Ainsley Blackstone stood only a few feet away, and Kolyn studied her. She was a graceful woman age had forgotten to dull. Her hair was as black as a raven's wing and her skin the color of cream. She was beautiful. Her eyes were the softest brown, a touch of gold glistening in them. Kolyn could see where Ian had gotten the intense color of his eyesthere was a hint of it in his mother's. All her movements, her manners, her smile were gentle and caring. Kolyn knew she could have liked the woman.
"That's very pretty," Ainsley said, stepping over to Kolyn and touching the small flowers entwined in her hair.
"Thank you." Kolyn returned her smile. "Leslie did it for me. I've never been very good with my hair."
"You are very different from Leslie." Whether it was a statement or a question Kolyn wasn't certain. She sensed Ainsley was not waiting for an answer.
"Yet you are her friend. Many would not be," Ainsley said. We all have our sins, Lady Blackstone." "Aye." Ainsley's look grew sad. "The Lord forgives us our sins . . . if only we can forgive ourselves." "Sometimes, it's not so easy."
"I believe you promised me a dance."
Kolyn glanced nervously between Ian and his mother. Ainsley's look was one of amusement now, the sadness all gone. "I did no such thing," Kolyn said. "I see your friend has not left your side." Ian pointed to the goose that rested at Kolyn's feet. "He is my witness you did indeed promise me a dance."
Kolyn felt the heat rise in her face, his persistence annoying, yet thrilling at the same time. "If I say no, will you leave me alone?" "Of course not." "Then let's dance, my lord." She turned to his mother. "Please excuse me, Lady Blackstone, while I appease your son."
Kolyn offered her arm to Ian and allowed him to lead her out into the crowd of dancers. The goose followed, his honking blending with the music and laughter. He was underfoot and in danger of being stepped upon. Kolyn tried to shoo him away, but he remained close by. Laughing, Ian picked the goose up, and they finished the dance with the animal tucked securely under his arm.
The music ended. Out of breath, Kolyn took her goose and nodded politely. "Thank you, my lord." She walked back to where she stood before. Ian followed. "Thank you, my lord," Ian mimicked, irritated by her coolness. He grabbed her free hand and pulled her behind him until they were alone and out of sight. He stopped and whirled about so suddenly she ran right into him. "Excuse me," Kolyn muttered, confused by his sudden anger.
Even though she tried to pull free of his grip, he did not let go of her hand. He held her firmly.
"Please let me go" He ignored her. Suddenly, Kolyn was nervous. He seemed so dark, so sinister. He no longer smiled and teased her. "I'd best get back." He said nothing. "What do you want from me?" she asked weakly.
"A kiss," he whispered, his voice deep and husky. "All I want is a kiss."
She considered this and wondered if he was lying to her. If she kissed him, then what? Would he expect more? Was she willing to give more? Kolyn looked away, embarrassed by her own thoughts. Kolyn set the goose down and turned back to Ian. "One kiss, that is all?" "One kiss." She stood on her tiptoes and found she was still too short to reach him. He didn't make a move to lean down. Kolyn glanced about, and spotting a tree stump, took his arm and pulled him over to it. She climbed up on it and found herself staring into Ian's golden eyes, their softness drawing her in. She gathered her courage.
Kolyn had never kissed a man. Not a man who openly desired her. She felt her stomach tighten and jump. She licked her lips to moisten them. It was hot, too hot. Even the coolness of the night could not chill the fire inside her.
Every strong line of his jaw, even the slightest shading of his beard, was before her gaze. She saw the contour of his lips, the subtle indentation where his dimples showed at rare times. She wanted to touch them, found herself doing so. Ian remained still under her scrutiny; only the slightest reflex in his jaw showed he was even aware of her. Blackest lashes framed his eyes, eyes of melted gold.
A kiss. That was all he asked. Kolyn prepared herself. She cocked her head to the side and kissed him. When she pulled back, his arms went about her, pulling her closer, enclosing her in a circle of muscled arms. She could not escape. His tongue pried open her lips. The tip played with her own, sending tremors through her. The fire exploded within and consumed her body and mind. She was lost.
Ian drank long of her kiss, like a man dying of thirst. Her body fit so neatly against his, her softness molding to his hardness. Longings rose in him like a giant roused after a long sleep. At first, slow and drowsy, then fierce and demanding. He pulled away, afraid of his own yearnings.
"Thank you, my lady." Ian's voice broke from the intensity of his reaction to her. "I must go now, or I shall need more than a kiss." With that, he disappeared, leaving Kolyn standing upon the stump. Bewildered and confused.
"Does the lady need assistance down?"
Startled, Kolyn looked about to put a face to the voice. Geoffrey stepped forward from the night shadows.
"No." Embarrassed, she stepped down. "Do you always lurk in the shadows?" Geoffrey's laughter filtered to her. "As long as there are men who would kill Ian." "Are there many?" Kolyn asked. Geoffrey shook his head. "No. Most of Ian's enemies are dead." Thankfully, Geoffrey could not see Kolyn's reaction in the dark. "Then why do you still protect him?"
"They are not all dead." He laughed again. "It is what I do, lass. I know no other life." Curiosity got the best of her. "You would kill for Ian?" He looked amazed, as if it were a silly question. "Of course, Lynn. I'd kill for him, and I'd die for him." "That's extremely loyal, Geoff. How is it Lord Blackstone has such a friend?"
"You ask a lot of questions," he said, looking uncomfortable.
Kolyn had never seen Geoffrey serious, a mischievous grin always on his lips, laughter always there. This made her hope he would continue.
"Ian saved my life when I was young. He gave my life back to me. Then he provided a life for me. To watch over Ian seems little enough for all he has given me these past years." "And what's that?" "His friendship."
Kolyn was quiet a moment, then threw another question his way. "Do you think I would harm Ian?"
This change of subject obviously confused Geoffrey. "What?" "You were watching over Lord Blackstone when he was with me. Do you think I will try and kill him?" It was a dangerous question. Kolyn knew this. But she couldn't stop herself from asking anyway. "Aye." He smiled. "All women are suspect. Women can kill a man without a weapon. I suspect you will break Ian's heart, Lynn."
Anger touched Kolyn. "You make fun of me, Geoff." She turned to go back to the tavern. "No, lass," Geoffrey called after her. "I'm deadly serious."
Kolyn felt tired. It was time to slip away up to her attic room for some much needed sleep. It had been a long day. She went inside the tavern, the room filled with people still eating, still drinking. Perhaps sleep wouldn't be coming anytime soon. She moved through the crowd to the stairs.
"Hey, lass."
Someone grabbed her arm and stopped her. She turned to see who had spoken to her. It was a man she had seen only a few times in the inn, usually quite drunk. Tonight was no exception. He was dirty. Kolyn tried to pull her arm from his hand, but he persistently held tight, hurting her.
"Please let go of me," she said much more politely than she felt. "I seen you go off in the dark with Blackstone. How 'bout sharin' some of what you are givin' t' him." His breath was foul, and Kolyn thought she might be sick just thinking about kissing someone like him. "I'm tired. Let me go."
Now, lass," he whined, but he stopped when a giant shadow fell upon him. "What do you want of the lady?"
Ian's voice was as hard as his look. The man cowered before his fierceness "Nothin', my lord. Was not wantin' anythin' of the lady." "Then go have another drink and leave her be."
His words brooked no argument, and the man didn't give any. He slunk away into the crowd around them. Ian turned to Kolyn. "He's harmless, Lynn. Just a man who drinks too much." "I suppose." She wasn't convinced.
"Are you retiring for the night?" Kolyn eyed him suspiciously. "Yes. I'm very tired." "I'll see you upstairs then," he said matter-of-factly. She didn't argue. She was very tired and didn't even want to talk anymore. Kolyn stopped at the foot of her attic ladder and turned to Ian.
"Good night, Lord Blackstone." Ian looked down at her, his eyes expressing everything. But he said only, "You'd best take the ladder up, so no one will accidentally disturb you." Whether it was to keep the drunks out, or Ian himself, Kolyn really couldn't decide. "What of Leslie?"
"Leslie won't be around for a long time after a celebration like this. Take the ladder up.''
Deciding it was best, she climbed the ladder and he helped lift it up behind her. She peered down at him, his head not too far from the attic's entrance. She wasn't sure what to say.
"Good night, Lynn."
He turned and walked away. Kolyn moved over to her straw mattress, wishing she were at home in her own large, comfortable bed with Andrew curled up beside her. She had been away from home five weeks, much too long. She missed Andrew terribly. It was time for her to see this to its end and go home. Having decided this, Kolyn slept.
Ian's soft mouth found hers, his lips moist and wet. His kiss was like fire, its heat sweeping through her wildly. She thought she would die with longing. Suddenly, his face contorted with pain. She looked down at her hand and found she held his dagger, blood dripping from its tip. When her gaze moved back, Ian was deep down in a grave, the earth sliding in to cover him. She began screaming, clawing at the dirt that threatened to swallow him. His eyes opened, the golden light accusing.
Kolyn jerked awake, clamping her hand over her mouth to still her screams. Sweat trickled down between her breasts and she struggled for breath, the air seeming thin. Hot tears assaulted her and sobs shook her.
"Dear God," she moaned, sickened by her own dream. What was she to do? She must kill the very man she desiredthe very man she was growing to love. Her heart ached with longing and pain at the same time her mind condemned her for disloyalty, betraying her family and clan.
Chapter Ten
Kolyn stared in disbelief at Ian as he sat upon his horse looking down at her. He seemed so serious. "I have work to do, Lord Blackstone. I cannot go riding with you." She hoped this would put an end to his idea. Then again, he didn't look like a man who discouraged easily.
"I've spoken with Molly. She said you worked very hard yesterday preparing for the festival. She's given you the afternoon off." "I cannot." "And why not?" he asked, sliding off his mount to stand beside her. She shielded her eyes against the sun and looked up at him. He was smiling. His dimples were irresistible. "I . . ." "Then it's settled." He took her hand, guided her to the saddle, then lifted her up.
"I should get my shawl." Kolyn pointed inside. "I'll keep you warm, Lynn." She already was regretting this, especially when he mounted and settled into the saddle with her wrapped securely in his arms. He was much too close, but she couldn't get away. She was certain that was his ploy. "Where are we going?"
Ian nudged his horse into a gentle gallop. "I thought I'd show you some of the country." "Show off your land is what you mean." She laughed, already feeling lighter in spirit to take a break from her work. "Aye." He grinned, his dimples popping. "To show off." It was true. Ian wanted to show Lynn his home, his work. To let her know what was important to him, to have her meet the people who were a part of his life.
Kolyn had to admit Ian acted the gentleman, never once taking advantage of their closeness. This allowed her to relax and fully enjoy the beautiful countryside. Blackstone land covered a vast expanse, the terrain varying from thick woodland and mountain forests to lonely moors and enchanting sea cliffs. MacGregor land was inland, not so far from the sea.
Still, Kolyn had never seen the sea. Every moment, every new experience was a delight. She couldn't remember the last time she had enjoyed herself so much. For the time, she let everything slip from her, all her anxieties gone in the rays of the sunshine.
Ian left his special place for last, higher up on the mountain that overlooked Blackstone lands. When they reached the spot, Ian jumped down from his horse, then helped Lynn to the ground. Without a word, Ian took Lynn's hand and led her to the very spot where he had spent many hours himself, the spectacular view taking his breath away each and every time. He watched her closely for her own reaction, and was not disappointed.
"It's beautiful, Lord Blackstone."
She felt him tense, and knew it was an irritant to him that she wouldn't concede and call him Ian. "My father was a loyal Englishman, but he said there was nothing to compare to the Scottish Highlands. They are truly magnificent." "Do you ever wish to live in England?"
He shook his head. "I went to school in England; 'tis all I want to see of it."
A sudden sadness attacked Kolyn as she looked down over the farmland, neat patchworks of fields readied for winter's snow, a slow, winding river running through them. She saw areas of mountain meadows nestled among the thick woodlands, meadows where she was certain a wealth of cattle and sheep would roam in the summertime. Stonehaven castle sat at the edge of the village, its protection and comfort like a beacon of light in a fog, marking the presence of its lord and master. Even at the best of times, MacGregor land had never been so lush and fertile.
"Everything is so well taken care of. You do a fine job with your lands." "It does not pay to let things go to ruin. My father worked hard to make these lands prosper. I'd be a fool to let that slip away because of ignorance or inattention." "I thought you must not do much." She tried to smile. "You are at the inn so much."
This made him smile. "Aye, of late I've been a bit preoccupied with a certain lass. She has made my work suffer."
"You shouldn't. It's not worth your time at the inn." Ian looked at Lynn and wondered why she tried so hard to discourage him. He knew she desired him once in a great while she would let it show. "Why do you fight me so hard? Why can't you just let..."
Kolyn put her fingers on his lips to stop him, her face showing her pain. "Do not talk so, my lord." He grasped her hand and kissed the palm. "You are the strangest lass I've ever known." "You don't know me," she whispered. "You don't know who I am or where I come from. You know nothing about me."
"That is what I want to know who you are and where you come from." She pulled her hand from his and turned away. "Why can't you just leave me be?" Frustration exploded inside Ian. He wanted to make her look at him. To kiss her doubts away. But he didn't. "You make me feel something I thought I could never feel again. Is that so bad, Lynn? Is it so terrible to want you to feel something for me?"
"I cannot feel anything for you." Tears blurred her vision. She couldn't feel desire for him. She couldn't love him! This time, he did make her turn to look at him. "I don't believe what your beautiful lips are saying. You do feel something. I can see it."
"No . . ." She tried to say it to his face. "I . . ."
She couldn't. She felt great shame. She had failed her father, her clan, Andrew, herself. She could not hold back her tears. Ian pulled her into his arms and comforted her. "Don't cry, lass. I didn't mean to make you cry."
He seemed so lost, so at a loss, when she cried. It was something she wouldn't have expected from such a fierce-looking man. His tenderness shook her even further.
"Please take me home."
It was the last thing Ian wanted to do, but he agreed. They rode in silence.
"Where is everyone tonight?" Kolyn asked, looking about her at the empty tables as she swept the floor.
Leslie motioned with her head. "At the stables. The dog fighter came t' the village today and they be tryin' their luck. I hear Samuel is fightin' his dog."
Kolyn stopped cold. "The dog fighter?" "Aye, they'll be in as soon as there's a winner."
"'Tis a cruel thing," Kolyn mumbled, thinking it awful that peo
ple would bet on such a thing.
"I went t' one." Leslie paused, apparently recalling her experience. "Was enough for me. Bloody awful it was."
Kolyn went to the door and opened it. She heard the yelling, then heard the dogs. Suddenly, one let out a low howl. It sounded as if it were dying. Reacting rather than thinking, Kolyn headed toward the noise, her broom grasped firmly in hand. The stables were dim, a lantern swinging from the rafter. The smell of smoke, ale, and too many humans assaulted her, but she drove through the wall of backs. Surprised to see her, many let her pass, stepping aside as she brandished her broom at them. She worked her way into the center of the ring of men.
It was a horrible sight. The larger dog had the other by the neck, his yelps going unheeded by the crowd of onlookers. Blood was everywhere. Kolyn stepped forward. "Get him off," she yelled toward Samuel, but he was caught up in the thrill of winning. "I said," she screamed at him, finally drawing his gaze, "get him off."
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