“You. Left. Me.” He closed the door behind him, heaved her up against the wall and pressed his big body against every inch of hers. “I take it this your grandparents’ cottage?”
“Aye, and they’ll be back soon, right after they’ve run an errand. They’re collecting mounts from the harbor village for our ride to Dunscaith. I willnae be alone in my coming mission. Grandma is a compeller and they’ve both agreed two compellers will be stronger than one. I’ll ensure Gavin is halted, as will my grandparents as well.”
“You’re no’ going anywhere near Dunscaith. My decision at the cavern still stands.” He hauled his belt free, grasped her hands together and strapped the thick leather around her wrists before cinching it tight. “You’ll be locked away within Ardan’s walls where no harm can possibly come to you. Ivor is with me and he too will ensure that is so.”
“Duncan, you cannae bind me in this way.”
“I am, and I have.” From his pocket, he pulled out a wad of cloth and stuffed it in her mouth then wrapped a length of tartan around her head to keep it in place. “’Twill be I alone who deals with Gavin MacDonald. Am I understood?”
“Nay,” she mumbled into the cloth and pushed the wad free with her tongue, his binding around her mouth not nearly as tight as he should have made it to keep it in place. “Dinnae do to me as your father did to your mother. He kept her bound and contained. I willnae allow you to keep me as your prisoner, nor beat down my spirit and control me.” Squirming for release, she lashed out and swung her leg.
He blocked her kick with his leg, stuffed the wad of cloth back into her mouth then moved to tighten the knot at the back of her head, but suddenly stilled, his hands shaking and agony flaring across his face. “You truly believe I’m treating you just as my father so badly treated my mother?”
She spat the wad back out and the strip slipped down to her neck. “You are treating me as if you own me, wishing only to bend me to your will. Duncan, you dinnae have your father’s devious nature, only your mother’s strong heart. What did Beth want when she learnt of your father’s true intent?”
“To run from him.”
“Do you wish for me to desire the same as well? To run from you.”
“Nay, never.” Stumbling back a step, such anguish pooled in his eyes. “What am I doing?”
“You only wish to keep me safe and I understand your need, but I am no’ a lass you can easily bend to your will. Remove my bindings.” She gentled her tone, searched his gaze and stuck her hands out toward him. “No man who truly loves his wife would ever bind her in such a way.”
“You’re right.” Disgust laced his tone and he hauled the binding from her hands free, his hands still shaking as he shoved back and paced the room. “I’m so sorry, Ella. You deserve a far better husband than me.”
“You are the only man I want”—she stepped in his path, halted him in place—“but most of all, I want your trust. I can see to this mission and bring Gavin’s destructive strikes to a stop. You must believe in me, have faith that I can do as I’ve said.”
“I understand your skill is strong, but even so I still fear for your safety. You can never halt that from arising. You also ran away from me, and that I can never allow again.”
“I agree running was no’ wise, but you truly left me with no other choice. If you promise me that you’ll never bind me in such a way again, I promise to never run.” Needing him so desperately, likely as he needed her too, she worked the ties on his pants loose and freed his cock, which hardened and pushed eagerly into her hands. “Do we have an agreement?”
“Aye, we do.” He hoisted up her skirts and thrust into her, so fast she almost lost her breath. “By the way, you forgive far too quickly.”
“Oh my.” Filled to the brim with him, she clutched his broad shoulders, this moment so sweetly necessary. “’Tis worth forgiving quickly to ensure this kind of joining.”
“I couldnae stand our parting.” He gripped her backside, lifted her up and dropped her back down on top of him.
“Mmm, neither could I. Do that again.”
“I am so fortunate to have you as mine.” Growling low in his throat, he took possession of her mouth, his kiss thrilling as he thrust his tongue between her lips and did exactly as she’d asked. He thrust into her, over and over until she moaned her pleasure.
Duncan tried to pull himself back, to not take Ella so madly against the wall, only her forgiveness made his need for her roar though with such fierce intensity. As he pounded into her, he tugged the low neckline of her gown down and lifted one breast free. Head dipped, he suctioned his mouth around the hard nipple, his desire to mark and brand her with his kisses all that drove him. He tasted and devoured her and she thrashed against him, her gasps for more sending him half crazed. With his pants sliding to his knees and her bottom in his hands, he tumbled her to the floor.