by Jackie Ivie
“You found them?”
“’Twas na’ difficult. That Abigail is a handful. Make that an armful.”
“Is she . . . walking?” Constant asked.
“She skipped that and went right to running. Benjamin has a bit more sense, but he’ll still tag along wherever she leads him. It requires three nurses to watch them. All I had to do was look for the most commotion. Father thought to hide them in the creamery. That was na’ smart. He lost all of last sennight’s creams and curds to her curiosity.”
“You have them? Truly?”
“I already said as much to the duke. Were you na’ listening?”
“Can I see them?”
“Afraid na’. Right at the moment, anyway.”
“But—” Constant began again.
“Sorry, love. I could na’ risk another kidnapping. I sent them, under guard, back to where they’ll be safe now. ’Tis a place I may have mentioned. Pitcairn Tower.”
She nodded.
“It’s mine. Always was. Grandmother’s endowment, or something along that line. Why do you think I went there the moment we docked?”
“I’ve met your parents. That’s easy to answer.”
“You’d be wrong. I’d have liked nothing more than to spit in their faces. But I had to hide and recover first. It took longer than I expected. In fact, I dinna’ manage it. I was na’ capable of returning to my public duties because I was na’ capable of even moving from my chamber. You doona’ ken what it’s like. Grief saps your will, making it difficult to face each day, because the damned sunlight does na’ even feel warm anymore. Naught does.”
“Oh, Kameron, I’m so sorry. They were supposed to tell you.”
“Oh, I heard that part. Blair says a lot when you’re na’ squeezing his throat. I mean Carlos.”
Constant’s eyes widened. “You actually squeezed his throat?”
“I already said as much. He was alive and you weren’t? He’s lucky he finally decided to speak English. Rapidlike. Whispered. I’ll rehire him when he forgives me—if he forgives me.”
“That shouldn’t be an issue. He’s married to my maid, Lucilla.”
“What? Has the entire world gone mad?” Kam asked.
“So, tell me. How are they? What are they like?”
“Your maid and Carlos? Who cares?” He was nuzzling his lips along her throat, and the words sounded indistinct and strange.
“Our babies.”
“Oh. They’re safe. They’re on their way to Pitcairn Tower. I already said as much. Why are you wearing so much?”
Constant watched as he looked down at where her breasts were crushed against his chest.
“I’m barely dressed, Kameron.”
“You’ve got material on. That translates to you’re wearing too much. You have nae idea of the constant aspect of my desire at the moment. I have na’ so much as looked at another woman—I couldn’t. And then you show up? Out of the clear blue sky? I’m surprised I dinna’ go with my first inclination once I learned.”
“What was that?”
“What was it? Getting to you. Ignoring everyone in my line of sight and in my path, and just getting to you. What else? Blair stopped me. As I said, he talks fast. Made sense. I could hardly stalk across the room, haul you from the chair, and sing aloud to everyone that it was my own Constant returned from the grave, now could I?”
“You could have given me some sign,” she complained.
“As poorly as you lie? Darling. Please. I daren’t allow even a hint of intrigue. And that meant I had to lie. Better than ever afore. I had to enact a ‘love at first sight’ scenario. Believably. Perfectly. So . . . I prepared. Took a dip in the loch. Dressed in my finery. Blair assisted. I mean, Carlos. I must remember to call him that. And then I was readied. But nae. The first sight of you almost undid me. I had to keep my distance. I forced it. I paced myself. I had to traverse the bloody room, ignore everyone and everything in my path, and try to keep under control before I dared get close to you! It was pure torment. Why do you think it took me a bloody hour to approach you?”
“It was crowded,” Constant answered.
“The hell you say.” He grinned. Then he was kissing her again. When the room began to spin, Constant was scarcely aware that Kameron had lifted her and was twirling with her in his arms.
“Oh love! ’Tis a miracle! There are nae thanks vast enough. We’ve an entire lifetime together, and all because of some plan I was na’ even told about. I still canna’ believe it. You’re here. You’re alive. You’re in my arms, and you’re my princess wife to top it off. Nothing and nobody can take that away from me. No one can change it. You’re mine. Forever.”
“I always knew that,” she replied.
“Get this bloody gown off, love, or I’ll na’ be responsible for my actions. Bother that. We’ll replace it.”
He had her atop the bed, and the gossamer fabric separated in his fingers before Constant could answer him.
“I love you, Constant. More than I can say. Or show. And naught is ever coming between us. Nothing. Ever. I promise it. You ken?”
She nodded. It was all she was capable of, since he was opening his own robe, splicing the top wide . . . and then, he stilled. She heard the door opening, too.
“Well, I have brought the child. I still think it the stupidest idea you have had yet—oh!”
It was Lucilla. She was holding Geoffrey, and she was staring openmouthed at the picture that was before her. Constant was grateful Kam hadn’t finished opening his robe. If she were the old Constant, she’d have been beet red with the blush, too.
“Bring him here, Lucilla. I’ll take him.”
“I think I’d better bear him back to the nursery until later. That is what I think.”
“Bring him here. I’ll get him back to you momentarily. You may wait in the antechamber.”
“I believe I’ll wait in the hall . . . thank you very much.”
She put the baby on the edge of the bed and backed away, because Kam was scowling at her. Constant held her negligee together with one hand as she sat and reached for Geoffrey.
“I doona’ speak Spanish, Constant, and you’d better have a verra good reason for this disruption. And I mean verra.”
“This is Geoffrey, Kameron. As I recall, that is one of your names.”
“What of it?”
“Don’t you think he’s beautiful?” she asked, unwrapping the swaddling in order to show him off. Geoffrey was awake, sucking on a fist, and kicking. He was also sporting the same blue-black hair his mother claimed, although his was in a tuft at his forehead.
“It’s the bairn from the nursery. I saw it earlier. I’m fair certain I mentioned it at the fest. I dinna’ have time for a bairn then, and I certainly doona’ now. Send it back. Immediately.”
“He’s known as my godchild, Kameron. He’s three months old. What do you see?”
“A healthy-looking bairn. Will you send for the maid now?”
“He has light brown eyes.”
“So?” Kameron looked at the baby, then back at her.
“They’re golden brown. See?” She lifted her son to face his father and watched as Kam’s eyes widened.
“But he has black hair,” he said, his voice unsure.
“I have black hair, too,” she replied.
Kam plucked Geoffrey from her and held him inches away to examine him. The baby quit kicking, but he was furiously sucking on both fists now. Constant watched as the knowledge dawned. Then Kam was looking at her with such round eyes, she could see white all about the golden brown.
“We have another bairn?” he choked out.
She nodded.
“Oh my God,” he replied. Constant had her hands out to catch the baby as Kam slumped onto the mattress beside her. She needn’t have worried. Kameron was as sure as he’d always been. Then he was unwrapping and examining their son. Constant watched as Geoffrey and his father eyed each other and then Kam looked over at her.
“He
’s a lad,” Kam said finally.
“Yes. I know.”
“Good heavens, Constant! I touched you once, we have twins. I touched you twice, we have a son. This does not bode well for the size of Pitcairn Tower’s nurseries. We’ll have to enlarge them.”
“BalClaire . . . looks large enough,” she replied, and held her breath.
“This mausoleum? You jest. Please say you jest.”
Kameron lifted Geoffrey with an arm and cuddled him against his chest. Bare skin to bare skin. Without thought. Without even looking. Constant thought her heart might burst with every beat.
“I think it’s a grand place, Kam. Worthy of a Highland chieftain. You. I wouldn’t take that from you. Ever. I think BalClaire is part of you.”
“’Tis cold. Austere. Brooding. Full of ghosts and tortures.”
“I think it’s awe-inspiring. Massive. Permanent. And yours. It’s your heritage, Kam. And I think it’s beautiful. It’s just missing something.”
“Aye. A heart.”
“You. Us. The babies. And love.”
“You make a grand argument, my lady wife. And I’ll bend. I’ll consider it. Once I’m duke. Fair enough?”
“I love you, Kam. You’ve no idea how much.”
“I’ve a fairly good idea, I think. I mean, look. You reinvented yourself for me.”
Constant giggled.
“I canna’ continue to call you Constant, though. We’ll be whispered of. The best lies are the ones that have no telltale loose ends. You ken?”
“One of my names is Consuelo. You should know that already.”
“Why, when I hated everything about my princess wife-to-be? Consuelo? I can call you Connie, then?” Kameron looked to the ceiling again. “Thank you again, God!”
“If you’ll give me Geoffrey, I’ll take him back to Lucilla,” Constant offered, putting out her hands. He looked down as if surprised at the babe against his heart.
“He’s verra healthy, Connie. Are you nursing him?”
“And risk exposure? I wanted to. I couldn’t. He has a wet nurse. She’s probably awaiting him.”
“I canna’ believe this day.” Kameron put the baby back in his swaddling and started rewrapping, demonstrating agility at it as he continued speaking. “My bairns are kidnapped. I find my father is behind it. I then learn it’s because of my princess wife, who has been chasing me down. She will not leave me alone, although I’ve given every indication I do not want to see her. Then, I find out she’s my beloved Constant. Now, I discover that I have another son and heir?”
Kam was shaking again. Constant watched the baby trembling in his hands. Kam lifted Geoffrey to his face and pressed his nose against the babe’s cheek.
He slanted his gaze across at her before returning to his son. “He’s beautiful, my love. I thank you. He’s just so different from—wait a moment. He’s na’ dark. He’s got light brows. Please doona’ tell me you dyed my son’s hair.”
“I had to. He looked just like you. One glance and anyone would know who sired him. I’m afraid it’s permanent, too. Like mine. It will have to grow out.”
“It’s striking on his mother. I’ll na’ allow it on any bairn of mine. We’ll have it shaved or something. Call your maid. Bother that. I’ll get her. Doona’ you dare move and expose more of yourself. Our son doesn’t need that sort of education from his parents.”
Constant smiled. “He’s three months old.”
“And you’ve that maid awaiting him in the hall. She’s wed to Blair? I mean, Carlos? Good heavens. Will the wonders of this day never cease? I’ll be right back, love. I promise. I’m na’ going anywhere for about . . . ten hours or so. I promise that, too. For a woman of your experience, it should be obvious. I guess I was na’ a verra good teacher in your loft, was I?”
Kameron slid to the edge of the bed and stood, cradling his son in the crook of one arm while readjusting the belt of his own robe with the other. He was right. She was experienced and his desire was obvious.
“Oh, Kam. You were the best,” she replied. And it was the truth.
About the Author
Jackie Ivie is a native of Utah and attended the University of Utah on a full scholarship in Fine Art. She relocated to Wyoming for several years before moving to Anchorage, Alaska, where she lives with her husband and their four children and manages a division of a large service company. In her “spare time” between being a mom, a wife, and a businesswoman, Jackie can usually be found at her word processor, totally absorbed in another century while glancing occasionally at the magnificent snow-capped mountain views through her windows.
Visit her on the web at jackieivie.com.
A PERFECT KNIGHT FOR LOVE
Deep in the Scottish Highlands, a stalwart clansman and a wayward bride confront duty and desire . . .
A Man of Misfortune
With his reckless, drunken brother bringing ruin to the clan, and the lass he’s loved all his life in the clutches of a violent husband, the last thing Thayne MacGowan needs is a spirited, sharp-tongued damsel to contend with—no matter how enticing she may be . . .
A Woman with a Secret
Having narrowly escaped an objectionable arranged marriage, Amalie is starting a new life—with a new identity. But her freedom is cut short when a surly but irresistibly handsome Highlander is forced to take her as his bride. If only he knew who she really was . . .
An Unlikely Love
Fate designs an improbable match, and a battle of wills ensues. As Amalie struggles to protect her identity, Thayne finds himself fighting for an unexpected love—and a passion neither can refuse . . .
KNIGHT EVERLASTING
In the heat of battle, a powerful Scottish laird takes a mysterious woman captive . . .
His Powerful Desire
When Aidan MacKetryck finds a flaxen-haired maid caught in the crosshairs of battle, he quickly saves her from certain death. But while Aidan expects gratitude, he is sorely disappointed—for the fiery lass makes it clear she wants nothing to do with him . . .
Her Dangerous Secret
Juliana D’Aubenville is in hiding from those who want her entire family to perish. Despite her attraction to the strikingly handsome Aidan, Juliana knows she must escape before her identity is revealed. The trouble is, Aidan refuses to let her go . . .
Their Forbidden Love
With each moment Aidan and Juliana are together, their desire becomes more enticing—and harder to resist. But just as Aidan tries to lay claim to Juliana once and for all, their darkest secrets are finally revealed—putting both their love and their lives in terrible danger . . .
A KNIGHT AND WHITE SATIN
In the rugged Scottish Highlands, a mighty clansman weds a headstrong heiress against her will—and discovers a fiery passion he’ll risk his life to protect . . .
A Man of Power
Payton Dunn-Fadden is the King’s Champion, notorious for his ability to fight any man and win. With steely eyes and a deeply muscled physique, his powers of seduction are just as legendary. But Payton has a dark secret known only to his wife—and it’s a secret she may not keep . . .
A Woman of Will
Known as White Satin, Dallis Caruth is infuriated by her forced marriage to Payton. The brute is far below her station . . . which makes her attraction to him utterly maddening. Now Dallis is determined to tame the fearsome laird—and win her freedom in the bargain . . .
A Dangerous Desire
As Payton and Dallis spar with one another, their desire ignites into fiery lovemaking. But danger is closer than either realizes. For the king has plans for the couple—plans that may unravel Payton’s secret—and cost them both their lives . . .
ONCE UPON A KNIGHT
In the fog-filled Scottish Highlands of 1457, a sensual dare brings together a fiery lass and a mysterious suitor—but it will take far more for them to discover they’ve fallen in love . . .
A Brawny Clansman
The fiercely handsome Vincent Danzel neve
r backs away from a dare. So when he’s challenged to make a particular young lady fall in love with him without taking her to his bed, he jumps at the chance to woo the unsuspecting lass to her knees . . .
A Willful Lady
Sybil Eschoncan’s visions warn her that an unsuitable man will enter her life, and Vincent’s sudden appearance confirms her prediction. But she’s unprepared for her wild attraction to the rake—and perplexed by his unwillingness to claim her . . .
An Irresistible Passion
Vincent vows to resist his mounting desire, even as Sybil’s every word intrigues him and her every touch ignites his senses. But when another man lays claim to the tempting maid, Vincent must risk everything to fight for the love he never expected to find . . .
ZEBRA BOOKS are published by
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119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2013 by Jackie Ivie
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.