Page 43 of Tair

“How could becoming a filthy shepherd make me happy?” Knowing that was his cue, Osgan rose and turned, using no gentleness as he shoved her away from him. “You endlessly crow about your desires but you never think on what I want.”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she stumbled back, turning and fleeing into the shelter, where she tried to close the door. He pushed it open, knocking her to the dirt floor inside.

“Dinnae ravish me,” she begged, holding out her hands to fend him off. “I’m but a weak, wee lass who cannae match your vile raging lusts.”

Osgan swallowed a yawn as he closed and bolted the door, locking her inside with him, and then dropped down on top of her. Because of her peculiar need for pain and humiliation they had played some variation of this farce each time they met. He clamped a hand over her mouth and ripped open her bodice, fondling her roughly before he dragged up her skirts. Under them she lay naked and soaked with her arousal. She would come again after he rammed his cock into her quim, unless he could make the encounter even more tormenting for her. Then bliss might send her into a swoon, as it had the first time he’d had her.

“I’m weary of you,” he said, quite honestly, and then flipped her over and bared her buttocks. He pressed the curves apart and rubbed her puckered rosebud, forcing a finger inside to test her tightness. She seemed loose, as if she had been well-used there. “Only you’ve no’ given me your arse.”

“No, please.” What sounded like real panic filled her voice. “I’ll do anything you wish. You’ve only to say.”

“I told you, I need a boat I can use to reach the MacRune’s island.” Osgan took some baling cord he saw on the floor and used it to tie her hands behind her back. “Have it brought and tied to the south dock tonight.”

“I’ve done thus. The skiff awaits you even now.” She tried to roll over, but he clamped her with his thighs. “Please, dinnae take me so cruelly.”

“Why cannae you speak truth?” he asked idly, knotting the cord so that it cut into her delicate skin. “You insist I take you cruelly. ’Twill be no different than when I made you suck my cock until I choked you with my seed.”

“’Twas how he used me each night when I was a wee lass,” Malvina sobbed out the words. “So he couldnae get me with a bairn.”

He stood and nudged her over so he could look into her wet eyes. The shame there was real, as was the hatred, but it was not for him. She invented these tableaus so she could relive the only real pleasure she’d ever known. “’Tis why you so love pain, then. ’Twas whose nightly gift? A brother, mayhap?”

The hatred made dark splotches pop out on her face.

“My sire.” The sound of two men’s voices outside the shelter made Malvina go still. In a more commanding voice, she said, “They’ve found me. Release me at once and I shall shield you from my lord’s wrath.”

He chuckled. “Oh, I think not.”

Osgan stepped outside to find the two armed guards approaching. Neither one drew their weapons, and by the time they stopped in front of him they both sported erections.

“The hoor in there needs servicing,” he told them, gesturing toward the door. “Be sure and fack her arse as well as her quim.”

He waited outside until he heard his lover’s cries of fear and then sobs of delight, and left the three of them to their pleasures. Doubtless Malvina would convince the guards to keep her secret, and they would join the other dozen men she presently facked to keep silent and happy. If only it was so simple for him to have what he desired.

He walked down the slope and headed back toward the village, removing the cuff on his wrist as he walked. By now the two lairds would be gone, and he could retrieve what he needed for his visit to Gealladh tonight.

All was prepared, and once he was within reach of the cluet, the treasure would have no choice but to return to its latest master.

Chapter Eleven

Lucy heard Tair swear under his breath before she looked over at the tall red-haired man who had approached them. Now that she had time to actually take in his immaculate appearance, it startled her, for he resembled a white knight from a fairy tale. His light cream-colored wool cloak, which matched his tailored tunic and trousers, seemed as if it had been spun from sunlit snow. He carried no weapons, but wore a large gold filigree pin at the front of his throat that had been inlaid with strange amber and brown gemstones, and a crystal sparkling in the lobe of his ear.

Whoever he is, he’s minted, Lucy thought, wary now.

Two guards flanked him, both dressed in pale garments that looked expensive and a little fussy with intricate embroidery in gold, which matched the colors of the tartans they wore. Compared to the MacRune clansmen, they looked as if they had come from another planet. The guards also had odd bulges on their backs, and intricately-carved sticks strapped to the inside of their gauntlets.

What were they carrying under those tartans, armor of some kind?

“You’ve my attention, Fifer MacAlen.” Tair sounded like he wanted to spit on the man. “Say what you wish.”

“’Tisnae seemly, discussing such matters at the market,” the other man chided, as if he were amused. “Join me at Dun Maor, and we may speak at length in comfort. Indeed, I welcome you and your maid to spend the night.”

Lucy tried to appear suitably maidish by keeping quiet, but she couldn’t help looking over the red haired laird. He was incredibly handsome, and seemed like someone who was dressed up to play a medieval man but like her belonged to a very different time. Something about him also made her uneasy, as if his good looks and fancy dress hid something he didn’t want others to see.

Why does he want to wait and talk in private? What could be that secret?

“Aye, you in the comfort of your keepe, and me surrounded by MacAlen pledged to do your bidding,” Tair told Fifer. “Do you reckon me an eejit? Begone.” He flung his hand rudely at the other laird.

Both of the MacAlen’s guards snarled and reached for the carved sticks strapped to the inside of their gauntlets, but Fifer reached out and put his hands on their arms as if to gently restrain them.