He didn’t meet her eyes; Nairna understood that he was feeling guilty for having lost Laren’s glass.
‘Thank you, Dougal.’ She accepted the reins of the horse. ‘And I’m sorry for what happened last night.’
His mouth tightened into a line. ‘So am I.’
She touched his shoulder. ‘I know you’re wanting to come with us to free Callum. But we need men to stay here, especially after what happened at Cairnross.’ She forced him to meet her gaze. ‘Please, will you protect Glen Arrin?’ Amid the other men, she caught Alex’s impatience. But this time, she didn’t want Dougal attempting to follow.
The lad looked down at the ground and nodded. Nairna gave him a slight hug, causing his ears to brighten with embarrassment.
‘Good. And there’s something else I need from you.’ She pointed to the doorway of their house, where Caen lifted a sleepy head. ‘Will you watch over Caen?’
Dougal eyed the dog and Nairna added, ‘He’s quite a fierce animal, really. He’ll tear out a man’s throat if he threatens a MacKinloch.’
A slight grin perked the lad’s mouth at her sarcasm, when the dog yawned and closed his eyes again. More than likely Caen would sleep through an invasion. But after Nairna finished packing her supplies, Caen woke up and got to his feet, trotting forwards. He sniffed at Nairna as she ordered him, ‘Be good while I’m away.’
Dougal knelt to pet him, and Caen licked his hand. Satisfied that both would be safe after they left, Nairna mounted her horse and joined the others.
But as she followed the men, trying to keep in their midst, her husband’s annoyance was palpable and he would no longer look at her.
Ballaloch Castle, two days later
‘Harkirk’s forces are growing stronger,’ Hamish said. ‘He’s been demanding more funds from the clans and few are able to pay anymore. His greed knows no logic.’
‘What of your family?’ Bram asked gruffly. He knew it was a continual source of frustration for Nairna that her father had chosen to bribe Lord Harkirk instead of fighting the English forces.
‘I’ll admit, I have little left to give.’ Hamish gave a shrug and gestured for them to join him at table. ‘But the MacDonnell clan returned most of Nairna’s dowry from her marriage to Iver. The replenished supplies will help us through the winter.’
Bram’s knuckles whitened as he thought of Nairna’s previous husband. Although he knew it wasn’t rational, he viewed Iver as the man who had stolen her away from him. He couldn’t stop the possessive feelings, but he was glad that part of Nairna’s life was over.
His wife had disappeared above stairs, taking food with her and claiming that she was tired. Bram didn’t trust her, and he wouldn’t put it past her to eavesdrop.
Throughout the two-day journey, she’d said little to him. It was as if she were trying to become a soft-spoken, demure wife. Bram wanted to snort at the idea. Nairna was most definitely up to something, and though she’d convinced Alex she had no intention of interfering with Callum’s rescue, he knew better.
The false coins had disappeared among her belongings, and he didn’t doubt that she would put them to use. Though she claimed it was because she wanted to avoid fighting, he still wondered if it was because she lacked trust in his abilities. He’d done everything he could to rebuild his strength, but Nairna didn’t seem to believe in him.
His mood grew darker over the next half-hour. He listened to Alex and Hamish discussing Callum’s whereabouts; although his brother was going through each of the possibilities, Bram was growing more distracted. He was tired of waiting and the idea of negotiating a release sounded as if it would only drag out Callum’s suffering. Were it up to him, he’d leave now and get his brother out.
At last, they agreed that they would speak to Lord Harkirk in the morning, asking for Callum’s release while Bram and Ross infiltrated the English defences. Even if no decision was made, they would then have the knowledge they needed to launch an attack.
Satisfied, Bram returned to the room he and Nairna had been given. He found his wife curled up on her side, though he doubted she was asleep. He pulled back the coverlet and saw her bare skin. His body responded at the sight of her nakedness and he removed his clothing, slipping into the bed beside her. Nairna rolled over to face him, her expression pensive.
He waited for her to speak, to ask the questions he knew she was itching to voice. But she didn’t say a word. At last he offered, ‘We’re leaving tomorrow for Harkirk’s fortress.’
She gave a nod to show she’d heard him, then rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling. ‘I hope you get him back safely.’
‘You don’t want us to fight for him, do you?’
She remained silent for several minutes. Then she answered, ‘I used to think my father was a coward for not facing them. I wanted him to fight for our freedom, rather than bargaining with the enemy.’
She reached for his hand and pulled it to her. ‘I understand now why he made the choices he did. I’d rather surrender every last coin, if it meant keeping you safe.’
The haunted note in her voice gripped him hard, for she spoke as if she knew he would die. Her fear was real and he laced his fingers with hers in quiet reassurance.
‘I’ll return to you, Nairna.’
‘You don’t know that.’ Her eyes gleamed with unshed tears. ‘There are so many of them.’
He kissed the corners of her eyes, as if to take the tears away. ‘It won’t be a direct attack. Alex and your father will negotiate, while Ross and I try to find Callum.’
‘Promise me you won’t take any risks.’ She traced her fingertips over his jaw, stroking his skin.
‘I can’t promise it won’t be dangerous,’ he admitted. ‘But I have a good reason to return.’
She knew that nothing would keep him from this fight and her fears multiplied until she wondered if this was the last night they would spend together. She thought of the dried flower he’d given her and the gift of Caen. He’d built a house for her and done everything he could to give her happiness.
Her life with Bram was better than she’d dreamed it could be. And her heart was utterly lost at the thought of losing him.
‘What is it, a ghaoil?’
She turned her head into the sheet, fighting back tears. ‘I’m just afraid because I don’t want you to be taken captive again.’ She touched the scar that ran down his throat and he caught her fingers. ‘I can’t stop thinking about it.’
‘I won’t be a prisoner again,’ he swore. ‘I would surrender my life first.’
She knew it, but the idea of losing him was tearing her apart. She embraced him hard, trying to hold on to him. She didn’t want tonight to end with any distance between them. Her hand moved down, catching hold of his shaft. Slowly, she stroked him, coaxing his erection until he was hard. She moved upwards, easing his length inside her.
‘Nairna,’ Bram murmured.
‘Just relax,’ she said. She eased up, sinking back down until his length was impaled within her moist walls. The sensation of taking control, of bringing him pleasure, was a way of showing him how she felt.
His hands held her waist, guiding her up, before he sheathed himself within. ‘You think I can relax while you’re doing this?’
She rocked against him, forcing him to thrust deep inside. ‘You needn’t do anything. I’ll take care of you.’
His answer was to withdraw, dragging her down until her stomach rested on the bed, her feet touching the floor. From behind, he spread her legs apart, his fingers probing her opening. ‘No, Nairna. I’m going to take care of you.’
Abruptly, she felt him filling her and the thickness of him was shredding all the clear thoughts of her brain. She surrendered to the heady pleasure as he drew her hips to him, penetrating her in short thrusts.
She moaned when he quickened the pace, the rhythm bringing her swollen womanhood into full contact with his shaft.
‘I love you,’ she blurted out, shocked when a shaking spasm gripp
ed her. Though she hadn’t meant to confess the words, they had an effect upon her husband. He gentled his thrusts, going deeper, as if he were trying to caress her from within.
Though he didn’t reveal any of his own feelings, she sensed that he did care. He kissed her shoulder lazily while he penetrated her again. ‘Do you want me to take you like this?’ he murmured, filling her up with a smooth stroke. ‘Or like this?’ He took her hard, with a fast pace that stole her breath. Immediately, her body reacted and she fought to catch her breath.
‘Faster,’ she gritted out and he obeyed. He pumped inside, taking her with no mercy, his shaft slamming inside so hard, she bit back a scream. A spasm of ecstasy flooded over her, making her come apart with wicked release.
‘Tell me again,’ he demanded, reaching up to cup her breasts. His fingers pinched her nipples, but there was no pain, only a delicious pleasure that shot down her body into her womb.
‘I love you,’ she admitted. His hands stimulated her breasts while he finished his thrusts, driving so deeply inside that she felt like he’d stolen her mind, as well as her heart.
And when he at last found his own fulfilment, his breathing shuddered against her, his hips driving deep. Nairna’s heartbeat thudded within her chest, while Bram rested atop her.
‘I’m coming back to you, a ghaoil.’
She prayed he could keep that promise.
Chapter Eighteen
The circular defences of the English fortress were heavily guarded. Archers wearing chainmail stood at the gatehouse, while Bram spied more soldiers patrolling the motte-and-bailey structure. As Hamish led them inside, Bram felt the coldness rising up. His claymore was strapped across his back, hidden from view by his cloak. He kept his shoulders lowered, trying to hide himself from their view, but he counted soldiers, mentally reviewing their positions.
A second inner curtain wall enclosed a modest wooden structure that was starting to resemble a keep. From the layers of stone built up against the wood, Bram supposed that prisoners were being used for the labour. He kept his eyes fixed upon the ground, searching for the entrance to the prison. It would be a small opening, likely somewhere near the centre of the fortress.
Though he kept near the others for now, he was already planning to slip away to find the location. It might be that he could steal away while Hamish was speaking with Harkirk.
Hamish dismounted and led them inside the fortress. He’d worn his best tunic and a cloak lined with fur, making it clear that this meeting was indeed meant to be a negotiation.
Bram’s gaze flickered to the Englishman and the ruthlessness in his eyes reminded him of Cairnross. He possessed an air of superiority, as if he owned the souls of the men around him.
‘I have come with the chief of the MacKinloch clan,’ Hamish began. ‘He wishes to negotiate the return of his younger brother Callum, whom we believe to be a prisoner here.’
The English lord’s face remained cold and impassive. ‘I presume you are speaking of the one who was transferred to me from Cairnross.’
‘Aye,’ Alex interrupted. He stepped forwards, meeting Harkirk’s expression with his own determination. ‘I want Callum returned to us.’
‘And what are you prepared to offer in return?’ the lord enquired. ‘Another hostage to take his place?’
An icy coldness rose up in Bram’s throat, but he didn’t flinch or turn his face away. Instead, he stared hard at the enemy, letting Harkirk see the unbridled hatred. Men had suffered and died in chains, innocent victims who had been taken to punish the clan members.
‘You’re going to release him,’ Bram said quietly. ‘The clans protect their own.’
‘Do they? Then why is it that they’ve retreated to the north, hiding in the wilderness?’
‘They’re biding their time,’ Bram answered. ‘Joining forces together.’ He lifted his eyes to the Englishman’s. ‘By keeping our clansmen as prisoners, you give us a reason to join together against a common enemy.’
Harkirk let out a rough laugh. ‘Your barbaric fighting methods don’t stand a chance against our cavalry. We’ll defeat you, just as we did with Wallace’s men at Falkirk.’ A thin smile stretched his lips. ‘And you know what they did to Wallace. He was drawn and quartered, like the traitor he was.’
He gave a flick of his hand and half-a-dozen guards came closer in a silent threat. ‘MacPherson, we’ve nothing more to discuss.’
‘One prisoner,’ Hamish interrupted, lifting his palm. ‘I am prepared to offer silver for his safe return.’
Bram’s fists tightened when he saw the bag of coins Hamish withdrew from beneath his cloak. He recognised the sack of false coins and he held his breath.
‘A contribution from our clan,’ Alex intervened.
‘You’re prepared to pay a ransom?’
‘For our brother, yes. But as for your other prisoners, you risk the wrath of the other clans by holding them captive.’
Harkirk signalled for one of his men to come forwards. Hamish reached into the bag and withdrew a few of the silver coins for inspection. The servant eyed them, then nodded to his overlord.
The English baron seemed to deliberate for several moments, before replying, ‘Bring me Cairnross’s prisoner.’
Nairna was waiting inside the courtyard when they returned. Her heart soared with thankfulness when she saw Bram and, most of all, the man they’d brought home with them. She didn’t doubt it was Callum MacKinloch, for the man held the look of his brothers, despite his captivity. Yet he was different from Bram. Though he walked with a slight limp, it was the emptiness in his gaze that worried her.
Nairna rushed forwards to Bram, but he made no move to greet her. His expression was angry and all he would say was, ‘Pack our belongings. We’re leaving immediately.’
She couldn’t understand what was the matter. He’d rescued Callum, hadn’t he? ‘What’s wrong?’
Bram kept walking and she struggled to keep up with his pace. Nairna saw Callum enter the keep, leaning upon Alex for support.
‘Wait for me,’ she begged Bram and ordered one of the serving maids to bring food and fresh clothing to Bram’s brother.
In the meantime, her husband had already disappeared into their chamber. When Nairna arrived, he was pacing across the floor.
‘What is it?’ She couldn’t understand what had brought about his frustration.
‘It was too simple, Nairna. I don’t trust them.’
‘Are you angry about the coins I sent with my father?’ she asked, her face reddening. ‘Did he have to use them?’
‘He paid the ransom, aye. But when they learn that the money at the bottom is false, they’ll—’
‘The top layer wasn’t false,’ she admitted. ‘Only the remainder. It’s still worth a man’s life.’
Bram took a breath, leaning his hand against the wall. ‘I pray they don’t find out until we’re gone.’
She saw the immense guilt mingled with his confusion and frustration. Though she’d hoped that Callum’s safe return would alleviate her husband’s guilt, it didn’t seem to have made a difference.
‘It wouldn’t surprise me if they attacked us on our way back to Glen Arrin,’ he said. ‘We’ll leave at nightfall, when it’s more difficult for them to track our path.’
He didn’t feel safe, she understood. Not even here, among her father’s men. ‘All right,’ she said softly. ‘We’ll go tonight.’
Nairna moved closer, sliding her arms around him. ‘Something else is troubling you.’ Whether he wanted her or not, she needed to offer him some form of comfort.
‘Callum hasn’t spoken once, not since we left Harkirk’s fortress.’ Bram drew her tightly against him, his hand clutching her hair. ‘Not a word. It was as if he didn’t know us.’
‘That will change when he’s home,’ Nairna predicted. ‘You’ll see.’
‘I left him there too long.’
While she held Bram, the burden of guilt pressed down on him so hard that she wished she could sh
oulder it for him. ‘He’ll heal. Give it time.’
But he let go of her, his face growing stoic. ‘I hope so.’ He walked to the door, and reminded her, ‘Prepare our belongings. I’m going to see my brother now.’
He didn’t wait for a reply, but closed the door behind him. A hard lump formed in her throat, but Nairna knew she could do nothing more. Bram had returned home to her unharmed, with his brother safe, and that was everything she’d prayed for. Yet, as she waited alone in her chamber, she feared that the demons of her husband’s past were not at all gone.
They didn’t stop to sleep on the journey home, nor did they take more than a few minutes to rest or eat. Nairna thought her legs would drop off from the gruelling pace, but the men were convinced that Harkirk would follow them. She’d nearly fallen asleep on horseback, once they’d reached the area surrounding Glen Arrin.
Tall green mountains rose up, while a light rain fell down upon them. Rivulets of water creased the mountains, while fir trees skirted the lower hills. Nairna’s clothing was completely soaked, but she hardly cared anymore. It had done nothing but rain since they’d left.
And her husband hadn’t spoken to her in that time, either, keeping at Callum’s side. Now that it was daylight, she took a moment to study Bram’s younger brother. With long dark hair and a bearded face that hid his features, he looked a great deal like his brothers. It was only the emptiness in his expression that made her understand that he had endured far more than Bram. Though she’d sent fresh clothing to Callum, he still wore the stained, ill-fitting clothing he’d worn for the years of his imprisonment.
When she’d tried to question why he’d refused the clothing, Bram wouldn’t answer. He’d ignored her attempts at conversation, spending all of his time at Callum’s side.
They stopped at a stream to let the horses drink and Nairna came closer to the men. She’d hoped to introduce herself to Callum, but they’d shielded him from her. It was only when they were moving back to the horses that she caught a glimpse of their brother’s back.
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