A Rake at the Highland Court: The Highland Ladies Book Four

by Barclay, Celeste

  “Don’t you think arriving without guards will make it appear that my intentions are so strong that I rode out alone?”

  Andrew nodded. “It’s not unreasonable that you and Bram travel together since your destination is the same. How will you explain showing up just as he returns from here? It will incriminate him.”

  “I’ll say seeing him made me realize that I can’t wait any longer.”

  “That’s the truth, isn’t it?”

  “Aye.” Eoin returned the embrace his father offered as the older man clapped him on the back. His father was still a giant of a man, and the slap rattled his ribs. “I wish I could ride out this very moment, but Bram deserves a night of proper sleep.”

  “True. And it would look suspicious if the mon rode two days just to be here a few hours.”

  “I need to find him and tell him my decision.” Eoin stepped around his father and made his way to the door.

  Chapter Twenty

  Eoin found the evening meal interminable, and he spent a restless night tossing and turning. He was in the stables saddling Gun Eagal as the night sky lightened just before the pinks and purples of dawn would make their way over the horizon.

  “I figured ye’d be ready to ride before the rooster crows,” Bram announced as he walked into the stables. He made his way to his horse’s stall and began tacking his horse as Eoin finished his. The men mounted in the bailey and rode out.

  They pushed their horses throughout the day, and the pace made it impossible to talk. Both men appreciated the relative silence. It spared them the awkwardness of avoiding the betrothal. Eoin was hot and stiff by the time Freuchie Castle came into view. He’d dreaded seeing it the last time, knowing it meant he had to bid Cairstine farewell. Anticipation filled him as he spurred Gun Eagal the last league until they were at the gate and Bram announced them.

  Eoin’s eyes swept the bailey, hoping Cairstine might have a reason to be outside. His heart pounded in his ears as he searched for her. He spotted her almost immediately as he looked at the garden. He dismounted and tossed his reins to a stable boy and made his way toward the garden, but Edward intercepted him. The laird had sweat dripping from his brow and sword in hand. Eoin knew someone informed the laird of his arrival, and Edward left the lists to greet him.

  “Laird Grant,” Eoin stuck out his arm, the laird glancing at it before extending his own arm.

  “What brings you to Freuchie?” There was suspicion in Edward’s gaze and his voice.

  “Laird, I’ve come for Cairstine.”

  Edward’s eyebrows shot up in mock surprise before his eyes narrowed. “Why?” Eoin expected the man’s forthrightness, but the bluntness of the single word still took him aback.

  “I realized that I’ve formed an attachment to Cairstine. She’s an intelligent and kind young lady, and I think we may suit. I wish for you to consider me a suitor.” He could be as blunt as Edward if the man didn’t want to exchange pleasantries.

  “That’s surprisingly good timing since I was aboot to send a missive to your father inquiring aboot his interest in marrying my daughter, and it coincides with her personal guard visiting your clan.”

  “I heard of Bram’s arrival, and I couldn’t help but think aboot Cairstine. It made me realize I shouldn’t have ridden away that day. Instead, I should have asked for her hand when I had the chance. I’m praying I still have it.” Eoin’s gaze shifted over Edward’s shoulder as he watched Cairstine and a youthful woman he suspected was her sister walk toward them with baskets of vegetables. As if sensing his gaze, Cairstine looked up and halted. She nearly dropped her basket when her sister continued walking, their arms linked.

  Eoin ignored Edward as the laird opened his mouth to speak, rushing to meet Cairstine as she pushed her basket into her sister’s arms and hurried to Eoin. The rest of the world slipped away as their arms went around one another, oblivious to those who watched.

  “You came,” Cairstine breathed.

  “I promised I would, mo leannan.” Eoin inhaled the scent of roses and lemon, recalling how right it felt to hold Cairstine against him. His cock stirred as he stood with her, and he was certain she felt it, but she didn’t pull away or panic. Rather, she leaned her head back and offered him a mischievous smile. He ducked his head, bringing his mouth to her ear. “I can’t help it.”

  “I ken. If I can’t stop how my body feels against yours, then I can’t blame yours.”

  Eoin’s cock twitched at her seductive words, and he wanted nothing more than to pull her into the closest storage building and ravish her. But myriad reasons existed that prevented him from fulfilling his wish.

  “Gordon, release my daughter. I haven’t agreed to betroth my daughter to you, and you’re making a spectacle,” Edward growled. Eoin and Cairstine pulled apart, but not before Eoin squeezed her hands in reassurance.

  “I would ask that we meet sooner rather than later to draft a contract,” Eoin kept his eyes on Edward despite sensing Cairstine’s surprise.

  “I haven’t agreed to giving you my daughter. You weren’t on my list of candidates.”

  “Because I’m neither a laird nor an heir?”

  “Yes.”

  The men stood eyeing one another as Cairstine’s gaze shifted between the two before settling on Eoin’s face. He looked down at her and offered a reassuring smile before returning his gaze to Edward and narrowing his eyes. Cairstine remembered her manners and turned to Fenella, who stood wide eyed observing the scene before her.

  “Lady Fenella, I would have you meet my friend Eoin Gordon. Eoin, this is my sister Lady Fenella.”

  Fenella extended her hand to Eoin, who barely touched it enough to bring it towards his lips, which he kept well away from her.

  “It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady. Your sister spoke fondly of you while we traveled.”

  “My sister has spoken fo—kindly aboot you,” Fenella blushed as she caught herself before admitting Cairstine’s feelings. Fenella suspected how Cairstine felt about Eoin, but Cairstine never discussed her sentiments for him. However, it had been obvious to Fenella from the start. “Welcome to Freuchie.”

  “Thank you, my lady.” Eoin smiled, but his eyes were on Cairstine. He couldn’t shift his gaze from her, drinking in her beauty and the radiant smile he’d missed. For the umpteenth time, he wished they had a future together, but he pushed those thoughts from his mind.

  “I will speak with you after the evening meal, Eoin.” Edward intervened. “You can join me in the lists.”

  Sparring after being on a horse for a day and a half didn’t appeal to him, but he couldn’t refuse the invitation without insulting the man whose daughter he hoped to pretend he would marry. He nodded, but Cairstine stepped forward.

  “Father, I’m certain Eoin has been on his horse all day. Perhaps we could offer him a repast before challenging him to spar,” Cairstine hoped she sounded practical rather than eager.

  “Right you are, Cairstine. You and your sister were on your way to the storerooms,” Edward pointed to their baskets. “I will escort Eoin to the Great Hall.”

  “Yes, Father,” Cairstine averted her gaze, lest her father see her irritation. Her father was toying with Eoin and her, and they all knew it.

  “Then you may join us while your sister helps your mother in the buttery,” Edward extended his hand in the keep's direction, expecting Eoin to follow when he stepped away from his daughters. Neither man spoke until after they were seated on the dais and a servant placed bread, cheese, and cold chicken before Eoin. Both men grasped their mugs of ale. “You made your intentions clear to everyone,” Edward noted. “You didn’t need to stake your claim quite so visibly.”

  “You have my sincere apologies for the impropriety. I failed to hide my genuine happiness at seeing Lady Cairstine again. I admit I have missed her company, but I didn’t realize how much until I saw her.”

  “And how have you missed my daughter?” Edward lifted his chin, looking down his nose at Eoin, daring him to ad
mit what Cairstine and he shared.

  “I’ve missed her smile. I’ve missed her sense of humor. I’ve missed her appreciation for nature and the world around her. I’ve missed—her a great deal.” Eoin nearly admitted he missed the way Cairstine’s eyes crinkled at the corners and her nose twitched when she tried to keep from laughing at Eoin’s humor. How he missed teasing her until she laughed.

  “That is very admirable. It seems you grew close while you traveled.” Edward’s implied question about how close the couple grew hung silently in the air.

  “We became friends, and I realized she would be a wonderful wife who I can trust and respect. Our time apart made me appreciate that even more.”

  “It appears there is already affection between you two,” Edward pressed.

  “I hadn’t anticipated my happiness at seeing her again. I can only say that the moment carried me away. I pray that the same is true for your daughter and that she welcomes my suit.”

  “You both left little doubt that you’re here to court her.”

  “To be betrothed to her,” Eoin corrected. He hadn’t planned to court Cairstine. Not because he wouldn’t enjoy it, but because it would delay them, and Eoin understood Cairstine’s sense of urgency.

  “That might come in time. I would see for myself how things are between you. I would give Cairstine the opportunity to be certain.”

  “Did you intend that with the men you sent inquiries to?”

  “And how do you know aboot that?”

  “Cairstine told me on the journey here that you were searching for suitors.”

  Edward nodded, but Eoin could tell the laird hadn’t received the answer he fished for. Edward would continue to bait Eoin until he could trip him up. “My letters expressed my expectation that the prospective groom and my daughter have time to see if they suit. I may insist that she marry, but I don’t intend to make my daughter miserable for the rest of her life. I must be convinced that her husband will always have her best interest at heart and that she will be well-cared for in all ways.” Edward’s last words made Eoin wonder if he suspected the reason for Cairstine’s aversion to marriage.

  “Then I welcome the time with Cairstine, and the opportunity to get to know your family and your clan better.” Eoin took the last bite of his bread before finishing his mug of ale.

  “Lady Grant will ensure you have a chamber, and I will meet with you after the evening meal to discuss the terms of the contract. There is little point in you courting Cairstine if we can’t agree on the terms of her dowry. Does your father know your intentions?”

  “He does. He encouraged me to come before I lost my opportunity.”

  “Wise mon.” Edward stood from the table as an older woman with raven hair and green eyes approached the dais. Eoin rose from the table and bowed before making his way down the stairs. He brought Davina’s hand a little closer to his lips than he did Fenella’s, but it was still further away than was customary. He would do nothing to cause rumors about where his interests lay.

  “Lady Grant, it’s a pleasure to see you once again.”

  “Eoin, it is nice to see you as well. Is my daughter aware that you’re here?”

  “Yes, my lady. I spoke to Lady Cairstine in the bailey with Laird Grant and Lady Fenella.”

  “Will you be staying with us long?” Lady Grant pressed, a speculative gleam in her eyes that reassured Eoin that Cairstine’s mother would be on their side. But at the same time, it sent a pang of guilt through him to know he was deceiving a woman who was so hopeful.

  “Mayhap. I’ll remain as long as it takes to secure my betrothal to Cairstine, assuming that doesn’t overextend your hospitality.”

  “The other clans will be here soon, so there seems little point for you to ride back and forth to Huntly,” Davina offered, focusing her gaze on Eoin and not her husband’s scowl. “I will see that we prepare a chamber for you. Did you arrive with guards?”

  “Nay, my lady. I rode out as soon as I knew Bram was returning,” Eoin smiled ruefully. “I’m usually more patient and less impulsive.”

  “You had good reason to hurry,” Davina smiled. Cairstine approached, keeping Davina from saying any more.

  Cairstine clasped her hands in front of her as she took in the three most important people in her life milling about together. She had a sense of trepidation as she took in their expressions. Davina’s smile was hopeful, while her father’s scowl was unwelcoming. Eoin, however, appeared cautiously optimistic. She bowed her head to her parents before looking at Eoin. She wished they could disappear together, possibly for forever.

  “Eoin, did you have the chance to eat?” Cairstine asked softly.

  “Aye, lass. More than enough,” Eoin’s hushed tones sent warmth from her belly into her core, and Cairstine recalled how a similar feeling passed through her when they lay together on the riverbank or in the meadow and Eoin pleasured her.

  “Perhaps you would care to go on a walk,” Davina offered. “You’ve been on horseback for the better part of today. I’m sure you’d enjoy a chance to stretch your legs.”

  “That’s a lovely idea, Mama,” Cairstine chirped then blushed. “Perhaps a tour of the bailey?”

  “I’d like that,” Eoin nodded.

  Three expectant faces turned toward Edward, who begrudgingly nodded.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “I can’t believe you came so quickly,” Cairstine whispered as they walked down the steps of the keep and into the brilliant sunlight. She shaded her eyes to ensure she didn’t miss a step, grateful when Eoin looped her arm through his. She’d walked up and down the steps countless times in her life, but long skirts and bright sunshine could be a deadly combination. She gripped his forearm, more out of excitement and relief that they were touching once again than the need for support.

  “I came as soon as I could. I was in the bailey when Bram arrived, and if it wouldn’t have been suspicious for him to return barely more than a day after he left, I would have insisted he turn back around and ride out with me.”

  They walked in silence as they passed people who gawked at the couple. Many knew of Cairstine’s refusal to marry, and word had spread about their greeting in the bailey. They were the spectacle that Edward said. But neither regretted it. As they neared the end of the bailey, Eoin pointed to a storage building.

  “What’s in there?” he asked.

  “Naught. We aren’t using it right now. We usually store wool in there before it’s spun, but we aren’t shearing the sheep until next sennight.”

  Eoin scanned the bailey, looking for eyes following them. They were far enough away from the other storage buildings and people who milled about that he was confident no one was watching as he pulled Cairstine into the small hut. He pushed the door shut and spun Cairstine against it, his mouth crashing down on hers. She returned his kiss with equal fervor as their tongues tangled, their arms wrapped around one another. Cairstine arched her back as she pressed her breasts to Eoin’s chest, enjoying the feel of his much larger body against her. She never felt threatened by his size; rather, she felt delicate and protected. Eoin grasped her backside as he feasted upon Cairstine, trailing kisses over her cheeks and neck before returning to her mouth. He wrapped his arms beneath her bottom and lifted her until they were eye-to-eye, nose-to-nose, and mouth-to-mouth, their kiss intensifying as neither had to strain to reach the other.

  Eoin’s cock ached to thrust inside Cairstine with a want unparalleled, despite his extensive experience. His heart pounded behind his ribs as he couldn’t get enough of Cairstine. She was a drug, and he wanted no cure. He counted his blessings that his sporran kept her from feeling his arousal, not wanting anything to ruin their connection. When they were both breathless, they leaned their foreheads together, and Cairstine pressed a soft kiss to the tip of Eoin’s nose. The affection took them both by surprise but ignited another round of passionate kisses. Eoin noticed a stool near the far wall when they walked in. The dim light made it difficult to see, bu
t he found it. He sank onto the seat, forcing Cairstine to straddle his lap if she didn’t want to let go.

  Cairstine was caught in a frenzy of need and desire. She wished to touch every part of Eoin, including the part he’d kept from her the last time they were alone together. She pushed his sporran to the side as she inched forward. When her mound brushed against his steel length, her sheath clenched, frustrated at its emptiness. For the first time, Cairstine experienced a need to feel Eoin buried within her. It terrified her that the sensation was so intense, but the fact that it was Eoin eased her anxiety. She tilted her hips forward but froze when Eoin groaned, his fingers biting into the supple flesh of her bottom. He made no move to bring them closer, but she felt his cock twitch several times. She pulled away to find Eoin sheepishly looking away from her.

  “What is it, Eo? Did I do something wrong?”

  “Nay, not at all,” Eoin shook his head.

  “It doesn’t feel that way. You won’t look at me.”

  Eoin sighed before meeting her eye. Even in the muted light, Cairstine was certain Eoin was blushing. “I’m embarrassed,” he whispered.

  “Of what?” Cairstine asked. “I don’t want you ever to feel that way around me.”

  “I was a little too eager to touch you, and I lost control.”

  “No, you didn’t. You did naught that scared me.”

  Eoin dipped his head as he tried not to chuckle at Cairstine’s innocence.

  “That’s not what I meant, mo leannan. I meant that my lower half wasn’t as patient as my upper half. It raced to the finish while the rest of me was still warming up.” Eoin grinned ruefully, but at Cairstine’s confused expression, he accepted he would have to be more direct. “I got too excited and climaxed without you even touching me there. I can’t say that’s ever happened before.”

  Cairstine’s mouth formed a perfect circle before she broke down in giggles. She brushed hair from Eoin’s face, and there was a tenderness to the action that made them both catch their breath. Eoin brought Cairstine’s palm to his mouth, pressing a kiss to it before placing it against his cheek. He leaned into the smooth skin and closed his eyes. Cairstine watched Eoin, riveted to his changing expressions but unsure what they meant. She was out of her depths as her heart and body surged toward the unknown. Despite the kisses she’d shared with men at court, she was still inexperienced with how men and women acted together. Her heart ached to promise Eoin they had a future together, but her conscience demanded she remain silent.