Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"My… duties?" Anna said, a tinge of fear coloring her tone as she gripped the arms of her chair.
"Aye," Hugh replied, trying to keep his voice soft so as to refrain from scaring her further. He didn't want her to feel as though she were a prisoner, but she was to fill a role in the clan. "Perhaps it may be easier to look at them as rules rather than duties. Though they're the same either way."
"And what are those duties?" she asked after a long moment. "It will be for the good of the clan, will it not?"
"Aye. And all I ask of ye is that ye do yer best," Hugh said. "I daenae think ye're goin' to step in and ken everythin'. Me people, our people, they're patient. And I think they like ye already."
She absorbed that, nodding slowly at the reassurance. Her shoulders relaxed slightly, and Hugh shifted closer in his seat. She hadn't shut him out, nor did she raise a fuss.
"The first rule, or duty, whichever ye prefer, is that ye must handle the affairs of the people," he said, watching to gauge her reaction to the assignment. "I have other duties that I must attend to. Ye will handle arguments, celebrations, and anythin' in between."
The soft smile returned to her face. When she met his eyes, she said, "I believe I can do that."
"Good," he praised. "Ye will get to ken everyone quite well. I think ye will enjoy that part of yer duties."
"I believe I will as well," she said, excitement flashing in her bright green irises. "Though I don't have much experience with people. It may take time."
"Ye will get there," Hugh assured her. "Best ye daenae stress yerself too much. If ye need assistance, me maither will be more than happy to guide ye."
It was clear that Anna hadn't had many friends in her life. Hugh knew that once she had time to adjust, she'd be excellent in the role, though. She was kind and understanding. Once she realized she was capable of fulfilling the role, he knew she'd do it well.
"That's a relief," Anna breathed. "And what else will I need to do?"
"Ye will also be in charge of handlin' the household," Hugh continued. "Ye'll work with the cooks and the maids. Ye'll assign chambers to our guests, and ye'll plan menus for the celebrations that will be held in the castle."
She giggled, leaning forward slightly as she said, "You had me believing that my job would be painstakingly difficult."
"Nay, I didnae," Hugh said, unable to hide his smirk. She brought out a playful side of him that he couldn't help but indulge. "Though perhaps this next directive will be a bit harder."
"Is that so?" she asked, cocking her head innocently. "And what is my final rule or… duty?"
"Ye must bear me an heir," he said, letting his tone become serious. "That is the most important of yer duties."
The statement made Anna withdraw into her space. She watched him, as though waiting for him to explain that he was joking. Judging by the way the air bent around her, she likely couldn't believe that he would say something such as that.
She must have known. What other reason would we be wed for? I wouldnae have simply married her for her dowry. Me lineage needs to continue as well.
"I…" she began, her face turning a pretty shade of pink. "Well, I'm not sure I'm quite ready for that yet."
"I'll give ye time to get comfortable with the idea," he said. Then, because he simply couldn't help himself, he added, "How about ye take a month to think about it? In the meantime, I'll help ye practice."
"Hugh!" she gasped, her cheeks getting red, the flush spreading down to her chest.
She's probably red everywhere. I daenae think anyone's ever spoken to her this way.
"I'm just tryin' to help," he responded, hiding his teasing behind an authoritative tone. "Ye'll only get better at things if ye practice."
Anna considered running, not because she was afraid. No, she thought about retreating because of the intense feelings stirring in her gut. The conversation was getting out of control faster than she could comprehend. She had no idea how to respond, because nothing felt appropriate.
She knew that the longer she waited to speak, the more unpredictable the situation would become. Though she was sure that he was only teasing her. Since they were married, she was the only woman he was allowed to speak to in this way.
"Well," she said, her voice coming out high-pitched and strained. Forcefully, she cleared her throat, attempting to gain control of herself once again. "Are you truly pleased with me?"
The smirk Hugh was wearing melted away. He answered slowly, as if he wasn't quite sure he'd heard the question. "Pleased with ye? Of course I am. Why wouldnae I be?"
"I'm sure you could find someone prettier than me," she admitted. While she intended to get the attention off of herself, she realized that she was drawing on old wounds that were still raw. "That's why I ask. Perhaps there's someone who could please you more."
Hugh scoffed, pushing himself to his feet. With a solemn sense of purpose, he stepped in front of Anna, kneeling so the two of them were at eye level. The conviction in his voice was so overwhelming that she found herself grateful to be sitting rather than standing.
My legs would collapse below me otherwise.
"Nay, Anna," he said, whiskey-smooth and deadly. "I'm nae interested in anyone but ye. And I willnae stop until ye believe it."
"But…" she began again, trailing off as she struggled to find an argument he wouldn't dispute.
"There's nay 'but'," he said, his strong hands landing on her knees. His focus was locked on her, pressing in on all sides. She couldn't get away, even if she wanted to. "I willnae let ye doubt me devotion. I willnae let the dobbers from yer past make ye feel as though ye arenae worthy."
"Hugh," she breathed, her legs parting as though by instinct.
The moment stretched thin between them, a blazing warmth crackling as they held each other's gaze.
Something low in Anna's stomach twisted itself into a knot, begging for Hugh to undo it, to undo her.
She swallowed hard, her throat clicking.
He tracked the contraction of her neck like a predator stalking prey.
"Ye must be more confident," he said, the lower register of his voice making gooseflesh rise on her forearms. "Ye're Lady McDonald now. That is yer place. With me. Ye understand?"
"Y–yes," she stuttered, her breath coming in harsh gasps. "Yes, I understand."
"That's me girl," he rasped, his hands tightening on her knees, pushing the skirt of her gown up slightly. "Ye're beautiful, and I cannae have ye doubtin' it."
He didn't wait for her to respond, his hands climbing higher, his touch hot against her upper thighs. Her entire body trembled, anticipation making her feel lightheaded. She couldn't look away from him, couldn't bring herself to speak for fear of shattering the fragile balance.
Part of her wanted this moment to break, though. She needed to know where the moment led, how it culminated.
"Perhaps ye need me to prove it to ye," he said, lifting himself just enough that his mouth brushed against hers. "Me actions are more important than me words, Anna."
"Perhaps," she said, finding herself leaning in closer. "Perhaps you should."
Instead of responding with his words, Hugh closed the minimal distance between them. His mouth pressed against hers, firm and warm. She allowed herself to be pulled in closer, reveling in the warm push and tug of his attention.
The hands that rested on her thighs continued bringing her dress up. It wasn't until her knees were exposed to the chill around them that he broke the contact. Without saying anything, he urged her to the front of the chair, exposing the wetness between her legs to him.
As he dragged his fingertips up her inner thighs, he said, "Ye're the most bonnie lass I've ever seen, Anna."
The way he said her name made the muscles in her belly clench. Every part of her body was crying out for something from him. If she had the words to ask, she would. She'd be begging, she was sure of it.
It's not my confidence holding me back right now. It's my lack of knowledge.
"Down here," he continued, running the tip of his forefinger through her folds. Her body offered no resistance, her legs falling open completely for him. "Ye're perfect here."
"Hugh," she whimpered as her hips twitched upward in search of more. "Hugh."
"I ken," he said, kissing his way along the silky smooth, untouched skin, getting closer and closer to her center. "I'll give ye what ye need."
True to his word, his fingers continued to work at her most private places. His mouth left searing kisses, igniting parts of her that she barely knew existed. It felt as though her body was getting wetter, asking him for more without needing to speak.
When he finally removed his hand from where it was nestled, Anna had to fight to keep from crying out in protest. Hugh didn't make her wait long, though. Several seconds later, she was treated to the burning pleasure of his tongue teasing her entrance.
As he licked her, his palms found the round curve of her breasts. He squeezed, the flesh overflowing from his hand. The realization seemed only to urge him on, a low growl emitting from his throat. Vibrations surged up through her core and bounced in her limbs.
Anna's world narrowed down to where Hugh's tongue met her body. He teased, slow and indulgent swipes of his tongue as he tasted her. The tip poked inside, his warm breath fanning against her skin, a sharp contrast to the cool air surrounding them.
Slowly, he worked one breast from the top of her gown. His fingers, just as deft as she had imagined they'd be, found the peak. Strong fingertips closed around her pebbled nipple. He squeezed, the pressure so intense that it made her head swim.
Ecstasy seemed to unfurl within her, along with a sharp pain that only made the delight better.
The muscles of her abdomen jumped, clenching and unclenching without her conscious permission.
Her thighs threatened to clamp around his head, though she couldn't tell if she wanted him to keep going, to get closer, or stop because she was on the precipice of something she couldn't name.
She let out a moan, breathy and needy, so loud someone surely could have heard. If she weren't floating on a cloud, held up by nothing but Hugh's devotion, she may have been embarrassed. Currently, her mind seemed only able to process the pleasure that she was being given.
"That's it," Hugh growled, not pulling away from her dripping core. "Let me hear ye. Let me show ye how bonnie ye are."
Another whimper escaped Anna's lips as her hands tightened on his muscular shoulders.
His mouth moved in a steady, relentless rhythm against her.
She didn't need to say how close she was to shattering; Hugh already knew.
His focus was absolute, every movement calculated to drive her right to the edge.
With expert precision, he slipped two fingers into her entrance as he moved his mouth up higher.
All of a sudden, something inside of her snapped and overflowed.
Her hands tightened as his fingers curled upward.
His tongue worked over the bundle of nerves that was driving her crazy, pushing her toward release.
"Hugh," she gasped, nearly choking as a sensation unlike any other took control of her body.
It was as if she were no longer in control of her limbs. All she could do was hold onto him, moaning as wave after wave of her climax swept through her body. Vaguely, she was aware of the noises she was making, but she didn't know how to stop them. She didn't want to stop them.
She wanted Hugh to hear.
Hugh kept up his ministrations, not stopping until the stimulation nearly tipped over from pleasure to pain. Just as she was about to push him away, he pulled back, his lips shining with proof of his devotion. The sight was nearly enough to make her heart stop.
"Do ye understand now?" he asked, standing up and cupping her face, forcing her to look at him. "There is nay one that I want more than I want ye."
"Yes," Anna said, her eyes falling closed as she leaned into the gentle touch. "I understand."
"Good lass," he growled as he connected their lips once more.
This kiss felt filthy, though she found she enjoyed it more than the two they'd shared before. He moved as though he wanted to devour her, to take everything she had to give. And, at that moment, she was sure that she'd let him have anything he asked for.
When the two pulled apart, her eyes drifted to Hugh's waist, between his legs.
His arousal was obvious, though he was doing nothing to draw attention to it, almost as if he were making her the sole focus.
Her hand twitched, overcome with the desire to reciprocate, to make him feel as good as he made her feel.
Just as she opened her mouth to speak, someone rapped on the door with their knuckles. The sound was gentle and polite, but it still frightened Anna, making her jump back as she covered herself with her skirt once more. Hugh moved smoothly, stepping away as he repositioned his body.
"Ye may enter," he barked at the door, clearly just as frustrated at the intrusion as Anna.
"Apologies, me Laird," said a servant as he entered, carefully keeping from looking at Anna. "Callum said ye needed yer table cleared off. He said ye had a meetin' soon."
Hugh's brow furrowed, but he gestured for the servant to come forward.
He muttered, "I didnae think he had anythin' else to say.
Seems I was wrong. And seems he's callin' his own meetin's.
" His gaze drifted to Anna. "I hate to send ye away, but it seems I have some business to attend to.
Perhaps ye should get settled in yer chambers. "
She took in his posture, swallowing down the emotions and sensations that threatened to make themselves known. While she wanted to ask what was wrong, she realized that it likely wasn't her place to know.
If it's important, he'll tell me.