Page 40 of A Flawed Scotsman

“Do ye think yer cousins would not go after her?”

He shook his head. “Esme, ye know that in most cases, the person held is killed. I am sorry to say it, but tis the truth. We would do exactly what yer father is doing. Weigh the options and do what is best for the clan.”

“If he will keep her alive while waiting our reply, then it makes my plan the best.” Esme wanted to stomp her foot but, instead, moved closer to Ruari. “Why does it always come to him winning over others? Why doesn’t he leave us alone?”

“The Mackenzie has set his mind to winning. It has more to do with showing his strength and power over others than actually acquiring yer clan’s lands.”

When she went limp, Ruari pulled her against him. “Do not give up. There may still be something to be done. In the morning…”

“I cannot.” She tried to push away, but he held her still. When she looked up at him, it was obvious he was as torn as she about the situation. Esme wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him into an embrace.

“Help me to forget. Do not let me continue from this day without knowing what it will be like to lay with ye. I want to be touched by ye again, to be claimed by yer body. I give myself to ye freely, Ruari. Take me to bed.”

Upon entering her chamber, he took her mouth, running his hands down her back and pulling Esme tightly against him.

Urgency intermingled with need. Esme didn’t wish to think about anything but how his solid muscular body felt under her palms. Their bodies aligned perfectly, the hardness of his sex pressing to her lower abdomen.

They made quick work of undressing, each taking in the other in the moonlight that streamed through the windows. Her breath caught at seeing him completely bereft of clothing, every muscle toned, his legs well formed. His arousal caught her by surprise.

She knew the mechanics of joining with a man, of course. But wondered how, exactly, it would feel.

There was something mesmerizing about the way his gaze moved over her. Every inch of her skin came to life where his darkened eyes landed.

“Come to me.” Ruari held out a hand and she moved to him, taking it.

“I am nervous,” she admitted.

“I know.” He lifted her up easily and laid her upon the bed. “There is nothing to be anxious about. We will take it slowly. If ye wish to stop at any moment, just say it.”

Esme couldn’t believe the words. He was like no man she’d ever met. Caring, patient and respectful. Her lips curved. “At any time?” She lifted a brow. “I may have to test ye.”

Ruari chuckled. “Do not be cruel.”

When he climbed onto the bed and pulled her closer, she melted against him. The moment their skin touched, her entire body came to life. Unsure of what exactly she felt, Esme lifted her face to him. “Kiss me, Scot.”

There was a soft demand in the way his mouth took hers. At the prodding of his tongue, she opened gladly, allowing him to tease at hers.

Her skin tingled as his hands traveled down from her waist to caress her thighs. Esme let out a soft moan.

Raking her fingers through his hair, she kissed him back hard, her mouth showing him what her body needed.

Rolling Esme to her back, Ruari trailed kisses from her mouth to her breasts, taking a taut point into his mouth and sucking it gently at first, then harder. Esme arched up, silently demanding he do more.

Ever so slowly, his fingers traveled the path from her thigh to between her legs, sending her to whimper with anticipation.

Ruari slipped his hand between her thighs, urging them apart and then began stroking gently down the center of her nether lips. “Take me in hand,” he demanded, his voice breathless and hoarse.

Obediently, she wrapped her fingers around his engorged manhood, marveling at the velvety skin.

His deep moan gave her a sensation of power over him that sent her mind reeling. How was it possible that she could affect the strong man in such a way?

“Ah!” Esme exclaimed at the invasion of his finger into her sex and her eyes flew open. There was something different about the way he took her this time.

First it was one finger, then two sliding in and out of her, while his thumb stroked up and down her center. Something akin to fire began to develop and she tightened the walls of her sex around his hand.

Esme grabbed at the bedding with both hands and bit her bottom lip to not cry out as her body came to life.

When Ruari climbed over her and cupped her bottom, lifting it and pressed his hardness against her sex, she was somewhat relieved. He took her mouth and she returned his kisses ardently while caressing his wide back.