The Condemned Highlander (Highland Intrigue Trilogy 2)

“Surely, your mother must have suffered along with you. I no doubt would embarrass myself with copious tears seeing a child of mine take ill or be injured.”

His wife would make a good mother. He only hoped he would not have to prevent her from being one.

“To my mother, my pain was a temporary inconvenience and there was no need for her to waste time with worry.”

“You have me now,” she said as if it made all the difference. “I will worry endlessly over you and do not bother to tell me otherwise.”

He smiled, not only at her remark but at the thought that he was not alone anymore. “On that I will not argue with you, wife.” He felt the blood slip from his nose, and he swiftly turned his head away and ordered. “Do not look!”

Annis kept her eyes turned away from him, though she wished she could do otherwise and voiced her annoyance with herself. “I should be able to help you, not turn away from you.”

“Have you always been this way with blood?” he asked, cleaning his face with the end of his cloak and reminding himself to clean it when they settled by the stream.

“As long I can remember. the sight, sometimes even thought—”

The faintness of her voice had him turning with worry and his hand reached out to take hold of her arm. “Tell me about the cottage you will build for us.” She turned and he did not like how pale she looked from just the thought of blood. “We may need extra rooms with all the bairns we will have.”

Her eyes turned fearful. “There is blood when giving birth.”

He silently cursed himself for not thinking of that and thought quickly. “Bliss would make sure you do not see a speck of it.”

“What will I do if our bairns bleed? How will I ever properly care for them?” Tears threatened her and she got angry. “This has to stop. I cannot continue to be so weak when it comes to blood or get teary-eyed over nonsense.”

“Whether you want to admit it or not, you are a sensitive woman.”

Annis gave him a look of disgust. “That is a terrible thing to say to me.”

He laughed. “You want honesty, wife. And your delicate side certainly does not pair well with your stubborn, demanding side.”

She was ready to jab him in the arm but smiled instead. “You are a wise husband to annoy me and force my thoughts elsewhere.”

He was relieved that color had returned to her face and intended to make sure there was no more talk of blood. “There is much building to be done before winter sets in, especially with others from the clan joining us and the elderly couple as well and whoever else you may invite.”

“Our village will be a welcoming one,” she said her smile growing, and they continued the safe discussion.

They stopped before dusk at a small dwelling in need of repair and their glance went to the roof. They both smiled.

Annis voiced what they both thought. “The roof has no holes in it. We can make love tonight without fear of it collapsing on us.”

Brogan grinned and winked at her. “We do not have to wait until tonight.”

“Hurry then, and let’s get the horses settled and wood for the fire,” she urged and slid off her horse.

That she was as eager as he was to make love, fueled his own desire. They worked well together and were done in no time—the horses settled and a fire going in the small hearth. Unfortunately, to Annis’s disappointment the narrow bed was in dire need of repair if they were to sleep there, and the earth floor needed to be cleared of debris.

Brogan saw her regret and hurried an arm around her waist. “We do not need a bed or the floor.” He nibbled at her slender neck, enjoying the mewling sounds he caused.”

“Where then?” she asked, his teasing nibbles tormenting her nether region while thoughts of making love with her husband had turned her wet and impatient.

He kissed her soundly, further flaring her passion, then he swung her up and around and planted her backside in the middle of the table. “Up with your legs and your garments,” he ordered.

She did so without question and a smile, her passion flaring when he helped shove her garments out of the way and spread her legs. She watched him push his plaid aside and his manhood sprung free; hard, thick, and ready.

“Lie back.”

Another command she eagerly obeyed, and he grabbed her backside and pulled her forward, his shaft probing between her legs, and she groaned with anticipation.

“Your so damn wet,” he said, the tip of his shaft being devoured by her moistness.

“I cannot wait. We can linger later. I need you now,” she demanded.