“Are ye sure ye want to present me to your parents like this, lass?” A charming grin curled up one corner of his mouth. “They may think ye’ve caught yourself a rogue rather than a gentleman, aye?”
She only offered a small smile in response. They would likely think a great many things.
As she expected, he was very tall and imposing when he stood. A true threat.
“Innis brought weapons.” She gestured at the small stack of blades and sheathes nearby. “Take whatever ye like.”
“I like them all,” he rumbled, his eyes never leaving her face. “’Tis up to ye how many I choose though.”
She understood his meaning. How threatening did she really want him to appear? “I think first impressions are verra important.” Her sly eyes slid from the weapons to him. “Because ’twill be that impression which is carried to our enemy’s ears, aye?”
“Aye, then.” He nodded and proceeded to strap nearly all of them on his person with barely a flinch from their weight. Had he not still suffered residual pain from his wounds, she suspected he would have attached every last weapon.
“Do I look the part then?” He held out his arms as if offering himself up for further inspection.
“I think ’tis a look ye’ve worn before,” she replied honestly, noticing how at ease and knowledgeable he seemed of each weapon. How he had strapped them in such a way to keep them visible yet his movements flexible. In turn, she had the feeling he knew how to hide them just as easily to trick his adversary.
“Aye, ye look the part,” she assured.
“And how shall I act the part?” His voice had deepened along with his purposeful words.
She arched her brows, though she knew precisely what he was getting at. “How do ye mean?”
“Well, you’re claiming that I’m yours, aye?” A devilish twinkle lit his eyes. “Should I romance ye in front of them all, then?” His tone turned flirtatious and playful. “Should I steal a wee kiss or two?”
“I dinnae think that’s necessary quite yet,” she murmured, her cheeks warming at the very thought.
“Do ye not want to be convincing then?” He shifted closer, his eyes curious, his intent obvious. “Do ye not want your enemy to know how much I love ye?” He narrowed his eyes as though glaring at said foe. “That such love would truly test my warrior’s soul if any harm came to ye and yours.”
“Well, when ye phrase it like that mayhap,” she said softly, ensnared by his eyes, by his ever closing proximity. “A wee chaste kiss on the cheek that is…”
“Och, that is not the sort of kiss that warns others away,” he scoffed. “But another sort entirely.”
She had no chance to respond before he reeled her close and showed her just what sort of kiss he had in mind.
Chapter Three
Fraser knew the moment he kissed Elspeth MacLauchlin that she would be his. Aye, he would play the part of her beloved until it was no longer acting. Until she realized what he foresaw for them.
The path they were supposed to walk together was not just for this endeavor but lifelong.
When he tilted his mouth more firmly over hers and ran the tip of his tongue along the seam of her lips, she allowed the kiss to deepen. So much so that it became the sort of kiss that had them both groaning before she reluctantly pulled away. Her eyes remained closed for a moment before they met his. Dewy, soft with desire, they shimmered with the promise of a bright future indeed.
“I dinnae think we need much practice,” she whispered before releasing a choppy breath.
“Nay,” he murmured, running the pad of his thumb along her soft jawline. “Though ’tis no hardship, lass.”
For the first time since he met her, fear flashed in her eyes. Telling, considering she might have bloodthirsty pirates after her yet simple affection seemed more of a threat. Though tempted to ask her why, he felt it better left alone. At least for now. She had obviously been hurt. Mayhap a broken heart? Nay, impossible. Who would ever be so foolish to turn away the likes of her?
He had enjoyed getting to know her better over the past few days. It was clear she had a great love for nature and all it could provide. Her knowledge of herbs and the art of healing was extensive. Her intelligence unmistakable.
Though it was obvious she had traveled very little, her imagination seemed to know no bounds. If he wasn’t mistaken, there was an adventurer lurking within her. Someone who occasionally dreamt of escaping her responsibilities. Maybe even a free spirit eager to live life beyond these shores. Above all, one thing became clear during their numerous conversations.
He would never tire of her.
Now that he knew what it felt like to have her in his arms and her lips against his, he felt all that much stronger. There was no turning from this nor would he want to.
Someday this lass would be his wife.
“Come then, ’tis time to meet my kin,” she said, cutting into his thoughts as she took his hand and pulled him after her. “This eve marks my sister’s eighth winter so they will be celebrating.”
As he figured, they were in a cave on the shore. A lone galley with furled sails bobbed in the harbor.
“’Tis my brother’s ship, The Sea Hellion.” Both worry and longing lit her eyes as she looked at the vessel. “Though he owes his allegiance to the Devils of the Deep, he does as he likes and will likely have his own fleet someday.”
“Despite its name, it looks peaceable,” he remarked.
“Aye, right now so it doesnae draw unwanted attention,” she murmured. “But when ’tis out pirating, ’tis another beastie altogether.”
“What led him to such a thing?” he couldn’t help but ask, not particularly impressed. “’Tis dangerous, is it not?”
And unprincipled. Not honorable at all. But he kept those thoughts to himself.
“We were attacked years ago by a rogue band of pirates.” The timbre of her whisper soft response was forlorn. “’Twas then that Shaw MacDougall and his Devils of the Deep came to our aid.” Her eyes went to the sea. “We never did know why he helped us. Some said the rogue band was his enemy. Others said it was because I had seen to a few of his crewmate’s wounds after one skirmish or another.”
She sighed and shook her head as she continued. “Either way, Douglas was young, thankful and angered by how defenseless he had been. So he decided to change that by swearing his allegiance right then and there.” She picked up random colorful shells as they walked. “As time went on, he eventually got his own ship and began a crew that could better protect and provide for his village.” Her eyes met his. “It may not be the most honorable of things, but he has done verra well by us, and ’tis a rare sort that would dare attack us now.”
Fraser offered naught but a nod. While he could well understand the impetuous actions of a young lad, pirating did not strike him as the best way to have handled it. Nonetheless, he would not say as much to Elspeth. Nor would he complain just yet about her seeing to the likes of Shaw’s men. No doubt they were lecherous swine’s, and she was lucky they didn’t rape her when given the chance.
Rather he focused on their surroundings. Where she called home. The bay was sweeping and well-sheltered, its cliffs blanketed with verdant long-stemmed grasses and vibrant wildflowers. As they climbed a gentle slope, their sweet scent mixed with the tang of the ocean.
Yet even with the splendor around them, he could only see Elspeth.
Her wild beauty complimented her surroundings. Though she might be beholden to protecting her people, there was an unbound sense about her. A sort of oneness with Scotland and the frothing sea that was hard to put into words.
Later that day, he realized it wasn’t just her surroundings that seemed so much a part of her but the very community she called her own. A small village of thatched cottages tucked away between rolling hills. Their main lodge was little larger than the rest, but it seemed a warm and welcoming retreat for a flourishing community.
Though at first, it appeared there was no leader of
any sort, it soon became apparent Elspeth and Douglas provided that stability. So it was no wonder her brother had urged her to return. Not only was she the town healer, but by all accounts a voice of reason. Someone very much liked. So said the bountiful smiles she received everywhere she went.
Her parents and two younger siblings were as he imagined they would be. As kind-hearted as Elspeth. And, based on her father’s sharp assessment of Fraser, just as intelligent.
“So ye met by the sea, did ye?” her da said, his eyes going from Fraser to Elspeth. “And you’re in love with the lad already, aye?” Dubious, he shook his head. “Is that not a wee bit fast, lassie?”
Elspeth had decided against the truth if for no other reason than that Fraser had healed so quickly. These were superstitious times, after all. Not to mention, he had most likely been battling on or near the sea. Not something a village that remained wary of seafaring strangers needed to know.
“Och, Husband.” Her ma smiled kindly at Fraser before looking at her father. “As ye well know, love doesnae have a time limit.” Mischievousness lit her eyes. “Ours certainly didnae.”
“Aye,” he conceded, easily swayed by his wife’s amorous look because he soon clasped hands with Fraser and welcomed him.
Innis had stayed on the ship to keep an eye on things, but Douglas joined them, evidently reporting nothing of consequence to Elspeth. Or so he assumed based on the brief time they spoke with one another.
It was obvious that her younger sisters Arabel and Greer were the apples of Elspeth’s eye as she gave them the shells she had collected. Soon after, she left Fraser in Douglas’ capable hands so she could spend some time alone with them.
“I dinnae know what she would do without them,” Douglas said softly as he handed him a mug of ale. “Or them her.”
“’Tis good to be so close with kin,” Fraser replied, not sure why he said it when he had nothing to substantiate it. Only that he knew it without question.
“Aye,” Douglas agreed, as they walked through the village. “Ye are verra convincing in this part ye play with my sister.” His knowing but wary eyes slid Fraser’s way. “Too convincing I’d say.”
“Would ye then?” Fraser took a swig and shrugged. “She’s a bonny lass. ’Tis not a hard part to play.”
“Yet the way ye look at her when she’s not looking at ye is telling indeed,” he murmured. “So ye’ll want to be careful, friend.”
The way he said ‘friend’ told Fraser he was anything but.
So was this a brotherly warning or something more? “And why is that?”
“Because though she is strong, her heart is still fragile…bruised…”
“So it has been broken,” Fraser supplied when Douglas trailed off. Honestly, he was surprised her brother had said as much to begin with.
“Aye, it has been broken,” he whispered. “Well and truly.”
He realized that Douglas’ revelation was more than a mere warning. More than a brother looking out for his sister. Nothing was as simple as it appeared.
But then Elspeth was not a simple lass by any means.
That became abundantly clear as day turned into evening. She seemed to play a part in everyone’s life from the baker to the blacksmith. Each and every one radiated pleasure when she spent time with them. From the youngest to the oldest, she was for all intents and purposes a guiding light.
“Will ye dance with me then, kind sir?” came a small voice. The merry crowd was dancing around a fire strategically placed so that it could not be spied from the sea.
When he glanced down, it was into wee Greer’s wide eyes. He offered his most charming smile. “Would any lad dare say nay?”
“They would be foolish if they did.” Impatient, she clasped her hands behind her back as she leaned from foot to foot in anticipation and notched her chin in challenge. “And ye dinnae strike me as the foolish sort.”
He cocked a brow. “Nay?”
“Och, nay.” She shook her head, her blond curls bobbing. “Not if ye love Elspeth.” Her hazel eyes narrowed. “Do ye then, kind sir?”
“Love Elspeth?” His eyes went to her as she danced and laughed, her auburn highlights afire as she swirled. “Aye, lassie, I think mayhap I do.”
Greer frowned. “Mayhap?”
“Nay, not ‘mayhap’ but most assuredly,” he exclaimed, meaning it. “I love your sister, lassie.”
“Aye, then.” She considered him, still rocking back and forth with pent-up energy. “Will ye promise to protect her no matter what? Her and Douglas always protect us so ’twould be good that she has her own valiant knight to defend her.”
“I will protect her,” he assured. With his life.
“Promise me, then,” she persisted, her steady eyes on his despite her fidgeting. “’Twill be your gift to me on my eighth winter.”
Touched by her heartfelt request, he took immediate action and behaved as the knight she sought him to be. With a flourish done in such a way that firelight sparkled off his blade, he withdrew his weapon, sunk to one knee, then lowered his head over his horizontal sword.
“I vow on this sword and on my good honor that I will protect and defend your sister Elspeth till my last dying breath.”
The crowd quieted, taken by the spectacle, as little Greer stared down her nose at him and considered his offer. That didn’t last long, however. Clearly taken by his gallant gesture, she nodded her head and grinned. “I accept your offer, kind knight.” She lifted her hand. “Ye may stand now.”
“Aye, then.” He met her grin as he stood, sheathed his blade, bent at the waist and offered her his hand with another dashing flourish. “Might I have this dance, lassie?”
Soon enough, he learned one more thing about himself. He quite enjoyed dancing. Not just with Greer but with wee Arabel then her ma and eventually Elspeth herself. Sure to remain the wooing lad, he danced a merry jig to the pipes with her, enchanted by her laughter before he finally pulled her close.
Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes bright as she rested a hand on his chest. At first, he thought she meant to put distance between them, but that wasn’t the case at all. Instead, she fiddled absently with the edge of his tunic as their eyes held.
“Ye are well liked,” she said softly. “By all of us.”
“’Tis good,” he murmured, overly aware of her petite body against his, of the warmth of her back through her clothing. “Ye look verra bonny this eve, lass.”
“Thank ye,” she whispered.
The truth was she looked far more than just ‘verra bonny.’ She wore a deep green dress not tied up but flowing around her ankles. Though her cleavage was hidden, the dress was revealing enough that her curves were unmistakable. Her hair hung in silky waves, haloing fair skin and magnificent eyes only amplified by firelight.
“’Tis shocking ye arenae already taken,” he said softly as he kept one arm around her waist and cupped the back of her smooth neck with his free hand. While some might think he was trying to get to the root of what Douglas had implied earlier, he wasn’t. Not really. He genuinely meant it.
When a mixture of pleasure and distress flashed in her eyes, he whispered close to her ear, “Tell me your thoughts, lass. Tell me what troubles ye.”
While initially, he thought she would pull away based on how she tensed, she did not. Instead, her eyes met his, and she swallowed hard.
“Shh,” he whispered, gently caressing her neck, trying to ease the tension knotting her delicate muscles. He would know of this man that broke her heart. Who had caused her such pain. “Surely, ’tis not that bad.”
“’Tis though,” she whispered, her eyes suddenly haunted and sad. “’Tis verra bad when ye lose both your husband and bairn at the same time.”
Chapter Four
About the last thing she had intended to do was tell Fraser about her lost kin, but something about him drew it out of her. She wanted him to know. After all these years, she wanted to let someone in.
“I’m so verra sorry
, lass,” he whispered, his gaze compassionate.
She swallowed back emotion and nodded. “’Twas many years ago during that first raid I spoke of.” Her eyes drifted to her brother. “’Tis why Douglas followed the path he did…why I supported him.” She looked at Fraser again. “And why I remain grateful to Shaw MacDougall. If not for him, we might have lost everyone that day.”
“Aye,” he murmured, yet she saw the conflict in his eyes. He was no fan of piracy. Even so, he kept it to himself as he urged her to rest her cheek against his chest.
“My husband was killed,” she whispered, still seeing it as though it had happened yesterday. “But not my daughter, Aileann…not that day anyway.”
Fraser remained respectfully silent, stroking her hair in comfort as she continued. Her daughter’s sparkling eyes and auburn curls arose in her mind’s eye. “She was barely four winters old…a baby really…”
Flashes of that evening haunted her. Aileann’s cries for Elspeth as she was snatched up then swept away into the dark void of night. Her mournful little wails as she was callously ripped away from the only life she knew.
“They tried to save her. Douglas, Innis, even Shaw.” She shook her head. “But whoever took her slipped away leaving no trace.” Refusing to give into tears, she blinked away moisture as her eyes rose to Fraser’s. “Shaw might seem like a ruthless bastard, but he has a soft spot when it comes to innocent wee ones.”
She released a ragged breath before she went on. “I’ve continued seeing to the wounds of Shaw’s men on and off over the years, and he’s kept me apprised of any news of her whereabouts…or lack thereof.”
Though she remained hopeful for far longer than she should have, she had left that sentiment behind years ago. It just hurt too much to be anything but logical, even indifferent on the rare occasion she could manage it. Best to see things for what they really were. A pirate took her little girl, and nothing good could ever come of that. She would have been sold into slavery of one sort or another. Nothing but relentless horror would have awaited her.
The Seafaring Rogue Page 3