A Lady's Vengeance Read online

  “You said there may not be a bed at Keiss.”

  “A light chain,” mused James, “to tie her hands a foot or so apart, with another for her feet. ’Twould keep her from straying, yet she’d be able to work.”

  Cormac’s free hand slipped under her braid. It was so big he could almost circle her neck. “Nay, I like a leather collar with a ring in front for a chain. ’Twould leave her hands free to pleasure us.” He pushed gently, forcing her to take his cock deeper.

  It was a game they played, one that made her pussy clench. He had tremendous power, far greater than her own, yet she need only give a word or a gesture and he’d stop.

  She bobbed her head, angling so his cock scrubbed the ridged roof of her mouth. Then she pulled back, letting her teeth lightly graze him. He inhaled a hiss.

  “Ye’re playing with fire, wife!”

  She raised her head to breathe. “What do you expect of a red-haired woman?”

  She took his balls in her hands, gently tugging and then squeezing them. The bed shifted as James moved to kneel behind her. She arched her back, offering herself to him. He chuckled, running his hands over her arse before sliding a few fingers into her soaking pussy. A wave of pleasure rolled through her.

  She eagerly worked Cormac’s cock, teasing by slowing down and pulling back when he seemed too near the edge. James did the same to her, using his fingers in her pussy and clit. The bed shifted as he reached for something. Cool liquid dribbled down the crack of her arse. She knew what it meant, and tensed. His finger played around her rim, teasing and scratching. He tried to enter but she held tight. She lifted her head off Cormac’s cock to breathe. A sharp smack, and pain erupted on her left back cheek. She yelped. James thrust his finger past her relaxed rings.

  “Dinna deny me, or ’twill be worse for you,” he whispered.

  The words were harsh though his touch was not. Her pussy spasmed at his threat. Cormac touched her head to remind her of her task. She bent to lick him from root to tip. James added another finger inside her, twisting them, thrusting in and out to stretch her. It felt wonderful, but she wanted someone pounding into her pussy as well. She wiggled her arse to encourage them.

  “’Tis time,” said James.

  He lifted her up and settled her on Cormac’s cock. She moaned in relief as his thick shaft spread her aching flesh. She sank onto him, craving the feeling of fullness. She leaned forward, dragging her clit against his public bone. Her need blazed. Wanting more, she dangled her nipples over Cormac’s mouth, moving forward and lifting her arse until the head of Cormac’s cock was barely inside her pussy.

  James removed his fingers, replacing it with his cock. He slowly pressed against her, spreading her wider than ever before. She inhaled, hissing at the welcome intrusion. The stretch was almost enough to cause pain, yet the friction brought pleasure.

  “Is this what you want?” murmured James.

  Still holding her hips, he pulled almost out and then guided her to fill herself with Cormac. Pussy, then arse, back and forth she went. It was all slow and steady, two cocks moving inside her at all times. Nothing else existed as Cormac played with her breasts and James reached around to her clit, his slippery finger making her gasp.

  She sped up, tension making her need even greater. Wet slapping sounds and harsh breathing bounced off the stone walls, catching her attention. It had been far quieter in their small cabin as sounds were absorbed by the wooden walls. Her groans as she fought to come added to the mix.

  “Now!” ordered Cormac.

  It was as if his order was the spark that made her erupt. She shuddered, slamming back on both of them. They filled her so deep there was nothing but waves of pleasure. A distant bellowing was the only sound that filtered through the loud buzz in her ears. Her orgasm went on and on, endless, with no thought of time.

  James slumped against her back, then pulled out. She flopped onto Cormac’s chest like a limp, wet rag. She couldn’t talk, could barely breathe. A wide, satisfied smile spread over her face. She ran her fingers over his chest and down to hold him close.

  “Ah, lass, ye’re enough to kill a man.”

  Chapter Seven

  James paced back and forth as close to the castle walls as he could. Cormac had hauled him out there after they met with the earl and broke their fast. It was one of the few places at Girnigoe they could have a reasonable chance of their words being private. Their chamber was in the oldest section at the far end of the spit of land jutting from the high cliffs of Sinclair Bay. There was only one flat area on the seaward side, and Cormac had insisted they use it. James eyed the low wall edging the cliff with distaste. Due to the North Sea churning through the jagged rocks below no boat could get close enough to discharge attackers. That meant a safe open area to stretch one’s legs. He couldn’t look down without losing his bread and cheese.

  Instead, he looked up where fishing birds soared, a continual source of entertainment. He didn’t watch them plunge after fish. Not when there was nothing between him and the rocks but a stone wall so low one push on his back and he’d fall, screaming, to crash on the jagged rocks below.

  The cold wind swirled, sending chilly gusts under their plaids. Alana had still been sleeping when they’d left for their meeting with her father. Once they’d made a few plans they’d return and haul her back to bed. They both avoided the subject of her dowry.

  If they’d known what she was worth they might have refused her offer of marriage. The earl had agreed to allow some of the gold to go to Duncladach for Clan MacDougal. He would send it with a gift for Laird Lovat and Lady Fraser for caring for Alana all those years. Fraser would ensure the gold reached Somerled.

  “That was smart to ask his lairdship who’s leading William around by his cock,” said Cormac.

  James had not been so blunt, of course, asking about any concerns they should be aware of. They’d been shocked to discover William’s puppet master was none other than Campbell of Glenorchy. The Campbell lands were inland and east of Clan MacDougal, abutting the Earl of Argyll’s claims. They knew it too well as they had to pass through to get to the safety of Inverlochy and Clan Cameron. Gillis had met his wee bride, Fiona, while the two of them were unwilling guests in Glenorchy’s dungeon.

  The earl was pleased with their knowledge of this new enemy. He’d asked them many questions, most of which they could answer. They received a few bits in return. The earl hoarded information more than gold, which he spent to impress.

  Cormac shook his head in disgust. “’Tis o’er two hundred miles as the raven flies from Glenorchy to Wick. They have nay business stuffin’ their fingers in Caithness pies.”

  “Since when has that stopped a Campbell?”

  “Och, aye. And he’ll cackle if he can use William to kill a pair of MacDougals.”

  Their hatred of the Campbell clan ran centuries deep. The MacDougals of Lorn had not supported Robert the Bruce. In return, most of their lands and castles had gone to the Campbells, who had chosen the winning side.

  “If not Campbell, another would have stepped in,” replied James. “The Earl of Caithness has fought with his own family as well as clans Gunn and Mackay, and the Sutherlands, since he gained power. He’s now getting old and, having just killed his son and heir, has no trained successor. William, as Master of Sinclair, was the logical choice to rule as tutor over wee George until he is of age. Even more so if he married Lady Alana.”

  “But she’s our wife, and if George dies, our son will be heir.” Cormac leaned his back against the wall and looked up. “Not that I wish wee George any harm.” He leaned over the wall. James turned away before his stomach flipped. “’Twould be better to live at Keiss with our wee family than here,” continued Cormac. “’Tis too crowded for me.”

  “Campbell willna give up until he is forced to,” said James. “William cares for nothing but his lusts and pleasures. He is easily controlled with wine and a steady supply of women. I would like to curb his appetite for the latter,” he a
dded with a grimace.

  “I will rest easier if he’s dead. So will Alana.”

  “Aye, but we canna kill him without proof of guilt.”

  Cormac grunted his agreement. James took one step closer to the wall. If he was going to live in Caithness he would have to get used to cliffs. He was not a coward. He could do this. There were bushes beyond the wall, which meant the cliff face did not drop straight down. He walked forward on stiff legs. Jaw tight, he stood beside Cormac, looking out. Cormac didn’t move, or speak.

  When the wall in front of them did not crumble away and drop them onto the rocks he grasped the wall and lowered his eyes. Brambles covered in dark berries waited just out of reach. Alana loved bramble berries. If he was a better man he would gather some for her. Perhaps tomorrow.

  “The earl could marry William to the widow of the Master of Caithness,” said Cormac as if they were seated at a table safely inside. “He’s her husband’s cousin, so their bairns would be Sinclairs, and she is one from her mother’s side.”

  James discovered he could stand at the cliff’s edge and breathe at the same time.

  “Lady Jean’s second husband has just died. She is in mourning.”

  “He didn’t die, he were murdered by his ain father!” muttered Cormac. “I liked John. He would have done well for Caithness. And anyway, she divorced him in July.”

  “Jean is from a powerful family. They would not wish her to marry William.”

  Cormac turned to face the wind. “Alana wishes to bring her to Keiss, with her wee daughter.”

  “’Twill be good to have a woman near who’s birthed a few babes.”

  “As long as she kens she’ll nay be waited on by scores of servants. We’ll all be working with our hands to get the harvest in.” Cormac suddenly grinned. “And speakin’ of hands, methinks ’tis time to warm ours on a smooth arse.”

  “And breasts. We dinna wish to forget them.”

  By unspoken agreement they headed for the doors. James allowed Cormac to reach it first. He wiped cold sweat off his brow before any could see.

  * * * *

  “Yer babe is well,” said Biddy, Castle Girnigoe’s elderly healer. The earl had his private healer and an assistant. Alana had asked for someone who knew about birthing. Biddy had arrived, wheezing from walking the length of the large castle.

  “My father has given approval for Lady Jean to accompany me,” said Alana. “As she is a widow with children she should be able to answer my questions.” She could understand the woman wishing to escape the place where her husband had been slowly murdered, and the man who had ordered it.

  “Aye, having another woman for company is good.” Biddy dug through her basket of herbs before finding what she wanted. She held out a small silk bag. “I ask that ye keep this near ye at all times.”

  “Is it a tisane for the babe?”

  “Nay, my lady. ’Tis enough to put a man to sleep for hours. If ye’re taken and have the chance, put this in a glass of wine or ale. Half will make a man sleep for a while. If he drinks it all he will sleep so heavy and long that he could die.”

  Alana blanched. “Why are you giving this to me?”

  “I heard it said William Sinclair wishes to kill yer husband and take his place.”

  “Aye, but both Cormac and James are better warriors than William could be even in his dreams.”

  “Ye shamed William by speaking of his wee willy in the hall. His hired dogs will go after yer husband, but ’tis ye he wishes to harm hisself. I dinna say ’twill ever happen. But if ye wear this ’round yer neck ’twill be there if ye have need of it.”

  Alana was touched by the older woman’s concern. “William is a coward. He’ll not harm me as I will be protected.”

  “Yer husbands are good men, lass, but they canna be with ye all the time. Bein’ men, they wish to protect ye from worry so will tell ye all is well and pat ye on the head like an old lapdog.”

  “If they pat me on the head like that I shall bite them.”

  Biddy’s lip twitched yet she held out the square once more. “Please, my lady. I tended a few women William harmed afore the guards learned to watch him close. I am old, and would kill him like a mad dog if I could. Aye, and hang for it with a smile.”

  “I am not old, and would do the same if I could to keep him from touching other women.”

  “’Tis not just grown women,” whispered Biddy.

  “He harms lassies?” asked Alana in horror. Her gorge rose.

  “Wee ones are more frightened, which feeds his lusts.”

  Alana made it to the bowl just in time. When it was over and Biddy had helped her wash her mouth out she lifted her skirts to show the dirk strapped to her thigh. She’d won that argument with Cormac and James. She’d asked what they would do if she was kidnapped without it, and they weren’t able to save her in time. Their worry over her had caused a quick and rough, though very satisfactory, session against a wall.

  “Ye fought him once and lived to speak of it, my lady.”

  “Aye, and if he tries again, he will die by my hand.”

  “Ye would kill him and have the stain on yer soul?”

  “Aye, and enjoy it.” Alana smiled in anticipation. “I would tie him down and take my time, making him scream, so he kens the pain he’s given others.” She took the square from Biddy, putting the long string over her neck. “If William dies his younger brother David will be the Master of Sinclair. What think ye of him?”

  “He is a good man, my lady. All would sing yer praises if ye helped that come to pass.”

  “Thank you, but all I wish is to live quietly with my husbands and children.”

  Biddy’s lips curled up in a sly smile. “The word is, my lady, that when ye are with yer husbands none of ye are quiet. Mayhaps ye need a belt to bite down on, aye?” She laughed when Alana’s cheeks heated. “Dinna fash yerself o’er it. The women are jealous of yer joy, and the men wish to have a wife as eager for the bedding.”

  “I was told some women have this need for rutting due to their babe.”

  Biddy nodded, her eyes bright. “Aye, and some lucky ones have it all their lives.”

  Chapter Eight

  They’d met the Keiss Castle servants and had taken a tour from the ground up. She’d praised the herbs scattered over the fresh rushes on the floor of the hall. It was a small touch but an important one as it showed she was welcomed. Her husbands were too eager to get to their bedchamber to notice such things. They’d allowed her to go first and take her time inspecting each room. She was teasing in taking so much time, and her eager husbands knew it.

  Finally, they entered their bedchamber. She sighed in relief that it looked completely different from when her aunts lived there. While the first three tower floors were round, one side of this room was squared, making it much larger. Sun streamed in through a large window to the southwest. One to the east showed dramatic views of the North Sea. The fireplace in the outside corner would keep her warm when she wasn’t being held.

  “Will ye look at the bed!” Cormac strode across the room, grabbed one of the thick corner poles and shook it. It barely moved. He waggled his eyebrows at her.

  “I heard yer auld aunties enjoyed bedsport.” He shook it again. “These would hold the most stubborn woman from escapin’.”

  “Or man,” she replied defiantly, her face heating.

  Her aunts, like their brother the earl, hadn’t cared what anyone thought. They did what they liked when they liked, and they did it with whomever they wished. She wasn’t aware of it at fifteen but as a well-married woman she now understood the sounds she’d heard emerging from this chamber. Cook had kept her in the kitchen whenever the aunts had a visitor. She now understood why the two of them twittered before a visit and sighed languidly after. They’d spent hours talking about cannons, the length of time a certain one took to reload, the barrel length, and more. It now seemed so obvious they’d been comparing cocks.

  “Do ye ken how your aunts died?”
asked James.

  “I’ve been away as long as you and have heard nothing.”

  “They were very happy when they passed.” His knowing wink made her flush.

  “I heard they paid the guards well to tup them,” said Cormac.

  “Aye. They liked games of chase and conquer.”

  “As does our lady wife,” added Cormac. His eyes swept her with obvious intent.

  “One aunt had two guards in bed while her sister massaged the cock of a third outside the door. He was young and a wee bit too eager. He splashed the top of the stairs when he came. He recovered quickly and the five of them played in the bed. The aunts decided to escape their evil captors and ran out of their chamber. They slipped on the wet stone and fell down the stairs, one on top of the other. Snapped both their necks. ‘Tis whispered they had wide smiles when put in their shrouds.“

  Alana clapped her hands over her mouth. She shouldn’t laugh but she could see her aunts doing it. They’d told her they intended to die in bed with a smile. She thought at the time they meant peacefully fading away in old age.

  “They died as they’d always wanted to,” she said.

  “Ye’ll be safe, lass, as I’d not spill myself in such a way,” said Cormac. “I will be chasin’ ye, though.” He looked around the room. “More room than the cabin. What think ye of hangin’ a hammock? I’ll sit in it while ye ride my cock and James skewers yer arse.”

  She flapped her hands to stop him continuing. She couldn’t think when his words heated her blood so.

  “What did my father do to the guards, James?”

  He chuckled. “As they were doing their duty, which was keeping his sisters away from Castle Girnigoe, he sent them south to Rosslyn as a reward.”

  “Has it been empty since?”

  “The earl used it for private meetings. Because this is a small, undefended castle, visitors couldna judge his Girnigoe defenses. The guests could ride past his main castle but not go within.” He gestured at the lavish hangings, wall tapestries to keep out the wind, even rare panes of glass.