Brigid turned from his arms, placing her chin on his chest. She took her hand and splayed it into his chest hairs.
“I’m hungry, Duncan,” she stated now fully awake.
He opened one eye, saw the wanton look in her eyes, and smiled. Cupping her bottom, he nudged her over his swollen cock. “Hungry for more of this?”
“How did you know?” she asked huskily.
“Show me,” he rasped.
Ever so slowly, Brigid made her way down his chest to his enlarged member, taking as much as she could into her mouth. She savored the saltiness, hearing him release a growl. She was going to tease him the same as he did to her. Sliding her tongue over and around the top, she cupped his balls, and took him back into her mouth.
Never in her life had Brigid been so bold.
When she looked up, she saw beads of sweat on his brow, his eyes watching her every moment. Taking it as a good sign, she continued with her ministrations. His hips moved more rapidly, until suddenly he moved to clasp her arm, but Brigid stopped him with a nip.
“Mine,” she growled.
He groaned. “I cannae hold back much longer.”
“Then don’t,” she uttered, taking him fully into her mouth again.
Her mouth on his cock was pure bliss. He never had any woman take him thus, and the sensation rolled over him in giant waves.
Brigid lapped up the last few drops of his release.
Thinking she was still in control, Duncan caught her off guard when he quickly tossed her onto her back, thrusting deep into her. “Duncan,” she moaned, as he continued to rock slowly in and out of her.
She felt the laughter rumble in his chest before he spoke, “Aye, my wench.”
He cupped her breasts, fondling the taut nipples. His hips grinding slow and methodical, wanting to take her over the crest of pleasure before he found his,
again.
He stilled himself partially out of her, and taking his thumb, he found her sensitive nub. With a few strokes, she came in a rush, screaming his name. Duncan thrust deep into her, following in his own wave of bliss.
Rolling her on top of him, he held her close wanting to stay like this forever.
“I can hear your stomach
growling
,” he muttered.
Brigid giggled and rolled off him. The two tapestries on either side of the fireplace captured her sight. Sitting up, she marveled at their colors and pondered if there was a story woven through. Ignoring her stomach for the moment, she asked, “Who is the man depicted in the tapestries?”
Duncan placed a soft kiss on her mouth before leaving their bed. He grabbed his plaid and wrapped it across his waist. Striding over to the fire, he put more peat into the dwindling blaze. Glancing up at the tapestries, he stood looking at them, hands fisted on his sides.
“Cinaed mac Ailpin, the Conqueror. He was the very first king of Scotland.
Chan eil
carraig air nach caochail sruth
.”
“What does it mean?”
“There is no rock that the stream won’t change.” Titling his head to one side, he continued, “He was a great man, also descended from the fae.”
“
The
Kenneth MacAlpin?”
“Aye.”
The other tapestry was one of the king on a horse before a circle of standing stones. Brigid grabbed one of the furs around her and moved off the bed, her feet encountering the cold floor. Flinching, she walked quickly over to where Duncan was standing. A wave of shock swept over her as she recognized the stone circle.
“Duncan, this is where I came through.” Her hand shook as she reached out to touch the fabric.
Instantly, Duncan grasped her wrist before she could touch it and brought her against his chest. He held her close for a few moments, and then tipped her head back gently. Looking into her eyes, he said, “It is the same place Meggie took her last breath.”
“What happened, Duncan?” her voice barely a whisper, and she could feel his body tense.
Releasing Brigid, Duncan walked over to the window. He glanced back over his shoulder at the tapestry.
It was as if time stood still, and Brigid was afraid to breathe. There was no rumbling of thunder in the distance, only the sound of the crackling fire.
Brigid sat with shaky limbs on the fur rug before the fire, waiting for details of a night so horrific, she feared she was not brave enough to listen and hear the truth. All this time, asking and probing, now the moment came, and she was scared that it would change her. She took a deep calming breath and watched as he ran a hand through his hair in exasperation, leaning against the wall.
“The day was gray and a storm was brewing.” He cast a look at her and shook his head as if reading her thoughts. “Nae, not of my doing.” Turning back toward the window, he let his mind drift back to that night.
“Meggie knew how we felt about the MacFhearguis. She argued many times with Angus, even calling him a pig-headed arse. I tended to side with her on the latter. No one suspected she had been secretly meeting the MacFhearguis for many moons. Alastair was the one who came upon them one morning and went immediately to Angus. I ken Meggie never forgave Alastair, for she barely spoke to him afterwards. She was very close to Alastair and this was akin to a dirk in her back. She wanted to explain, but he never gave her the chance.
“As the months passed, we thought Meggie had broken off with the MacFhearguis, but nae, she met him in secret. It was during that time, we all had taken to arguing over all matters. Angus had forbidden us to seek out the MacFhearguis, so we took it out on each other. We all itched to start a fight and fists and swords were drawn many a day. I was the worst. Stephen and Alastair feared to fight me in the lists; therefore, I would seek them out.”
Propping a leg up on the stone bench, Duncan crossed his arms over his chest and continued speaking. “The storm was fierce that night and most of us were deep in our cups, when Hamish came running into the Hall stammering and frightened of what he was about to tell. Meggie had run off with the MacFhearguis to be handfasted. It was all I needed to hear to let loose the fury which had been building for months. I did not heed Angus’s words; I just grabbed my sword and left for the stones. When I reached them, I had one purpose, and it was to slay Adam MacFhearguis. Meggie was holding him and would not let him go. He tried to pull away, but she held fast.”
Duncan’s voice became bitter as he continued, “I let the wind whip them both, not a care for my sister’s safety, only the death of one. The blood rage had me in its thrall, and I used my powers to intensify it. I believe that is why Angus wanted me to stay behind. He knew that I had become unstable and perilous.”
Duncan swallowed. “My brothers had arrived, and I gave no care for their existence. Angus shouted at me to stop, his shield pounding into my backside. Of course, I turned on him, lancing a blow on his arm. I could not hear Angus’s words, for the blood was pounding in my ears. I saw movement to my right. It was Alastair moving toward Meggie and the MacFhearguis, and shoving with all my might, I clipped Angus, crashing into Stephen. Then I went for them, taking a swing at Alastair first, which caused a cry to tear forth from Meggie.”
Duncan tore his gaze from the window, a look of excruciating pain etched on his face. “She feared I had solely injured Alastair. She broke free from Adam and ran toward me. Adam followed her. My focus was on killing this man, but somehow my sister stepped in front of him. My sword impaled them both. Meggie was mortally wounded, but Adam survived his injuries.”
Duncan collapsed on the window bench and held his bent head in his hands. “She died in Angus’s arms. All my fault,” he choked out. “I damned them with my actions.”
Brigid’s heart ached. It ached for Meggie and Adam, but mostly it ached for the broken man in front of her. She had questions, questions she was not going to ask Duncan. He needed her, and she would do whatever it took to right the wrong. Yes, her mind whispered, if all was truly lost, then why did the Guardian see fit to redeem them? At least for now, she finally had a big piece of the puzzle.
Slowly standing, she walked over to her distraught knight. Putting her arms around him, she cradled him, feeling him shake from the release of his emotions.
Several moments passed, and Duncan unwrapped himself from her arms. He placed tender kisses along her face. “Food, my lady?”
“Mmmmm,” she smiled, keeping her eyes closed.
They both stood and dressed quietly. When Brigid went for the door, Duncan’s hand stilled on it, holding it closed. Cupping her chin, he brushed a kiss softly on her swollen lips. “No matter what, Brigid O’Neill, do not forget ye are now mine. I will protect ye,
always
.” Brushing his thumb across her bottom lip, he continued, “Ye have my heart,
leannan
. What ye do with it is up to ye.”
Brigid placed her hand over his chest, her gaze never leaving his face. “Then I give you
my
heart to hold and protect.”
Clasping her to his chest, he could find no other words, letting the silence wash over them in peace.
Chapter 40
“A year and a day, that is all I ask of my true love to give me.”
The great hall was crowded with mostly Cormac and his men. When they entered together, Cormac arched a brow in mock display at Duncan, and then smiled broadly. Brigid had longed for a hot bath, but her stomach had grumbled in protest, again, which Duncan had heard. She had gone all day without eating, and the smell of food assaulted her as she entered.
“Here, Duncan.” Cormac waved them both over to sit near him.
Duncan poured them both some ale, and he drank with gusto. Leaning forward, he took her plate and piled it high with food. He was being so attentive. Every so often, he would take her hand and squeeze it under the table. Her face felt on fire with the way he was constantly looking at her. There was something else, but she couldn’t quite figure it out.
“Tell me, Cormac, where are Nell and Finn?” asked Brigid between bites of meat.
“Those two rascals are probably fetching some food for the menagerie of animals they keep.” Cormac snorted.
Brigid choked on her food, causing Duncan to leap up and start pounding her back. “
St-o-o-pp
, Duncan.” She coughed some more. “I’m fine, please sit down.”
She was sorry the minute she saw the look of concern in his eyes. “Really, I’m fine, thank you.” Taking her hand, she brushed it against his thigh, getting the effect she intended when she saw passion flare instantly within his eyes.
Tilting her head back to Cormac, she asked, “How long have ye known?”
Cormac chuckled deep before answering, “Och, Brigid, we realized the moment she started taking from the kitchens. Finn keeps a watch over her and her brood, making sure they are safe.”
Brigid’s mouth dropped open in shock, and considered telling Nell. The poor little girl was so afraid someone would snatch her family away. Yet, it was just the opposite. They all shared her secret and were taking care of her.
“Why don’t you tell her that you know?”
“Then she would become laird, giving orders to everyone.” Duncan interjected between mouthfuls of food.
A bark of laughter came forth from Cormac, and he ventured to look around as if fearing someone would hear. “I tell ye, Brigid, Duncan is correct. The lass has a way of wrapping us all around her wee fingers,” he stated, holding up his pinky. Then with a more solemn voice added, “She’s already a mighty warrior for one so young.”
Pointing a knife at Brigid, Cormac’s eyes narrowed. “Do not say a word of this to anyone.”
Palms held out in mock surrender, Brigid responded, “Not a word will pass these lips.” Smiling, she reached out and laid a hand on his arm. “You are a good man, Cormac.”
“Humph! I did not take them in. Look to your man. He rescued them.”
Slowly, her gaze went from Cormac to Duncan who was entrenched in his meal, eyes downcast. “You rescued them?
How
?”
“It is nothing. They lost their families in a storm, and I happen to find them lost and shaken. They are under my charge.”
“How kind.”
Duncan’s body tensed, “Nae not kindness, what had to be done.”
“Yet you rescued them. How bad was this storm?” She looked to Cormac and saw his eyes were wide and he was shaking his head, pleading with her not to ask.
Then it dawned on her.
Duncan’s voice was low when he spoke. “It was a storm that took more than my sister’s life.”
Holy crap!
How bad was this storm—a storm that was a combination of elements and Duncan’s powers? Her mind reeled. She could not comprehend how a man could be so lost after he kills his sister, and yet, he rescues two small children on the same night.
Brigid placed her hand gently on his.
The warmth of her touch shook him free from his thoughts of that night. She gave him one of those beautiful smiles that shook his soul, and he pondered what she truly saw in him. Many times, he thought himself a monster.
Duncan reached for her hand and placed a kiss in her palm. “Thank ye,” he whispered.
At that moment, Nell came running into the hall with Finn following behind her.
“There ye are. Where
have
ye been?” Nell practically ran into Brigid’s outstretched arms.
“Whoa, missy,” laughed Brigid.
Sienna was not far behind, clucking and wiping her brow. “Nell Murray! What have ye been up to?”
Nell cocked her head to the side with a look of distain before answering, “Washing up.”
Sienna just rolled her eyes. “Come, leave Sir Duncan and Lady Brigid be.”
“Leave her. She can stay with us.” Brigid gave her a reassuring smile.
“Thank ye,” mouthed Sienna.
Finn had already taken a seat beside Duncan and Nell wedged herself between them. Duncan then rolled his eyes, and Brigid burst out laughing.
“Lady Brigid?”
“Yes, Nell?”
“When are ye and Sir Duncan going to handfast?”
Duncan had been drinking from his mug, when he choked on its contents sputtering ale everywhere.
Brigid swallowed. “Handfast?”
“Aye. ’Tis only right, especially the way he looks at ye and ye at him.”