Highlander Most Wanted (33 page)

She watched him for any sign of disapproval or that he didn’t want her taking such a presumptive position. But, if anything, he looked eager. Excited. She, in turn, was excited that she could inspire such a reaction from him.

“That’s it, lass,” Bowen purred. “Take me inside you. Ride astride me.”

His fingers closed around her hips, easily spanning the width with his large hands. As she positioned him at her
entrance, he held her in place, offering her support. When he slipped inside her the barest inch, he began to pull her down his erection, inch by exquisite inch.

She let out a breathy sigh as she threw back her head. His groan mixed with her sigh as he penetrated deeper. Her eyes widened when her bottom came to rest atop his legs as he reached maximum depth.

She was full, stretched impossibly tight around him. She didn’t know how she’d managed to accommodate all of him, but there wasn’t a part of him that wasn’t inside her.

“If I died right now, I’d die the happiest of men,” Bowen gasped. “Never have I felt such pleasure.”

She looked at him in befuddlement, because now that she’d accomplished the task of taking him within her, she had no idea what to do next. Her expression must have made this clear, because he slipped his fingers underneath her behind and gently lifted, arching his hips upward as he worked her hips up and down to meet his thrusts.

Her body was taut and her desire heightened by the different position. Every time he pushed inside her, his pelvis pressed against her sensitive mound and sparks of pleasure shot through her body.

After a time, she learned the rhythm and was able to take over, riding astride him as she braced herself with her palms on his chest. He moved his hands from her hips and cupped her breasts, toying with the nipples as she moved atop him.

It was enough to spur her own desire, sending her into a dizzying spiral as she spun out of control.

Her cries mingled with Bowen’s as her release rushed over her, spurring Bowen’s own. She tightened around him, spasming as his hot seed filled her, reaching the very depths of her.

And then he pulled her down, holding her tightly
against his chest as it heaved with exertion. He stroked her hair, her back, let his hands glide over her bottom as she lay atop him, his shaft still buried deep within her, pulsing with the last of his release.

“Was I overbold?” she asked as she rested her cheek over his thudding heartbeat.

He chuckled, his chest rumbling with amusement. “I invite you to be as bold as you like and I’ll not ever complain.”

A smile played about her lips as she nuzzled up underneath his chin.

“I liked tasting you,” she said shyly.

He groaned and swelled inside her, stretching her once more. She lifted her head and looked into his eyes in shock.

“Do not look at me with such surprise, lass,” he said dryly. “How do you expect me to respond when you speak thusly?”

“But ’tis so soon!” she exclaimed. “Ian never …” She broke off, ashamed that she’d been about to make comment on Ian’s actions in bed.

He touched her in an effort to soothe her distress. “You have that effect on me, lass. You do things to me I’ve never experienced. I’ll want you always. I don’t know that I’ll ever have enough.”

He wrapped his arms around her and rolled atop her so their positions were reversed. He pushed forward, stroking to the very heart of her so she could feel he was fully erect once more.

“As you can see, I’m very much ready to have you again,” he murmured.

She lifted her head to kiss him. “Then have me, warrior. Have your fill. The night is young yet and we have until dawn.”

Genevieve didn’t sleep the entire night. Even when Bowen had drifted into a contented slumber after spending many hours loving her, she’d remained awake, focused on the fact that in just a few hours she would be rid of this place once and for all.

Excitement bounded in her veins. She had no idea of Bowen’s plans, but he was taking her away and ’twas enough to fill her heart with relief and joy.

No more would she suffer the taunts and abuse of others. No more would she be forced to live in a place that held nothing but memories of pain and humiliation.

It was the hour before dawn when she realized that she had not spoken to Taliesan of her departure. Taliesan was the only person she would miss, the only person who’d been friend and ally to her at McHugh Keep.

Genevieve slipped from the bed, leaving Bowen to sleep as she quietly dressed. Then she went next door to Taliesan’s chamber and let herself in. It was dark within the chamber, with only a few dying coals in the hearth to give light.

She went to Taliesan’s bed and touched the girl’s shoulder in an effort to wake her.

“Taliesan. Taliesan,” Genevieve whispered.

Taliesan stirred and turned over. “Genevieve? Is aught amiss?”

Her voice was groggy and heavy with sleep.

“Nay,” Genevieve whispered back. “I came to say goodbye.”

Taliesan sat straight up in bed, pushing the covers aside. Then she started to scramble up and Genevieve put out a hand to halt her.

“What is it you have need of?” Genevieve asked.

“I wanted to light a candle so that I may see your face,” Taliesan said.

“Remain in bed. I’ll light a candle and fetch it back to the bed.”

Genevieve went to the fireplace and added logs so that the flames would begin anew. Once a steady flame licked over the wood, she lit a candle and brought it back to the bed where Taliesan sat, her brow etched with concern.

“What is happening, Genevieve? Tell me you aren’t striking out on your own again. I worry for you so.”

Genevieve smiled and reached to cover Taliesan’s hand with her own. She gave it a gentle squeeze. “Your friendship means much to me, Talie. ’Tis the only bright spot in the year I’ve been imprisoned here. But I am a prisoner no more. Bowen is taking me away. We are traveling to Montgomery Keep. I am free.”

Taliesan reached forward and pulled Genevieve tightly into her arms. Her hug was fierce, and Genevieve could feel the wetness of Taliesan’s tears on her neck.

“I am so glad for you, Genevieve. You deserve happiness.”

“I could not leave without first giving you my thanks and telling you goodbye. I will miss you, Talie. I will not miss anything of this place except for you.”

Taliesan pulled away, her eyes wet with tears. “I will miss you as well, Genevieve, but ’tis glad I am that you are away from here.”

“I wish I did not have to leave you,” Genevieve said
unhappily. “ ’Tis not a happy place to be, and ’tis not known what the fate of the McHugh clan will be.”

Taliesan shrugged. “They have made their fate. Now they—we—must face the consequences of all we have sown.”

“God be with you, Talie. And may we one day meet again.”

Taliesan hugged her again. “And God be with you, Genevieve. If we should never meet, I will long carry our friendship and cherish it.”

Genevieve caught her hands and squeezed. “I must go back now. There is much to be done before dawn, and ’tis when we are leaving.”

“I will be down to see you off,” Taliesan promised.

Genevieve smiled warmly at her. “I would like that.”

Genevieve leaned over to kiss Taliesan on the cheek and then hurried toward the door before sadness overwhelmed her. It made no sense to suffer any regret over her departure, but she would miss Taliesan. The lass had been a warm and welcoming face in a sea of hatred and animosity. Genevieve would never forget it, or the kindness that Taliesan had shown her.

When she let herself back into her chamber, Bowen was awake and dressing by the fire. He glanced up, relief lighting his eyes.

“I did not know where you’d gone,” he said gruffly. “You worried me.”

She went to him, hugging him fiercely. He seemed surprised by the spontaneous gesture and hugged her back, holding her to him for a long moment.

“I was but saying my farewell to Taliesan,” she said quietly. “She is the only person I shall miss. She is the only person who has been kind to me during my sojourn here.”

“She is a good lass, with a valiant heart,” Bowen said.

“Aye, ’tis true, that.”

“We have a short time before we depart,” Bowen advised. “Is there anything you wish to take with you?”

“Only the chest at the foot of the bed,” she said in a low voice. “ ’Tis all that survived the attack on my escort. It has the bow my father gave me, and my wedding dress my mother sewed herself. Ian destroyed all else. I would take them if ’tis acceptable. They are all I have left of my parents.”

He touched her cheek. “Of course, lass. ’Tis not too much of a burden for you to take your belongings. I will see that they are packed in a cart to bear back to Montgomery Keep. Pack anything else you wish to take with you inside the chest and I’ll have my men bring it down.”

“Thank you,” she said, touching his cheek in kind. “I’m ever grateful to you, Bowen. No one has ever shown me such kindness. I’m overwhelmed.”

He brought her palm to his lips and pressed a kiss to the soft flesh. “Your happiness means much to me,” he said simply. “Now, let us go and prepare for our journey. Graeme will be anxious to return to Eveline, and I must say my farewells to Teague and Brodie.”

Genevieve waited nervously by the horse Bowen had selected for her to ride. Bowen was conversing with his two brothers and Brodie Armstrong a short distance away, and she knew once Bowen said his farewells to Teague, Graeme would come over, because Bowen said he wished to be introduced to her.

It was enough to make her break out into a cold sweat.

She knew that Bowen would have told his brother all about her situation, and it sickened her that others would know of her shame. She’d tried to wear her cape and hood, but Bowen had stoutly refused to allow her to hide behind it, stating that she had no reason to hide, no reason to be ashamed.

Still, she bore it in the sack tied to her saddlebag, because she could not bear the thought of facing Bowen’s entire clan without the barrier of her hood.

To her surprise, Teague and Brodie both accompanied Graeme and Bowen over to where she stood. Brodie was the first to offer his farewell. He simply ruffled her hair in a gesture that astonished her. As if she were a beloved little sister that he teased mercilessly. It warmed her and made her feel that she had a place among these people.

“Be well and happy,” Brodie offered.

“Thank you,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

Teague pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead in an affectionate manner.

She clung fiercely to him, hugging him in return. “Thank you for your aid,” she whispered.

“I was glad to give it,” he said sincerely. “Safe journey to you.”

And then Teague and Brodie walked away, deep in conversation, and she was left alone with Bowen and his older brother, Graeme, the laird.

She licked her lips nervously and peeked up at Graeme. He was not as fierce as she’d imagined. He had a kind, thoughtful look that gave her hope. He was rumored to be a fair man, though he was fiercely loyal and protective of those he loved.

And ’twas well known he adored his wife.

“ ’Tis good to make your acquaintance, Genevieve,” Graeme said in a gentle tone. “I’ve heard much about you and the trials you have suffered. I want to offer my assurance that no such thing will occur on Montgomery land. You will be afforded protection and respect during your stay with our clan.”

She had to bite her lip to prevent the flow of tears. She blinked rapidly and performed a deep curtsy in front of Graeme, chiding herself not to become a weepy mess in front of him.

“I’m ever grateful, Laird,” she said sincerely.

Graeme nodded, then turned to Bowen. “If your business here is complete, let us be on our way. I’d see my wife as soon as possible. I do not like being parted from her.”

“We are ready,” Bowen said in a voice that told her he was as ready to be done with McHugh Keep as she was.

He held out his hand to assist Genevieve onto her mount. He lifted her high, and she slid into place on the saddle, excitement and nervousness assailing her.