Page 23 of Wild Highland Rose (Time After Time #4)

Marjory rolled backwards in surprise, harsh reality hitting her with the force of a highland wind. This was not for real. It was playacting. A way to placate Torcall Cameron.

She tried to push him away, to escape both Ewen and his brother, but her husband followed her, covering her body with his.

"You have to trust me, Marjory." His whispered words held an urgency she wasn't certain she understood, but the emotion was hard to ignore.

And truth be told, she did want to trust him.

He untied the ribbons of her shift, baring her shoulders, brushing a kiss across her already heated skin. "We have to make it look real."

Saints preserve her, she wasn't certain how much more real it could be.

"It's the only way to convince them to go."

She nodded, burying her face in the warm comfort of his neck, as he pulled the gown down further, his hand covering the soft swell of her breast. Her breath caught in her throat, her heart beating so loudly she was certain that everyone could hear it.

"Get out of here, brother," Ewen said, shifting slightly to block Allen's view. "Can't you see you're interrupting?" He bent his head to lazily trail kisses down her neck, his touch sending tremors racing through her, threatening once again to rob her of all sanity.

She could feel Allen staring at them, even if she couldn't see him, and involuntarily she slid down further underneath Ewen's big body, seeking safety in his strength.

"Allen, leave the mon be." Torcall called. "'Tis obvious he's seducing the wench. Leave him to it."

But Allen didn't move, obviously unwilling to give up his lecherous pursuit.

"This is it, Marjory," Ewen whispered against her ear. "It's all or nothing."

Marjory stiffened, not knowing what to expect.

His tongue traced a path down her neck, leaving fire in its wake.

She arched against him, her body recognizing something her mind could not.

His lips closed on her breast and she heard a sound emanating from deep within her, as the flames inside threatened to engulf her.

"Allen, I said now ." Torcall's tone brooked no refusal. With a loud sigh, Allen shuffled from the chamber, the heavy door closing with an audible thud.

Ewen lifted his head, his gaze locking with hers, and Marjory fought for breath, her throbbing breasts matching the cadence of her heartbeat.

Every fiber of her being longed for his touch.

She wanted him in ways she couldn't even put words to.

She sucked in a breath, willing herself to calm down, but the pressure of him against the juncture of her thighs made her want to writhe against him.

She moved slightly, bringing their lips closer together, then brazenly she tasted his lips. Heaven, pure heaven.

With a groan, he shifted his weight, rolling onto his side, his arm looping around her waist, bringing her with him, their mouths still touching, caressing.

She felt their breath mingling and for a moment she felt as if they were one.

Then she lost all thought as his mouth claimed hers.

There was only sensation, rising, building, deep within her, swelling in power, heading for a crescendo she had never imagined.

She arched against him, every fiber of her being alive and sensitive to his gentle touch.

Her tongue danced with his, circling and withdrawing again and again, first slowly, then faster and faster.

She felt as if the whole world was spinning out of control.

"Marjory?" The word broke through her ecstasy, pulling her back to reality. The kiss ended as his hand caressed her face.

She kept her eyes closed and rolled onto her back, willing the moment to continue, not wanting it to end.

"We can't do this. You've been wonderful, but…"

She felt a tear slip out of the corner of her eye. There was always a but.

"There's too much to deal with right now. I don't really know you. Hell, I don't even know myself." He sounded apologetic.

She knew she should be relieved. Instead she felt like she'd lost something she'd only just discovered, and more than anything, she wanted it back.

"Marjory?" He moved away, sitting up.

She felt the chill of the early morning air against her bare shoulder. Another tear joined the first.

He caressed her shoulder, lightly, his touch unsure. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to get out of hand. I just wanted to help, to get them to leave."

She turned her head and looked at him. His cheek was wet. She wondered absently if it was from his tears or hers. She felt his weight shift as he prepared to get up and, suddenly, she threw off her lethargy.

"Don't."

He stopped and turned back to her.

"Please don't go. Stay here, with me." She swallowed her fears. "I need you. Please, just hold me?"

He pushed a stray strand of hair off of her forehead. Her body, still overly sensitized, responded at once. "Just for tonight," he agreed. He carefully pulled her nightshift back around her shoulders and tied the ribbons. Then, settling back into the pillows, he reached for her, pulling her close.

She rested her head on his chest, comforted by the steady sound of his heartbeat. Finally, feeling safe and warm, she drifted off to sleep, wondering exactly what it was that had happened to her this night. Whatever it was, it had changed her forever.