“Oh, aye.” He yearned to find his release at the same time she did, but something in him forced him to wait, some inner strength he didn’t realize he possessed. Some need to give her even more pleasure.

Seconds later, another climax overtook her. She screamed into his mouth, her muscles milking him. Aye, that was it. He could hold back no longer. His release blasted through him like a fuse lighting a powder keg. The explosion of pleasure seared every nerve in his body and snatched his breath. All thought deserted him, leaving him aware of only one thing—she was his. Completely. His soul melded with hers.

When he came back to himself, he was still thrusting, although not as hard, enjoying the last vestiges of pleasure.

Dropping still, he sucked in harsh breaths, then placed a kiss on her lips. “Seona, you are mine now. My wife. I’m never letting you go.”

She let out a breathy laugh. “And you are my husband. I love you.”

“I love you, too, lass.”

Keegan lay down beside Seona and she turned to survey every inch of her gorgeous new husband—the ridges and planes of muscle down his chest and abdomen. Aye, he was even more delectable up close in the firelight than he had been leaving that loch. He’d shown her things and made her feel things she could’ve never imagined. Such intense pleasures.

’Twas true his initial invasion of her body had been painful, but his sweet words had helped her relax so she could accept him. And then… once the pain had vanished… she could not believe how splendid he felt driving into her. ’Twas beyond comprehension, as Isobel had said.

Seona stroked her hand across his chest, enjoying the light sprinkling of hair, then kissed him there. She loved his warm masculine scent. Glancing up into his eyes, she found him watching her.

“You amaze me,” he said.

She smiled and kissed his lips. After a few leisurely kisses, he said, “Let me wash you off.” He arose from the bed and went to the pitcher and basin on a table in the corner.

What did he mean? She glanced down, seeing a smear of her virgin’s blood on her thigh. And on the sheets. Saints! Her face heated.

Keegan returned and stroked the cold, wet linen cloth over her thigh. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“Nay. ’Twas necessary.” She could hardly remember the pain now; the pleasure had eclipsed it.

He pushed her thighs apart and washed between. Her flesh was so sensitive she hissed in a sharp breath. But at the same time, a fresh wave of need came over her.

He returned to the basin to rinse the cloth, then wash himself.

When he came back to the bed, he lay down on his back, grabbed her and dragged her on top of him.

“Oh.” How she relished the feel of his hot skin sliding against hers. He skimmed his hands down her back and squeezed her derriere.

He hummed a soft moan against her lips, placing wee kisses there, then slowly exploring her mouth with his tongue.

Beneath her, his shaft gradually grew hard again. An answering clenching sensation echoed inside her.

She shifted and squirmed, trying to ease the itching sensation he was causing. He pulled her knees upward toward his shoulders and she found herself sliding along his shaft.

She gasped at how wondrous he felt. “Keegan?”

“Aye. Do you want more?”

“Indeed.”

“Are you not too sore?”

She shook her head. “Nay.”

He moved his hand between their bodies to position himself. But first, he teased and tormented her by stroking his erection against her wetness. The burning, prickling need for him increased. She pushed against him. The tip slid in and he groaned. The soreness was more than she’d expected. She paused, but he didn’t. She held her breath, hoping it wouldn’t be as painful as the first time.

“Did I hurt you?” he asked.

“Nay, I realize I am a wee bit sore.”

“I’m sorry.” Firmly embedded deep inside her, he drew her close, lavishing her with affectionate and sinful kisses. After a few moments, she forgot the soreness and became highly aware of his sizable shaft inside her. So good. She moaned and felt herself growing wetter. Her body clenched, caressing his.

“Seona,” he groaned.

“Aye. It feels better and better.”

He held her hips in his hands and moved within her, slowly, but with growing speed and force. The sensations overwhelmed her entire body and mind, but he didn’t let up until every muscle in her body clenched onto him. The pleasure crashed within her, taking her breath, snatching her control. His mouth devoured hers.

Astounding moments later, he gripped her strongly to him, ground himself deep and growled into her ear. She savored his climax almost as much as her own.

His breath was harsh, his face sweaty against hers. “I fear I’ve demanded too much of you for our first time together.”

She shook her head. “Nay. ’Twas how I wished it.”

His body slipped from hers and he drew her into a warm embrace beside him. “You are more amazing and beautiful than I could ever put into words.”

The door crashed open and Seona screamed.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Haldane and his men dismounted at the harbor near Inverness. He dragged the lass off his horse. She was still kicking and thrashing about, trying to hurt him. Loving the fight in her, he grinned and carried her closer to the torch light at the edge of the docks. He wanted to see his prize. Back when they’d both been at Dunnakeil, he’d loved naught more than looking into her eyes, watching her, fantasizing about kissing her beautiful lips, undressing her.

He stood her on her feet in front of him. “Now listen to me, Seona. I will cut this gag off if you promise not to scream. If you do, I’ll simply tie another one on you.”

She stood with her head bowed, her long, dark hair shielding her face.

“Are you listening?” Wishing to look into her lovely dark blue eyes, he tilted her chin up.

Seona did not look like herself.

Nay! He felt as if he’d been kicked in the stomach. Her tear-filled eyes were too dark. The shape… different somehow. He had not seen her in a while, but surely he had not forgotten what she looked like. He dragged her closer to the heated light of the torch and searched her eyes, her face, turning it this way and that. With the gag through her mouth, he couldn’t see the shape of her lips.

“You’re not Seona! Who are you?” he demanded.

She mumbled against the gag.

“I’m going to cut the gag off, and if you scream or call attention, I’ll strangle you. Got it?”

Her eyes widened, but she nodded.

Taking his sgian dubh, he cut the cloth at the back of her head and threw it down. The area on either side of her mouth was red and chafed, but most alarming, her lips were not bow-shaped like Seona’s, but thinner.

“Who the devil are you?” Haldane snarled.

“Lady Talia Murray. Seona’s sister. Who are you?”

Haldane let loose a string of curses. How the hell could he have made such a grievous mistake, stealing the wrong sister?

“Never mind who I am. McMurdo!” Haldane shouted and carried the lass back to his horse.

“Aye?” McMurdo approached.

“We have to go back. This is the wrong lady. I want Seona; not her sister.” If he had to, he’d use the sister as bait to lure Lady Seona out.

***

Keegan leapt up from the bed in the inn’s chamber and grabbed his sword, keeping his body between Seona and the door while she pulled on her smock. The bastards had near kicked the door off its hinges.

Two men wearing metal-studded leather armor entered, lugging a shirtless Rebbie between them, one of his arms around each of their necks. His head hung as if he’d been knocked out. Blood dripped down his chest.

“What the devil did you do to him?” Keegan demanded, hoping his friend wasn’t dead.