Page 47 of In Bed with a Scot

Isabelle shook her head. “I dinnae feel particularly brave. It feels as though fear has been the greater part of me life.”

Madden reached up and brushed a tear from her cheek. “Courage is nae the absence of fear, lass. All warriors experience fear. It is kenning fear and still going forth tae dae what ye must, tae dae what is right.”

Isabelle looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “Why could I have nae met ye sooner?”

Madden shook his head, holding her close. “I dinnae ken the mind of God, but I can only assume that life is as it should be, as it needs tae be. We met each other when we were supposed tae dae so. I would have preferred tae meet ye earlier as well, but now that we have found each other, I never intend tae let ye go.”

Isabelle wrapped her arms around his neck as he lowered his head to claim her lips. What started as a sweet and tender kiss, quickly turned into something far more intense. Their passion for one another swept over them in a wave, driving their every action. They disrobed in a frenzy of hands and clothing, each attempting to get as close to the other as they could. Nae matter how close their bodies were, it was not close enough. “I need ye,” Isabelle breathed, her voice hoarse with need.

Madden lifted her up and placed her on her back in the bed, bringing himself to lay above her. He kissed his way down her neck and chest to her breasts, where he lavished each one with the attentions of his tongue and teeth. Isabelle nearly came up off of the bed as desire coursed through her as fire through a forest. She opened her legs, spreading her knees, to give him full access to her most secret place. Madden groaned.

Unable to take another moment of the sweet torture, Isabelle clawed at his shoulders. “I need ye inside of me, now!”

“Ye are unlike any other,” Madden breathed as he hovered over her. Isabelle lifted her legs, wrapping them around his waist. She drew him to her, positioning his hardened length at the opening of her innermost channel. He buried himself deep inside of her from tip to base. His shaft filled her completely, stretching her to her limits.

Isabelle gasped in pleasure as he began to move inside of her. She clung to him, her fingers digging into the muscles of his back and shoulders. The pressure inside of her grew and grew with each thrust. It felt as if their very souls were intertwining with one another. They climaxed together, each falling over the precipice clinging to the other. They lay there in each other’s arms for a moment before speaking again.

“Tomorrow,” Isabelle breathed in acceptance.

“Tomorrow,” Madden murmured, kissing her neck.

Rising, Isabelle retrieved her clothing from the floor and pulled her shift and dress back on over her head. Madden arose to help her with her laces. She ran her fingers through her hair in an attempt to get the tangles under control. “Dae I look presentable?” she asked, not wishing to look as if she had just been in the throes of passion.

“Always,” Madden murmured, pulling her into his arms and kissing her one last time before walking her to the door.

“Yer clothes,” Isabelle giggled. “Ye dinnae want tae open the door sans clothing.”

Madden grinned mischievously. “Why nae?”

Isabelle shook her head. “Ye ken why well enough.”

“Aye,” Madden admitted and turned to retrieve his garments. Isabelle watched with regret as he donned his trews and shirt covering up his beautifully muscular body. “Is this better?” He asked, coming to stand beside her once more.

Isabelle shook her head with a shy smile. “Never,” she murmured.

Madden chuckled. “I prefer ye in a state of nature as well,” he admitted, pulling her into his arms. “I will come fer ye upon the morrow. Be ready.”

Isabelle nodded. “I will be ready, but first I must speak with me braither. It is time.”

Madden nodded. “Would ye like fer me tae accompany ye?”

Isabelle shook her head. “This is something that I must dae alone. I owe him that.”

“I understand. I am here if ye need me. He is in the library. Go carefully. We dinnae ken what Bain kens or the full extent of what he is capable of, and that makes him even more dangerous.” Madden poked his head out into the hallway to make certain that no one would see her leave, then stepped back inside.

Isabelle nodded. “I will be careful,” she promised. Stepping up on tiptoe, she kissed Madden quickly on the lips, then slipped out of the door and out into the corridor. Madden closed the door behind her. Isabelle walked back the way that she had come, this time intent upon finding Arran. She thought she heard a noise and looked both ways but saw nothing. Continuing on, she arrived at the library and entered.

Cara was just leaving a tray with some mead on the table. “I will leave the two of ye alone tae talk,” she said smiling as she left the room.

“I thank ye fer yer help earlier,” Isabelle murmured softly as Cara passed her.

“Were ye able tae speak?”

Isabelle nodded. “Aye, we will be leaving upon the morrow, together.” She spoke softly for Cara’s ears alone.

Cara nodded and smiled at her friend. “May God bless ye both. Go safely. Be happy.” Cara kissed Isabelle on the cheek, then left the room, closing the door behind her.

“Isabelle,” Arran greeted Isabelle with a smile. “How are ye?”