A PERFECT WIFE.

Highland Menage.

Reece Butler.

DEDICATION.

Gillebride MacMillan (Gillebride Mac'Illemhaoil), a native Scottish Gaelic singer and scholar from South Uist, came to Fort William and sang for the "Outlander" tour I took in early October of 2014. His voice may be familiar to those who watch the series as he plays Gwyllyn the Bard.

I listened to Gillebride's CD Air Forladh (On Leave) many, many, many times while writing this series. His songs, in Gaelic, put me in the right mood to feel I was in Highland Scotland, long ago.

Chapter One.

"What do ye think of my wee Kiera's dowry, lads? Rich enough for ye?"

Laird MacKenzie, the Lord of Kintail, leaned back in his chair with too much satisfaction for Duff MacDougal's liking. He hadn't known Kiera was MacKenzie's daughter when they'd met and handfasted. He'd thought she had a croft they could share with his identical twin. Only after they'd made a babe did he discover Kiera had a 'wee tower'.

Handfasting wasn't good enough for the daughter of such an important man. Last night Duff's older twin, Malcolm, had married her in a formal ceremony, a plot hatched by their respective lairds. A few days before the wedding they'd discovered Malcolm would become laird and Duff his steward, which meant he'd be in charge of the day-to-day running of Kiera's small towerhouse. It would be a challenge, but he was confident he could learn.

They'd planned to spend the day in bed with their new wife, as well as the next few after that. MacKenzie had put off the usual meeting on dowry details until this morning.

Duff and Malcolm had just discovered why.

Kiera's dowry included a castle with a six-story tower and modern three-story additional section designed by a French architect. There were more than twenty separate chambers within the thick walls. In the large walled bailey were stables, kennels, a bakehouse, alehouse, and more. As his brother's steward Duff would be in charge of more people than he had brothers, which was saying a lot, as he had fifteen of them. And each of those people had underlings to do all the things he and his brothers had always done themselves or gone without.

The thought of such responsibility scared the h.e.l.l out of him. He'd enjoyed playing the laughing fool while Malcolm was stern and responsible. That life was over. The only one of them who had any experience and training in running a castle was Kiera. Duff had no problem taking her advice in private, but Malcolm often acted as if he had a stick up his a.r.s.e.

Kiera was an outspoken woman and the chance of sparks flying was high. Of course, a big fight could lead to great make-up s.e.x. And since Malcolm was her husband and laird, he must be obeyed. That could lead to interesting possibilities, including turning their new wife's bare a.r.s.e bright red. He'd much rather think of that than how he was going to get dozens of servants to do his bidding when he wasn't sure what work many of them did.

Duff looked to Malcolm when he shook out his shoulders, preparing to answer.

"I now see why ye sent Duff to meet Kiera as a stranger, and why she said naught to him about who she was. 'Tis a great responsibility ye have put on our shoulders. Is this why ye put off speaking of Kiera's dowry until after we wed?"

Outwardly Malcolm seemed relaxed. As his identical twin, Duff could sense he was anything but. That was two of them.

"Many men covet a woman of such wealth. She, and I, didna wish her to marry one who'd set her aside once he gained control jure uxoris. Ye now hold Kinrowan by right of yer wife. Under law ye can spend all the profits of the land, and even sell the right of it to another."

"MacDougals have little but honor, my lord," replied Malcolm. "My brother and I will ensure Kinrowan is kept well for the MacKenzies."

The old man nodded his acceptance at Malcolm's quiet comment. "'Tis one reason I chose ye for my wee la.s.sie."

"No doubt many men wanted her riches, uncaring she's a treasure all by herself."

MacKenzie tilted his head to look at Malcolm from under bushy gray eyebrows. "I do believe ye mean that."

"I dinna lie, Laird MacKenzie."

A grunt was the only reply. MacKenzie looked to the side, out the open window. The sounds of men and horses drifted in. Duff wondered if there was a hunt planned and if he could escape it to return to Kiera's warm bed. His head was spinning at the news, and he wanted to forget everything in her embrace. After, when they were all satisfied, they could talk of this. Malcolm shifted, clasping his hands behind him. When his chin came up Duff braced himself.

"Duff and I owe ye much, Laird MacKenzie. Thanks to the dowry offered by Laird Fraser for Fiona, my brothers at Duncladach are nay likely to starve this winter. They will still go to bed hungry many nights. I humbly ask that ye send my brothers some of what comes to me through Kiera. Nothing that would take from the people of Kinrowan," he quickly added, "but ye have spoken of much, and I remember too many weeks with little more than a wee bowl of watery pottage each day."

Though MacKenzie sat and Malcolm stood tall, there was no doubt who was the most powerful. They were now MacKenzie's men and would support him, through his daughter, even to death. Dying a hero was easy. It was surviving the daily cuts that sliced into a man when others had more education, better manners, adequate food, and finer clothing.

"Aye, lads, I gave my man much leeway in working out yer marriage contract. Laird Somerled asked little in return for two of his brothers gaining much." He eyed Duff then turned back to Malcolm. "I am well pleased with ye both. I will send sufficient to make Somerled smile."

Duff choked on a laugh. "As none have seen him smile since he took over as laird at sixteen, I doubt 'twould happen."

"James said it would take a woman to make Laird MacDougal lift his lips," said Colin. The laird's heir stood with his back against the wall beside Duff. "Mayhaps you could ask King James to find him one, Father."

"Och, dinna do that to a poor la.s.sie," added Duff, though he smiled at the idea. Somerled should marry, but as he never, ever, went past the stables at Duncladach, where would he find a wife?

"Niall would make her laugh, would he not?" asked Colin. "'Tis one advantage of marrying two husbands. If a wife is fashed with one she has the other to console her."

"I will think on that. As for now, there is work to be done." MacKenzie shoved back his chair and stood. There was a light in his eyes, one Duff had already learned not to trust. He braced himself. "I hope ye got enough sleep last night, lads. We're off to Kinrowan."

"Now?" demanded Duff, blurting the word before thinking.

"Aye. The weather is good to travel and 'tis best I be there to introduce ye to the clan, since ye be MacDougals and all." He flexed his right arm, grinning. "If we're lucky we'll run into Ross of Balnagowan and make my daughter Catherine a widow." He scowled. "I hated to marry her to the man but King James didna give me a choice. He said 'twould stop the attacks. It hasna." His eyes went to Duff. "' Tis why ye'll keep wearing that wee mask, aye?"

It was not a question so much as a confirmation that he would obey. Duff gave a brisk nod. Wearing the mask, supposedly to cover deep scars, hid the fact few could tell he and Malcolm apart. Laird Ross, who held the land on the far side of Cromarty Strait, wanted to gain a foothold on the Black Isle. Whoever controlled Kiera controlled Kinrowan. If she was captured and Malcolm killed she could be married off to gain possession of the land.

If Malcolm was killed, Duff would fix his mask on his twin's face and step in as laird to keep the land safe. They were more worried about Kiera. They would keep a close eye on their new wife, especially as she carried his babe. Only Kiera, Laird MacKenzie, his son and heir Colin, and a few trusted others knew they were identical.

"We thank ye for the offer to accompany us," said Malcolm. "We are honored with your presence."

"A pretty speech," murmured Colin. "The truth is Silean's belly is upset because of the babe she is carrying. Father hopes his young wife will again welcome him to her bed on his return."

"Ye and Barbara should share one bed as we MacDougals do," said Duff. "'Tis something to wake with yer arms around a warm woman."

"We have to marry first. Her father put it off again."

"Then I shan't tell ye how little sleep I got last night." That got him an elbow to the ribs. He chuckled at Colin's attack but sobered quickly. "Kiera thinks we're returning to her bed, not traipsing over the countryside for days."

"'Twill will give her a chance to pine for ye."

Duff elbowed his new friend back. As Colin had his blind eye next to him the elbow hit its mark.

"You'll pay for that, laddie," he threatened.

"Colin, ye'll act in my place, aye?" demanded MacKenzie. "We'll ride out now." He waited for Malcolm's nod. "I'll send a lad with a word to yer wife."

Colin straightened. He gave his father a respectful bow. "Aye, Lord Kintail." They waited as their lairds pa.s.sed. "When you return I'll show you a few things," murmured Colin menacingly.

"I've got a few for ye, as well," replied Duff. "I'd best get to my horse."

Colin turned his whole body to see Duff. His one uncovered eyebrow rose. "Having just married my demanding sister, you would leave without telling her you'll be gone for at least a sennight?"

Duff hesitated. Kiera would be furious with them leaving no matter what. If they snuck out on her the morning after their wedding without explaining...

"Good point. If he asks, tell Malcolm I'll meet him at the stables."

Duff wasn't familiar with the castle, but it was fairly simple to get anywhere. He raced up the stairs and down a long hallway to Kiera's chamber. She'd fallen asleep again after they left. No surprise as they'd kept her awake most the night. She lay curled on her side, facing him. He stopped for a moment to admire her. He rarely saw Kiera when she was still and quiet. Awake, she was always moving, even if it was just pressing her lips together as her eyes shot fire at them.

Not now. Her long black hair spread behind her like a cape. Though she was covered his hands knew well those large b.r.e.a.s.t.s and well-curved a.r.s.e. Her eyes changed from brown to green depending on her mood. They were bright green just before she peaked, something he wished he could give her right now.

He still couldn't believe this woman belonged to him. He and Malcolm had hoped to find a wife they could get along with, one with a croft they could work and share. Never had he thought he'd find someone who suited him so well. Suited him in bed, and out.

Her eyes fluttered, then opened. She squeaked and ducked her head under the cover, making him laugh.

"What's this?" He tilted his head to catch the one eye that peeked out. "How can ye be shy after what Malcolm and I shared with ye these last few nights?"

"'Tis why I'm shy," she admitted. "I took both of you in me, at once!"

He dropped beside her on the bed. He easily tugged the sheet out of her hand, revealing the luscious b.r.e.a.s.t.s he loved to admire. "Aye, ye did. And we'd be doing the same again if Laird MacKenzie wasn't hauling us to Kinrowan."

"What? Now? But I'm not packed!" She struggled to sit up.

He held her down easily with one palm on her chest. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s flowed to the sides, just begging for his mouth.

"Hush, my sweet. Ye're staying here. Yer father wishes to show Kinrowan to the new laird and his steward. Ye, my lovely wife, will have a sennight to pack."

She stopped struggling so he caressed her breast, the nipple already hard and eager. After all they'd done last night how could his c.o.c.k be hardening once again?

"'Tis my land," she said. If she was the type to pout it would have been now. Instead, she jutted out her chin. "I wanted to see it first with my husbands."

"'Twill be a quick trip down and back." He dropped a kiss on her forehead's frown wrinkles. "We'll see what is there and what we should bring with us when we escort our new wife home." He played with her nipple. "I have a request for ye. Pretend I haven't told ye that we left, or why. We'll see if the message is pa.s.sed to ye, or if someone wants to get back at ye."

She looked down. "Lots of someones wish to get back at me for the unkind things I've said. There will be laughs when my new husbands race off to check my dowry."

His hand stilled. "I wish ye'd warned us. Kinrowan is no 'wee tower', 'tis a full castle."

"It is?" Her shock could not be false.

"Did none tell ye about it?"

"Father forbid it. I was to know nothing that would give me a stronger wish to leave."

"Remember, sweetling, I married ye thinking we'd share a wee croft, and Malcolm spoke words with the priest because our lairds signed a marriage contract." His hand ma.s.saged her breast. He did not want to leave Kiera like this! "Ask Malcolm to tell ye what he said to yer father about yer dowry."

"Tell me now!"

Duff leaned close. "That ye were a treasure all by yerself."

He kissed her forehead knowing if he touched her lips his horse would be standing in the bailey long after the rest of the men left. He groaned at his aching c.o.c.k and his need for her.

"If I wasn't my laird's loyal steward I'd be inside yer hot puss right now."

She smiled, one designed to tease and arouse. She stretched like a cat, pushing the sheet off to display herself. He stared as her fingers found her c.l.i.t.

"Ye can touch yerself while we're gone, wife," he said, his voice hoa.r.s.e, "but dinna bring yerself to yer peak."

This time she did pout. "Why not?"

He couldn't stand it. He stepped forward, holding her thighs wide to flick his tongue over her c.l.i.t. She moaned and pressed on his head to keep his mouth tight to her p.u.s.s.y. He inhaled her scent, closing his eyes to imprint her on his mind before pulling back.

"Duff!" she keened in need.

"That will help ye remember why. I want ye eager for us." He lifted his plaid to show the hard, thick c.o.c.k jutting out. She eyed him, licking her lips. His c.o.c.k throbbed in need. He groaned.

"Oh, husband, you'll be having a hard ride with that atween your legs."

He narrowed his eyes. "Ye dinna have to enjoy my pain so much, la.s.s."

"Aye, I do. Because you're leaving your new bride alone and wet in her wedding bed!"

He turned away, knowing he was already late. Her demands, moods, and sheer joy of their bedding made her almost impossible for him to resist.

"I shall miss ye, wee Kiera. Best ye be as eager on our return."

He closed the door behind him. Something, perhaps a boot, hit it at the height of his head. It kept him chuckling all the way to his horse.

Chapter Two.

Kiera stomped up the narrow stairs, one hand on the rope to ensure she didn't slip on the uneven wedge-shaped steps.

She would not scream in frustration. She would not throw anything, not that there was much left in her chamber to throw. She was not a spiteful, bitter widow anymore. She was Lady Kiera MacKenzie of Kinrowan Castle. She would hold her head high and her temper in. She would show everyone she could be the best wife any laird ever had.

Even if she wanted to kick both husbands in the backside!

Her husbands were handsome, tall and muscular with dark hair and the most intense blue eyes she'd ever seen. Duff was fun, teasing and encouraging her to laugh. He was one of the few men who didn't curse when she beat him at chess. Malcolm, though identical but for a few scars, was more concerned about what people thought of him.