A laird to Remember: Brides of Scotland Read online

  “I’ve got a plan,” she said. “Meet me at my door again in one hour.”

  Chapter Ten

  Daisy paced the floor of her room, noting that it had been five minutes over the hour she’d specified. She stopped walking, twisting her hands. He was probably stuck in conversation with Colin, but she needed him here in her room.

  First, because this evening had been trying and she drew strength from him. But mostly because she was no longer afraid and she needed to show him how much she loved him for her confidence.

  There was finally a soft knock at the door, so quiet she could have missed the sound. Daisy stared for just a second, she cocked her head before she raced for the door and pulled it open.

  He leaned against the jam, one eyebrow cocked. “What’s yer plan?”

  By way of answer, she stepped into the doorway, her body a breath from his as she tilted her chin up. Then slowly rising on her tiptoes, she pressed her mouth to his. “If you can’t come in here, I’ll go to your room.”

  His hand snaked around her waist, pulling her against his body and closing the distance between them. “I like that plan.”

  She let her hands wander down his chest, marveling at the hard ridges of his body. “Lead the way.”

  In answer he picked her up, as he was want to do and headed for the back stairs. “I’m glad ye waited fer me to escort ye down.”

  “Is Price still in the house?” She wrapped her arms about his neck.

  “No. As soon as he was revived, Colin tossed him out. The whole while he was blubbering about how he needed yer hand and the contract or his debtors would toss him in prison. The man has no shame.”

  Daisy frowned. It was as she’d expected. Lord Price needed money and he’d thought she could provide it. “Thank goodness you were here to keep me from making a giant mistake.”

  He stopped. “Ye would have figured it out. Just like ye were doing a fantastic job of defending yerself.”

  She appreciated those words. It was important that she acknowledge her own strength. “All the same, I’m glad you’re here to help. I’m ready to be myself again.”

  He started moving down the hall, opening a door and then quickly closing it, so that they were in the dark interior of a room. He set her down and quickly lit a candle, casting a soft light. “I’m ready to be myself too.” Then he returned to her, and holding her face, gave her a long, slow kiss. “The man who trusts his heart to a woman.”

  She held his forearms as the kiss lengthened. Finally she pulled away. “Everyone gets their heart broken by the wrong person. Don’t you think?”

  He shrugged. “I suppose yer right. It seems natural.”

  Her fingers danced along the hair of his arms, his rough skin underneath. “It’s just that Ailish underscored what your father had been saying to you all along.”

  He grimaced. “Now that is the truth.”

  “But he was wrong. You are strong and honorable and hardworking. You’ll make an excellent laird.”

  He looked down at her smiling. “And ye are strong too. I ken ye’ll make a wonderful wife.”

  Her chest swelled. There was no more fear and that was such a nice place to be. “I love you, Blake Abott.”

  He smiled and then kissed her again, his lips slanting hers open as his tongue brushed hers.

  Desire coursed through her body at the touch and she groaned into his mouth. His hands slid up and down the dressing gown that covered her night rail, then he moved his hands to the tie and loosened the fabric. She felt a rush of cool air before he pressed his front to hers again. But this time Daisy could feel his muscles, the flat of his abdomen, and the bulge in the front of his trousers.

  Excitement and just a touch of fear made her breath catch as he slid his hands under the robe, skimming his fingers up and down her back. “Are ye all right?”

  She nodded. “I’m good. I’m so happy to be with you. It’s just that I don’t know quite what to expect and…”

  He nodded. “I’ll tell ye everything before and we can stop whenever ye wish. Daisy, this is about building ye up and creating a life together that is filled with passion and love. I wouldn’t want tae do anything that would damage that now.”

  Her heart hammered in her chest at his words. He was the perfect man for her.

  * * *

  Blake skimmed his fingers down the perfect arch in Daisy’s back and over the plump curve of her behind. His cock strained in his pants but his mind maintained reason. He understood that Daisy needed every ounce of patience he had and he’d give her that now.

  “Will it hurt?” she asked, pulling away.

  “Aye,” he answered, cupping her cheek. “Just the first time.” He brushed her hair back, his chest aching at the thought of hurting her.

  She nodded, fisting her hands in his shirt. “That’s all right.”

  He shook his head. “No. It’s not.” He could feel her tension. “There are other things we can do. There’s no need for us to be completely together tonight. Let’s just enjoy each other tonight. It’s a celebration after all.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “Other things we can do?”

  He stroked his thumb down the column of her neck, tracing her collarbone and then running down her chest until he reached the swell of her breast. Then, ever so gently, he circled his thumb around her nipple, feeling the flesh rise into a stiff peak.

  She gasped. “Oh, that does feel lovely.”

  He held back a growl of satisfaction. “Let me show you more.” He continued his slow circling of her nipple until the flesh tightened so fully, she squirmed underneath his touch. Only then did he lower his mouth to her skin. It was still covered with her night rail but he sucked the nipple into his mouth.

  She cried out, arching into his touch. “Will it all feel this good?”

  In answer, he slid a hand down her side, over her lower stomach and between her legs, cupping her covered mound in his palm. “Let me show you just how pleasurable it can be.”

  She shivered and then moaned, pressing into the touch.

  He continued to touch her, and she moved him back until his legs hit the bed. Blake let her go, to pull off his shirt and then he lowered himself down, pulling her on top of him. He needed to be careful of her shoulder, but he had a most excellent plan.

  Daisy’s legs naturally settled on either side of his hips, her night rail riding up her thighs. He pulled the fabric tighter and then rubbed his middle finger along her seam. She was so wet and her hips started moving in tandem with his touch.

  His manhood throbbed with need but his pleasure would have to wait. Instead, he pulled the rail up over her head, sitting them both up. He kissed her bare chest, the skin of her abdomen pressing to his, her flesh so silky and soft.

  And when he kissed her bare nipple, she bucked against his hand, pushing one of his fingers into her channel. She spasmed around the digit, so tight and wet he could barely breathe. But this wasn’t how he wanted to finish her. Laying back down, he pulled her hips forward, settling her legs on either side of his head.

  “Blake?” she asked, a touch of fear in her voice.

  Her hands covered her breasts and he reached up to stroke her arm. “Don’t worry, love. No pain, only pleasure. You’re on top of me and in charge. You can get off whenever you’d like.”

  She nodded her arms relaxing. With that, he held her hips and breathed in her heady scent. Intoxicating.

  Lifting his head a bit, he ran his tongue along the same path his fingers had been tracing. He heard her gasp and he smiled with satisfaction, repeating the same motion over and over. She responded by rocking her hips to match his movement, her back arching.

  The tempo increased until he knew she was near ready to finish and then he inserted a finger inside her again. She exploded over him, her body spasming in pleasure.

  Victory sang in his blood as Daisy curled back over, kissing his forehead. “That was…” she slid her hips back, so that she could settled her torso on top of
his, “amazing.”

  “It was.” He chuckled, kissing her neck. His body ached for release but he wrapped his hands about her waist.

  “When you had your finger inside me.” She looked down at his hands. “Is that where your…” A flush filled her cheeks, “goes?”

  He raised his eyebrows even as his jaw tensed. He didn’t want to discuss where his cock most wanted to be. “My manhood? Yes.”

  He started to sit up, thinking it best to tuck her back into bed. If she were asleep, he wouldn’t be so tempted but she lightly pushed him back down. “And it fits?”

  “It fits.” His ground his back teeth.

  She sat up then, leaning back and working the falls of his breeches. His breath ceased as she opened his pants, his cock springing out. And then, God save him, she touched his male flesh, wrapping her fingers about it, testing its size, its feel.

  “Soft,” she murmured. “And hard.”

  He might have chuckled, but it came out more like he was choking as she explored his cock head. “Your mouth felt so good. Would my mouth feel good to you?”

  He wanted to say yes but his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth as she lowered herself down, placing a small kiss on the tip. Then she licked and finally she sucked. He gripped the blankets as reason abandon him completely.

  * * *

  Daisy loved learning how to be intimate with him. Everything about making love to Blake made her feel powerful, not weak at all. He’d been achingly gentle and infinitely understanding. What was a little pain when faced with a man who had brought her back to life?

  Sliding back up his body, his manhood settled between her legs, pushing at her opening. She let the tip part her folds and he began sliding into her channel. She tensed a bit as her skin stretched but taking a deep breath, she pushed down, allowing him to fill her even as a ripping pain tour through her lower half.

  “Daisy,” he gasped, grabbing her hips in his hands.

  They both stilled and she kissed him then as the pain slowly receded. “Will it hurt when I move again?” she asked.

  He shook his head. “I don’t ken. I’ve never been with a maiden before.”

  Her eyes widened. “I’m your first?”

  He licked his lips, searching her eyes. “Yes. The first woman who was a virgin.” He kissed her, long and deep. “But also the first woman I’ve ever truly loved.”

  His confession made her insides go soft and, growing brave, she wiggled her hips, testing the feel. To her surprise there was only a bit of pain. She gave him a glowing smile. “I love you, too.”

  She started to move a bit more but he held her hips firmer. “Am I hurting you now?” she asked, biting her lower lip.

  “Of course not. You feel…” His eyes closed. “Incredible. But I promised you time. I have to warn you if I spill my seed inside you, we’ll have to marry soon.”

  She paused, leaning down to give him a soft kiss. “I’m ready to be your wife. I don’t know why I was scared. No one has ever made me feel as safe as you.”

  He didn’t answer, instead moving his hips to pull out and then push back inside her. Soon their bodies were moving together in an increasing rhythm that left her breathless.

  He spasmed underneath her, letting out a load groan of satisfaction. Holding his face with her hands, she kissed him again. This was how they were meant to be.

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later…

  Daisy stood in the entryway flanked by Rose and Fiona, and her sister, Lily, just behind her, fluffing out the long train of her sky-blue chiffon gown.

  Today was her wedding day.

  Nervous butterflies of excitement flitted through her stomach as outside the crunch of carriage wheels on the gravel permeated the interior of the house. It was nearly time to leave for the church.

  Her breath caught and she scrunched her hands in her skirt. “Don’t,” Rose said grabbing her hand. “You’ll crinkle the fabric.”

  Lily laughed softly from behind her. “She really is in love if she’s willing to wrinkle her gown.”

  Fiona laughed too as she gave Daisy’s arm a light squeeze. “I’m so happy for you.”

  She swallowed a lump in her throat. “Thank you.” She eased her fingers out of the folds of her gown, pressing them to her stomach instead. “I’m so nervous.”

  Rose narrowed her gaze. “You’re not worried you’ve made the wrong choice?”

  Daisy gave her head a quick shake. “Nothing like that. I am excited.”

  Lily’s hands fiddled with a few tendrils of hair. “If only I could go back to talk to us as we sat huddled in the terrible inn on the Docklands. I wish I could tell us that our lives were about to change and that it worked out wonderfully for all of us.”

  A gentle smile touched her lips. It had, indeed. Rose had been correct, not that she’d share that with her older sister. But marrying a laird, staying in Scotland, this was where she belonged. Blake was where she belonged.

  “Are we ready?” Fiona asked, starting for the door.

  With a nod, Daisy followed, her sisters trailing behind. They piled into the carriage, an excited silence filling the space.

  In just a few minutes, they’d made their way to the small chapel on the property. As the carriage drew to a stop, Rose took her hand. “This is it.”

  She closed her eyes for a brief second before she opened them again. “I’m beyond ready.”

  Everyone laughed as Colin snapped open the door, helping each of the women out. “What’s so funny?”

  Fiona grinned. “We have a bride anxiously awaiting her groom.”

  Colin chuckled. “He’ll be glad tae ken she’s here too. He’s been pacing in front of the altar for the last twenty minutes. He’s going to wear out the floor.”

  A giggling burst from the group, Daisy included. She could hardly wait to see him, hold his hands in hers, feel his warmth against her skin. “Patience is not his strongest suit.”

  “Well then,” Colin offered her his arm, ready to escort her in place of her father. “Let’s get started.”

  She slid her hand into Colin’s arm, the other ladies trailing behind her. She gave one quick glance back at Rose, who winked in response.

  Today, Blake would be hers forever.

  They stepped into the church and it took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dim light within. But once it did, she saw him standing at the front, Tom just to his right. Her breath caught. He looked so tall and handsome, it was all she could do to walk calmly down the aisle. Daisy wanted to run to his side.

  He straightened as they approached and then took the last few steps to take her hand in his. “Daisy,” he murmured, her name sounding like a caress.

  “Blake,” she answered, both her hands sliding into his. “Ready?”

  His smile was soft, warm, and mirrored all the emotion she felt deep within her heart. “Ready.”

  They stepped up in front of the priest as their family and friends fanned out around them.

  Together, they shared their vows, their words filling the high ceilings.

  “You may kiss your bride,” the priest finally announced as a cheer rose up from the group.

  His lips covered hers in a quick kiss that left her breathless.

  They’d done it. They’d married.

  Daisy leaned back, looking into the strong lines of his face. There was no fear anymore. The rightness of what they’d just done settled over her like a thick blanket on a cold day. “My future has finally arrived.”

  He cupped her cheek, kissing her again. “Mine too.”

  “I love you,” she whispered, her hands grasping his wrists. “Now and always.”

  His forehead pressed to hers. “I love you too.”

  When Only an Indecent Duke Will Do

  Romancing the Rake

  Tammy Andresen

  Prologue

  Early Spring London 1818

  Raithe, the Baron of Balstead, watched as his last two victims walked through the door. Good. T
hey were all here.

  He’d carefully chosen this cast of characters, his soon-to-be house guests. He needed them for a very particular purpose, though he had no intention of telling them what that purpose was.

  This was a situation where it was best to lie.

  He found many situations were that way. Not all of them, of course. But here, at his gentlemen’s club, where drinking and gambling were the primary activities, it was all about the bluff. Just to his right sat three friends. Lord Dashlane, Lord Crestwood and Lord Craven. They were his first three potential…guests.

  Craven was one of the few men in England that actually frightened him a bit. Quiet and sullen, he was also tall and well-muscled. He looked quick as a snake and equally as deadly. Then there was Dashlane, Blond with a flashing smile, he was a charmer to be sure. Crestwood was dark-haired and handsome. All three liked their fair share of women and liquor but he’d seen them defend a group of harlots that another band of ruffians had attempted to rob and that put these gents on his list.

  “Are you going to tell us what this is about?” Dashlane asked, bringing his whisky to his lips.

  “In a minute,” he answered, holding up a finger. A wide range of patrons/guests crowded the club tonight, seats limited, which worked for him. His last two players had entered the club but hadn’t picked him out the crowd yet.

  The Duke of Rathmore made his way through the mash of people and stopped directly in front of Raithe. Rathmore turned to his cousin and best friend, Lord Hartwell. “Don’t you love the smell of leather, cigars, and good whisky?”

  Hartwell rolled his eyes. “I prefer brandy and thank goodness we missed the speaker,” he quietly announced as he brushed back his rich brown hair. “I’ve no appetite for politics today.”

  Rathmore raised his brow. “What’s gotten into you?”