She backed up and moved to turn away, but Tavish brushed his hand against her forearm.
“Wait.” She looked at him questioningly, and Tavish no longer wanted to overcome the temptation. He slid his hand to her waist and when she did not move away, he pulled her to him. “Thank ye.”
He dipped his head but paused before brushing his lips against hers. He was giving her the opportunity to stop him. When she remained in place, he pressed his lips to hers. They were soft and tasted of the wine she drank at the evening meal. He moved the tip of his tongue along the seam of her lips, but she did not open to him. He sensed her hesitation and recognized she did not understand what he wanted. His other hand cupped her jaw, and he stroked her with his thumb. As she relaxed, he pressed his thumb down on her jaw. She opened to him, and before he swept his tongue into her mouth, hers pressed against the bottom of his teeth. He groaned at her adventurousness and pulled her tightly against him. He wrapped both arms around her waist and held her as her hands bunched the front of his leine. They stood like that for minutes as neither wanted to break the kiss but both enjoying the languid rush of their contact. Tavish’s body begged to deepen the kiss, but his mind forced patience. When he realized her own impatience was growing, and she pressed harder against him, he pulled away. He would not make love to his unknowing bride for the first time in an alcove. He perceived she was inexperienced, and he did not want to make her regret their interlude. He rested his forehead against hers and dropped light kisses on to her lips until both of their breathing steadied.
“I dinna even ken yer surname. Ye arenae wearing plaid even though ye sound like a Highlander.”
“Comyn,” she whispered. She went rigid in his arms as she awaited his reaction.
“Who is yer uncle?”
“John,” she stated evasively.
Tavish smiled, “Yer family is rather partial to that name. Which one?”
Ceit took in Tavish’s smile and caught herself relaxing before going rigid once again.
“Buchan.”
“So yer da is Alexander, his brother?”
“Aye.”
Tavish reached out and ran the pad of his thumb over her cheekbone.
“We dinna choose our clan or our parents, nor do they choose their parents and brothers.”
Ceit swallowed hard as she nodded. Her family tree was a sensitive subject at court. Her father’s cousin, John “the Red” Comyn, came to an untimely death caused by his own choices and alliances. Her uncle, John of Buchan, was now living in exile in England, but she understood all too well he still had a long reach. Her own father was now the Earl of Buchan after his brother fled. Neither John Comyn was a safe name to associate with when at court. Her family sent Ceit to serve as a lady-in-waiting as an act of good faith by her father in attempts to repair the family’s standing with the crown. Ceit had only been at court for a few weeks, but she already grasped that there were many who would see her gone, be it returned to Aberdeen or something more permanent. Her uncle’s invisible presence intimidated her, and she would hazard a guess that standing with a Sinclair for too long, even in hiding, would be discovered and reported back to an uncle living just across the border in the English marches.
“Lass, ye were brave only moments ago, but now ye tremble. It wasna ma intention to scare ye. I amnae trying to intimidate ye either. I wanted to ken. Nothing more, nothing less.” He placed a soft peck on her nose.
“There arenae many people here who ask out of simple curiosity.”
“I can imagine that, but I am at a disadvantage since ye kenned who I am, and I dinna ken ye. The Comyns are a large clan with many branches, I only wanted to ken with whom I kissed.”
He winked at her and tried to set her at ease, but it had the exact opposite reaction. She spun on her heels, and peaked around the tapestry, then left before he said another word. He watched her quick and graceful stride, but he saw her head moving from side to side as she remained alert to whoever might watch her. Tavish did not like to see her fearful. It did not sit right with the spitfire he spoke to only moments ago. She kissed him with passion but then retreated just as soon. Tavish slipped from the alcove and allowed her a head start but followed as closely as he dared. Despite his size, he moved without a sound. He had been following her for ten minutes as she wound her way through the castle’s passageways when a man stepped out from a shadow. Ceit stopped, and Tavish reached for his sword, swearing under his breath when he remembered he locked it in his chamber. He pulled two dirks from his belt and crept forward.
“I saw ye leave early, but ye are just now making yer way to yer chamber? Who were ye with?”
“I wasna well and went to get fresh air. I lost track of time and am now retiring for the evening.” She tried to step around the man, but he grabbed onto her arm and twisted.
The blood pounded in Tavish’s ears as he edged along the shadows.
“We both ken ye are lying. Ye were with the Sinclair who arrived days ago. What did he want? What did ye learn from him?”
“How would I ken what he wanted when I wasna with him?”
Her calm voice floated back to Tavish. She lied with ease and assurance. He was uncertain whether he should be proud of her for keeping her cool, annoyed that she assumed to protect him when it should be the other way around or alarmed at how she lied.
The man shook her and leaned forward with menace, but before he uttered anything more, she pressed a longer dirk than her sgian dubh tip up in the space where his throat met his jaw. A spot that would not take much force to kill him.
“Unhand me,” she hissed. “Ye may work for ma uncle, but I dinna. If I havenae aught to report, then I havenae aught to report. Touch me again, and ye will come away a few fingers short.”
The man released her but did not move away.
“Ye may pretend ye’re fierce, but just remember that I amnae the only one here.” With that, he slunk into the shadows before entering another passageway.
Ceit stood still and watched the man walk away. When she no longer saw him, she turned in Tavish’s direction.
“Ye dinna need to hide like a wean avoiding a bath.”
When Tavish did not move, she shrugged.
“Vera well, Tav. Wait until morn to get answers to the questions ye ken ye’re dying to ask.”
The shortening of his name did not go unnoticed by either of them, but it seemed so natural as it rolled off her tongue. Tavish stepped forward and wrapped her arm through his. They did not speak until Tavish led her into a secluded chamber which happened to be the solar of his family’s chambers. He turned to face her after locking the door.
“Aye, Ceit, I have questions.”
The diminutive of her own name surprised her since it was what she preferred but rarely shared with the ladies at court.
“Ye want to ken who that mon was, and ye want to ken why he asked aboot ye.”
“Among other things, aye, I would like answers to those questions.”
“Ye’ve been to court before, ye ken there are spies everywhere,” she shrugged, “that one happens to be ma uncle’s. As for asking aboot ye, I dinna ken if that was because of who ye are or because he assumed I might have learned something from ye.”
“And ye had the need to hold a dirk to his throat.”
“It serves them well to remember I amnae here at ma uncle’s behest but rather the king’s. I dinna serve ma uncle, and he willna frighten me,” she shrugged again.
“Ye seem to take this rather lightly, but I see the way yer pulse thrums in the vein along yer neck. Ye arenae as calm as ye would have me suppose.”
Ceit fought the urge to touch her neck, but she did not need to. Her pulse raced, but she was not sure if it was from her encounter with her uncle’s man or if it was the ongoing proximity of Tavish’s body to hers. Tavish stared down at her and ended the battle when he stroked his knuckles along her throat.
“I find I dinna like anyone frightening ye. I dinna like that ye must carry so m
any knives to presume ye are safe. I ken we Highlanders like our dirks, but ye’ve perceived the need to defend yerself by pulling a knife twice tonight.”
“I wouldnae have used it on ye. Nae really,” she whispered. Once again, they were standing too close. The heat radiated from him, and it warmed a chill that settled into her bones all those weeks ago when she arrived.
“Wouldnae ye have? I’m nae sure I’m convinced of that. Ye would have sunk that blade into me as ye would have that mon if I scared ye. As I said, I find I dinna like anyone frightening ye, least of all me.”
“I dinna ken ye despite kissing ye,” she looked down and Tavish was almost certain she grimaced before looking up again. “I had to be sure.”
“I dinna make a habit of harming women. I dinna do it ever, so I willna start with ye.”
“And I dinna make a habit of asking men to protect me, so I willna start with ye.”
Tavish growled when his words were thrown back at him.
“Must ye oppose everything I say? Canna ye just accept that I would help ye since ye seem to need it.”
When Ceit straightened to her full height and her jaw set, Tavish realized that he said the wrong thing. She was not a woman who wanted to depend on anyone, especially not a man.
“Offers of help come with a price I amnae willing to pay.” She tried to step around him.
Bah, why am I even here speaking with the arrogant mon? I wanted to help him, and he is more trouble than he’s worth. Dinna kid yerself, Ceit. I didna want to help him. I wanted to be near him. I’m drawn to him, and just as he told me, I am a moth playing with fire. I’m already singed.
“I dinna ken the men ye share yer time with, but I dinna expect payment from ye.”
Damn. That didna sound vera good. I’ll be lucky if she doesnae slap me.
“Nae every lady-in-waiting entertains men,” she ground out.
“That wasna what I meant.”
“That’s most definitely how it sounded. I dinna share ma time with any mon. Until ye, and I am seriously regretting it. Meet me in the morn if ye wish to see yer brother. If ye dinna care for ma help, then try on yer own, but I wouldnae count on success.”
Tavish took a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair. The woman was exasperating and exhausting to speak with.
“Lass. Ceit, let me try again. I dinna ken what kind of men ye have met who would make ye assume their help comes at a price. And I ken what kind of price ye mean. I dinna expect that, and I would never ask it. I dinna need to coerce women.”
“Aye, I saw that. Why nae find Lady MacAdams and enjoy yer evening?”
“Nay. I dinna want to and I canna.”
Ceit looked at him with suspicion but nodded her head and once again made to step around him.
“I dinna want to part like this, Ceit.”
“Like how? We dinna ken each other. I will help ye in the morn, and then we shall part ways. I thank ye for the kiss, and good night.”
This time, Tavish let her go. He was not prepared to tell her he was her soon-to-be betrothed. He wanted her to come on her own. The need for her to want him and to desire a marriage with him rather than wedding out of compliance was a crushing weight. He rubbed his chest as a tightness settled into it.
Chapter Four
Ceit left the chapel with the other ladies and attempted to stifle a yawn. The morning service was usually one of her favorites, but on this day, she was exhausted after tossing and turning most of the night and then spending the last hour on her knees in prayer. She had seen a large mon with his head bent in prayer when she arrived, recognizing instantly that the form belonged to Tavish. It had surprised her to see him there and already in prayer, or at least looking to be praying. Now he was no longer in his pew. She tried to look around discreetly, but he was not in the chapel. The group of women made their way towards the queen’s solar where they would break their fast. Ceit sensed Tavish nearby but still had not seen him. She looked around and spotted Elizabeth Fraser, Deirdre Fraser’s cousin. She maneuvered herself to stand next to her.
“Ye ken Magnus’s brother is here?”
“Aye,” Elizabeth whispered while looking ahead.
“I will take him to see Magnus. Someone might persuade the king to let him go. If that is the case, then they will look for Deirdre. If ye ken where she is, ye would be wise to find them, and tell them with all haste.”
“How do ye ken so much?”
“Does it matter how so much as what I ken? Deirdre isnae here anymore, is she? Magnus and Tavish will want to ride out straight away. Can ye have belongings ready for them to take? Wherever Deirdre is, they willna care for if she’s under Lord Hay’s control.”
Elizabeth dared a look at Ceit from the corner of her eye. She nodded almost imperceptibly.
“Meet us at Tavish’s chamber in an hour.”
Ceit broke away from the group and allowed them to move ahead of her. When she was sure no one noticed she left them, she searched the passageway until she saw a darkened spot within the shadows. She moved towards it, hoping it was Tavish but preparing herself in case it was not.
“I dinna ken if ye’re brave or foolish to seek a mon hidden in the shadows,” came the soft rumble of Tavish’s voice as he stepped out from behind a column.
“And I dinna ken how ye fit behind that column. I suppose it is neither of ours to reason why. Come with me.”
Ceit did not stop but continued, assuming Tavish would follow. They walked in silence until they came to a passageway that led to a part of the castle not intended for many to visit.
Before they entered, Ceit paused and looked up at Tavish.
“Lord Hay has returned. Mary spoke of it this morning on the way into chapel. I dinna ken for sure how she kens, but I would venture a guess she warms his bed regularly. Tavish, if he is back, I imagine he is down there right now.”
Ceit watched as the news settled upon Tavish. She watched a transformation that would have scared her had he not created an unexpected sense of security for her. The warrior was now standing before her rather than the charmer. It did not escape Ceit’s notice that somehow Tavish had his sword strapped to his back and bracers on his wrists.
“Tav,” she reached a tentative hand out and placed it on his forearm. He looked down and covered it with his own. It dwarfed her hand, but his press was mild. “Please be careful. Hay isnae to be trusted. He is a cruel mon, and he has nay morals to speak of. I’m aware of how he’s treated other men he’s thrown into dungeons at his own keeps. I have seen how he behaves here when he assumes nay one is watching.”
Ceit watched Tavish’s reaction. For his part, Tavish did not miss Ceit’s admission that she had spied on him, but this was not the time to address it.
“Are ye prepared to see yer brother in a bad way? He has been down there for several days.”
Tavish nodded but his voice did not follow. Magnus might have been the largest of the brothers, but he was still Tavish’s baby brother. If they had mistreated him, there would not be a path to hell long enough to keep his tormentors from entering the fires of damnation.
“I have skills in healing arts. Let me tend to him once ye get him free. Bring him to his chamber, and I will meet ye there. I canna linger once they allow ye entry.”
Ceit turned but Tavish still had hold of her hand. He pulled her against him as he had the night before in the alcove.
“I dinna ken why ye are helping me, but I appreciate it. Ye are putting yerself in danger with nay gains for ye. I would have ye be far from here and safe, but I ken I canna see ma brother without ye. Thank ye, mo leannan.”
Tavish had not planned to call her his sweetheart, but it seemed right. He dipped his head and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth. She turned into the kiss and opened her mouth to welcome him in. She slid her arms around his neck as he held her with iron bands clamped around her waist. Her fingers tangled in his hair, and she breathed in his fresh scent of pine soap.
The kiss
was over too soon for them both, but they pulled apart, knowing this passageway, while deserted, was not a place to engage in a tryst.
“I’m helping ye because Deirdre is kind. I dinna ken her well, but she never teased me aboot ma burr or made me fear I was uncouth. Her cousin, Elizabeth, also welcomed me.”
Ceit looked up at Tavish, sure he was about to say something but seemed to decide better of it.
“I also want to help ye because I am drawn to ye. I dinna ken why since ye also irritate me.”
Her eyes would not meet his as she admitted this. She was bold by nature but admitting her attraction to a man was beyond even her usual directness. Tavish tucked his finger under her chin and lifted it until she was looking at him again. He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.
“I am drawn to ye too. Ye dinna irritate me, but ye do challenge me already.”
This would have been a good time to admit, whether she was drawn to him or not, that she would soon be saddled with him. He refused to ruin the moment. Ceit looked at him for another heartbeat before pressing a kiss to his jaw. It was as far as her neck reached.
“We should hurry.” Ceit led the way as they descended into the dungeon.
Two burly guards who stunk like the cells that surrounded them stood before them. One guard was missing several teeth, and the rest appeared to be ready to follow suit.
“Lady Comyn, what brings ye here? Ye havenae been here in some sennights.”
Tavish gave her a hard look that spoke louder than words. He would be asking her about that later. His anger rose when his mind considered her down here without him.
“Aye, well ma uncle is nae longer here, so I havenae much reason to visit. I’m afraid I wasna able to bring ye any of the cook’s fruit tarts this time, but I brought something that might be more useful.”
She pulled two small drawstring pouches from pockets deep within either side of her skirts. The sound of coins clinked as she handed them over.
“I expect these will help Lord Magnus’s cell open a little quieter today.”
The men looked at one another.
His Highland Surprise (The Clan Sinclair Book 1) Page 3