Timeless Passion: 10 Historical Romances To Savor

by Rue Allyn

  Breathless, she teased, “What game shall we play now, husband?”

  Without a reply, he carried her to the beach, swiped up his plaid and continued on to a secluded copse sheltered by leafy branches and bushes. He set her on her feet and spread his plaid atop the spongy moss-laden ground and guided her onto the blanket. Side by side, they reclined, gazing into one another’s eyes. Unhurried, she let her deft hand to glide down his hard, flat belly, and lightly traced her fingers over the thin line of dark hair until she gripped his rigid erection. He sucked in his breath, and his stomach muscles contracted telling her without words how much he enjoyed her touch.

  Mesmerized, she brushed a forefinger across the tip of his shaft in time to catch the pearl of semen. Watching him, she raised her finger to her mouth and tasted him. She stared into his fiercely aroused gaze just as he swooped down to capture her lips. There was nothing tender in what he gave. It was raw and primal filled with sensuality.

  • • •

  Although the afternoon shadows grew longer, they made no effort to move from one another’s embrace.

  She stretched under the fading sun. “I feel so decadent.”

  Aeden smiled and ran his calloused hands over her belly. “You could tempt the bees from the sweetest flower, lass.”

  Sitting up and a little away, she admired Aeden’s bronzed masculine form, peeking at him from under thick lashes. “I did wonder how you happened to be browned everywhere,” she teased.

  Winking, he quipped, “Do no’ go revealing my secret now.”

  She stiffened. With the one word, she was transported back to the day in which she learned the disturbing truth about Addis’s parentage.

  He ran his hands over her arms.

  “You’re trembling love, what’s troubling you?”

  The weight of that terrible secret lay heavy on her conscience. She bit her lip until it throbbed like a pulse.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Addis surrendered almost every detail to the Englishman, almost. He omitted a few facts to guarantee his life. The only tangible items he gained for his negotiating efforts were a cracked rib, two broken fingers, and a busted nose.

  “You will take me to the Maxwell holding, unless you prefer death, or worse.”

  What could possibly be worse than death was a question he wasn’t eager to pursue. He didn’t bother to inform the Englishman of Elisande’s possible death. He was certain he heard one of Aeden’s men shout that she lived. He sneered. The man was a lack-wit to believe he would take Elisande only to give her up. When he was through with her, death would be a tender mercy.

  • • •

  Aeden prowled the room like a caged beast, his hands clasped tightly behind his back, and his thoughts weighed down with bitter resentment.

  “Son.”

  He disregarded Tam’s entreaty with a hard expression and continued to pace.

  “Da had the power to end Addis’s claim to the title and yet he allowed my bro … Addis’s discontent and perceived slights to fester for years.”

  He stopped midstream and whirled on Tam. “And you,” his muted voice exuded an undertone of cold contempt, “you kept the knowledge of his true lineage from me long after it was necessary. To what purpose? Give me a worthy enough reason why I was kept ignorant of the facts?”

  Unable to bear his unrest, Elisande left her chair by the hearth, captured Aeden’s hand and entwined their fingers. She willed him some of her calm to take the edge off of his fury. Though his lips were thinned, he brought her hand up and kissed her knuckles — acknowledgment he prized her loyalty.

  Convinced the worst of his ire had spent itself, she gave his hand a squeeze and resumed a seat nearest him.

  “Maeri didn’t want to create a rift between the two of you,” Tam explained.

  Aeden’s lip curled and he snorted in disgust.

  “You need to understand. Your ma and da raised Addis from the time he was two, as their son. They had hopes he could overcome the taint of his parentage.”

  Weary, Aeden scrubbed a hand down his face.

  “Christ on the cross. The both of them were daily observers to our less-than-brotherly bond, and, I would wager that on the day he carved my face, any doubts we weren’t getting along should have been obvious to a blind man.”

  Tam nodded his agreement. He cleared his throat. “There’s more.”

  Aeden leveled a shrewd look in Tam’s direction. “Does it have anything to do with the knife taken out of my back?”

  Onora gasped. “How did you know?”

  “I had my suspicions all along.”

  “What made you suspect him?” demanded Tam.

  Aeden shrugged. “He said it often enough, and after his first attempt when I was five and ten, I figured he’d try it again someday. Once the title was beyond his grasp, it was only a matter of time. As it stands, I am gratified to know he was never a blood brother to me. It will only make matters easier.”

  “And what matter might be made easier by this knowledge?” Onora probed.

  Aeden fondled the hilt of his sword and replied, “The matter of killing him.”

  • • •

  “I am very happy for you, aunt.”

  The afternoon sun shone through the open windows, bathing the older couple in its soft glow as the congregation erupted in applause. Onora and Tam acknowledged the cheers with faces wreathed in smiles.

  Her fingers cold, she grabbed Elisande’s hands in a formidable grip. “Do you believe the man has loved me all this time?”

  Elisande’s lips kicked up at the corners. She found the girlish quality of her aunt’s speech endearing.

  “Who that knows you, could not help but to love you, aunt?”

  Tam leaned in. “Aye, aye, ’tis a true enough fact, I ken, and ’tis to my great fortune your aunt returns the sentiment.”

  Although her uncle regarded Aeden, he directed the comment to Elisande.

  “Me nephew saunters around Caeverlark sporting a perpetual smile, and I am that worried about him. What have you done to the boy? The servants have reported that no oat bags are swinging in your chamber window, so, it must be your charms alone that keep such a grin on his face.”

  She laughed. “Uncle, you are unmerciful in your teasing.”

  “Happily, my niece has a sense of humor that allows for the clan to join in the good-natured jesting,” Onora interjected.

  “Aye, ’tis true. I’ve never seen such jocularity afore. Makes me long for the days when everyone walked around in stoic silence.”

  Looking fit to burst, Morag bustled over to the assemblage, wooden spoons poised in either hand.

  “Please forgive me disruption, m’ladies. Cook sent me out to announce the wedding banquet waits and I beg to hurry everyone along. I am having a time of it keeping the wee one’s grubby little hands from snatching treats.”

  • • •

  Aeden may have been on the other side of the room positioned near the hearth, however, he waited until Elisande became occupied serving Father Pollock. Only then did he give Ronan his full attention.

  “He had been sighted by a Murray not more than a week ago near their southern border, on foot mind. They did no’ believe naught amiss and determined he was a crofter.”

  “Why did no one challenge him?” Aeden shook his head frustrated by the near miss.

  “No reason to since they recognized the Maxwell colors.”

  Aeden made an erase motion with his hand. “Wait, he wore my colors? I stripped him of that right the night of his banishment.”

  “I remember,” Ronan confirmed. “But from what I was told, someone threw the plaid after him when the Kerr guards dragged Addis outside, and they did no’ think to take it from him, thinking it was a ceremonial action in deed only. I should have caught it since I followed him to the door.”

  Aeden ran a hand around the back of his neck. “Do no’ blame yourself, ’twas madness that eve. Explain to me why they assumed this man to be Addis?”


  “When the Murray reported back to his commander, he described the man. It fits Addis down to the skin.”

  Aeden’s brows pulled in, “And yet, no’ one has come across him since.”

  His men had been riding out ever since Elisande had been dragged from the loch, making wide sweeps miles beyond Maxwell land, traveling to allied and rival borders alike, yet nothing had been discovered, not even a cold firepit. Now, this recent sighting had Addis on foot. That meant, he hid somewhere near Caeverlark all this time.

  He speared Ronan with a look. “More than likely he is aided by one of our enemies. Question being, who reviles us the most?”

  “Do you really believe the Ferguson harbors Addis?”

  Aeden lifted his shoulders. “As my wife likes to say, anything is possible.”

  They fell silent both lost in their own thoughts. Aeden watched Elisande, her light-hearted laughter and graceful movements charmed him. Soon, he became conscious of Ronan’s stare and transferred his attention back to their discussion.

  “Will you warn her?”

  Aeden shook his head “No. I do no’ wish to upset her unnecessarily. She is finally healed.”

  “Aye, the scrapes and bruises are almost unnoticeable.”

  “’Tis no’ just her outward appearance I speak of.”

  “We will be on guard for her,” Ronan avowed.

  “Aye, we will.”

  The knowledge his wife might yet be in danger aroused his most primal instinct to protect what belonged to him. If he thought it realistic, he would spirit her away to their bedchamber where he could keep her safeguarded against anyone who would be foolish enough to try to harm her. He remained certain Addis wouldn’t dare breach the security of the keep. Still, he wasn’t taking chances with her safety.

  “When I can no’ be with her, a watch detail will follow her at a discreet distance.”

  She was his life, and he would cease to exist if anything happened to her. A shudder ripped up his spine at the morbid reflection. Her laughter shattered his concentration a second time. She was the most perfect woman in the world — perfect for him.

  As she circled nearer the hearth, he noticed with keen interest the deep vee of her cleavage when she bent to pour the old priest more mead. The kindness she displayed, laughing at the old curmudgeon’s worn out jests, warmed his heart. She was a beautiful woman, pleasing to look upon true, yet, her inner beauty outshined her outward attributes. For some mysterious reason, she returned his love even though he knew he did nothing to deserve her devotion. And though he may not be worthy of her, damned if he’d ever let her go.

  • • •

  Her scalp prickled, and she knew someone observed her. She straightened abruptly and locked eyes with Aeden. He watched her with the force of a man hungering for food after a long fast. Color heated her cheeks spreading over her chest while she returned his smoldering gaze. Almost like a predatory animal, he tracked her movements across the room. Her body in tune with his every word and gesture as excitement coursed through her body. Soldiers, servants, and friends everyone faded from her awareness. Various duties still awaited her attentions, yet all she desired were a few stolen moments with the man she loved. Studying him from beneath her lashes, she knew he felt the same. She smiled at those who would greet her, all the while willing Aeden to her. In the next moment, her impatience was rewarded.

  Aeden reached her side uttering not a word. At first, she did not understand why he hesitated, but soon realized he would leave the choice in her hands. After all, the hall was still crowded. If they were to depart in such haste, no one could harbor any doubt as to their destination. That he thought to spare her sensibilities and forgo his pleasure caused another wave of love to wash over her. In another life, she would have been scandalized, now she cared nothing for the speculation of others. In a bold move, she walked over to him, entwined her fingers with his, and silently led the way to their bedchamber. Once inside, she bolted the door against intruders.

  He stood in the middle of the room, a gleam in his eyes as he moved closer to her. A hairsbreadth from one another, he reached out and caught her hips. She brushed his hands away and loosened his belt.

  “I wish to be the one to unwrap my present.”

  Obviously pleased by her sauciness, a grin spread across his face and he dropped his hands to his sides. With an insouciant quirk of her lips, she walked two fingers up his chest pulling the drape from behind his shoulder, while her other hand lightly traced across the faded scars and deep muscles of his chest. Gradually, she lowered her mouth and with her tongue drew a delicate circle around his nipple. He shuddered, and his response increased her daring. Proficient fingers unbuckled the wide strip of leather and tossed it to the floor. His plaid followed, baring him to her. She slid her hand down his ridged abdomen, his muscles contracted under her exploring fingers and his breath shortened. She placed a kiss on his parted lips the exact moment she gripped his long, warm shaft in her small, cool hand.

  It proved too much for his self-control, and he seized her around the waist and crushed his lips to hers, propelling her backwards until she backed into the wall. Changing the angle of his head, he broke the kiss.

  “Wrap your arms behind my neck, love.”

  She obeyed. He guided her legs around his waist, bearing her weight and slid his hands under her backside to support her bottom and thighs. Bracing his legs, he adjusted the angle of his hips and the tip of his shaft probed her. Taking her lips in a bruising kiss, he pierced her with his erection. She clasped his head, her fingers tangling in his wild, russet mane, the exquisite tension stealing over her body as the moment unraveled like a ribbon on the wind. All of a sudden, she stiffened against him and he tensed while shockwaves of glorious sensation rushed her being. Lost in the throes of her climax she undulated, endeavoring to wring every ounce of pleasure from their coupling.

  The force of her release shattered his last tether of restraint. He lifted his hips thrust forward one last time and poured his essence into her. As he returned to himself, he became aware of her fingers stroking his hair. Drawing away from the cushion of her breasts, he placed a tender kiss on her swollen lips, disengaged her legs from around his waist and bit by bit lowered her to the ground. He rested his forehead against hers for the briefest second, then led her to their bed.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  “Where is Elisande? ’Tis odd she is no’ already seated at the table.”

  “Have you seen Onora?” Tam asked simultaneously.

  The hair on Aeden’s neck rose. “No.”

  The smile slid from Tam’s face. “Well, they must be here somewhere.”

  Aeden scanned the room honing in on Caeverlark’s most prolific gossip arranging the hall flowers. If anyone knew where the women went off too, it would be Morag. He motioned her over to the table. To keep his growing concern in check he counted to five and then put the question to her.

  “M’ladies took their leave, oh, must be going on half the day or more,” she replied.

  Aeden exchanged a concerned glance with Tam.

  “Had your mistress mentioned where they were destined?”

  Morag thought a moment, twirling a long stemmed wildflower betwixt two fingers. It was all he could do to keep from snatching the thing and tossing it to the floor.

  “Aye, chief.” She jabbed the air with the long-stemmed bloom. “M’ladies said they were off to gather berries. Cook needed juniper for the meat pies.”

  Suspicious, he towered over the servant. “Why did the scullion no’ see to this menial chore?”

  “It seems cook lost one scullion to an ailment and the other wouldn’t know a juniper berry from a barrel of boots. When the problem was discussed in front of Lady Onora, she enlisted milady to take the task upon them.”

  “They won’t be much longer I’d wager.” Nervous, she eyed him and took a giant step backwards.

  “Thank you, Morag, you may go.”

  Tam poked his pinky finge
r in his ear. “That woman’s voice is like flea in me brain.”

  Despite the servant’s explanation, Aeden remained uneasy. He paced the length of the trestle table and turned back on his heel and paused.

  “If they left earlier this morn they should have returned by now. Junipers are in abundance and their search should not have taken them very far. I’m going after them.”

  Aeden charged the door the same moment Kiernan barreled through from the other side, his sword arm propped against it as Ronan burst into the hall with Onora dangling from his arms.

  “Let me pass!”

  Soldiers and servants cleared his path. Aeden swiped the contents off the nearest table, making way for his second-mother’s immobile form. Ronan laid her on the wood surface and stepped aside for Tam who cradled Onora, wild-eyed.

  Aeden grabbed Ronan by the shoulder and wheeled him around. “What in the hell happened?”

  “One of the watch guards found two baskets overturned and abandoned by the roadside half full of … of,” he stared at his booted foot unable to continue.

  “Juniper berries,” Aeden finished.

  Bile rose in his throat. Rigid with anger and fear, he issued rapid-fire orders to his men. A strangled sob rose from Onora as she awoke. Terrified, she bolted upright and tried to shove Tam back.

  “He has Elisande!”

  “Calm yourself, calm yourself, now,” Tam urged.

  “Who has taken Elisande?” Aeden demanded.

  “I don’t know, I have never laid eyes on him before. But Aeden — ” she stopped and covered her face unable to go on.

  Aeden wanted to grab her and shake the words out of her, he wanted to charge from the room, but he did neither of those things. Instead, he focused all his attention on Onora and tried to control his emotions, if he had any hope of understanding what happened to Elisande before — His mind shut down refusing to think the unthinkable.