Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy

by Warrior's Pledge

  “Hurry, or else you’ll turn into a toad. The water is warm,” he called.

  Should she go in? Shyly, she removed everything except her shift. She placed her clothes away from the water’s edge and walked to the water. “Ahhh.”

  “I have heard that ahhh before, and remember. Now here ye are at my loch, like I have dreamt many times.” He walked in the water, scooping handfuls of water.

  “’Tis freezing,” she yelled.

  He laughed. “Jules, come.”

  She swam to him and he pulled her into his arms. He was rock hard everywhere, even his legs seemed like rocks as her legs brushed against his. She couldn’t speak, but let the stillness of the loch surround her.

  Colin tilted her head back and kissed her. Her decision made, she returned his kiss. Grabbing the flesh of her underside, he gave it a gentle squeeze, at the same time kissed her breast. She whimpered, running her hands along his back, through his hair, finally pulling him back to her mouth. She loved how passionate he made her feel.

  “I’m a fortunate man.”

  Julianna couldn’t say a word, because his touches distracted her. He pulled her to the grassy bank and set her on a smooth rock formation. The rock’s heat and hardness felt splendid against her back, and she gave him a sensual smile.

  “I want ye like no other.”

  She held out her arms, and he lowered himself beside her. Her skin seemed to ignite as he rubbed his body against hers.

  It could be easy to love this man.

  He pulled off the wet fabric of her shift to reveal her skin. Using his mouth, he trailed hot kisses over her stomach.

  “You are so bonny sweet.” His breath hitched when he joined his body to hers.

  Julianna moaned and became utterly undone. Eagerly wanting him to thrust hard, she moved against him. Abandoning all her morals, she gave over to her feelings, letting him know that she was his. He slowed his movements, making her writhe beneath him. She wanted him to move faster and told him so.

  She wrapped her legs tighter to pull him closer. Julianna wanted to reach the sky and touch it. Some wonderful, exquisite feeling exploded inside her, making her cry. She became disengaged, weeping joyfully at the marvelous experience. Her climax urged on his, and he didn’t hold back. He shouted with such force, his growl so loud, it startled the birds from the branches above. Finally, he lay next to her, his heart thumping beneath her hand.

  Julianna lay mesmerized by the sensations coursing through her body. Wrapped in his arms, she tried to calm her breathing. She didn’t speak—neither did he. Exhausted from her exertion, she couldn’t move and didn’t want to. The mid-afternoon breeze dried her damp skin.

  Colin rose, and jumped into the loch. “Good God, ye have slain me, lass,” he murmured. He relaxed in the water.

  Julianna lay on the hard surface of the rock, watching him swim. She closed her eyes and let the rock and sun lull her. Startled, someone lightly caressed her bare bottom. She sat up quickly looking for an intruder.

  She found him watching her. “Oh, I had forgotten where I was.”

  “Lass, we need to go. Steven will send a search if we don’t return soon.”

  Julianna leaned into him. He helped to pull on her gown and fix her plaid. Her hair was somewhat tangled. Pulling her fingers through it, she braided it in an attempt to restore order. She wore a KirkConnell plaid, and judging by his expression, he seemed to notice.

  “Where’s the plaid I gave ye?”

  “I gave it to Sara to wash. I don’t need it, and I was going to return it.”

  “Nay, it’s yours now and forever. Make sure you get it back. I don’t want to see you in the KirkConnell’s plaid.”

  “I will wear it, Colin. Don’t be angry, it’s too fine a day to get your spine twisted.”

  He laughed. “Where do ye come up with these sayings?”

  She hunched her shoulder. “Colin, you probably think I’m wanton, and I—”

  “Shhh, Jules, don’t say that. I’ll not ever think that. I have been the only man to know ye. You’re a bonny lass to give yourself to me.”

  “I don’t intend to marry and you seem … I thought I would never feel …”

  “You make me feel incredible, too.” He gave her a sly grin.

  “I thought since I wasn’t going to marry, I might as well enjoy being with you.” There, she said it.

  “Why don’t ye wish to marry?”

  “If I marry, my father will be angry. He made a betrothal with Lord Maxwell Devlin. If I return, I shall be forced to wed to him, and he’s not a gentleman. I refused to marry that monster,” Julianna admitted shamefully. She cast her eyes downward.

  He raised her chin so she would look at him. “Finally, answers to the questions that have plagued me. So, ye ran from a betrothal?”

  “Aye, I was to be married already. I cannot return. The man is a rotter.”

  “I vow to you, Jules, ye won’t have to return. Forget England, your father, and the blasted king. I’m taking you to my clan. I’ll never break my pledge and will keep ye safe forever.”

  Julianna’s eyes widened. “I cannot ask that, Colin.”

  He smiled. “You haven’t asked me. I’ve given my pledge, never will I break it.”

  “I don’t want your pledge. Someday you’ll want to marry and raise a family.”

  He grimaced. “I’m never marrying. Now pledge yourself to me, say it.”

  “I pledge myself to you, Colin MacKinnon. You’ll be sorry one day. What will happen then?”

  “Nay, love, I’ll not be sorry.” He pulled her to his horse, and as they rode back, he held her tenderly.

  Julianna thought by being surly, he’d relent and take back his pledge. He looked like he’d laugh, so she gave up trying to get him to retract the words. She didn’t care that he pledged himself. He’d keep her safe, she didn’t mind that, but she wondered why he didn’t want to marry. Her heart filled with love. She loved him. Sadly, she’d never really belong to him. She would go with him, it wouldn’t matter that they weren’t married. God would understand. She believed in the Catholic God, and she hated that England was in turmoil over religion because King John continued to clash with Rome because of his denied choice of Archbishop.

  That made her uneasy, too. What kind of man would go to such lengths for religion? Especially after hearing the tales of his executing people, those poor souls he put in the Tower, many executed on his whim. She’d never believe him noble. Her dream was too real—she couldn’t chance to meet him. He’d put her in the Tower, not in the upper parts where wealth could buy comfort. Nay, he’d put her below, in the dark dungeon, left to die.

  Julianna became resigned in Colin’s arms. He tightened his hold around her waist, his every touch gentle. If she wasn’t careful, he’d become too important, but he’d wind up breaking her heart.

  They reached the keep, and onlookers watched them ride by. All knew what they were about, and smiles lit the faces of Steven’s clan. The ladies stood outside their cottages and sighed when they passed, some murmured: aren’t they a striking pair, they’ve been off in yonder woods. She blushed at the ladies’ remarks, knowing Colin had heard them too.

  “Where the devil have ye been? My wife is ready to expire from grief. She believes someone came and stole away with Julianna. Explain, now,” Steven demanded.

  “Steven, we were riding,” Colin said.

  “You’d best be ready for my wife’s screeching. She’s having a fit, especially since Julianna got lost in the woods. Julianna, you’d better find her and soothe her.”

  Julianna ran off; she never saw Steven so angry. She found Sara in the hall, sewing a tunic. After a tight hug, Julianna told her where she’d been.

  “I’m glad you’re safe. Let us get some fresh air. I have been inside all day.” Sara set her sewing aside and linked her arm with Julianna’s.

  Juliana agreed and left the hall, but when she reached the bottom of the steps, she heard the commotion and noticed the man
y soldiers making their way up the hill. Colin and Steven’s voices rose.

  “Colin, that lass is here under my protection. I cannot have ye taking off with her whenever you want. Someone has to protect her from arses like you.” Steven shoved him.

  Colin shoved him back. “I don’t explain myself to you.” Steven grabbed him and tried to push him to the ground. Colin retaliated by punching Steven in his left eye.

  Steven grunted. “Cosh, that hurt, Colin.”

  His eye would likely swell four times its size, but Steven grabbed Colin’s head, held it, and smashed his fist in his face. Blood seeped from Colin’s nose.

  “Ye churlish dog, I’m bleeding!”

  Julianna gasped, as did Sara. It was the least Colin deserved for the black eye Steven was sure to have. The fight became amusing.

  Colin taunted Steven. “I haven’t had this much fun in a long while.” He didn’t refrain from smiling, while he swiped the blood below his nose.

  The men battled with fanfare. Clansmen watched and jubilantly betted on who would win, even Bleeth joined in. Colin flung himself at Steven and they rolled on the ground. It was a good thing neither pulled out their swords—they might have killed each another, both became fueled by the crowd’s chants. Colin enjoyed himself too much to cease his attack, but Steven taunted him back. None interfered.

  “I think we should break this up.”

  Julianna thought Sara had gone mad. She didn’t want to get involved in their scuffle, but if her friend was willing to risk her life then so would she.

  They approached the fighting men, shouting their displeasure.

  “Cease now!” Sara pulled Steven’s tunic. “Get off him, Steven!”

  Julianna pulled Colin’s hair to get him off Steven. Colin put his hand on top of hers.

  “Let go, lass. You’re ripping my hair out and it hurts like hell. Even Steven’s punch didn’t hurt as much.”

  “I’ll hurt more than that, Colin MacKinnon, if ye don’t cease fighting with Steven.”

  Colin and Steven looked at the women; their gazes could verily kill them. They rolled away from each other and tried to rise; both made it to their feet. The men that watched stood in a circle, laughing wholeheartedly, and some even cheered.

  “We were training.” Steven glanced at Colin. “That’s what we were doing. Colin?”

  “Aye, training. Come now, lassies, don’t be mad. Ye know how we men like to fight,” Colin said.

  “You’ll not be fighting outside my door. There will be no blood shed near my home.” Sara could barely contain her laughter.

  Julianna noticed her friend’s eyes twinkle before she lowered them.

  “Sorry, love, we are done in,” Steven assured her.

  “Sorry, Lady Sara,” Colin said.

  “You’re here enjoying yourselves, are ye? Where were you two all afternoon?” Sara dared to question Colin with her hand resting on her hip.

  Colin’s eyebrows rose. “Jules and I went riding.”

  “I know right well what ye were doing, Laird MacKinnon. Steven, you best handle this. I’ll have none of that in my household.” Sara yelled, threw up her hands and stormed off, making her unhappiness known to all.

  Julianna didn’t know whether to run after her to assure her it wasn’t as it seemed, or stay where she was and make sure the men didn’t continue fighting.

  “Colin, here.” Steven handed him a cloth given by a lady that stood by. The clans-people, knowing the fight ended, moved on.

  Colin took the cloth and wiped his nose. “Finally learned how to fight, Steven? You almost gave me a challenge. I think ye broke my nose,” he said, laughing aloud.

  “Serves ye right, you deserved it. I cannot have you here. You’ll have to leave, Colin. You won’t share covers with Julianna when you’re not married. My wife won’t stand for it. You’ll have to marry her.”

  “I believe you shouldn’t talk about me as if I’m not here,” Julianna said, trying to get a word in.

  “Whoa, Steven, I’m not leaving, and I won’t marry her.”

  “Finally, he makes sense. Colin doesn’t have to marry me.” Julianna was pushed behind Colin’s back and he stood up to Steven’s shouting.

  “Then you’ll be leaving today, even if I have to throw you on your horse, and take ye home myself.”

  “You and what army?” Colin shouted.

  “Please, don’t argue. I don’t have need of a husband, Steven.”

  He ignored her. “Me, even though you’re bigger than I, I’ll do it. I agree with my wife in this instance. You will not sully Julianna’s reputation. People will talk, they’ll be mean-hearted.”

  “Who would dare say a word against her? I don’t agree,” Colin replied hotly.

  “Me either,” Julianna shouted.

  “Colin, ye will marry her or leave today. If you were going to keep her, why not marry her? Besides, if you do, she’s no longer one of her king’s subjects. He cannot bid her to come.”

  “I hadn’t thought of that. I do like her, but you know I never meant to marry.”

  “You must marry her. Have you lain together?”

  “Don’t answer that, Colin, please you’re both embarrassing me.”

  “She just answered for you. Do ye really want your bairns born bastards? I should beat the cosh from ye, Colin MacKinnon.”

  “I didn’t think about the bairns. I’ve sworn never to marry and …”

  “You have an hour to decide. Either ye marry the lass or I escort you home,” Steven said, walking off.

  Colin stormed off in the other direction, leaving her standing alone.

  “Well, hell’s hounds, those two are absolutely confounding. I will not marry him no matter what Steven KirkConnell says.” Julianna walked inside the keep and decided to catch up with Sara. She stopped her in the hallway. “Wait, please.”

  Sara turned her back to her, and began sobbing.

  “Sara, please, I didn’t mean to make ye weep.”

  “I cannot talk to you.” A fat tear slipped down her cheek. “Not now.”

  Julianna took hold of her shoulder. “You must talk to me. I cannot let it be like this between us.”

  Sara pulled away and entered Julianna’s chamber. She walked across the woven rug. “I have always loved this room and was saving it for my first daughter.” She seemed deep in thought, and Julianna touched her arm.

  “I cannot let that man make dishonest propositions toward ye. You’ve been my friend far too long. You’re here in my husband’s care. Colin MacKinnon must leave. Even now, Steven is telling him.”

  “Oh, Sara, please don’t make him leave. Steven will never forgive me. Colin is his friend and I don’t want to come between them. What must I do to prove that he didn’t proposition me?”

  Sara gasped. “Do ye believe me ignorant? I know when a lady’s been compromised. The look on your face alone gave it away, not to mention the fact that you were gone for hours. Nothing you say will convince me otherwise. Your reputation is sullied.”

  “You want to hear it?” Julianna asked angrily.

  “Aye, say it, I want to hear it,” Sara said heatedly.

  “Very well, Sara, he bedded me. I won’t regret it so don’t start in. That’s all there is to tell. It means … nothing.” Julianna’s breathing hitched.

  “What about never getting married? You must marry him now.”

  “I’m not getting married. He will take me to his land in a few days—he swore to protect me. That’s all I need,” Julianna said.

  “What if you have a baby? He can make all the vows all he likes, but you need a binding contract for the sake of your children. Have ye any concern for your sins?”

  “God will understand. What if I marry him and my father finds out? Have you thought of that? I will not have Colin harmed.”

  “Julianna, Colin can handle your father. You’ll finally be safe and free. You must marry him, please say ye will. I can’t bear to think of you carrying a baby without a husband.”r />
  “Sara, he doesn’t wish to marry, and I could never convince him. It’s not something I’ll have to consider since he shall never ask.”

  “Worry not—he’ll ask, and you better say aye.”

  “I tell you it won’t happen. I cannot talk about this any longer.”

  Sara touched her shoulder affectionately. “You’ll make him a fine wife.” She walked out, and closed the door.

  Julianna lay on Colin’s plaid that was bunched up on the bed. His scent lingered, and she pulled it to her face. It was soft and warm; she wrapped it around herself. Everything spiraled. Her father, the king, Colin, Laila, Sara, and Steven. Feeling the pressure, she realized she’d have to go. She would face her greatest trepidation. No one would suffer because of her cowardice.

  It seemed the only way she could get to Laila and return to live in peace. That was, of course, if the king released her. He might imprison her in the dungeon as her dreams indicated. If she married before she met the king, he couldn’t marry her to someone else, nor could her father. Mayhap that was the answer she sought. If only Colin asked, it would solve her problem. Sara must know someone else who would marry her. Then she could find out what the king wanted and return to the Highlands with Laila. King John didn’t know who she was. It had to be her father’s interference. She fell asleep holding Colin’s plaid and didn’t dream or stir during the night.

  The next morning, Julianna found herself alone with Sara at the table. She didn’t know what to say to her friend. Unable to eat, she barely touched her food.

  “You were aright,” Sara said, looking up from her pondering.

  Julianna moved closer and placed her hand on her arm. “About what?”

  “The MacKinnon. He’s gone, Julianna, he left last night and hasn’t returned. He’ll not marry you after all. I’m sorry.”

  Julianna stiffened. “I told ye that would happen, Sara. I never expected him to marry me.”

  “I thought he would do the honorable thing, like all good Highlander men.”

  “Not all Highlander men are good,” Julianna said.

  “Nay, I see that. Steven said you can stay as long as ye like. He told me to tell you of the guise.”