A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) Hildie McQueen (online e reader TXT) 📖

Mackenzie Keep remained vivid. Simple things would bring back a stark reminder and it was as if she were there once again. Being held down, hit, bitten and taken by a bunch of savage animals.

She let out a deep sigh, forcing the memory away. It was easy to feel protected when lying next to Ewan’s larger body. He exuded strength and security.

Catriona woke with a start and took a sharp intake of breath until remembering that she’d asked Ewan to sleep in her room.

He remained on his back. He faced away from her and was fast asleep. His soft snores made her smile. For some reason, during the night she’d pulled a blanket off and put it over him.

Perhaps he wasn’t the only one who felt protective of the other. Outside was still dark but, in the distance, a rooster crowed alerting dawn would break soon.

For a few moments, she soaked in the moment. Once she woke Ewan, he’d have to leave, and she wasn’t sure they’d have a moment alone for the entire day.

Outside the security of the room were new things. Different people, who’d she’d yet to meet and had to, otherwise it would be rude. Then there were the surroundings to explore. Esme had promised to take her to the adjoining house where she and Ruari lived with a smaller staff and only a handful of guards.

Once she left Ross Keep, she’d not see Ewan because he’d remain there.

There had to be something she could do. If she agreed to allow their courtship, it meant she’d have to be open to a physical relationship. No matter what Ewan said, a marriage could not last without the physical aspect of it.

It was time that she spoke to Esme. Hopefully, together, they could come up with a plan.

Esme kissed Ewan’s jaw. “It is almost dawn.”

When he murmured something undecipherable, she kissed his cheek. “Wake up, Ewan.”

His eyes popped open and he looked around confused. At seeing her, it was obvious he recalled the night before. “I’d hoped to wake up before ye did,” he complained.

Instead of getting up, he wrapped his arms around her and yawned loudly. “Did ye sleep well?”

“I did,” Catriona replied and yawned in return. “I hope ye were not too uncomfortable.”

He pressed a kiss to her temple. “From how soundly I slept, I would say it was a good night’s rest.” Stretching, he looked at her. “It’s best I go.”

“Thank ye,” Catriona said, not wanting him to go. “Ye are kind.”

Ewan rolled over her and held his body up with his elbows and knees so not to place any weight on her. The serious expression on his face hovered just above hers. “My staying here has nothing to do with kindness. I want to be close to ye because I wish ye to be my wife one day.”

“I owe ye a reply. I promise to as soon as I can,” Catriona replied.

When his mouth covered hers, automatically, her eyes fluttered closed and she grabbed his shoulders.

Just as she tried to pull him closer, he broke the kiss and gave her a crooked grin. He got up and stood over the bed. “Go back to sleep. Mayhap dream of ravishing me.”

Catriona remained still, looking straight up. What would have happened if he would have collapsed over her? She’d actually wanted more, needed more.

She couldn’t wait for Esme to come and fetch her for first meal. There was so much to talk about.

***

“Ye did what?” Esme’s wide eyes met hers. The curve of her lips made Catriona feel like less of a wanton. “He is quite strong-willed. I do not know of many men who would sleep with a woman and not demand she give herself to him.”

Catriona frowned. “I know. Should I feel badly?”

“Of course not,” Esme replied emphatically. “However, do not think it can happen often without him losing control. Men are very physical creatures.”

Lady Elspeth Ross came to the door. With her were two other women. Catriona was quickly introduced to the other Ross brothers’ wives. Tristan’s wife, Merida, a McLeod, and Kieran’s wife, Gisela. Each of the three women were vastly different in features, but all quite striking.

Much like their handsome husbands, Esme had informed her.

Elspeth hugged Catriona. “Lady Fraser informed us of yer reluctance to go about freely and we came to ensure ye know we understand.”

“If ye are brave enough, we planned a separate first meal in the room next to the kitchen,” Merida said with a wide smile. “I myself prefer to eat there.”

Catriona instantly like each of them. “That would be perfect. I will strive not to remain a recluse. I promise.”

Together, the group walked past the great room and down a side corridor. Catriona caught sight of Ewan and several warriors going out toward the courtyard. Obviously, they’d all eaten earlier.

Catriona slid a look to Esme, whose lips curved. She’d seen Ewan as well.

“Stop it,” Catriona whispered.

“Did ye know that there are cats that share yer bed and promptly leave at dawn to go hunt mice?” Esme said in a singsong voice.

Gisela’s dark eyes twinkled with glee. “Aye, and they have little remorse for it.”

“That is why we must lock the door and keep them in, if we wish for more than a simple purr when they awaken,” Elspeth added.

Obviously the women were well aware of what Esme had alluded to. Hopefully, they’d all think it was her own husband she spoke of.

“Who is this cat we speak of?” Merida asked Catriona in a soft voice. “Is he handsome?”

Catriona covered her face and the other women chuckled. “I have no idea what ye are all speaking about.”

For the first time in her life, she was in a group of women who were paired off and it felt