“Oh? It wasna one of ma better sennights either.”
“What happened?”
“Ye first, Magnus.”
“But I worry aboot ye.”
She leaned away. “And ye think I dinna worry aboot ye? I asked ye first.”
Saoirse’s soft smile melted Magnus. He inhaled the fresh scent of lavender and heather. Everything felt right in the world now that she was in his arms again. He kissed her forehead, and she leaned against his chest again.
“I missed ye, and I worried aboot how things were between ye and yer parents. I didna like leaving ye alone to fend off anyone’s naysaying. It made the days between seeing ye agonizing. I felt like I abandoned ye.”
“Ye didna abandon me, Magnus. Ye have duties, and I willna break because ye canna be at ma side always. It wasna enjoyable, but I survived. I missed ye too. I spoke to ma mama, and I think she understands better. But that doesnae mean either of ma parents is more likely to approve than they were before ye left.”
“Did ye feel better for talking to her?”
“I did, but she didna. I didna mean to hurt her, but she asked what draws me to ye. I told her I feel special when I’m with ye. As though naught else matters, even when I ken ye’re aware of everything around us. I told her I ken she and Da are usually distracted when they pay me attention. Ye dinna seem that way.”
“Ye ken they arenae like that on purpose.”
“I do. That’s why I feel guilty that I said aught to her. But I wanted her to understand it isnae just lust. I’m certain that’s what everyone believes it is. I want an aulder mon with experience, and ye wish for a young virgin. I’d want ye even if ye were the virgin.” Saoirse winked at Magnus, who tilted her head back. His lips descended to hers, and she opened to him. Neither rushed since neither knew when they might have another opportunity to enjoy the luxury of privacy. She opened to him without prompting, gladly accepting his tongue as it slid along hers. Her hands cupped his neck as she pressed her hips forward. Once more, his sporran presented a barrier to what she wanted. She reached between them and spun it out of the way.
Magnus inched Saoirse farther into the shadows until there wasn’t even a hint of their presence. His large hands, with his fingers spread wide, covered her backside as she sucked on his tongue. He didn’t know how she learned that trick, but he nearly climaxed on the spot. He struggled when his cock twitched, and his bollocks ached. He squeezed her backside before drawing up the back of her skirts. He brought his lips to her ear.
“If ye dinna want aught that I do, tell me.”
“I canna imagine ye doing aught I wouldnae want.” Saoirse kissed Magnus as his hands gathered the fabric, bunching it high enough for his hands to slide beneath. He stifled his groan as his rough palms landed against the smooth skin.
“I want to touch ye too, Magnus.”
“Nae tonight. If ye do, ye’ll have me roaring ma release, and there willna be anyone this side of Edinburgh who doesnae ken ye pleasured me.”
Saoirse playfully pouted. Magnus caught her bottom lip and pretended to tug. She flicked her tongue at him as his left hand meandered between her thighs. He could feel the heat emanating from her, like a cheery fire he wished to enjoy in the middle of a winter day. She was a respite from a stormy life. When the tip of his middle finger slipped between her netherlips, she buried her face against his chest. No one could know what they were about.
“Ye ken which part of me would rather be inside ye, Saoirse. But I will content maself with watching ye climax. I will have to save tasting ye for another day.”
A shiver passed along Saoirse’s spine and fanned across her arms. His words were nearly as tantalizing as his touch. He pressed his fingertip into her entrance, moving slowly to allow her to grow accustomed to the feel. She reached behind her and pressed his hand to her more firmly. His deep chuckle puffed air against her ear, sending that delicious shiver through her once more.
“Magnus—” Saoirse’s mind blanked. She couldn’t remember her name if anyone asked. His thumb brushed against her pearl, and she feared her legs might collapse beneath her. An ache built within her core, and she feared she might expire from the need to feel him within her. She had no experience to know that was the only solution, but it was like her soul spoke to her. Joining with Magnus was the only way she would ever feel complete.
“Aye?” Magnus’s teeth tugged at her earlobe before his tongue skimmed along her neck. “What were ye going to say?”
“I dinna ken.” Her answer came out on an exhalation.
“I wish to hold ye in ma arms every night. I dreamed aboot ye while I was away. Some were sinful and lurid, but they werenae ma favorites. The ones I liked best were us together with white hair, watching our bairns with their bairns. We both had lines around our eyes and mouths from smiling. It told me we’d had many years of happiness together.”
“Did ye dream we walked together in a field when we were auld, but there were weans around us?” Saoirse pressed kisses to Magnus’s chest and collarbones, exposed by the unlaced ties of his leine, savoring the woodsy scent from his soap. She punctuated every couple words with a peck.
“I did, Saoirse.”
They looked at each other, the uncanniness distracting them for a moment. Their mouths fused as his thumb continued to work her nub until she writhed against him. He felt her body growing impatient as he inched her toward climax. His fingers dipped within her as he rubbed circles against her pearl. She stiffened, arched, and he swallowed her moan, keeping anyone from hearing her as she climaxed.
She melted against him, her breath ragged. “Magnus, that—I dinna ken if I’m supposed to say thank ye. I feel as though I’ve lost all ma bones, but ma limbs feel heavy. I’m wide awake, yet I could fall asleep at any moment.”
“Was that the first time ye’ve ever experienced yer release?”
Saoirse’s brow furrowed, horror flooding her expression. “Of course, it was. Did I make ye think I would ken? Did I enjoy it too much?”
