“It is a pity that Laird Bickerson couldnae make it,” Liam muttered, tapping his forefinger against the edge of his glass. “He has yet to organize another auction, and I ken that there are several women in the clan who are interested.”
“Of course, they are,” Cillian said sagely. “They see the two of ye and want it for themselves.”
“It is a pity indeed that he didnae come,” Katherine agreed, leaning against Liam’s side, absorbing the warmth radiating through his clothes. “I would like to thank him. I am the happiest girl alive, and it is all because of that auction.” Her eyes darted to Elspeth, the woman who was quickly becoming her closest friend. “And perhaps soon another girl will be just as lucky as I am.”
Cillian hummed, accepting the glass that Tilly handed him from the other side of the table. As he took a sip, he said, “You’re right. Perhaps there will be another lucky woman soon.” He nodded toward the dance floor, catching Tilly’s eye. “Ye’ve been workin’ too hard, ye should interrupt Lady Elspeth and Agnes before Lady Elspeth swings her around too quickly and takes out half the dance floor.”
Tilly nodded, happily taking the opportunity to indulge in the festivities. Cillian raised his drink toward the two of them before he melted into the crowd to continue socializing.
“I am quite serious,” Katherine murmured, letting Liam guide her to a quiet part of the great hall. “We should send Elspeth to the next auction. She needs savin’ from that father of hers.”
She’d heard enough from her new friend to know that her situation was untenable. It hurt to know that someone close to her was dealing with such awful things at home. She was gratefulfor her position and for the authority to summon Elspeth to the castle.
“Aye, I ken,” Liam sighed, finishing half of his drink in one swallow. “Her father may be a loyal clansman, but he is a horrible man to his family.” His eyes found Elspeth, watching as she passed Agnes off to Tilly. “Though, perhaps we should send her directly to Laird Bickerson. He is in search of an obedient wife.” His gaze flicked to Katherine then back to Elspeth. “Though I have a feelin’ she may be even more stubborn than ye.”
Katherine laughed, resting her cheek against Liam’s bicep. “Aye. I think ye may be correct.”
* * *
“I cannae keep dancin’ any longer,” Katherine said, leaning heavily against Liam’s chest. “And I’m nae sure I’d like to entertain the guests either.”
“If ye’d still like to stay, I can ensure nay one bothers ye,” he offered though he wanted nothing more than to take her to their quarters and strip her layers of clothing away.
He knew that she’d planned this meticulously. She’d been looking forward to the ceilidh since the cuts on her neck and chest had healed. He wouldn’t allow himself to be the reason for stopping her fun.
“Ye’re truly gettin’ far too warm with me,” she said, giving him the private smile she reserved for him and him alone. “Ye really daenae care about yer reputation anymore, do ye?”
“If ye think that I am too warm for ye now,” he said, lazily spinning them to the edge of the dance floor, his lips next to her ear, “ye have nay idea what I have planned for ye.”
“Is that so?” she replied breathlessly, a shudder of pure want running through her.
“Aye,” he said, slipping them through the doors without alerting any of the guests. “I’ll show ye just how much warmer I can get.”
“I didnae wish our guests farewell,” Katherine protested weakly though she didn’t sound all that upset.
“I’m only takin’ ye to me study,” he said conversationally. “Ye can say farewell to everyone when we’re finished.”
They didn’t exchange another word. Even after he kicked the door shut behind the two of them, they didn’t speak. They didn’t need to, not when their mouths met, initiating the private conversation that belonged to only them.
He wasted no time in walking her back toward his desk, grabbing onto her hips and perching her on the edge. As his tongue probed against her mouth, she spread her legs, letting him push up the hem of her dress. When his fingertips ghostedover the smooth, milky skin of her upper thighs, she threw her head back, covering her mouth with her hand.
“They arenae goin’ to hear ye,” Liam said, continuing to reveal more and more of her legs. “Be as loud as ye please. The music will cover any noises ye make.”
“Ye are incorrigible,” she teased, gasping loudly as he dragged his fingertips through the wetness between her legs.
“I prefer if ye call me insatiable,” he retorted as his digits entered her. Twisting his fingers in the way that he knew drove her crazy, he rasped, “But I daenae want ye holdin’ back on anyone’s account.”
“Then I daenae want ye holdin’ back, either,” Katherine said, the words an undeniable challenge.
A growl tore from his throat as he kissed her again. He removed his hand, unfastened his kilt, and let it fall to the floor. His cock sprang free, already straining and longing for Katherine’s body.
He stepped forward into the space between her legs that he’d carved out. His mouth never left hers, not even as he pressed the swollen head of his cock against her entrance. She was the one who broke away, resting her forehead against his and looking down between them as she took in long gulps of air.
As he pressed into her wet heat, he groaned, feral and hungry. She felt divine, better than anything he’d ever felt. It was nearly enough to pull him under each time they were joined.
“Liam,” she whimpered against his lips, her legs closing around his hips and pulling him even closer. “More.”
“Ye truly love to challenge me,” he moaned as he began the steady roll of his hips.
