Page 77 of Claiming His Scottish Duchess
“I have to have you now, Catriona,” he said as he took her long locks in his fists, pulling gently and lowering his body onto hers. “You are mine.”
She kissed him firmly in return, sliding her tongue deep into his mouth and exploring lustfully. He returned her passion, tracing his lips to her neck and nibbling softly in between kisses.
Aye, this sensation is enough to push me over the edge right here and now.
He placed her arms above her head onto the pillows. He took his mouth and wrapped his soft lips around her left nipple, not neglecting the right as he kneaded it hungrily with his hand.
She tried to bring her arms down to stroke the hard length between his legs, but he pushed her hands back above her head each time. She surrendered to his dominance as he started working between her legs with his fingers. The combination of his mouth on her breasts and his touch on her sex pushed her to the edge. She began grinding on his hand, moaning loudly.
“Aye, I think I am goin’ to die right here, me love,” she sighed. “I need to touch ye, now. Please, Richard.”
At those words, he let her break free and grab him. She began stroking him through his pants, realizing he was still clothed.
As if reading her mind, he backed up off the bed and undressed in front of her. He kicked off his boots and pulled off his shirt in a swift movement.
“Dinnae go so fast, I like to look at ye,” Catriona whispered huskily, to which Richard growled in return.
“You like what you see, my love?” he asked playfully, his hardness on full display in front of her as he gripped it.
She took in the broadness of his shoulders, the cool blue of his eyes as they raked over her. She wished the moment could have lasted forever, yet she needed him desperately between her legs.
Catriona sat up and took him in her hands. She began to lick, flick her tongue, and suck in a thoughtful rhythm as she pleasured him. The sensation was enough to take her over the edge again, just making him feel as pleasured as she had been by him.
“I didnae ken anythin’ could taste this good, me love,” she said as she took him as deep as she could, his moans growing louder as she feared the staff might hear them.
“If you keep talking like that and doing what you are doing, I won’t be able to give you what you deserve. Lay back down, now,” he barked as she obeyed, falling onto the bed.
He descended upon her and shoved his manhood deep inside, penetrating depths she did not know existed. It was the beginning and the end, all that they had needed and could never say out loud. She was filled with sheer ecstasy, and by him.
“Richard,” she said softly, her brown eyes glazed over in pure bliss as they lay in each other’s arms. “Ye are impossible. And indeed, a complete idiot if I am bein’ honest. Sometimes I feared ye would never be able to get out of yer own way.”
“I’ve been a fool in truth,” he said in agreement, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. “But there is no hiding now. With all my heart. All my soul. I am yours.”
Epilogue
THREE MONTHS LATER
If only Faither was here to see this,Catriona thought to herself.I hope I have made ye proud.
Three months had passed since Mortridge’s arrest. The crisp Highland air carried the scent of heather and pine through the open windows of Craigleith Hall. Laughter echoed through the stone walls, a sound that had been absent for far too long.
The lush drawing room, usually reserved for more formal family gatherings, overflowed with a joyous mix of English and Scottish accents. Sumptuous treats and savory offerings cascaded along the buffet table, lit by ambient candelabras.
“I cannae believe how big ye are gettin’, me dear,” Lady Craigleith cooed as she sat down next to Lydia on the settee. “I am excited to show ye everythin’ at Craigleith Hall!”
Catriona, her cheeks flushed with happiness, watched her mother interact with Lydia. Her time back at Craigleith Hallhad done her well. She was a softer, more contented version of the woman who had fretted over potential suitors and London seasons. She had found peace.
Lydia’s eyes were bright as she looked around the grand room, no doubt imagining what adventures would befall her. Her eyes were drawn to the mantle, where a large stag’s head was mounted above the fireplace.
“What happened to the big horsey?” she asked Lady Craigleith, as the room erupted in laughter.
“You can explain that one, Lady Craigleith,” Eliza joked as she played the piano forte, a lively tune to complement the lively conversation.
“This girl has an uncanny sense of humor,” Lady Marchant remarked as she took a sip of her gimlet. “This levity is just what I needed! London has become stifling, a bore really, since you all left. Let’s have a toast to our health, wealth, and happiness,” she offered as she raised her glass.
“Here here,” Lady Craigleith offered as she raised her wine glass. “It is a joy to be in such excellent company and to host ye here at our family’s treasured home. With much thanks to His Grace, of course.”
Richard gave a small nod in acknowledgement as the room grew silent to enjoy Eliza’s playing and fine voice.
