Claiming the Highlander Read Online Free PDF

happening to him, they come to him with every small worry and complaint. I cannot have him trying to get up from the bed, let alone vowing to cut off their heads. He needs his rest and peace. Can you please give it to him? Can you give me that as well?”
    “Aye, I shall.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Caelen sucked in the night air to banish the miasma of sickness that lodged in his nostrils and clung to him. He marched straight to the sea wall. He opened the gate and hooked his clothes on it. Naked, he dove into the loch. He cut through the water, letting the cold, refreshing water surround him.
    He continued on until his chest burned and his body demanded air. He broke the surface. He flicked back his hair and saw the walkway of the castle walls as the numerous braziers’ flames licked at the darkness.
    With his father’s death and the council, he was in a difficult situation, but with Brenna and her father making demands, he had much more to deal with. His marriage along with the lands and titles raised the clan’s standing and he had to do more than keep it, he had to increase the MacKenzies’ standing. First, he needed to bring peace to these lands for his parents’ wellbeing. No matter that he wasn’t a man of peace. He’d figure it out.
    The second problem he faced was Brenna. He wasn’t sure how to solve that one. He swam back. Wearing only his plaid, he returned to his chamber.
    He paused just inside his childhood chamber. It had been invaded. The scent of roses, cloves, and balsam filled his nostrils. Leines hung from every peg and draped over an elaborate trunk. A decorative pitcher and bowl rested on a small table along with combs and two wooden boxes. He shut the door.
    A mirror rested on a small table shoved in the corner, along with a cluster of wildflowers in a pitcher. The table had never been there. All he had was a bed and a stool. He hadn’t required more. The stool had a MacKenzie plaid-covered cushion on it, along with two other stools and the same covered cushions. Brenna had taken over his space. Did she require all this? He turned to the bed. There were new bed curtains and linens. A little mound laid beneath the linens, curled in a fetal position. The sheeting emphasized the dip of her waist and the flare of her hips.
    He stripped off his plaid and tossed it on the stool. He slipped into bed. A hint of heated roses swirled around him. Her soft breathing had him turning toward her. He tucked her braid against her and wrapped an arm around her waist. He drew her into him. She fit perfectly against him.
    He nuzzled his cheek against her hair. He felt her wake. She rested her hand over his own as his fingers spread over her stomach.
    “Stop pretending you are asleep,” he said with a chuckle.
    “I am not. I’m luxuriating in this. That is all.” Pleasure lightened her tone but he heard something else, a bit of naughtiness.
    She intertwined her fingers with his. With her other hand, she smoothed down the short hairs dusting his forearm. He buried his nose in the nape of her neck. He nuzzled the tender spot, smelling her soapy freshness, as he lulled himself to sleep. His body had a different plan. His manhood stirred.
    She twisted around and lifted the sheets. “Are you nude?”
    “Aye, that’s how I sleep.”
    “Even during battle?” She sounded incredulous. “I have never seen one. I overheard the laundry maids speaking of men’s”—she pointed to his crotch— “They spoke of being poked and men boasting. I even saw servants sneaking about, but I have never seen one. Can you light a candle?”
    He closed his eyes for patience. “You are not ogling me, Brenna. Tonight, we sleep because we have much to do.”
    “We?”
    “Aye, these men that arrived with you, we will meet them tomorrow.”
    She placed a peck on his cheek. “We do have much to do.” She scooted down and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Night, tomorrow night we may have martial relationship.”
     
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