "Oh!"

  He lifted his head and peered up at her, a wicked curve to his lips. "Call me Ian."

  A finger pushed into her at the same time he took her back into his mouth and she lost all control and cried out as her body fragmented into pieces.

  When she stopped shaking, she opened her eyes to a most wonderful sight of Ian undressing.

  Even more beautiful than in her dreams, the man before her was breathtaking. His skin was taut and tanned from the sun. His wide shoulders beckoned Ailios's eyes to wander down his well-formed broad chest and on past to his flat stomach and slender hips. His arms were muscular, well honed from lifting the heavy swords and daily exercising with the other warriors.

  He never stopped looking at her as he pushed his breeches down freeing his thick cock. It jutted up hard and proud.

  Fully nude, he climbed over her and took her mouth again. He tasted salty and smelled of her. Ailios took his tongue with greed when he pushed it into her mouth.

  She reached for his hardness and she wrapped her fingers around it gliding it down his length enjoying his grunts of pleasure. She continued to stroke him while suckling at his tongue, at the same time her other hand roamed over his taut rear.

  The feel of him was like nothing she'd ever experienced. Her husband had been old and their joining was a short and not quite enjoyable occasion.

  With Ian she was completely enthralled. In that instant Ailios vowed to make this night unforgettable. She'd be in his bed only once, but the memories would be hers for a lifetime.

  "Guide me into you, lass," Ian panted into her ear.

  His cock was sizeable. Fully erect, it stood straight out. Ailios could hardly wait to join with him. Lifting her hips, she helped him to find her entrance and he nudged at it. With slow gentleness Ian slid into her and she took his mouth to keep from crying out in pleasure. Inch by inch he dove in, taking his time to ensure she could adjust to his large size.

  When he stopped, he was so fully seated she could feel his sack against her. Ian began to move, pumping into her with measured movements. He placed his hands beside her shoulders and straightened his arms while continuing to thrust in a steady tempo.

  He maintained eye contact while pulling out almost completely before driving in fully. Ailios arched up to him and his lips curved. "Anxious are you? Let me enjoy this. I wish to prolong our climax as much as possible."

  She slid her hands over his chest. His skin was soft over the hardness of his muscles.

  Her fingers brushed over his nipples and he closed his eyes. "Aye, that feels good." Ailios continued circling his now tight tips while he continued his unhurried movements.

  Ian pushed completely into her and lowered his mouth taking hers in a hungry kiss and she responded wrapping her arms around his neck, enjoying the moment of total union.

  He broke the kiss and looked down at her. "I've wanted you since first seeing you. What is it about you that draws me so strongly?" Darkened eyes met hers and she could only look into them as words evaded. He studied her, his brows drawn. "I fear what I already feel for you, Ailios."

  The tenderness of the moment ended when he began to move again, his hips plunging and withdrawing and she wrapped her legs about his waist while holding onto his shoulders to give him space to move.

  Ian thrust repeatedly, his cock touching a deep spot. The gracefulness of the muscular male hypnotized her, the friction of his skin and hair between his legs bringing unbelievable sensations when sliding against hers.

  Ailios felt empty when he pulled out completely, she looked to see what he did. He rose to his knees and guided her to lie on her side. Then he lifted her leg and placed it over his shoulder. He slid back into her and she sighed at being joined with him once more. The lightness was short-lived as the position gave him more access to fondle her while sliding in and out of her. At the same time as his cock slid, his fingers danced over her center. Within moments, she was lost in the wonderful assault and started to cry out, only to bite her lip. "You can be as loud as you wish, Ailios, no one will hear you. My chamber is the only occupied one on this side." Ian assured her, huffing.

  He watched her the entire time until she cried out, his gaze boring into her as she lost control and fell into an abyss of clouds and darkness. Her entire body shook and she grabbed at bedding in a futile attempt to gain control again.

  In the fog of passion, her leg fell to the bed and once again Ian took her. he thurst over and again, this time his movements fast and precise. A glazed look crossed his face as he raced toward his own completion.

  Ailios gripped the bedding, screamed and flayed under his continued thrusts, not sure she could remain conscious. The music of flesh slapping against flesh filled her every sense.

  Ian growled finally finding release, his entire body quaking. He continued plunging into her, without rhythm as his heated seed spilled.

  They held onto each other waiting for their breathing to normalize and it occurred to her that there was another reason for how hard they clung. Something very distinct occurred between them. It was as if finding a long lost treasure.

  Ailios caressed his face. "It has never been like this for me. I didn't realize lovemaking could be so wonderful. I will treasure this moment with you."

  Ian's lazy gaze met hers. "Honestly, neither did I." He pulled her close to his side.

  "Tell me about your life before coming here."

  Chapter Seven

  It amazed Ian how comfortable he felt with Ailios. As if they'd known each other for a long time and it was the most natural thing to b
e in bed together. Was it possible she felt the same?

  The warmth in her eyes as he gazed at her made his chest constrict. "You're a brave woman. I know it was not easy to come and ask for shelter. Not after having a home of your own."

  Her brow furrowed. "I'd rather that than live with a man who presumed to take me for his own. I was imprisoned once and refused to be again. I was forced into a marriage the first time. I was not brave Ian. I was desperate.”

  The light breeze coming through the uncovered window flitted over their bare skin. He didn't moved to cover them enjoying the reprieve from the heat they'd created. With her leg thrown across his midsection, and her arm over his waist, Ailios fitted perfectly.

  "You will always have shelter here."

  She sighed, but did not say anything further, her eyes drooping closed.

  Tucked beside him with her head on his chest the small woman seemed to ensure he remained with her while she slept.

  Ian brushed burnished tresses away from her face with care not to wake the slumbering beauty and studied her. Her pert nose called for a kiss on its tip, her slightly parted lips beckoned as much.

  Every instinct had warned him against seeking her, yet each day upon spotting her he wanted Ailios more. Now the wench had not just claimed his body this night, but every fiber of his being refused to ever let her go.

  After thirty years of hoping, he'd found the one, the woman who could easily claim his heart. God, why now? Why Ailios?

  Sleep evaded as he scrambled with a solution to not marrying his betrothed. It was his obligation of course, there was no reasoning with the fact that his clan was in danger and only by joining with the McLeans would they have any hope of defense.

  If only there was a way.

  Ailios's brow crinkled and she snuggled closer. Ian pulled the covers over them to ensure she was warm and placed a kiss on her head. Would she accept a place as his lover? It was possible to continue to be with her. He could establish her in a cottage within the keep.

  No. He refused to banish her to a life of isolation. The laird's lovers were not looked down upon, but neither did they have a set place in the hierarchy of the clan. She'd live separate from anyone other than whoever served in the house she'd live in.

  Ailios deserved much more than that. She'd already survived an ordeal with her deceased husband.

  Never a believer in prayer, Ian was not sure how to form the words needed; yet he whispered into the darkness, "Help me find a way."

  Ailios woke to Ian's soft breathing. She tipped her face up to find he was awake. "Did you sleep well, Laird, er, Ian?"

  "Aye." The huskiness of his voice told he'd just woken.

  "I should go," Ailios made to move away, but he held her in place.

  "Will you remain with me a bit longer?" Ian took her hand and placed it around his hard cock. "I fear I am desperately in need of you again." His lips brushed her hair. "Will you mount me?"

  She slid her hand over the length and it lifted to stand straight up, seeming to repeat its owner's request.

  She climbed over him and he pulled her forward and claimed her lips with a hard breathtaking kiss. "I cannot wait to join with you once again," Ian assured her.

  Ailios lifted her hips and Ian guided his shaft to her center. He remained still allowing her to lower onto him at her pace. Already wet with want, he easily slid into her and she adjusted to accept him.

  Through half closed eyes, he peered at where they joined and his lips curved. With his hands on her hips, he guided her movements and she lifted and lowered onto him.

  Hands on his chest Ailios closed her eyes and allowed sensations to take over. When she opened her eyes, she saw that he too was lost in the moment, his eyes closed, lips parted. As she began to climb and Ailios fought to keep a constant rhythm only to lose it when his fingers began to toy with her breasts, pinching softly at her nipples.

  He pulled her down against his chest and continued to thrust into her until taking them to reach heights together. And they climbed, holding to each other as if they fearing losing one another.

  Ailios cried out her much higher pitch mingling with his hoarse rumble.

  When she was finally able to catch her breath, she was splayed on his chest. Ian's arms tightened around her not allowing her to move, to separate.

  A tear escaped and she hoped he'd mistake it for a drop of perspiration. How could she ever give him up? There was no choice, of course, but her heart didn't understand facts.

  "Ailios, I must speak to you," Ian began and she fortified herself for his speech on how he'd never be with her again.

  "Listen to me." He gently pulled out and rolled her off his chest. He sat up and pulled her into his arms, embracing her against his large strong chest, "Look at me."

  No longer able to keep the tear at bay, she blinked up at him. "Aye, I am listening."

  "I don't want to give you up."

  "But you must."

  "I asked you to listen to me." Ian kissed the tip of her nose. "I believe there may be a way for us to remain together. If you will have me."

  "What?" Her heart thumped and her stomach pitched. "What do you speak of?"

  "Will you remain with me, as my wife."

  "You are betrothed, Ian."

  "I am aware of that, Ailios. Would you please be quiet and listen." He kissed her lips and smiled at her. "Listen."

  She couldn't help smiling at him. "Very well."

  "If I can convince my father to marry Lachlan to my betrothed and the McLeans agrees, will you marry me?"

  "Is it possible?" Ailios could not help but beam at him.

  "I believe so. Of course, there are two other people involved who may be put off, but I doubt it will be a problem. Lachlan is ready to marry and Claire has met me but once and it was not a good experience for either of us. She kicked me and ran away in alarm. She didn't like me in the least. Called me a devil."

  "How old were you?" She assumed they must have met when children.

  "Thirty."

  "Oh." Ailios giggled.

  "Say yes, Ailios."

  "Yes, Ian."

  He kissed her soundly and she laughed when his stomach grumbled. "I believe you are hungry my laird."

  It can wait, he told her at let out a long breath. "I knew one day the perfect woman would come into my life. That I could have a marriage like my parents, filled with caring and understanding. I hope that one day we will love each other as such."

  Ailios kept the fact that she'd loved him from afar for a long time.

  They remained in his chambers for the rest of the day even taking their meals in bed.

  Ailios licked her fingers after finishing a delightful treat, which had been brought by Cook surprised her. "I knew it by the way he looked at you. My laird is taken with you." The older woman chuckled as she left.

  "I am nervous about facing your mother. What will she say?"

  Ian's lack of concern helped to ease her nerves. "She has always wished for a love match for me."

  "Love?" Could it be that she could aspire for Ian to one day feel for her, as she felt for him for so long? Ailios settled into his arms and took a deep breath. "I've loved you for years, Ian. I watched for you from the rooftop window of my house in the village. Just catching a glimpse of you atop your steed was enough to brighten my dreary existence on many days." Her face heated but she looked up to see his reaction to the words.

  His wide eyes fell over her. "Is that true?"

  "Yes. It's silly I suppose. I never dreamed to be here. In your arms. In your bed."

  Ian laughed and kissed her soundly. "I however did dream of having you here, dear love, the first moment I saw you gracing my great hall. I felt as if a part of me which I had been searching for finally returned."

  He kissed her tears away. "Did I say something to hurt you, Ailios?"

  "No, Ian. You spoke the words my heart has been striving to hear. I love you."

  "And I you."

  The End


  In the Warrior’s Arms

  Chapter One

  "I refuse to marry that devil!" Claire McLean rushed up the stairwell, her father fast on her heels. She slammed the chamber door and stomped to the bed to wait for him to burst through and lecture on her lack of respect.

  Seconds turned into minutes. The laird did not come, nor did she hear his footsteps. Was something amiss? It wasn't like him to allow her to get the last word.

  The sound of creaking made her heart pitch. Her father had finally come. She was sure he'd take drastic action at her behavior. Instead of the Laird of Clan McLean, her older sister Moira walked in.

  She sat next to Claire and huffed impatiently. "Father is very cross with you. The only reason he did not come after you is because he was extremely tempted to beat you."

  "He wouldn't dare hit me. Would he?" Claire looked to the slightly opened door and wondered if she should close it. "I am cross with him as well. It is horrible that he would marry me against my will. To one of the horrible McDougalls no less."

  The ever-gentle Moira took her right hand with both of hers and patted it. "There is no choice, you must marry the McDougall's eldest son, Claire."

  "I will not do it." Claire yanked her hand away and stood. "I will choose my own husband."

  "You cannot. The clans have sealed the agreement. You must do as father asks."

  "But you chose," Claire told her sister and moved to sit in a chair. "You chose your husband, therefore I should be allowed to do so as well."

  With a breath Moira changed her tact. "Ian McDougall is a handsome man. He will be laird soon, as his father is very ill. You will be the laird's wife, hold a place of honor."

  "Hmphf, I find him boring and quite proud. Not at all what I want in a husband."

  "I found him pleasant, the last time he visited. What more could you possibly want, dear sister?"

  This time it was Claire who took an overly dramatic breath, her lips curved and she held her hands over her heart. "I wish for a man with hair spun of gold, eyes so dark I will think myself looking to the night sky. Tall of stature, but not too broad, as I prefer a sleeker body on a man. His voice will be of a soothing timbre, which will be like honey to my senses. Oh, and he will be of an agreeable nature."