Wicked Laird: Brethren of Stone Book 2 Read online

  He stopped and reached out his thumb to brush it away but his jaw ticked as he did. “Let’s get this done with,” he rumbled.

  Those words only made her want to cry the more.

  The captain gave a terse nod and then began. “Do ye take this woman to be yer wife?”

  “I do,” Blair answered. He’d dropped his hand so that they didn’t touch.

  “And do ye take this man to be yer husband?” The captain turned to her.

  Her mouth opened but no words came out. She closed it again. Will gave her the tiniest nudge in the back. “I do,” she said, her lip trembling.

  “Then I declare ye man and wife.” The captain gestured to Blair to take her hand.

  One of the crew gave a small clap but no one else said a word as Blair took her hand and silently led her from the deck.

  “Where are we going?” She asked as she looked back at the men behind her.

  “To consummate the marriage,” Blair answered as they reached the hatch.

  She stopped then. “What? Now? It’s the morning.”

  He swung her into his arms and started down the ladder. “At least I won’t burn my shirt this time.”

  A giggle bubbled from her chest at that. “Ye’ve a point there.” Then she looked down at her stomach. “But ye’ll see…everything.”

  He gave a curt nod. “Aye, I will. But ye’ll get used to that part.” He paused and then his grip tightened. “If yer not ready, we don’t have to do this. But eventually it will happen. We’re married now.”

  She gave a stiff nod. “I understand.” It wasn’t that she objected to Blair touching her, obviously. It was this entire day. It was all wrong. “We may as well get it over with.”

  Blair coughed. “Lass, those are not the words a man wants to hear.”

  She buried her face into his chest. “I’m sorry.” Then the tears she’d been fighting began to fall. It was crazy and mad, crying about marrying Blair. He was every woman’s dream. She, however, was a laird’s nightmare.

  He held her closer. “I told ye last night I’ll be a good husband. Don’t cry lass, yer breaking my heart.”

  She choked on her tears. “I’m breaking yer heart?” She snapped her head back. “I didn’t mean to hurt ye. Blair, I swear, I’ll do whatever I can to make ye happy.”

  “That means a lot.” Then he leaned down and captured her lips.

  His soft mouth moving over hers was exactly what she needed. To forget this morning, to lose herself in the warmth of his touch, the strength of his embrace. She kissed him with all that she had.

  He groaned into her mouth as he kicked open the door to his room. In a moment she heard it slam shut again. Then the softness of the mattress was under her and his weight pressed down on top of her. It was like a port in a storm. So warm and strong she clung to his broad shoulders as the kiss deepened and lengthened.

  He began working the buttons of her dress and she fumbled with the ones on his shirt. Somehow, their clothes fell away and his skin pressed against her own was so delicious she forgot to be afraid.

  “Bloody hell woman, yer even more comely than I thought ye’d be.” He leaned up then, his eyes roving her skin. Part of her was tempted to cover herself up but then she focused on him. The muscles in his chest and abdomen, the sprinkling of hair across his chest, the narrow hips…her gaze followed his hands as he undid his kilt and dropped to the ground.

  Oh dear…that couldn’t possibly be his…

  Blair looked down at Elle and tried to breathe. He’d seen his fair share of women without their clothes. Likely more than his share, but never had one looked like her. Her blonde hair spilled out behind her, accentuating the creaminess of her skin.

  Her breasts sat full and high on her chest while her flat stomach flared into ample hips. Hips that could fill a man’s hands. He growled deep in his throat, throbbing with need.

  He could see worry crease her brow. He’d have to gaze at her another time. Right now, he needed to help her forget that she was afraid.

  Leaning down, he kissed her again and again until she softened in his arms. “That’s it lass, don’t ye worry now,” he murmured as he began trailing kisses down her neck.

  He let his hands wander further, tracing the curves of her body until he reached the apex of her legs. He lightly brushed his fingers against her thighs and he heard her moan, “Blair.”

  He continued caressing her delectable curves, moving his fingers closer and closer to the apex as his lips slid down her chest and explored her breasts. When he sucked a nipple into his mouth, he finally parted her seam. She shivered under his touch and pressed against him.

  “That’s it, lass,” he whispered between kisses. Beginning a rhythmic movement, her body matched it and soon he could feel her tightening.

  His own body was ready to burst from the tension but he kept touching her until she was panting and calling his name. “Blair, Blair.” As her head moved back and forth and then she tumbled over the edge.

  He knew he should wait but his body screamed in need. Moving his hand, he pushed inside her, slowly entering her. He felt her tense again, but her hands wrapped about his back holding her to him.

  “Lass, I couldn’t wait…I needed to—” he couldn’t say more as he broke through her maidenhead and slid all the way into her.

  “Don’t wait,” she murmured. “Let me give you everything.” Then she kissed him. It was more than a man could stand and as he slid back out and then into her silky warmth his body tensed for release.

  She kissed him over and over as he moved inside her and before he could stop, he let out a yell, his body clenching and then ripping apart only to come back together. As he collapsed on top of her, he tried to catch his breath. Never had a woman made him feel like that. It was the most perfect moment.

  Until memories of the hour before started to creep in. The way she’d cried. How sad she looked about marrying him. What was a man to do with that?

  But he shook the thoughts away. He’d prove to her that he was all the man she’d ever need.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Elle woke the next morning feeling sore, yet delightfully relaxed.

  Last night had been…she sighed thinking back on it. It had been breathtaking. Now Blair slept next to her, one of his arms cradling her body to his. Were all men so tender and yet so strong? She doubted it. Though no man had ever touched her the way he had, she knew that not many had the heart Blair possessed.

  His eyes slowly opened and he squeezed her tighter as he gave her a gentle smile. “Good morning.” He used his other arm to pull her on top of his body.

  “Good morning, my lord.” She gave him a saucy smile before she bent down to place a kiss behind his ear.

  He cupped her backside as he groaned. “My lord?” He slipped inside her even as he spoke.

  She let out a sigh of satisfaction and longing. “Oh, aye,” she murmured close to his ear as she ruffled his hair. She hadn’t known this position was even possible but she found she liked it. Sitting up, she moved above him as his hands explored her body. “What shall we do today, my husband?”

  He made a noise of satisfaction, deep and low. “I love to hear you say that.”

  She stopped moving, surprise rippling through her. He liked it? That was…encouraging. She started to tell him so but he urged her hips into motion again. The words died as a moan escaped instead. “That…feels…so…” her eyes fluttered closed.

  He made a noise somewhere between a moan and a laugh. “It does indeed.”

  She let her hands wander down his chest, her neck arching back. “I’m glad tae ken there is something I can give you.”

  “Elle,” he rasped. His voice was harsh but he was thrusting inside her and it was difficult to know if it was annoyance or pleasure that caused it to be so. “That’s ridiculous. You give me—” He stopped as she rolled her hips, his hands gripping tighter.

  She almost asked what she gave him but she was afraid of the answer. What if this wa
s all?

  They didn’t say any more as their passion climbed and their bodies moved as one.

  As their lovemaking brought them to their ultimate release, Elle collapsed on Blair’s chest. She stroked his skin under her fingers, wondering if this might be the best place in all the world. She couldn’t think of one better.

  “I’m sorry to cut our time short but I’ll have to head into the village today and start hiring workers. Are ye still willing to help me?”

  Help him? “Of course.” She lifted her head to stare into his eyes. “I’ll do whatever you need.”

  He stroked her hair back from her face. “Thank ye, lass.”

  She gave a tight nod. She hoped some of the men agreed. Not only did it help their plan to take McKenzie’s influence away but it made her a worthwhile partner in this marriage. From that she was sure his love would grow.

  Blair sat on his horse with Elle in front of him, making a statement as he rode into the village. Elle was his and McKenzie didn’t frighten him.

  Not that he married her for that reason alone. Though, it was a delightful little bonus.

  As was the bed sport. His eyes closed for a moment. The woman was made directly from the hand of God. She could only be an angel.

  Will hadn’t forced him to do anything, though. He wished that part had been different. The reason that he’d married Elle was simple. He loved her.

  And there was a connection there. He was certain he could be the man she needed. Over time she’d grow to love him too.

  They began through the village, many people out and about, on their way to the butcher or the baker.

  Elle pointed at a cottage. “Stop here, this is Mr. Finnerty. He’s been without a job for three months or more.”

  “Who did he work for before?” Blair asked.

  Elle looked back at him, her eyebrows up. “McKenzie, of course.”

  Blair gave her a small smile. That would work all the better for him.

  They tied their horse to the post and then Blair knocked on the door. He wrapped his arm about Elle and pulled her to his side.

  An older man opened the door, two teen-age boys behind him. “Hello?” he asked gruffly.

  Blair scanned the man in front of him. His clothes were well kept but they had patches in several places. “Hello, I’m Laird Sinclair.”

  “Elle.” The man turned to his lovely bride. “Good tae see ye looking so healthy. Where is Ailean?”

  Elle gave the man a friendly smile. “Thank ye, Mr. Finnerty. He’s down south with friends.”

  “Glad to hear it,” Mr. Finnerty gave Elle a warm smile. Blair knew that Elle had chosen well for their first person to ask.

  “Mr. Finnerty,” Blair began. “I’ve a job I’d like tae offer ye.”

  The other man’s eyes narrowed. “Doin’ what?”

  “Tae start, buiding docks. But I aim to open a branch to my brother’s shipping company, so once the docks are built, there will be jobs for anyone who wants it.”

  “Who is yer brother?” Mr. Finnerty asked.

  “He’s the Earl of Alban,” Blair answered, standing straighter. He didn’t want to rely on his brother but, he reminded himself, it wasn’t just about him anymore.

  “The Earl of Alban,” Mr. Finnerty whispered. “Will he help us if times get rough with—”

  “He’s already sent men, money, and supplies. He’ll send more if we need it.” Blair swallowed his pride. He wanted to be enough but that would come in time. Right now, these people needed to ken they’d be safe.

  “Is this offer only fer me, or could my sons work too? We’re behind and I could use…” Mr. Finnerty trailed off.

  “It’s an offer for any able-bodied man willing to work. That includes yer sons.” Blair reached out his hand. “Work begins first thing tomorrow. For this first week, I’ll pay wages at the end of each day.” Blair knew how desperate many of the villagers were. “After that, it’ll be every Friday.”

  Mr. Finnerty nodded. “Thank ye, my lord.”

  “Mr. Finnerty.” Elle stepped forward. “I’ve some ideas about who to hire, but is there anyone else ye think we should ask?”

  “We?” Mr. Finnerty’s eyes darted between the two of them.

  Elle blushed. “We’re married.”

  A broad smile broke across his face. “I’m glad to hear it, lass. Ye deserve it.” Then he rattled off several names.

  Blair thanked him and then he and Elle climbed back on his horse. “Where to next?” he asked.

  She pointed down the street. “There.”

  He gave her a tiny squeeze. “Yer doing a fine job.”

  She turned to him, her face flushed, even as she tried to hide her grin. “Ye won’t regret marrying me, Blair.”

  One eye squinted as he cocked his head to the side. “Of course I won’t.”

  She looked away again, her breath catching. “The next house is Ewan McPherson’s. He’s strong as an ox but can be a bit forgetful. Hard working though and kind.”

  Blair nodded but he had to confess, his mind was still on her comment. Why would she think he’d regret marrying her? She was the one who’d never wanted to marry anyone and looked miserable at the thought of marrying him.

  “Elle, I think we’ve misunderstood each other.” Just up ahead, a mountain of a man stepped onto his stoop.

  Elle waved, calling out to him. Then she turned back to Blair. “How do you mean?”

  “We’ve work to do now but let’s talk tonight,” Blair said as McPherson approached.

  By the end of the day, he had more than twenty workers assembled. Between them and the men his brother had sent, he just might be able to complete the docks and get his business going by the end of summer.

  Better still, they hadn’t run into McKenzie the whole of the day. As he and Elle rode back to the boats, Blair had the feeling that the tide was finally with them. “We did good today, Elle.”

  “We did,” she answered. “We will have to see how McKenzie attempts to stop us.”

  He let out a guttural growl. Elle looked up at him with luminous eyes. Lightly he stroked her face. “Let him try.”

  “I trust you,” she whispered. “But I’m afraid.”

  “Elle, I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  They returned to the ship in silence. It wasn’t dark or heavy but filled with an understanding that she quite liked. His arm was wrapped possessively around her middle, holding her in place, shielding her from the world.

  They ate a quiet dinner and then made love during the sunset, the pink light bathing his skin in a golden glow. He looked beautiful. Not a manly word, she knew, but that’s all she could think. She’d seen underneath the hard exterior to the man who protected her even at great cost to himself.

  That man was stunning.

  Snuggling into his side, she fell asleep wrapped in warmth. Sleeping in the cocoon of his embrace was a feeling of which she would never tire.

  As the first rays of the sun peeked into the windows of the captain’s quarters a noise roused her from sleep. Had she dreamed it?

  Slowly waking, she blinked to allow the fog in her mind to clear. There it was again.

  “Fire,” a voice called. For the span of a second then two there was nothing before a wrenching boom split the air.

  “Hell and damnation,” Blair roared, sitting bolt upright. In a flash he was out of the bed, pulling on his kilt as he strode from the room in nothing else. “Follow me,” he tossed over his shoulder as he bolted down the hall. Elle tossed on her night rail, and wrapped a blanket about her shoulders and she did as he bid.

  She had to sprint to keep up with him as a voice called again. “Fire.”

  “Are we firing?” she yelled over the next blast.

  Blair pulled her behind the mast of the ship. “I don’t know.” He answered then turned to the captain. “Are we?”

  “No, my lord,” The captain replied. “We’re taking fire from the land.”

&nb
sp; He pointed. Elle could barely make it out but on the beach stood a group of men, ten maybe fifteen, clustered around a cannon.

  Racing across the deck, he grabbed a bullhorn hanging from a peg. Then bellowing with all his might, he yelled. “All ships, return fire!”

  Elle jumped as the sound boomed across the water. It was a bit much for the small group of men on the shore but it had its intended effect. The men on the shore stopped for a moment, as if collectively trying to decide what to do and then scattered like seagulls.

  Blair held up the horn again. “Is that the best you’ve got?” Then he turned back to the captain. He stood barefoot and bare-chested, looking larger than life. Like a god, his muscles chiseled from stone. “Confiscate the cannon and turn it to the land. If they come back today while work is being done, fire.” Then he tossed the horn aside and stalked across the deck. Sweeping her into his arms he carried her toward the hatch.

  If it had been any other man, she might have been afraid. He looked fierce, a scowl causing deep lines in his face. For Elle, however, she had never felt safer.

  Emotion welled in her chest. She loved this man with all her heart. It didn’t matter if he returned it. He had already given her so much.

  Her hands snaked about his neck, her head resting on his chest. She needed him more than she’d ever imagined possible. “Blair,” she asked tentatively.

  “What is it, love?” Whatever he was thinking, his voice was tender.

  “Don’t you have enough men already? Maybe we shouldn’t go to the village today.” She knew he could handle himself but worried he tempted fate.

  “I agree, we are not going.” They’d reached the captain’s quarters and he opened the door, carrying her inside.

  As soon as he’d shut it behind him, her hand snaked into his hair, tugging it down so that she could touch her lips to his. “Oh good,” she whispered, kissing him again. “It isn’t safe for you to go—”

  “Elle,” he interrupted. Then, setting her down on her feet, he reached behind him and gently pulled her hand from his hair. “I am still going. He’s starting a war and a war needs men.”