Beauty and The Highlander Read online

  Her uncle tapped his arm, his kind eyes lifted to him. "Take care of her, lad, she is a good woman. Doesn’t deserve this lot. Losing her husband and young."

  Carrick once again studied Analise Macgregor. He'd describe her as fetching with long wavy hair the color of fall leaves and light eyes that reminded him of a misty sky. Her face was oval, a soft sprinkling of freckles across her upturned nose. Her lips, well, he could only stand to glance upon them. A more enticing mouth he'd never seen. They were full lips that turned up at the corners and begged for a man's kiss. At the direction of his thoughts, he scowled and she looked to him, their eyes locking.

  "I didn't know she lost a young," Carrick told her uncle while keeping his gaze on his soon to be wife. "How did it happen?"

  "The shock I suppose. Upon learning of her husband's death during the battle with the damn Mackenzies, she lost the babe days after."

  That explained the sadness in her eyes. "Why marry her to my clan?"

  "We need the alliance. She needs protection. A widow in our clan, especially one so young and attractive will not be safe from the clansmen. I had to find a way to protect her."

  "Why not marry her to someone in your clan?" Not that he wished her gone, he just wondered the true reason for her being sent away.

  "She is a widow lad. Only one younger clansman asked for her hand, he withdrew the offer when finding out how small a dowry she possessed. Her husband did not leave her much." Her uncle shook his head. "Analise would have declined the offer, it was too soon after her husband and child's death. Time passed and then she attracted the eye of our laird's son, but not for marriage. So I had to act quickly."

  "I see."

  Not able to garner her full attention, Declan gave up and walked away leaving Analise alone. Although he should, Carrick did not want to approach her again. Not yet, his mind was full of questions. Why did she not seek out a man in her clan? With her beauty, it would not have been hard to garner a husband.

  Whether she was brave or a good actress, he had to admit he'd admired her lack of reaction to first meeting him. Even as she'd tracked his movements upon first seeing him, she'd managed to keep from showing any response at his disfigurement. But he'd seen it, the slight parting of her lips, the way she looked down his body in order to not focus on his scar.

  "Carrick?" She neared and placed her hand on his forearm. He tried not to react to the touch, but his treacherous body tensed and he inhaled sharply. "I believe it's time."

  The trembling of her fingers on his arm was the only outward sign of any fear or hesitance. Analise kept her chin up, her eyes straight ahead. Carrick had to respect her tenacity. If nothing else, he'd found a strong woman in his betrothed. Hopefully she'd be an agreeable match.

  Nothing to be done about it, they were to be bound for life and with amazing bravery she faced a future tied to a disfigured man. She must have sensed his regard because she turned to him, her clear eyes meeting his only for a split second. "Are you sure of this?"

  "I gave my word."

  Her hand fell from his arm and she turned to him. "Of course, but you can send me back."

  "Is that what you wish?" Carrick couldn't bear to look at her and witness any distress because of his appearance, so instead he kept his gaze past her and waited. He would not send her back. It would mark her as unwanted. If he rejected her, the action would bring shame upon her and clan Macgregor.

  "I don't know what I wish," she replied just above a whisper.

  "Come along, dear." Her uncle came from behind and prodded them forward. He rounded them to walk alongside the laird. "It's your marriage ceremony."

  "Yes, uncle." They followed the elderly man, her hand once again on Carrick’s arm, her eyes trained forward, a picture of serenity, if not for the rapid pulse at her creamy throat.

  The ceremony commenced without haste, their hands bound together, words spoken over them followed by cheers from the clansmen, who were more excited at the prospect of drink and music than the joining of their future laird and wife.

  Chapter Four

  How different from her first marriage when the anticipation fueled her nerves until she'd been almost faint with it. Her face had ached from smiling so broadly at marrying the man she'd loved since childhood. Her clan's chapel had been replete with flowers and the cheers that rose loudly were accompanied by music. They'd been surrounded by people who'd actually cared and were as happy as her to see them joined.

  Except for the stoic bridegroom, she'd have to admit this ceremony was not as distasteful as she expected. Her stomach a constant bundle of nerves, threatened to bring up her breakfast when Carrick bent to kiss her. The feathery kiss lasted but a mere instant, she'd yet to close her eyes when he straightened. The amber eyes looked directly onto hers as if in daring. What exactly did Carrick Gordon anticipate? She met his gaze and held it.

  Finally he looked away and led her from the chapel. The festivities began with pipers and jugglers entertaining the clan's people who made their way into the great hall.

  The air filled with a mixture of jubilant music and excited voices. Once seated, Analise clapped along with a merry melody for a few minutes enjoying the respite from the last years of living a cloistered and sad life. Soon she'd be abed with her new husband. The consummation loomed. Heat crept from her neck at the thought of intimacy with the stranger she'd only met the day before. Yet she wasn't afraid of him, aloof as he was, Carrick took time to listen as the clan folk spoke to him and even stopped several times to tussle a young one’s hair.

  Moments later she noted he gripped the arms of the chair, his gazed locked across the room. She touched his arm and leaned into his ear. "Carrick. Are you unwell?"

  When he faced her, she saw a dark rage in his eyes and felt her own widen. "No, I am not unwell. I am perfectly well."

  Analise sat back into her chair and followed his line of vision to where his brother stood. The younger Gordon spoke with a serving girl who looked nervous at the attention, her reddened face turning away often. Carrick took her attention from the couple. "Are you in need of refreshment?" He stood to his full height dwarfing the other men in the room.

  "Err...no, thank you." She watched him cross the room to where his brother now held the maid by the arm. Analise wondered if perhaps Carrick was jealous. Was there something between him and the young girl? The brothers faced off, both leaning at the waist, fists at their sides. The revelers obscured them and Analise fought the urge to jump to her feet to see what happened next. Finally when the people shifted and she had a clear view only Declan remained. Carrick had gone.

  It was best she find out what happened. If her new husband planned to frolic with a maid on their wedding night, she wouldn't stand for it. Carrick would not get away without knowing her opinion on the subject.

  She lifted her skirts, crossed the room and exited the doorway onto a balcony. The only person outside was Carrick. He stood still, both hands on the wall, his head bent, eyes closed. He must have heard her soft footsteps. "Declan, please leave or I will kill you."

  A wave of relief filled her at finding him alone, yet Analise wasn't sure if she should return or let him know he was mistaken. Unable to stay away from someone hurting like he did, she neared. "It's me. What happened?"

  "You." He said the word without infliction, leaving her to not understand the lack of emotion.

  "I wondered if you'd left."

  With a mirthless chuckle, he shook his head. "No, I will remain until tomorrow morning. Once we join as husband and wife, I will be free to take you with me to my home."

  "Your home!" Analise gasped not knowing what she'd expected. Certainly did not know she'd be going elsewhere. Was he taking her further away from her home? "You mean we are not to live here with your clan? Are you not to be the next laird?"

  "I do not live here. I will return only upon the current laird's death." She noted he did not refer to the laird as 'father.' Something happened between Carrick and his family. She wasn't sure if h
e was at fault or not, but it was something she planned to find out.

  He took her hand and placed it onto the crook of his arm. "Now, my lady, should we make a final appearance before seeking our bed?"

  Chapter Five

  There was no doubt in Analise's mind. Carrick Gordon did not wish to be married to her. Was not happy to be tied to a woman who brought little more than an alliance with a less than strong clan and a small cache of gold. She did not blame him, actually she pitied him. A strong handsome man like Carrick deserved to dream of a future with a beautiful wife who would bring honor to his position. Someone he could be proud of. Not someone like her. A widow, who'd spent more time in mourning than enjoying life the last two years.

  Once they bedded and consummated the marriage, she'd give him leave to do as he pleased. He could keep her in the remote home of his and return to the keep to await his birthright. If at least her new husband was happy then she'd done something right. Her life would be agreeable. After all she'd keep busy managing his home and could spend her days learning a craft, perhaps soap making...or basket weaving.

  Her eyes began to droop from exhaustion, the last two days of travel and activity taking their toll. When Carrick guided her from the room, she was instantly awake. Would there be witnesses to their union? She was not a virgin, surely the clan did not expect to send onlookers into the room with them? Footsteps followed and she lifted to her toes to look past Carrick's shoulder. "Are they coming?"

  "Aye," he replied his voice flat. "I am to be the next laird, every aspect of this marriage must be fulfilled according to our laws."

  "Oh." She took a fortifying breath and nodded. "I didn't expect it, but you are correct."

  The door swung open and women waited for her inside. Whoever they were, she didn't try to learn their names as nerves got the best of her and once again she hoped not to become sick. An older woman neared with shoulders rounded and eyes downward and began to loosen Analise's hair. "I am Moraine, the laird's wife."

  Her dull eyes met hers in the looking glass. "Carrick is a good man. He will treat you with care. The gods have been kind to you." She moved aside when a maid brought a light chemise and pulled it over Analise's head.

  "They come!" a young maid cried out grabbing at Analise's arms and rushing her to the bed. "You must be prepared."

  The door burst open and men rushed in pushing Carrick in front of them. By his frown and solid footing, he'd not drank as much as the men who now crowded about, their eyes shifting between the bed and the bridegroom who kicked off his boots and pulled his tunic over his head. Analise lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. As mortifying as this rite of passage was, it was necessary.

  The bed dipped and she bit her bottom lip, her eyes flying open. Not daring to watch the prying eyes of the people in the room, she instead focused on her husband's face. With purpose and not wasting time on preparing her for him, he pulled her to the edge of the bed on the side away from the doorway. He slid her legs apart, pushed up her nightdress and took himself in hand. Analise gasped not sure what to do to prepare for what she was sure would be an uncomfortable encounter. She attempted to relax, but then the shuffling of feet made her tense again.

  Carrick eyes fell to her core, his attention making her squirm with embarrassment. "I will try not to hurt you."

  It was then she looked down to notice the size of his cock. He was more than well endowed. The long member jutted out from him easily longer than his palm. From how he wrapped his fingers around it, he was also thick. Analise wanted to tell him to do something to make it easier, but at the same time she wished for everyone to be gone from there. He nudged her entrance with the head of his thickness then grabbed her by the hips and thrust into her to the hilt.

  Everyone in the room let out an audible breath and began to clap as Carrick slid out and back into her, his face impassive, eyes focused on her.

  He pulled out and stood straight, not at all abashed at the display of arousal. "Go on now. I wish to finish making love to my wife in private." At his growl of displeasure, the crowd dispersed, some already talking of seeking more ale.

  "You don't have to finish if you don't want," Analise pushed up to lie fully on the bed. "I understand."

  "We will finish this. I will plant my seed in you and hope for an heir." He yanked his breeches all the way off, it was only then she noticed he'd kept them on, just pushed them enough to free himself. "Take your clothing off, woman, if you do not wish to have it torn from you."

  Carrick did not want to scare his wife, but he'd not allow her to push him away either. If he was to be tied to the beauty, she'd be his wife in every sense of the word. He didn't wait for her to finish pulling the nightdress over her head, but yanked it from her outstretched arms. She gasped, her eyes moving down his body to between his legs.

  "I'll make it more comfortable for you this time."

  Analise nodded and remained sitting on the bed. He liked that she did not pull the coverings over her nudity, but instead sat atop in full display. She was built for lovemaking. Full rounded breasts atop a softly rounded stomach, cinched waist that flared out to rounded hips. Her legs were well shaped, her feet small. He knew his lingering gaze affected Analise, by her rapid breathing.

  The lifting and falling of her chest grabbed his attention and he leaned across the bed and took a pink tip into his mouth sucking hard.

  Her response was a throaty moan, her fingers raking into his hair urging him to remain. Instead, he licked the morsel and trailed his tongue across her skin to the other one and repeated the actions again and again until she lay back on the bed gasping for air, her hips lifting from the bed in open invitation.

  The heated moisture of her center greeted his fingers as he slid them between the folds to push into her. "I want more," Analise urged him, her arms wrapping around his waist.

  Instead he hovered over her and when she opened her mouth to speak, he covered it with his. Shivers crawled over him when she kept her lips parted waiting for the invasion of his tongue and once he pushed in, she sucked at it with greed, until she cried out from his ministrations between her legs.

  "Now, I will fuck you properly," Carrick rolled on top of her and guided himself into her now pliant body. She moaned when he nudged at her entrance and wrapped her legs around his waist.

  He pushed into her almost coming instantly when she constricted around him, tight and wet. Each movement was drawn out by the fear of finishing too fast. Yes, it had been long since he'd bedded a wench, but this woman... Not only was she different than any other he'd ever fucked, but also she acted as if she wanted him, as if she found him desirable. His movements frantic now, as he could no longer control what his body did. Basic nature took control ensuring the completion of what was started.

  When he came, it was with a gush of intensity and tremors.

  Then another thing shocked him. His wife cried out at the same time, "Carrick!"

  Chapter Six

  Bird's song woke Analise and she stretched enjoying the tenderness of her body. It turned out that her husband enjoyed lovemaking and had more than opened to her once they were alone. With his body that was, he'd not spoken a word to her other than incoherent mumblings during their mating.

  Analise wasn't sure how to proceed after finding herself alone in the bedchamber. She noticed her clothing had already been brought to the room, a fresh dress laid out for her. On the top of the dresser, more of her personal effects. Nothing anywhere that belonged to Carrick. This was not his room. Would he not be sharing the bed with her until they left? Had he not enjoyed lovemaking? She shook her head, no use in becoming romantic about what happened between them. All men enjoyed the act, rarely cared who the partner was as long as they allowed it. Just because she'd thoroughly enjoyed what transpired did not mean it was reason enough for her to change her plans.

  Troubled at the turn of events, she rose and proceeded through the morning abolitions and dressed.

  The hallway was quiet and
she made her way with quick steps to the great room. Her stomach grumbled, as she'd not eaten much the night before. Perhaps she'd find Carrick and ask him about their living arrangements. She'd present him with the idea of her living at his country home and him remaining at Gordon keep. This was not a love match, and it was more than obvious he preferred not to be married. Analise was sure he'd be relieved once she presented her plan to him.

  Silence greeted her upon entering the space. Seated upon the high board were the laird and the meek woman she now recognized as his wife. Beside the laird sat Declan. Carrick was nowhere in the room and Analise hesitated not sure where to sit.

  Moraine lifted her hand, her eyes sliding to the laird. "Come sit with me."

  Analise released a breath and lifted the hem of her skirt so to walk with ease to the high board. She sat next to the woman who motioned for maids to serve her.

  The laird narrowed his eyes. "Carrick has not been here, probably broke his fast in the kitchens. Doesn't want to remain in the great room and ruin our appetites I suppose."

  Not understanding his meaning, Analise nodded and looked to Moraine. The woman did not comment, instead continued eating, head down.

  The clan's people watched her, their curiosity making her nervous. Thankfully she was too hungry to allow the awkwardness of the moment to stop her from eating. "Where can I find my husband?" she asked Moraine between bites. "Do you know where he went?"

  "No, I do not." The woman's quick reply came across abrupt. "You should not concern yourself with the goings on of men."

  "It is important I speak to him," Analise insisted, not liking the way the laird leaned over his wife to scowl at her.

  "Carrick will return and when he does you can speak to him. Until then remain in your place." Spittle and bits of food flew from his mouth and she couldn't help but lean away.