Font Size:

She did as he asked,her body trembling with anticipation as she shifted position, her back now pressed against the rough wall. Ken wasted no time, his hands once again lifting her skirt and pushing her legs apart. This time, however, instead of fingers, he used his mouth.

His lips foundthe crease where her thigh met her hip, his tongue darting out to taste the skin there before sweeping lower, toward her waiting entrance. Sophie gasped, her hands flying tohis head as he settled between her legs, his breath hot against her sensitive flesh.

"Oh, God,"she breathed, arching her back as his tongue made contact with her clit, circling it slowly at first before applying more pressure. "Ken, please… daenae stop."

He didn't.His tongue plunged into her slit, lapping up her juices as he continued to circle her clit with his lips, suckling gently before going back to work with his tongue. The sensations were overwhelming, her body convulsing with each flick of his tongue. She could feel the tension building, cresting like a tidal wave ready to crash.

"I'm… I'm goin’to—" she started to say, but the words were cut off by a strangled cry as Ken's tongue speared her deeper, his lips sealing around her clit and sucking hard. The climax hit her like a freight train, her body tensing as wave after wave of pleasure rolled through her. Tears sprang to her eyes, mixing with the sweat on her brow as she rode out the storm, her hips bucking uncontrollably.

When the spasms finally subsided,Sophie slumped against the wall, panting heavily. "Are ye alright?" Kenneth asked, concern evident in his voice as he brushed away a tear with his thumb.

"Aye,"Sophie assured him, turning to press a kiss to his palm. "I'm just... I never knew it could be like that."

Kenneth's armstightened around her. "That was just the beginnin', mo chridhe," he murmured. "There's so much more I want to show ye."

The endearment,spoken so naturally, made Sophie's heart soar. She snuggled closer to him, breathing in his scent, memorizing every detail of this perfect moment.

Feather soft kisseswere pressed against her hair, Kenneth curling his arms tight around her.

Thank God for the storm.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Kenneth stood at the head of the great hall, watching servants make final adjustments to the elaborate feast laid out before them. The Highland Assembly had brought dozens of clan leaders to his keep, each one a potential ally - or enemy. But none mattered more than Laird MacDean, whose seaports could change the future of Clan MacAdams.

The memoryof last year's floods haunted him. His people had suffered greatly, their coffers still not recovered. This alliance could mean the difference between prosperity and continued hardship.

"Everythin'is ready, me laird," Lachlan reported at his shoulder. "The guests are beginnin' to arrive."

Kenneth nodded.He caught sight of his reflection in a polished shield - every inch the stern clan chief in his formal attire. But his stomach churned with an unfamiliar nervousness.

Movementat the hall's entrance drew his eye. Sophie appeared, resplendent in MacAdams tartan, her hair elaborately braided and adorned with tiny white flowers. Kenneth's breath caught at the sight of her. Since their afternoon in the shepherd's hut, he'd found it increasingly difficult to maintain his composure around his wife.

Sophie madeher way to his side, and Kenneth caught the subtle scent of heather that always seemed to accompany her. "Ye look magnificent," she murmured, straightening his plaid.

"As do ye,"he replied gruffly, fighting the urge to pull her close and kiss her in front of everyone.

The hall beganto fill with guests, the air thick with the buzz of conversation and political maneuvering. Kenneth's eyes constantly swept the crowd, searching for Laird MacDean's distinctive silver hair.

"He's just arrived,"Sophie said softly, somehow knowing exactly who Kenneth sought. "By the south entrance, speaking with Laird Cameron."

Kenneth spotted him - John Murtagh,Laird MacDean, a man known for his shrewd business sense and unwavering loyalty to his allies. Now, if only Kenneth could find the right words to approach him.

"Go to him,"Sophie encouraged. "The time is right."

Drawing a deep breath,Kenneth made his way through the crowd. But as he approached MacDean, his carefully prepared speech deserted him. The weight of his clan's future pressed down on him, making his tongue feel thick and clumsy.

"Laird MacDean,"he managed, bowing slightly. "Welcome to MacAdams Keep."

MacDean turned,his shrewd eyes assessing Kenneth coolly. "Laird MacAdams. A fine gatherin' ye've arranged."

Kenneth openedhis mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. The silence stretched uncomfortably until a musical voice broke it.

"Laird MacDean!"Sophie appeared at Kenneth's side, her smile radiant. "How wonderful to finally meet ye. I've heard such tales of yer clan's hospitality."

MacDean'sstern expression softened slightly. "Lady MacAdams. The tales of yer beauty were nae exaggerated, I see."

"Ye're too kind,"Sophie laughed. "Tell me, how fares yer family? I understand yer youngest daughter recently married?"