She likened it to a dream. But her future husband stood before her—flesh and bone. “I am humbled by your kindness and generosity, milord.”
His gentle smile warmed her inside. “This was my beloved mother’s chamber. I know if she were alive, she’d love and admire you.”
More undeserved praise that made her weak-kneed and left her in awe of a man she knew had a reputation for bedding as many willing lasses as he could. But in this moment, she felt like he belonged completely to her, as if his questionable past and hers were nothing more than fireside gossip. And since he’d made her a woman, the faint light of hope inside her heart had increased tenfold. She met his gaze with happiness.
“I am sure I would have felt the same for your mother.”
“Aye,” he said. “Her spirit lives on, sweet Aileana. A guardian angel for both of us.”
She turned away then, not wanting him to see the tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. Aileana would never reject a guardian angel, even if she didn’t believe they existed. For up until this point in her lonely life, though surrounded by love from her aunties, clothed and housed within the MacRae keep, and never having gone hungry, something still had been missing. And no matter how appreciated she felt now, the need to know where she came from had only increased. Witnessing the deep affection between Laird MacRae and Errol pleased her no end, and she wanted that familial connection with her own kind.
“Morning is not far off,” his deep voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Aye,” she said, seeing the moonlight through the high, narrow windows on the far wall. “And I am tired.”
“As ye should be.” He tugged her into his arms. “Know I would spend every night in this room with you. But I willna give anyone a reason to doubt your virtue. Our vows will be spoken soon enough, sweet Aileana. And until then, I will visit this chamber and baptize you with my love in secrecy. I won’t give you a chance to forget me, or what we share.”
His passionate kiss left her hot and wet between her thighs.
“My room is but fifteen paces to the left of yours. If ever you need me, or fear for your well-being, call out. I will be here.”
They held hands for what seemed like forever, before he broke away and silently left her chamber, closing the door behind him.
She stood motionless for several minutes, the idea of living in such opulence unsettling. Then she sampled a piece of cheese and bread from the tray and stared into the flames in the hearth. How she longed to share her good news with Sgùrr. The woman had rightly prophesied her future. Love in its purest form would find her, but not without a heavy price. But hadn’t she paid with tears and isolation already?
Aileana sat down in one of the chairs, appreciating how soft and supportive the high back was. Would she spend the rest of her years reclining by this hearth every night with Errol at her side? She glanced at the empty seat to her right, imagining her betrothed’s handsome face. The idea appealed to her more than she thought possible. As did making love to him every day.
She hugged her middle, her mind awhirl with lust. How wonderful it felt to have him inside her, to know the joy of being sheltered by his powerful body. If she closed her eyes, she could still see and feel the ridges of his muscled arms and back, the hard lines of his chest, the way his face stubble scraped against her tender skin. His masculine scent, better than anything she recalled, intoxicated her more than the potent wine she’d drank earlier. And his taste…She shivered with pleasure.
But having no one to share it with made her restless. She must visit Edme and Margot, otherwise she’d never be able to sleep.
She walked across the room to the new trunk and opened it. There she found many dresses and shoes to choose from. After carefully removing her gown and the necklace Errol had given her, she picked a simple, gray wool dress and leather shoes to wear. Then she tucked her necklace in the old trunk, amongst her other hidden treasures. But before she closed the lid, she removed the ship pendant from Sgùrr and put it on. Somehow the charm had brought her great luck, and she refused to go without it unless she had to.
Slipping out of her room, she shut the door behind her, then walked soundlessly down the hallway. Torches lit the way to the stairs. No one should be about. Of course, some of the men would bed down in the great hall, too drunk to crawl back to their barracks or cottages. Aileana was no stranger to moving about the keep this time of night. She often wandered outside alone, to take a walk or stargaze.
Edme and Margot lived in a room off the kitchens. She opened the door and found them both asleep. As she crept close to their narrow beds, separated by a bed stand, she smiled. These dear women were all she had in the world to call family. Unwilling to disturb their peaceful slumber, she kissed them both, then left.
Still unsettled, she decided to go for a walk. The guards that manned the tower wouldn’t stop her, they never had before. Before she left the kitchens, she grabbed her old cloak from amongst the ones hanging on the hooks by the door and bundled up—sure to cover her hair and face. Then she stepped outside, loving the fresh, crisp air.
Instead of heading to the loch, she chose to stay within the confines of the walls. Twenty yards from the stables was a place where the servants often ate in the warmer weather, complete with benches and tables, set amongst the trees. As she neared the area, something moved behind her.
“Where are you going, lass?”
Aileana twirled around, shocked to find Broc. “Why are ye following me?”
“Vain little creature,” he said. “Did you think I’d keep vigil outside your door like some lovesick fool? You moved about like a lame horse inside the great hall and woke me up from a pleasant dream.”
“Then I apologize for disturbing you.”
He grimaced. “ ’Tis a full moon,” he observed. “Not a good time for virtuous lasses to wander about unattended. Lord knows what beasties might prey upon your innocence.” He took a few steps toward her.
Aileana had experienced his threatening manner before and didn’t fear him now. “The full moon doesna only attract the wicked, Captain, but also curious admirers who appreciate the handiwork of God.”
He snorted. “Since when did you become so eloquent, Aileana? I remember a girl too fearful to even speak in my presence. What know you beyond how to measure the ingredients for a bannock or meat pie?”
“I know a good man when I see one.” The sarcasm in her voice was unmistakable.
“Bitch,” Broc spit, edging closer. “I would have loved you.”
“No,” she disagreed wholeheartedly. “You would have bedded me without feeling. Then done the same to whatever woman would have you.”
He chuckled at her words. “What do you know of such things?” He cocked his head, staring at her. “Bloody Christ,” he cursed. “You bedded Errol already?”
Aileana’s cheeks heated and she looked away, not out of shame, but afraid she wouldn’t be able to hide her feelings. “Leave me alone.” She turned around.
Broc grabbed the back of her cloak and yanked her toward him. “To think of all the time I wasted trying to get you to spread your legs for me. And all it took to get you was for that arrogant bastard to parade you in front of his father and guests like you’re some kind of proper lady.” He dragged her into the woods.
“Let me go,” she screamed, struggling to get away.
But the man was a great brute, bigger and more violent than most men. He threw her to the ground, standing over her. “Yell all you like, Aileana. The guards canna hear you. Only I. You’ll see how much I like to make women scream.”
Fear gripped her as she crab-crawled away, deeper into the copse.
“Run little one,” he taunted. “I will catch you.” She watched in horror as he unpinned his broach, his plaid falling away from his shoulder. “I have waited months to taste you. Now no one can claim I ruined you. Errol did me a great favor, and I’m none too proud to be the second in line.” He ripped his shirt open, revealing a broad chest.
She scrambled to her feet, eyeing him, then seeking an escape route. But the bright moonlight was obscured by the thick vegetation, making it impossible to find a way out.
“I belong to Errol,” she said with defiance. “If you touch me, you will surely die.”
“Touch ye?” He laughed bitterly. “I will break you in half, lass. No man will have you once I finish.” He was on her again, tearing the front of her dress open.
His eyes were wide with hatred, his breath putrid with ale.
Aileana dug her fingernails into his flesh, screaming with determination. “Be gone,” she choked out. “Doona do something so heinous.”
His meaty hand wrapped around her throat and squeezed so tight she saw spots before her eyes. Trapped between his frame and the tree trunk behind her, she closed her eyes and begged for God’s mercy.
“Look at me,” he demanded, his grip loosening.
She obeyed and struggled to take a deep breath.
“Worthless whore,” he rasped. “I will make you regret the moment you—” He grew silent suddenly, and grabbed the pendant she wore. “Where did you get this?”
She trembled, fighting to stay on her feet and gather her thoughts. Why had the violence ceased so abruptly?
“Answer me.”
“W-what?”
“The necklace, where did you get it?”
“ ’Tis mine.” That’s all he’d get for an answer. She’d sworn to protect Sgùrr’s existence, even if it meant paying for it with her life.
Stunned, Broc retreated, scrubbing his face with both hands, his posture completely altered. “Goddamn it,” he said, then stared at her long and hard. “Consider it divine intervention, Aileana. But this doesna end here. I cannot risk my future on you. Run away and never show your face to the MacRaes again, or die here. When someone finds your body in the morn, who will think to question me?”
She swallowed the lump in her throat, knowing he meant every word he said. He could squeeze the life out of her in seconds with those monstrous hands.
“Choose wisely, lass.”
Give up the only man she was sure she’d ever grow to love? Her heart nearly stopped beating just thinking about it.
“Why?” she asked in desperation.
“Doona question me.” He looked more than ready to follow through with his threat.
“What have I done to deserve your hatred?”
He backed her into the tree. “By humiliating me in front of my brethren. Now I will deprive you of happiness.”
“And if I come back?” she asked.
“I will take whatever shred of dignity you have left. Believe me, girl, I have allies here, ones who would pay for a chance to make you suffer. And Errol willna be spared the details of our affair, the very night your betrothal was announced.” He fisted his hand in her hair and forced her head sideways, then jammed his tongue into her mouth. “You even taste like a whore.” He spat on the ground.
Anger overtook her and she slapped his face, confused and hurt. There was no truth in his cruel words, no reason for him to despise her so. Yes, she’d wounded his manly pride, though she didn’t know why he took her rejection to heart. She’d seen many women walk away from him, but just as many welcome him with open arms. ’Twas the way of things. “And where shall I go? With what money?”
Unaffected by her violence, he reached inside his pouch and then threw something at her feet. “Enough coins to pay passage on a ship. Leave the Highlands.”
He’d left her no choice. Aileana scooped the money off the ground. “You expect me to go now?”
“I expect ye to do as I say.”
She palmed the tears off her face, wishing there was a way out of this. But Broc seemed more than determined to be rid of her. And she’d rather disappear than risk his lies of an illicit affair. For none of the young MacRae women would ever believe her innocent. In their minds, she’d dishonored the captain and then stole Errol’s heart. Sins she must be held accountable for. “I will go.”
“Good,” he said with a nod. “And so there is never a chance for you to say I am completely merciless, I will escort you to the MacKenzie border. Devil take you after that.”
Chapter 18
Still caught up in his lust for Aileana, Errol sucked in a ragged breath as he kicked the fur off and rolled out of bed. Her delicate scent lingered all over him and his shaft ached with need again. One taste of her sweet flesh had only heightened his obsession. But with the sensual memories came regret, for the strain in her voice when she thought he cared nothing for the women he’d bedded in the past pricked his heart. And he feared she’d wake with more doubts.
The lass never stopped thinking. Nor did she miss anything going on around her. Alert and intelligent, she’d make a dedicated wife. And as a former servant, she’d never be quick to judge the women under her care. Sympathy and compassion were honorable traits.
He poured water from the pitcher on the side table into the basin and washed his face, hands, and the rest of his body with mint-scented soap made in the kitchens. Although he admired her pureness of spirit, the bold girl he held in his arms in the loch was the part of her he loved best.
After he dried off with a fresh towel, he walked to the strongbox at the end of his bed. He opened it and retrieved a linen shirt. Lasses were always gifting him with new ones, showing off their needlework, hoping to catch his attention. In the future, he’d wear what his wife provided him. Once his plaid and weapon belt were in place, he laced his boots up and left his chamber, ready to escort Aileana belowstairs for the morning meal. It would take some doing for her to win the trust and respect of the clan, but once she did—he was sure a happy future would be theirs.
Pausing in front of her chamber, he smiled as he knocked lightly, hoping she was up already. When she didn’t call out, he knocked harder. Still no answer.
“Aileana,” he called through the door. “ ’Tis time to eat.”
A maid carrying linens walked his way.
“Have you seen Lady Aileana this morn?”
“Nay, milord. But the great hall is filled with people.” She continued down the passageway.
He shrugged and cracked the door open. No fire burned within the hearth, and he could feel the chill in the air. He stepped inside and closed the door, hoping to find her buried underneath a pile of furs. Much to his disappointment, the shift and bed robe laid out for her last night were untouched. Cursing out loud, he opened the door and called for one of the guards.
Moments later, Thomas arrived. “Milord?”
“Have you seen Lady Aileana?”
“No, sir.”
Errol raked his fingers through his hair, fearing the worst. Had he pushed her over the edge last night? The very thing he thought would bind them together may have driven her away. He swallowed the lump in his throat. His selfish needs had overridden his senses, made him forget his place as a man of honor. “Gather some of the men and meet me outside the great hall. I will join you shortly.”
He returned to her chamber. Enough sunlight filtered in through the arrow slits above for him to see inside her trunks. Searching the one with her new gowns first, he found nothing out of place. Then he moved to the second, and dug through her garments, finding his mother’s necklace and other miscellaneous items. Nothing seemed to be missing. If the lass planned to run away, surely she would have packed extra clothes and taken one of her new cloaks—which were both hanging on pegs by the door.
Perhaps he was rushing to judgment. Maybe Aileana couldn’t sleep and had decided to take a long walk. He’d cling to that hope while he canvassed every last foot of the keep. Plucking the pearl and ruby necklace from its hiding place in the trunk, he put it in the leather pouch hanging from his belt for safekeeping, then left her room.
Thomas and six other men were waiting by the archway nearest the great hall.
“Who was on duty last night?” Errol asked them.
“Micah, Gunn, Aaron…” one of the men said,
continuing until the list was complete.
“Go to the barracks and find out if anyone left the keep after the feast. Doona speak of this to anyone yet,” Errol instructed. “No need to cause alarm unless we find Lady Aileana is truly missing.”
“Yes, milord.” The guard left in haste.
“Thomas and Hugh, head south and see if she’s wandered off. Liam will come with me, and the rest of you, search the keep and yard. If ye find my lady, bring her here, and stay with her until I return.”
Without wasting a moment more, Errol rushed to the stables with Liam. “Our horses,” he said curtly to the lad inside.
“Aye, milord.”
“When did you last see her?” Liam asked.
“We spent some time at the loch last night, then I escorted her to her new chamber.”
Liam nodded. “Much has happened to the pretty lass in such a short time. I know grown men who wouldn’t handle it half as well as she has.”
“Aye,” he agreed. “But there is more.”
“No need to explain it, milord.”
Errol eyed his cousin with appreciation. “I willna let this one go, Liam. She means too much to me.”
“I know,” Liam said. “We all know, especially after last night.”
The lad returned with their mounts.
“To the loch first,” Errol directed as he climbed into the saddle.
It only took minutes to reach the loch, but there was no sign of Aileana. The morning light shimmered off the water, and Errol stared longingly at the little islet. Hours ago he held the woman he loved in his arms there, naked and laughing. He’d not rest until he found her.
“Is there another place where she might go?” Liam queried.
“Yes,” he answered. And though he couldn’t speak Sgùrr’s name aloud because he promised to protect her, nothing would keep him from visiting the witch again to take back what rightfully belonged to him.
For deep in his heart, Errol knew where his betrothed had fled. Whatever fears and doubts remained with Aileana, once he reunited with her, he’d banish them forever.
Her Highland Rogue: A Wild Highland Guardian Novel Page 11