Page 33 of A Scoundrel’s Promise

Chapter Nine

Mackenzie closed her eyes, enjoying the wind wildly whipping her hair as the powerful muscles of the Arabian moved beneath her. Freya was her soulmate. Her perfect match. Never would she love a horse more. She lifted her lashes and saw, with regret, that they’d reached the low wall demarking the southern end of Newborne land. With reluctance, she pulled the reins and slowed Freya to a walk.

A whistle sounded behind her. A glance over her shoulder revealed Liam, galloping toward her at full speed.

“What are you doing?” he asked when he slowed his horse alongside hers.

“That’s hardly a way to greet your wife,” Mackenzie teased.

He shot her a look torn between exasperation and amusement. “You are not my wife until next week, Mackenzie, and I would like very much to keep you alive until then. I do not jest. I told you, Freya’s not ready.”

“I disagree.” She dismounted and patted the Arabian’s withers.

“By God, I should bend you over my knee for a right proper spanking,” Liam swore as he swung down by her side.

Mackenzie peered up at him through the fringe of her lashes. “Why, Lord Liam, I must confess, that sounds rather intriguing.”

His eyes darkened, just as she’d known they would. Again, her heart skipped in that delightful way it always did when he looked at her so. She stepped into the circle of his arms and trailed a finger down his jaw.

“I knew I was going to wed you the moment I saw you,” she murmured. “A humble life with you, Liam…that is all I want.”

“Humble? With the estate, cattle, and property your father has showered upon us, I fear you’ll be disappointed in that regard.”

Mackenzie snuggled closer. “He is just ensuring our security.”

“Aye, but—”

“Kiss me,” she interrupted, and closed her eyes in anticipation.

“With pleasure.” His lips brushed her cheek, then he added, “Right after a proper spanking.”

Mackenzie’s lashes flew open as he scooped his arm under her knees and tossed her over his shoulder.

“Whatever are you doing?” she squealed.

He swatted her buttocks playfully as he strode to the grass under a spreading oak that shaded the wall.

“I told you.” He breathed into her hair as he slid her down his chest. Her feet still dangled above the ground. With one arm locked around her waist, he began to knead her buttocks with the other. “A right proper spanking.”

Mackenzie lifted her lips to his. If this was a spanking, she would have more. His mouth took hers, gently at first, but with increasing urgency, and when she parted her lips, his tongue swept inside to tangle with hers. Desire sent a charge straight to the place between her legs. Lord, she loved his hand on her buttocks. His fingers burned like summer fire.

She pressed against the hardness of his manhood. A thrill shot through her with the knowledge that she had such power over him…or was it the opposite? Of late, their kisses had left her aching for more. His lips roved over hers, fueling her passion, and it wasn’t until she felt the cool air caress her naked buttocks that she realized he’d lifted her dress to her waist. Startled, she broke the kiss.

“You are beautiful,” he murmured.

Both hands cupping her naked buttocks, he pulled her close against his erection.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and shivered.

Liam pressed kisses to her neck, then her jaw. The combination of his fingers kneading her flesh combined with his lips sucking so lightly made her weak. He dropped to one knee, then laid her to the ground. Her skirt lay bunched about her waist, the hem reaching only halfway to her knees. Embarrassed, she reached to pull her dress down, but he caught her fingers in his.

“Nae.” He nuzzled her neck. “I would see more.”

The thought alone made her tingle. “More?”

He answered by capturing her mouth again even as he pushed aside her pelisse and drew her gown over her shoulder, exposing her left breast. Before she could respond, he drew her nipple into his mouth and suckled. Mackenzie’s lashes fluttered. Yes. This was what she wanted. Instinctively, she arched into his mouth. He began rubbing his hard length against her naked thigh. He lifted her dress higher. Mackenzie’s eyes flew open.

Liam released her nipple, lifted his head and whispered, “Open your legs for me.”