Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (reading women .txt) 📗

and grew deeper. Her body began to relax as he rubbed her arms lightly. Leaning back, he looked into her eyes and whispered, “Trust me, Katherine.”

His kisses breaking down her resistance, she admitted, “I don’t know what to do.”

“Just enjoy my touch. That is all I ask.”

His hands moved down her legs and his face nuzzled into her neck. She responded with a light groan. Ian slid the shift up and removed it quickly without giving her a chance to protest. Feeling exposed she reached for the blanket, but he took her hands away softly rubbing them and guiding them around his neck. She complied and rubbed his back. He began to explore her body, and she felt her resistance begin to dissolve. Her body was responding, and the feelings were nothing that she had ever experienced. It was not as painful as she had heard servants speak about. It was so special and now she understood why—because it was a gift for married couples. She couldn’t imagine having such an experience with anyone other than Ian.

He lay beside her holding his head up with his elbow. Staring down at her, his body shook. “That was better than I ever imagined it could be. I have never felt so close to any woman before. I wanted to possess not just your body, but your mind and thoughts.”

Katherine smiled shyly. “Did I please you?”

Ian bent down and kissed her on the cheek. “Very much. I love you more than you know.”

She kissed him in return. “I love you too. Is it always like this?”

He shook his head. “Definitely not. What we have is special. I think if you love someone, it can get even better. I have never loved anyone but you.”

She took in a deep breath and rubbed his arm, deep in thought.

He furrowed his brow. “What is wrong?”

“Do you think your family will like me? After all, I am English.”

“I will flay anyone who doesn’t like you.”

“Stop teasing. I am serious. I hope your mother accepts me.”

He bent down and kissed her again. “I believe she will. I told my brother, who is also our laird, that we will be coming home to marry within a fortnight of arriving. I want there to be no doubt that our marriage is legal. Besides, if I get you with child, I want no talk about the legitimacy.”

She rubbed her lips together searching his face. He squeezed her. “Katherine, don’t worry. I don’t care what anyone says about the English. I love you. And I will fight to the death any man that tries to separate us. The wedding is only a formality, you are already my wife and now our vows have been consummated. We are married for better or worse.”

He smiled and blew out the remaining candle. She snuggled beside him as they fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter 14

Katherine was woken the next day by Ian kissing her all over her face. She twisted around and pulled the blankets over her head giggling. He straddled and tickled her until she gasped for breath.

“Stop! Oh please…” she begged, laughing hard until he released her, and she came up from under the covers. Sitting up, she spotted some bead and ale on the table. “I am famished. I slept like a rock.”

He smiled, walking to the table to get her some food. “Hmm… You should be well rested. You took up most of the bed and I ended up on the floor listening to you snore.”

Her face burned with embarrassment, a retort heavy on her lips. Before she could say anything, she watched the amusement in his eyes. “I love jesting with you. Seriously, how do you feel?” He sat on the bed staring at her with a satisfied smile on his face.

“I feel wonderful. I love being your wife and can’t wait to spend my days with you.” She took a bite of bread, washing it down with ale.

“I love being your husband.” He bent down and kissed her. “I will let you finish eating and getting dressed. When you are finished, we can take a walk and see the ocean.”

They spent the day together enjoying the ocean breeze. That night they made love and spoke about their future. The next morning, they reached landfall and bid goodbye to the captain and his crew. Ian bought a few horses in Edinburgh for them to ride with his men. The riding was hard, and they spent the next two nights by campfires unable to be with each other intimately. They didn’t stop much along the way, as Ian wanted to get to his family’s castle as soon as possible and announce his intentions to marry Katherine.

After a grueling day of traveling, they passed a ridge and Katherine eyed a huge castle surrounded by lakes and villages. The massive structure was built into the side of a mountain, surrounded by many towers. There were two villages encircled by the walls with separate gates with many village stores, stables, and numerous guards. It was the biggest castle she had ever seen.

“My home, my love. Your new home.” He squeezed her tightly and rode a little faster. Ian’s men had traveled ahead once they reached his land to announce their arrival. A sudden bout of nerves ran through Katherine.

Arriving at the gates, Katherine snuggled closer to Ian. She felt safe near him and wanted a shield from any prying eyes who questioned her heritage or relationship with him.

The guards acknowledged Ian and opened the gates. Well-dressed women and men lined up near the entrance. Ian slid off the horse and spoke in Gaelic to the group. Katherine recognized his brother from the earlier meeting and she guessed the other men standing beside him were Ian’s other brothers. A couple of pretty women came up to Ian and embraced him. One was older and looked very regal. Ian turned and assisted Katherine off the horse. He spoke in English, “Mother, this