Highland Daydreams

Bram’s kiss was urgent and demanding. All thought and reason left Lara’s mind. She felt her spirit lifted as if she soared through the heavens. His touch, his kiss, unlocked desires within her she never knew she had, or even thought possible. This, she knew, would change everything; but for that moment, she did not care. She did not care whether she angered her father, or if Dermot found her, for she felt the courage to face both of them.

Bram firmly pressed his tongue against her lips encouraging her to open. Once Lara submitted to him, Bram deepened the kiss. As Bram’s hands vigorously moved up and down her back, he pressed her tighter against him, causing a flood of uncertain sensations. Lara could feel awareness of her body’s need as she felt an aching desire in the most secret parts of her body.

As their lips pulled apart, they both gasped for air. Lara drew in a long and shaky breath. She did not want to fight her feelings any longer and she did not want to push him away. She welcomed his kisses, though she knew it was wrong of her to do so.

Before he lost all of his dignity and righteousness, Bram had to break the kiss. His need for her had become u

“The hour is late and ye need yer rest,” he told her as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Are ye leaving?”

Bram kissed her forehead, her cheeks, and her lips.

“Nay, lass,” he smiled down at her. “I am no’ leaving ye, but I must return to the other room before the sun rises and we are caught in bed together. I di

“Will ye come back in the morning?” Lara anxiously asked wanting him to be there by her side when her father arrived.

“Aye, lass. I will.”

Lara’s eyes fluttered closed, and she quickly faded into a deep sleep. When Bram was certain Lara was fast asleep, he rolled out of bed, snatched his tunic from the floor, and headed to the room down the hall for the remainder of the night. He was in awe of what had transpired between them, and looked forward to tomorrow, when he could kiss her again.

Chapter 18

A loud commotion outside the window woke Lara out of a deep sleep. She jumped out of bed and ran to the window to see what was occurring just outside. More than fifty horses came barreling across the drawbridge and emerged into the courtyard.

The horses were draped in red and blue royal trappings while their riders were dressed in armor. In the center of the assembly of riders, a large man with black hair stood out from the rest. He sat high upon his horse and wore fine furs around his wide shoulders. Next to him, sitting atop their horses, were John and heather. So anxious was she to see them, Lara could have leapt from the window.

She quickly turned and left the room, ru

She quickly slipped her dress on over her chemise, then pulled on her boots, not even having the time or patience to tie the leather straps. She left the room ru

“John, Father,” Lara cried out and ran towards them.

John noticed Lara first as she bumped past a group of men trying to reach them. Giving her a smile, he held his arms out to the crying lass.

“Lara!” he said, as she fell into his embrace. “What are ye doing here?”

“I must talk to both of ye in private. It is of great importance,” she said, looking at both her brother and her father.

William nervously looked about the room and grabbed onto Lara’s arm, escorting her into an adjacent chamber. The room was small, with four chairs around a circular table. Hung on the walls were portraits of the Magnusson Royal family, and books were stacked high on shelves around the room. Lara was amazed; she had never seen so many books.

In a demanding and angered tone, her father asked, “Why are ye here, and where is yer husband?”

“He is no’ here, Father. I traveled here wit’ an escort.”

Lara had never seen such anger in her father’s eyes before. She tried to continue, but he immediately stopped her.

“Ye have nay business here. Ye will return to Scotland on the first boat.”

“But Father, ye must listen.”

“Nay, ye listen! I married ye off to Laird Moray. Ye are nay longer my responsibility. We have a contract with their clan fer this union,” he yelled and slammed his fist on the table.

Lara’s bottom lip trembled, and her eyes grew misty. Talking to him was useless. He truly had cast her to the wolves. But why? Why did he hate her so much? Lara ran out the door in tears, and John followed.

“Damnation, if that lass ruins everything I have worked for,” William muttered to himself.

John caught up with Lara in the garden. She had been sitting on the bench, crying with her head in her hands. Slowly, he approached her, not wanting to frighten her.

“Lara. Ye can no’ run away every time he yells at ye,” he said, sitting down next to her and placing his hand on her shoulder for comfort.

“I di

“I di

“Dermot…he is a treacherous mon, John. He lied about his wealth. He is nay richer than a lone peasant. English soldiers came to our keep, and when he could no’ pay, he gave them me in exchange for his debt. I spent weeks in a dungeon, was treated cruelly. They barely fed me or allowed me to sleep.” She sputtered, trying to catch her breath.

John’s look of concern was etched on his face. “How did ye escape and travel this far all on yer own?”

“I killed the guard. And I have no’ travelled alone. My escort is a Highland warrior. He is a verra brave and honorable mon.”

“A Highlander!” John looked astonished.

“Aye. John, I can nay go back to Foley Castle. I believe Dermot may already ken I escaped the dungeon; he sent men to search fer me. I fear if he finds me, he will kill me. Please di

“Lass, I am yer brother. I will protect ye. Have ye told anyone else this story since ye have been here?”

“Nay.”

“Good. I di