A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) by Hildie McQueen (great novels TXT) 📕

Darach nodded. “I expected that Mother would try to convince ye to remain.”

Obviously, there was more Darach wished to say on the topic as he waited for Ewan’s response. His family had always been close. In a way, they had to be in order to stand united against the ruthlessness of the patriarch. Their father had done his best to divide the brothers, to bring some to hate the ones who disobeyed him.

It had worked when they were younger, until they grew up and realized how unbalanced the man truly was. Their father’s animosity toward Caelan, the son from his mistress, had driven Duncan to move out of the family home.

While, the other brothers often went from one home to the other, depending on what occurred at the keep, Darach had always remained. The eldest knew he’d be laird one day and had done his best to stay there to keep an eye on whatever his father did.

“I miss being here. This will always be my home. I am thankful that ye are at the helm now,” Ewan said. He met Darach’s gaze for a long time. “I hope ye and the rest of the family will travel to my new home to visit.”

Darach nodded. “Of course.”

***

The bedchamber was dark and a bit cool. Ewan sunk into the bedding and visions swam before him.

His arms wrapped around her body, pulling her under him, needing access to every delectable inch.

She squirmed under him, her lips curving as his hardness pressed against her inner thigh.

“I am hard for ye,” he murmured, looking into her beautiful amber brown eyes. “So very hard.”

It was then the enticing pink buds caught his attention, and he took to them with unreserved hunger, sucking on one and then the other while her moans of pleasure enveloped him.

The creaminess of her skin delighted his senses, each satiny inch passing beneath his fingertips as he trailed them lazily up her legs until reaching her apex.

Her mound fit perfectly in his palm and he slid a finger between the moist folds. Her moan was like music.

At the same time, her hands were all over his body. She dug her nails into the back of his thighs and bottom.

Lowering her head, she licked lightly over his nipples until he, too, let out a moan.

Finally, he thrust into her body and the grip of her sex around his length brought a gasp that seemed to echo in the darkness.

Again and again, he plunged fully into her, the sound of flesh against flesh floating around him. It would not be long. He’d not last. That was a pity as he hated the thought of their time together coming to an end so soon.

Bright heat pooled between his legs and Ewan’s body quaked with the need to release.

“Kiss me.” Her soft whisper played in his ears. “Kiss me, Ewan.”

His mouth opened wide in a silent scream as every inch of his body grew taut and then he came, his seed spilling, hot and wet.

To his dismay, she disappeared.

Ewan rolled over to his side, his hand still tightly gripping his manhood. It wasn’t the first time he’d done it…thought of Catriona while pleasuring himself.

Blowing out a breath and looking around the empty bedchamber, he was glad to have the room alone. Hopefully, he’d not been so loud that Naill, who slept next door, overheard.

He had to marry. He needed a woman. It wouldn’t do to continuously dream about a woman he could not have.

Catriona’s last words came to mind. She’d come to him and apologized and admitted to caring about him. He’d not meant to be cruel when insinuating that she’d only done so because he was to be laird. Although it was actually the first hurtful thought that came to mind.

The accusation, as unfair as it was, had served its purpose. Catriona had become angry. Of course, he knew she wasn’t the kind to marry for position or title. It was not in her nature. She’d left everyone behind to be with her friend.

He was the one who’d convinced her to travel so far. The new location and home had, in fact, proven to be the best thing for her.

She’d grown stronger, more outgoing. According to Esme, Ruari’s wife, Catriona was more like the woman she’d been before the attack.

As much as he wanted to trust her, experience had taught him that love was a dangerous thing. It was the act of exposing oneself to be torn from limb to limb, left for dead without the ability or the energy to defend oneself. Catriona had not touched her heart when turning down his marriage offer. She had sent him away without any regard for his feelings.

The woman he married would be someone unremarkable. Not so much in looks, but someone who’s personality and manner would not be attractive to him. He wished for a good wife, a good mother, but not someone he could ever love.

Then again, that could be Catriona, because what he felt for her now was indifference.

Chapter Seventeen

Catriona sat back, her mouth open.

In the room, Malcolm and his wife, Elspeth, watched her with interest. Elspeth smiled. “It shouldn’t come as a surprise. I know he proposed to ye before.”

This time, Ewan was asking for her hand in marriage through the laird and his wife. He wasn’t present as he’d told them it would be easier for Catriona to make the decision. She looked to Esme, who seemed to be holding back a smile.

“It is not funny,” she finally said to her friend. “Why is he proposing so formally?”

Malcolm cleared his throat. “I believe it is because I had to approve the match. He is to be laird and things