Page 9 of The Lass and the Laird

"And I, you." Her brother kissed her cheek and left the room.

Fast as she could, Meredith pulled on a simple frock and grabbed her shawl. Before Lily came, she'd sneak food from the kitchen and escape outdoors. If her days of freedom were numbered, she'd make the best of them.

Soon she rode past the edge of the Stuart lands, toward a clearing where she planned to spend the day writing poetry, laying in the sun, and allowing nature to release her from the worry of a possible match to the awful, lust-filled Gordon.

* * *

Declan rode hard and fast. He relished the feel of the wind and the freedom that came from running his horse. The sun was warm upon his back, the cooler breeze on his face. A smile curved his lips as he saw a flock of birds lift from their hiding place and soar to the blue sky.

His steed, fast as the wind, lunged forward seeming to enjoy this time as much as he did. The bunching of the strong muscles flexed under Declan's body.

Upon reaching the nearby loch, Declan brought the horse to the shore and looked across the calm waters. In the distance he made out another keep. The McNeil's no doubt. If his life would revolve around judging disputes and assuring his people were taken care of, he would make time to get to know both the Campbells and the McNeils. It was best when any argument happened between townships to have a feel for how the other lairds would respond.

The horse drank its fill of water and moved to graze on nearby tall grass. Once he was assured the horse was hobbled properly, Declan kneeled at the water's edge and splashed water on his own face.

Out of the corner of his eye, movement caught his attention and he stilled. Lowering, he moved sideways to peer over a fallen tree.

Next to a large rock stood the lass from the day before. She placed a basket on the ground, pulled out a blanket and laid it on the grass. Next she removed her dress, followed by her chemise and stockings and walked fully naked to the water's edge.

//A more beautiful sight he'd never seen. Creamy skin over her lush curves called for a touch. Her large breasts fell softly upon her chest, the rosy peaks taut from the cool wind.

Her hair fell to mid-back, just about to the roundness of her backside.

/Mesmerized, he moved closer, while careful not to make a sound. She sang a sweet song, her voice light and airy as she washed up. When she dove under the water, he moved to stand nearby ensuring to be hidden by a tangle of leaves and vines.

She'd pick a good location; several trees grew sideways, their long branches creating a canopy over the water.

With barely a splash, the bathing beauty emerged and turned onto her back, floating on the surface, her pert breasts above the water. His cock stirred to life and he reached down to press his palm against it. If the lass were indeed senseless, she was beautiful madness. She turned onto her stomach and dove under once again, her round buttocks disappearing too quickly.

The surface stilled and he wondered where she'd gone. He took a step forward just as she surfaced.

A branch snapped beneath his foot and she yelped and began flaying in the water. Sputtering, she sunk down until only her head remained above it. "Who goes there?"

Declan stepped from behind the tree feeling a bit foolish at being caught. "I was out for a ride and overheard you. It seems we both seek the beauty of the outdoors today."

"Oh." Her mouth open, she stared at him wide-eyed. "You are the man from the square." She looked to where her clothing lay on the rock. "Why are you here? This is my brother's land."

The edge perhaps, but he doubted it. "Who is your brother?"

"Aiden Stuart. We are the small clan who lives on the southern edge of the Gordon lands."

"My friend, the Gordon, assures me his lands run to the hills there." Declan pointed to the nearby higher ground. "Most of the loch's edge is part of it."

She looked from him to the hills and remained quiet. He noticed her teeth were chattering. "Aye, perhaps you are correct. But it's very close to my brother's home. I am sure the Gordon would not mind."

Declan picked up the blanket. "True, I believe he would not. Allow me to assist you, milady."

"You may put it down and turn away." She lifted her chin. "I will not prance before you bereft of clothing."

"May I remind you we may be forced to marry if your brother brings me before the Gordon?" Declan found he enjoyed bantering with her.

"Look away." Her eyes locked on his until he looked past her. She swam forward and walked toward him. Declan was hard-pressed to maintain his gaze away from her. When she stopped just a yard before him, he lost the battle.

Long, red ringlets cascaded past her shoulders, several falling across her breasts. Centered on the mounds of creamy flesh were berry colored, erect nipples. Her body curved inward to a small waist, flaring to rounded hips and on past to long, well-formed legs.

The smattering of hair atop her sex was also reddish. He fought to breathe at the thought of burying his mouth there.

"I'm cold." Her words jarred him back to reality. Her face was flushed at his scrutiny, but she didn't move away.