Tarnished Honor by J. Lee Coulter Read Free Book Online Page B

possessive touch, arching her back as his lips captured one and suckled. Her senses burst into flames as Brighde’s knees buckled beneath her. Her hu s band swept her into his arms hastening to the bed. He fanned the flames of her desire into an inferno with his hands and lips.
    When she could stand it no more …she cried out. “Now Connall! Take me now!”
    He was near mindless as he entered her molten sheath. His body urged deep hard thrusts but his thoughts told him different. This was only their second time making love. Her body was not ready for the rougher sex. Connall entered slowly as he gauged her face for discomfort. When fully seated without causing pain, he began driving his swollen shaft , rhythmically, in and out of her body. Brighde writhed beneath him thrusting her hips in an ever demanding fas h ion.
    Her mind soon went blank as she keened in her bliss. Connall felt her hot sheath milking his shaft spasmodically. He roared gutturally as his seed shot forth, filling her womb.
    He nearly collapsed on top of her from the force of his orgasm. No woman had ever drained him so completely before. He rolled to the side, drawing her close, and kissed her.
    “Ye are a passionate woman, Brighde. I am much pleased with our union.” His thumb absently stroked the nub of her breast as his lids grew heavy.
    She smiled in the darkened chamber. “Ye are a very lusty man, as well, husband. I ken we are well suited.” Her objections to the wedding were rapidly thawing, replaced with the first stirrings of affection for the Earl of Caithness. She snuggled into his embrace.
    They both leapt up as the chamber door slammed against the wall. There stood a red-headed sprite…armed with a wooden sword, ready to do battle. They exchanged looks and burst out laughing.
    “Da? Mama? Ye were screaming! Is there a monster about? I will help ye kill it Da! We must protect Mama!” Her blue eyes widened with trepidation as she bravely crept into the chamber.
    “Never fear, Poppit . I am capable of protecting ye both. I thought ye were sleeping…and where be your nursemaid? Nae bound and gagged, I pray.”
    She shook her head as a big yawn escaped her. “She is sleeping, Da.”
    “As ye should be, Amy. Do nae fash yourself , your da will keep us safe. We were just playing… um…tickle. Aye…tickle. Sorry I am that we woke ye. Now, back to bed with ye.”
    Her nursemaid showed up just then. “Here ye be! Ye gave me a fright, lass! Tis nae safe to wander these corr i dors in the dark.” Her eyes darted to the laird. “Sorry my lord. She is a slippery one.”
    Connall smiled at her. “Nae worries. Now run along to bed, Poppit . Tis late.”
    “Aye, Da.” She rested her weary head on the maid’s shoulder as she scooped her up , asleep before they left the room.
    Brighde giggled. “I hope this is nae going to become a habit. It seems that people are always crashing in on us a f ter we make love.”
    Her husband joined in, appreciating the jest. “Mayhap I should bolt the door in the future, wife.” He gave her a resounding kiss, tucked her into his warm embrace and promptly fell asleep.
    * * *

Chapter VII
* * *
    The heavy snowfall kept most of the clansmen indoors , only venturing out to tend to the livestock. Blacksword was thankful as he readjusted to being laird and spent his days going through stacks of parchments that had accumulated over two years’ time. A monumental task, to be sure. In the evenings he caught up on clan news as Amy perched in his lap until bedtime. The rest of the eve he would spend in his wife’s arms.
    He was content. They had been home for a sennight when he decided to have a talk with Brighde about the ci r cumstances that brought about their wedding. Amy had been abed for nearly an hour so there would be no interru p tions. He strolled over to the hearth in the great hall where she sat altering some gowns for Amy.
    “Come, wife . Tis time to clear the air betwixt us.” He held out his