Page 23 of Bride Takes a Laird

He wouldn’t cease kissing her and kept his mouth against hers. Kendra moaned and thought to stop him, but it was futile now. Her fingers clutched his hair and she held him close. He pressed onward and suddenly a stitch inside her caused her to gasp. She drew in a big gulp of air and pressed her hands against his chest and pushed him gently in hopes that he wouldn’t continue.

Magnus petted her and spoke encouraging words. She had no notion of what he said because she was too focused on what he was doing to her. The pain he spoke of was minimal and only slightly uncomfortable.

“Do ye want me to cease? If ye do—”

She wanted to be brave so she shook her head. “Nay, I’d rather get on with it.”

“Good because I don’t think I could stop now that I…” Magnus moaned and drew a heavy breath. He leaned his head against hers and that was when she realized how raspy his breath was.

Was he uncomfortable too? Kendra was about to ask him that when he brushed his lips over her face and smiled.

“Ye are so tight, sweetheart, I am sorry that I hurt ye. We will give it a moment.”

She frowned at him and shook her head. “You didn’t hurt me, Magnus. Is it over? A moment for what?”

He grinned. “A moment until we seek pleasure, and nay, lass, it’sonly just begun.”

Kendra disbelieved him. “This will not work, Magnus. I do not think we shall get pleasure from this act.”

He chuckled. “Aye, we will.”

Magnus shifted his body and the movement of him sliding from her and then gently easing within her again caused her to suck in a breath. She didn’t realize she was panting until she closed her mouth. He took it slow but gradually increased his thrusts. Kendra didn’t know when, but she wrapped her legs around his hips and squeezed his biceps with all her might. She held on and tried to meet his thrust. How wonderful it was, the twinges of desire so thoroughly numbing her to any thought. She reveled in his movements and hers.

It was as if they were entwined in a sensual dance. The bed rocked with such force that the wood thumped against the stone wall. Before long, their motions were wild with passion and overrode any sense of decorum. Kendra grunted from the force of his thrusts and watched his handsome face. He was focused, determined, and utterly attractive. She was so damned glad that she had chosen him for her husband.

Her culmination swarmed within her and she didn’t understand what was upon her until it washed over her like rays of sunshine. Kendra tilted her head back and she was uncertain if she’d shouted to God. Pangs of pleasure started between her legs and spread through her body like wildfire. She almost wept at the sheer delight of it. The feelings were so intense that she squeezed her eyes closed, gripped Magnus, and shouted an unladylike expletive.

Kendra felt as though she floated back upon the bedding and opened her eyes.

Magnus stared at her with his becoming eyes. He had somewhat of a smile on his face. His movements then became rather slowed.

“Ye are bonny, sweetheart. Aye, and mine.” With that, he jerked his body and rammed her with hard thrusts. He continued to shift against her until he leaned his head back, exposing his manly neck, andgrunted.

Magnus froze and seemed to harden—his arms, legs, torso, every part of him stilled. A lingering groan came from between his lips. Kendra pressed her hands over his body, hoping to further fuel his pleasure. She shifted to keep him where he was and smiled up at him. Her mouth settled on the side of his neck and she placed light kisses on his damp skin.

He lowered his head to her chest and moaned. His hot breath fanned her breast. Kendra entwined her fingers in his hair and pressed him to her. Never had she felt closer to anyone before. Magnus calmed and shifted to lay next to her. He caressed her body with his large hand stopping at her throat. His thumb stroked the pulse there and he smiled.

“Kendra, I suspected ye were going to be good, but damnation, that was better than good.” He grinned at her and set a kiss on the side of her face.

“I don’t know why I was scared. It was not so bad.” She had meant to tease him.

“Not so bad, eh?” He laughed. “Just wait, there is more to loving than what we just did, lass.” He raised his brows and wore a devilish grin.

“More? I disbelieve you, Magnus, because that was incredible. Will we do that often?” Kendra wanted more. She couldn’t believe husbands and wives did such things to one another.

“Aye, if ye want to. I know I do.” Magnus set his leg over hers and yanked her hard against him. “For now though, we should get a wee bit of sleep. Wake me if ye want more,” he teased.

Kendra closed her eyes and her body lulled not only from the sensual love she’d shared with Magnus, but also from the journey, and her worries about her father. She heard Magnus’s light chuckle as she stretched and settled in his arms. Realization dawned on her that she was no longer alone. Even if she spent little time with him during theday, he was hers at night. His light snore sounded and she sighed happily. She had Magnus when the moon rose and that had to be enough for her for now.

Chapter Nine

Magnus held thedoor latch and peered back at his sleeping wife. He didn’t want to leave Kendra, but there were duties to see to, and being laird meant that he couldn’t linger in his bed. Quietly, he closed the door and took the stairs to the great hall. There, he grabbed a hunk of bread, shoved it in his mouth, and washed it down with half a cup of ale. Later, he’d return for the midday meal since he hoped to check on Kendra then.

Being home brought a sense of peace to him but it also reminded him that he was no closer to finding out who had murdered Ned. That duty was far more important and he needed to make progress soon.

A coldness had settled in the hall and he started a fire in the hearth to warm it. With the logs set with kindling, the spark from flint easily ignited it. None had risen yet but when they came to the hall, at least it would be warm. Magnus had hoped to see his mother so they might put aside their differences over Ned’s death, but he’d have to return later to see her.

He stepped through the entrance of the fief and felt the brisk breeze on his face and on the skin of his unclad legs. His tartan was thick enough to keep his body warm but did little to protect his legs.