Page 86 of Bride of the Mad Laird
He rolled her under him and without a word she opened to him, lifting herself so that her core was close to his rigid shaft. He stroked a hand between her thighs, slipping a finger into her entrance, widening her to take him.
He poised his shaft, afraid of causing pain, but she rose her hips to him, taking him inside her with one intense movement. He moaned, abandoning himself to the silken, smooth intoxication of her.
She met his thrusts with a wild cry, her nails scraping his shoulders, her legs wrapped tight around him.
All his pent-up restraint was gone as he claimed her, grunting, groaning, making her his own with the age-old rhythm of passion and desire. He felt her tightening around him, bucking against him, screaming his name, lost in her own glorious climax. Then he was gone into another realm where there was naught but pleasure and the sweet lass he clasped in his arms.
As their night wore on, they slept, they wakened, they kissed, they made love. Tòrr taught Lyra many things about the ways of a lass and a lad and learned a great deal in the process.
One thing he learned was that, without a shadow of doubt, he would lay down his life for her.
CHAPTERTHIRTY
Aloud banging on the door woke them both from slumber, still in each other’s arms, soft and warm, their night’s blissful lovemaking rippling in their hearts.
Tòrr sat up and bellowed “Who goes?”
“Edmund. I need tae speak tae ye.”
Grumbling, Tòrr raised himself from the bed and bent to kiss Lyra’s cheek. She hastily pulled the covers over herself, suddenly shy.
“Wait, let me put on me robe me laird, I dinnae wish tae be seen all a-tumble in the bed.”
He gave a soft laugh. “Me lady wife, ‘tis exactly as ye should look on the morning after yer wedding night.” He regarded her, grinning. “May yer hair never be free of tangles, yer cheeks always pink and yer lush lips so swollen and red from all the kissing ye bestowed on me.”
She pshawed, stepping out of the bed and reaching for her robe, “Ye mean the kissesyebestowed onme,husband.”
He chuckled, embracing her in her nakedness as another loud knocking came from Edmund.
He sighed, waiting while she flung on her robe and with his plaid wrapping him, he headed to the door to unlatch it.
Edmund burst in, breathless. “Come. The scouts have galloped in after yet another skirmish wi’ the gallowglasses.”
“God’s blood.” Tòrr cursed loudly. “Yet still they come. I thought we’d seen the last of them. At least fer a while.” He pulled on his britches under the plaid.
“Where did this take place?”
“Nae far. They were in the hills nae far tae the west, patrolling, and they came upon a troop of strangers. When they questioned them, the men attacked.”
“And what of our lads? Were any injured.” Tòrr shook his head looking concerned.
Lyra listened as the two men spoke, her heart plummeting. She placed a hand on Tòrr ’s arm, knowing he would never rest again until he’d taken his men to destroy the enemy. She sucked in a frightened breath as he turned to her, taking her hand.
“I ken what ye’re going tae say, Tòrr. Ye will be leaving our marriage bed tae deal with the intruders in yer lands.”
“Aye, lass. I will call on me guards and we will away as soon as we can.” He cast her a rueful glance. “We must be safe here at the castle.”
She nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. As the Laird’s lady, it was her duty to stand by his side and not put her needs before his and the clan’s.
Blinking away tears, she gave his arm a quick squeeze. He turned and escorted Edmund to the door.
“If ye can ready the men, I’ll be wi’ ye as soon as I am dressed.”
After quickly donning a blouse and pulling on one of her kirtles, she followed him at a run as he strode down the stairs and out of the keep. He turned to her as she stood in the doorway.
“Stay inside, me love. Dinnae stray into the courtyard, or the bailey. I promise tae come home tae ye as soon as I am able.”
Blinking away tears, she reluctantly let go of his arm.
