The Highland Duke

by Amy Jarecki

  She curtsied. “Straightaway, m’lord.”

  Closing his eyes, Geordie waited until they were alone before he lifted the linens. “’Tis safe to come out now.”

  “How could you sound so unruffled?” Akira grinned at him as she scooted up. She swirled her fingers through his chest hair. “I feel like I’ve been shamelessly naughty.”

  He shrugged. “She’s a servant. ’Tis her burden to go about her duties no matter what she might see.”

  “I beg your pardon? Do you look upon all servants as mere pawns to serve you whilst remaining unbiased? Do you think nothing of their feelings?”

  He flinched. She made him sound as callous as Elizabeth. Moreover, she was right. “Forgive me. That did sound rather harsh.” Geordie slid his arm around her shoulders and squeezed, breathing in the scent of jasmine mixed with passion—mixed with more than mere words could express.

  He pulled a plaid from the end of the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Come, let us break our fast.”

  “I’m starved.” When Akira moved, she hissed and pressed her hands to her thighs.

  Geordie’s gut twisted when he glimpsed the wince of pain on her face. He smoothed his hand atop hers. “Did I hurt you?”

  She shook her head. “Nay. ’Tis from riding.”

  Bloody hell, even when he had the best of intentions, he’d behaved like a damned rake. She’d complained yesterday, but he’d not paid a bit of attention to her discomfort while he made love to her. He fingered the plaid. “Allow me to have a wee peek.”

  Tugging the plaid tighter across her body, she shied from him. “Not to worry, the chafing will ease within a sennight.”

  Since last eve, the lass had grown inordinately bashful.

  “Akira.” He gave her a pointed look, one that never failed. “Now is not the time to be shy. Show me.”

  Groaning, she opened the plaid.

  Dear Lord, chafing didn’t even begin to describe the red-raw flesh on the inside of her thighs. He ventured to touch the outer edge of the rash. “Why didn’t you tell me how bad this was?” And why the hell hadn’t he noticed it when he was making love to her? Though it had been dark, he should have noticed—at least asked about her soreness from the saddle.

  “I mentioned it yesterday in the clearing, and then when we arrived last eve…” Her gaze trailed aside, while a red blush flooded her cheeks. “Weeeeell, I reckon we were too enraptured to worry overmuch about the state of my thighs.”

  “Blast it all. I kent you were hurting. I should have insisted I have a look first before…”

  “Afore you ravished me?” She giggled. “I think we were both a bit distracted. Besides, ’twas too dark to see.”

  Geordie managed to frown, though he had to force the corners of his mouth downward against a tickling urge to grin. “Mayhap, but that doesn’t alter the fact you need to be tended. I’ll fetch the salve.”

  Bare naked, he retrieved the pot from her satchel. And when he returned, Akira’s gaze focused on his manhood.

  Holy hell, he immediately lengthened.

  She gasped.

  “Never mind me,” he rasped. “You need to be tended.”

  “Very well, Your Grace.” Holding the blanket over her body, she moved over as he sat beside her.

  “There’s no need for formalities between us.” He scooped a bit of salve, pushed the blanket from her thighs, and nudged her legs open.

  He used gentle strokes to spread the salve on her inner thighs. It was all he could do to ignore the fire rekindling in his loins while her black nest of curls teased him. “You’ll not be able to ride with this abrasion.” He stoppered the pot and set it on the bedside table.

  “I’ll be fine. I managed to make it this far.” Her gaze trailed to his loins, sending him instantly erect.

  “I’d planned to eat, and then pay my cousin a visit afore we set out.” He lowered his gaze to her lips while his hand slipped just below her breast.

  She smoothed her hand up between his thighs, stopping her fingers right before she touched his erection. “But eating seems so unnecessary at the moment.”

  He didn’t move. “No, lass. You need your strength. And I cannot take advantage whilst you’re injured.” With a wicked giggle, she stroked him.

  Geordie’s eyes rolled with his moan, while ecstasy shimmered through his entire body. He grasped her hand and stilled it. “Are you certain you are not too sore?”

  She climbed onto his lap and straddled him. “Not too sore to mate with you.”

  “Good God, your charms are enough to lead any man to the edge of madness.”

  She seductively rocked her hips forward. “Is that a good thing?”

  “’Tis better than good.” He raised her hips and slipped inside her liquid core. “’Tis incredible.”

  * * *

  He hadn’t intended to make love to Akira this morn, but Geordie should have known he couldn’t gaze upon a goddess’s naked flesh or be anywhere in her vicinity without losing his mind—at least until his lust had been satiated. After, he’d made quick work of cleaning up and reviving himself with a bit of food before descending the stairs to his cousin’s solar. In fact, the solar belonged to the Duke of Gordon, as did the tower house in which they’d slept, but he’d appointed Malcolm governor of his lands in Glenlivet, and thus, Malcolm slept in the great bedchamber and ran the affairs of the county from the solar on the second floor.

  When Geordie opened the door, Malcolm pushed back his chair and hastily stood. “Cousin, you’re among the living, I see.” Only a year younger than Geordie, Malcolm was a stout man with dark Gordon features.

  “You kent I was here?” After closing the door, Geordie moved farther inside. “I told the guard to keep my presence silent.”

  Malcolm snorted. “Aye, that was until I threatened to emasculate him when the stable boy reported two new horses and kits of tack this morn.”

  Geordie chuckled and slid into a chair. “What the devil? You’ve stooped to threatening to cut off your guard’s cods?”

  “Only after he told me you didn’t want to be named. I had to somehow remind him who was governor of this castle.” Shrugging, he gestured to the sideboard. “Would you like a cup of cider?”

  “My thanks.” Geordie crossed his legs, making himself comfortable. “Who else kens I’m here?”

  “Only me. Even Eleanor is unaware as of yet.” Malcolm placed two tankards on the table.

  “Good, then let us keep it that way.” Geordie sipped, and the tang of sour apples tickled the corners of his jaw.

  “Oh? ’Tis not like you to lay low—ah…” Malcolm waggled his shoulders with a lecherous smirk. “Not even when you’ve a wench in tow.”

  Geordie dearly loved his cousin, but within a click of the mantel clock a bolt of heat flared up his spine. He snatched the errant man’s wrist and squeezed. Hard. “Akira is no wench,” he seethed.

  Turning red, Malcolm gulped. “Aye?”

  “Never forget it.” Having made his point, Geordie released his grip.

  Malcolm rubbed his wrist, then took a healthy swig of cider. “I’ve never seen you so defensive about a woman. She must be something to behold.”

  “The lass is no concern of yours.” Geordie rocked his chair back. The time for sniveling small talk was over. “I’m being pursued by an army of redcoats. Should they come this way, I trust you will discourage them from traveling further into Gordon lands.”

  “Trust a Gordon to play with fire.” He grinned. “Should we expect a fight?”

  Geordie took another drink. “When it comes to Government troops? Always prepare to defend yourself.”

  “Talk first?” Malcolm picked his teeth with his thumbnail.

  “Aye, ’twould be a fair bit less messy. And you haven’t seen hide nor hair of me since the gathering last May.”

  “Understood.”

  “We’ll need to be on our way soon.” Geordie shoved his chair back. “Please have a coach ready at the main gate
within the hour.”

  Malcolm snorted with a salacious grin. “A coach? Are you growing soft, old man?”

  Spreading his palms wide, Geordie scoffed. “Who are you calling old? My traveling companion is experiencing some chafing.”

  “Damnation, you are an insatiable dog even if you are a duke.”

  “Pull your mind from the sewer. The lass is sore from the saddle, and that is all.”

  Malcolm shook his head. “Och aye, now you’re Lord George the merciful?”

  Geordie stood. Devil’s bones, if Malcolm wasn’t his cousin, he might give him a good hiding. “Shut your gob and order the bloody coach.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Everything inside the coach was sumptuous, from the salmon-red walls to the matching pillows at each end of the cushioned seats.

  Akira smoothed her hand across the black velvet upholstery. “I never imagined a coach would be so grand inside. ’Tis like a small parlor.” She pushed aside the silk drapes and opened the wooden shutter in the door. The scenery passed by as if they were riding through a dream.

  She laughed when the breeze tickled her face. Never before had she felt so alive. So many new experiences showered her every day. When would the fairy tale end? Plopping back to the seat, she pointed. “Look out the window. ’Tis amazing.”

  Geordie laced his fingers through hers and peered outside. “What do you find so intriguing? Does it not look the same whether you’re riding in a carriage or on a horse?”

  “No, silly.” She made a large square with her hands. “The window makes the passing scenery look like a painting—except it’s constantly moving.”

  He slung his arm over her shoulder and kissed her temple. “Och, it does. And that’s another thing I find so endearing about you.”

  “What?”

  “You see the world as magical—a special place. Such small things give you joy.”

  “A coach is not a small thing.”

  “Mayhap not to you, but I have ridden in coaches all my life.”

  “You are lucky.”

  “Most of the time, though I cannot deny I was born into comfort. I sometimes do not appreciate luxuries as I should.”

  She returned her gaze to the window, listening to the creaks of the wheels. “How long will our journey take?”

  “We should be at Huntly in time for the evening meal.” Geordie frowned, while a tic twitched in his jaw.

  “What is it?”

  “Nothing.”

  “No.” She leaned closer. “I saw that look. Something is bothering you.”

  “When we arrive, we will be inundated with people and I will need to attend to urgent missives and a host of other matters.” The corners of his mouth turned up. “Alexander and Jane will be there, too.”

  “Your children?”

  “Aye.”

  Akira clutched her hands against the flitting in her stomach. “Do you think they’ll like me?”

  “Of course they will. You’re as endearing as a kitten.”

  She snorted. “Hardly.”

  He waggled his brows and slipped his hand to the back of her neck. “I disagree. You are impossible not to embrace. Though only I will do this…”

  Och, how she loved it when his gaze dipped to her lips and he lowered his mouth to hers. Joining in a long, slow kiss consumed her mind, making her need for him flare through her insides like wildfire.

  “Forget the children. I want you for myself,” he growled, taking in a deep breath. “And do not worry about Alex and Jane. They will warm to you, I’m certain of it.”

  “I’m excited to meet them.”

  “I borrowed this from my cousin’s library.” He held up a book. “Shall I read to you to help pass the time?”

  “What is it about?”

  “’Tis a play by William Shakespeare.”

  “Romeo and Juliet?” She peered at the cover, looking for a drawing, but found only a jumble of words. “I hope so, because I saw the play by the tinkers when they visited Dunkeld.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “Did you now?”

  “Aye.”

  “Did you enjoy it?”

  “Very much.”

  “Well then.” He turned the book over in his hands. “This is not Romeo and Juliet, but a comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.”

  “Nothing?” She puzzled. “That seems a bit nonsensical.”

  “And that’s precisely the theme. Would you like to hear it?”

  “Oh yes, indeed.” She wrapped her hands around his arm and nestled against him. “Tell me this story of nothing.”

  * * *

  Akira concentrated on Geordie’s every word, completely enchanted by the tenor of his voice. She laughed often, but could listen to him recite the Bible and derive enjoyment from it. The coach stopped twice to feed and water the horses, while she and Geordie ate a small meal packed by the cook in Glenlivet. Goodness, she could grow accustomed to a life of privilege if she didn’t watch herself. But she didn’t want to ever forget her roots, ever forget the common folk who worked the land. No, she vowed to help those less fortunate.

  The sun had begun to set when he closed the book. “So what did you think of the story?”

  “Silly, funny—but it makes me think.”

  “Oh? How, would you say?”

  She drummed her fingers for a moment. “I think the moral is honesty. Deception should never be used, even if someone has the best intentions.”

  “Well thought, my dear.” He nuzzled into her hair. “What else did you like about it?”

  “I liked that everything was sorted out in the end. But I didn’t like it when Claudio was tricked into rejecting Hero at the altar.”

  “Agreed. I think that was the worst deception of all.”

  Akira rested her head against Geordie’s shoulder. “I don’t want there to be any more deceptions between us.”

  “Nor do I.” Humming, he smoothed his hand along the outside of her arm. Oh, how marvelous to be wanted. “In fact, I should tell you what I’ve been thinking.”

  “Oh?”

  He fingered a lock of her hair. “I cannot abide for you and your family to live in such deplorable hardship. I’ve decided you, your ma, and sisters should move into the dower house on the Huntly estate.”

  “You’ve decided?” She rubbed her finger along the velvet collar of his doublet, mulling over his words, while prickles at her nape needled her. “Dower house?”

  “It’s a manor house—seven bedchambers above stairs, servants’ quarters. Honestly, the home is big enough for a large family.”

  A lump the size of her fist caught in her throat. She hadn’t thought much beyond Geordie’s declaration to care for her. What, exactly, did he mean? He was now making decisions on her behalf? Would they marry? Would the dower house be for her and her family until the wedding? Akira bit her bottom lip. Perhaps now wasn’t the time to ask. Things were already happening too fast.

  Her face grew hot. Of course he would marry her. Wouldn’t he? She glanced up at him.

  Grinning with the excitement of a lad, he rubbed his hands. “I want only the best for my Gypsy rose—gowns and horses and coaches at your disposal. We’ll need a tutor for your sisters. Why, they can even attend lessons with Jane and Alexander.”

  She clapped a hand over her heart. “They’ll learn to read?”

  “Aye.” He pulled her into an embrace. “And you, too, if you’d like. I’d like nothing better than to teach you to read myself.”

  “Do you not think I’m too old?”

  “Nay, you’re never too old to learn.”

  “Not in my wildest dreams did I believe I would gain an education. Just think, I will be able to read and write, just like a refined lady.”

  “Indeed you will, and do not let anyone tell you you’re not refined. You have more thoughtfulness in your heart than any noblewoman I have ever met.”

  “That is very kind of you to say.” Truly, she was excited beyond all measure, but the whole arrangemen
t with the dower house still played on her mind. Looking away, she twisted the corner of her mouth.

  Geordie brushed her tresses aside. “Are you worried, mo leannan?”

  “Perhaps a little.”

  “You must know I will do everything to ensure you are welcomed by my clan. They will simply adore you.”

  “A-and…ah…how long will I reside in the dower house?” There, she’d said it without using the word marriage.

  His eyes widened with his deep inhale. “Of course, I’ll expect you to stay in the castle with me most of the time, but you’ll need your own accommodations to keep up appearances with the outside world.”

  Suddenly Akira couldn’t breathe. It was as if a pile of stones had just fallen on her chest. “Appearances?” She covered her nose and mouth with her hands, pressing her fingers to the inner corners of her eyes, willing herself not to burst into tears. “Do I embarrass you, m’lord?”

  “Embarrass me?” He rubbed his hand across her shoulders. His touch suddenly didn’t feel soothing, but brash. “Of course not, but a duke cannot have a mistress living under his roof.”

  A tear dribbled down her finger. “Mistress?” she squeaked. Oh God, what would Ma say? Being a mistress was akin to being a whore, was it not? A kept woman? Someone to be toyed with but hidden from society like a leper?

  Geordie’s hand stilled. “Och, I cannot marry you, mo leannan. You ken I’m divorced. The bishop would never grant me leave to marry again. Besides…”

  She stiffened.

  He cleared his throat but didn’t finish his comment. “Do not misunderstand my intentions. All great men are forced into arranged marriages. The fortunate ones learn to love their wives, but most, like me, find themselves incompatible with the women with whom they are united for the sole purpose of maintaining a noble bloodline.” He kissed her temple. “I will deny you nothing. You will live in wealth and be respected by all society.”

  A snort blew through her nose. “Aye? But what about respecting myself?”

  He groaned. “I’m making a muddle of this, am I not?”

  She turned her face and pulled out from under his arm.