The Highlander's Runaway Bride

by TERRI BRISBIN

  Her body rippled inside that place and he felt as though fingers tightened around his manhood. He was not ready yet, so he plunged into her and pulled out, over and over as she screamed out her pleasure. And when his body readied to pour his seed into her, he said the words he needed her to hear and to believe.

  ‘I love you, Eva MacKay,’ he said, thrusting in and hearing her gasp. ‘You are mine.’

  He was close, damn it, so he moved harder and harder into her, whispering those words over and over and hoping she heard them and accepted them. His bollocks tightened then, his flesh swelled and one more thrust brought on his release.

  They lay on the bed in silence, the air heavy between them. Rob knew she needed this, and he would give her whatever she needed. The night moved slowly, and they loved several more times before she was spent. As she nestled closer to him, pulling his arm across her waist and holding it near her heart, Rob could feel her body finally seeking rest.

  ‘Do not run away from this,’ he said quietly. Her body startled. ‘Stay here. Stay with me, Eva.’ He waited for her to say something, any words at all, but none came. ‘I beg you, do not run this time.’

  * * *

  He had ruined her plans completely.

  Her body and soul sated with this night of pleasure and love, she’d planned to leave in the morning when the gates opened and the keep and village were caught up in the activities of welcoming so many guests. Once Brodie called Rob to his side, her path and opportunity would be open and she would leave Glenlui and the Mackintoshes...and Rob...forever.

  He did not understand yet that it was his best protection. He thought he knew and could stand against her father. He thought right would win out in this situation.

  But she knew better. Eva had lived her life trying to stand against Ramsey MacKay and learned the lesson after paying the most terrible and steep price for her resistance. Leaving would protect him best.

  But now, how could she? How could she walk away when Rob knew what she planned to do and asked, nay begged, her not to? Damn her own weakness in this!

  One more day, she decided. She would stay one more day and see if she could find a solution to this dilemma. One more day to lull his suspicions, too. ’Twould make her escape easier if she did not rush it.

  His breathing slowed against her ear. He slept, never loosening his hold on her, as though he feared she would slip away in the night.

  One more day.

  * * *

  Rob and Magnus were training in the yard when the knock came on his door. Brodie had expected her sooner, but she waited until they would not be interrupted by her husband’s attentions. He opened the door and bade her enter.

  He’d seen many sides of Ramsey MacKay’s daughter, but this was a new one for him. The ill woman, the insecure and fearful one, the one who fell in love with his best friend, the friend to his own wife. There were many facets to this woman, but now she was confident and purposeful as she entered the chamber and faced him.

  ‘You are here to collect your debt then, Eva?’

  ‘Aye.’

  A simple answer, and yet one that could and would cause many consequences. His offer of a favour was not something simply uttered in an uncontrolled emotional outburst to be denied later when cooler heads prevailed. He stood by it and would honour her request, no matter the cost of it. Brodie poured some wine in his cup and offered her some. She declined with a curt shake of her head. Business, then.

  ‘What will you have?’ he asked.

  ‘My father wishes to have better terms in the coming negotiations. He asks for the right to accept or reject what you offer first, before you offer them to the others who are coming.’

  It all fit what he was beginning to recognise as the man and the pattern of behaviour of the head of the Clan MacKay. But Eva speaking on his behalf did surprise him.

  ‘And this is what you ask from me as payment of what I owe you?’ he asked.

  He watched her carefully as she considered his words. Her blue eyes flashed with anger, and she shook her head.

  ‘Nay,’ she said, meeting his eyes. ‘I would not plead his case to you. I but thought you should know what he wants and what he will press for.’

  She took the cup he’d offered before and drank it down in a long swallow. Brodie thought he saw her resolve softening, but the look of determination in her gaze told him otherwise when she placed the empty cup down and faced him directly.

  ‘Your debt to me will be paid if you find Rob a way out of this marriage.’

  Of everything the woman could ask him for, this had never entered his mind. Brodie thought himself well versed in strategy and negotiations, but this, this was a surprise.

  ‘I thought that both of you were finding the marriage to be satisfactory,’ he said. Though neither realised it, they both were walking around in a constant state of bliss for the last month. Satisfactory? Hell, they were happy in their marriage, which Brodie knew was a huge step since their unhappy beginnings. When she did not answer his implied question, he asked it aloud. ‘Why would Rob want a way out?’

  ‘The truth will out soon,’ she said in a toneless voice. ‘When he knows, he will not wish to be married to me.’

  Good Christ! What the hell had happened between them that could make Rob forsake the woman he so clearly loved? ‘And you? Do you wish a way out? Do you not want some consideration if your marriage ends?’

  ‘There is no way out for me, Laird,’ she said plainly. She stared off into the corner of the chamber for a few seconds before clearing her throat. ‘So, will you do this service for me or not?’

  ‘Mayhap you should speak to...’

  ‘Will you do this for me or not, Brodie?’

  She let out a breath then and walked to the door, not waiting for his answer. It was an inevitable one, for his honour demanded he accede to her request. Much as he’d like to argue and convince her otherwise, it was what she asked in return for his promise.

  ‘Aye, Eva. I will find a way to dissolve your marriage. For Rob.’ She nodded and left without another word or glance at him.

  Brodie gave her a few seconds and then followed her as she left him and sought out Arabella. Was Eva MacKay collecting all the debts owed to her? Later, from his wife’s unhappy face and refusal to speak of it, Brodie knew she was tying up all the loose strands of some thread.

  But not for a minute did he think she had some nefarious plot planned against them. Nay, her methods seemed more like a woman trying to protect those she loved. Using his favour for Rob rather than to appease her father was another sign of it.

  * * *

  Hours later as they gathered in the hall for supper, Brodie knew he must honour his promise. He just prayed he could find the right way to do it.

  * * *

  Rob made his way through the crowded hall towards the dais. The day of training proved a good diversion for him from the fear she would leave without a word. She’d been at Arabella’s side most of the day, or so Margaret had reported to him. Still, until he could discover the reason behind it, he would keep a close watch on her.

  He was passing some of the MacKay warriors when he first heard the whispers. Drunken ramblings they might be and too furtive to be heard, so he tried to ignore them. But, like good gossip, the words grew louder and clearer.

  ‘Her father said she would spread her legs for any man.’

  ‘She brought shame to his name.’

  ‘She whelped one bastard before returning to seek her father’s favour.’

  ‘And she found it, did she not? Her father needed the Mackintosh’s man, and so she did what she does best.’ Rob tried to ignore the gesture that followed those words.

  ‘The MacKay gets what and who he wants!’ The one saying that raised his cup in a mock salute to his laird.

  �
�The Mackintosh’s man fell for her act.’ A laugh and then, ‘He went sniffing after her like she was a bitch in heat!’

  The last one broke Rob’s control, and he stopped behind the man who’d spoken the words. Grabbing him by the collar of his shirt, Rob pulled the man off the bench to face him.

  ‘What say you?’ he demanded of the man. Even the stench of too much ale did not ease his anger. ‘Of whom do you speak?’

  His words caused much amusement, for the whole group of men from Tongue burst out laughing. They nudged each other with elbows and nodded at him. A sick feeling spread from his gut to his head. Not waiting for an explanation, he punched the man and threw him to the floor.

  It took little time before the whole of the hall noticed the beginnings of a brawl. Mackintoshes gathered behind him, ready to fight, when Brodie’s voice rang out.

  ‘The training yard is outside. If any man feels he needs more time there, he can leave now.’ Rob stood and faced his laird. ‘Cousin, your counsel is needed here. Join me...now.’

  It was not an invitation no matter how the words were phrased. Rob shook out his fist and made his way to the front of the hall. Anyone in his path moved aside, trying to both get a better look at him and trying not to appear so eager. Well, he was not the only one to hear the words spoken, the claims made, so he had little doubt that it would be known throughout the keep and the village by nightfall.

  He reached the dais and climbed up the steps, bowing in front of Brodie and Arabella before seeking his seat. Eva sat there stone-faced and silent as he took his place next to her. Brodie did not speak to him through the rest of the meal.

  He could not look at her. If only half of what he’d heard was true, her deceit and lies were of the worst kind. Her lack of reaction spoke louder than any admissions or objections could.

  She had not been running away—she’d been leading him along a merry chase. Though she had not feigned the fever, the rest of it was set up to make certain he could not refuse the marriage.

  Every word she’d spoken to him now flooded through his mind, and he heard the other meanings in them. He heard her deception. At that moment, her father leaned forward and winked at her, confirming his worst doubts.

  But the reason eluded him. He thought on it through the meal, barely touching his food or his cup. Only at the end, when Brodie rose and spoke did it make sense.

  ‘Laird MacKay and I have come to terms on an agreement that will enhance both of our clans. Raise your cups now! Loch Moigh!’ He called out the Mackintosh battle cry, which everyone in the hall repeated. ‘Loch Moigh!’

  Then the MacKay rose and called out theirs. ‘Bratach Bhan Chlann Aoidh!’

  He forced himself to his feet and did what was expected of the Mackintosh’s man. After a few minutes, the hall quieted, and Eva’s father took his leave. Walking behind them along the dais, he placed his hands on Eva’s shoulders and whispered to her. The words were loud enough so he could hear, and they simply confirmed the gossip told below.

  ‘I am proud of your efforts, Daughter. For speaking to the Mackintosh on my behalf.’ More words were spoken, but the only two Rob could discern were our agreement.

  Rob glanced at Brodie, but his cousin did not look his way. Or would not. He waited, his world crashing around him, until he could no longer. ‘Brodie.’

  This time Brodie did meet his gaze, and the truth was there—Eva had been at the heart of her father’s plans. When the nod of permission came, Rob stood and left, not waiting on Eva. He walked blindly but ended up in the one place he did not wish to be—their chambers.

  He stood there, as memories poured over him, now knowing that every word she’d spoken was a lie. Part of a plan to use him and his nearness to Brodie to get what the MacKay wanted.

  When the door opened, he knew it could be only one person and it was the one he did not wish to see at this moment.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Eva followed him when he’d left the dais. He’d heard most of her story but needed him to know some parts others did not. Now though, watching him pace like a lethal animal, she thought she should not have returned here. She’d not feared him in a long time, but now, his anger was palpable and dangerous. She leaned against the door, waiting in silence for him to say something.

  ‘How many were there?’

  ‘What?’ She did not understand the question. It was not what she expected he would ask. He strode over and stood right in front of her, his height and girth blocking everything else from her view.

  ‘Goddamn it, Eva! How many men have you lain with? They said you spread your legs for any man, and I want to know. How many have had you?’

  She’d slapped him before she even knew she’d lifted her hand. Lies or not, ’twas an insult.

  ‘And now you play the lady?’ He touched his cheek and smiled grimly at her. ‘Just so,’ he said, stepping back. ‘What did you tell Brodie on your father’s behalf?’

  His fury made him seem larger than he truly was. He kept making tight fists with his huge hands and releasing them.

  ‘I only told Brodie of my father’s plans. I asked him for nothing on his behalf.’ The words did nothing to abate his anger. Instead, it seemed to make it worse.

  ‘You expect me to believe that? After the rest of it?’ he shouted. ‘What other part did you play in his plans? From the start of it?’

  ‘I did not know, Rob,’ she began, but he was there, so close she could feel his breath on her face. She turned away rather than see the hatred and disgust in his eyes. But he came back to his first question, yelling it at her again.

  ‘How many before me, Eva? How many times did you play whore for your father’s aims?’ He leaned his head back and rubbed his face. ‘And you watched me spill blood to mark the sheets that morning. What a laugh you and your father must have had over that!’ Then his voice dropped, and it was filled with a plaintive tone, making the demand sound more like he was pleading for her to answer.

  ‘There was one man before you, Rob. Only one,’ she said. ‘

  It seemed to knock some of the rage from him. He stepped back, thinking on her words. But he was not done, and her hell began with his next words.

  ‘You have a child?’

  The words were softer than she could have expected, but the pain of hearing them from his lips cut her in two. She could only nod, for it hurt to breathe or think or even live in that moment.

  ‘Mairead.’ He said her name before Eva could or did. ‘The name you call out in your sleep. Your daughter.’ She nodded again. He staggered back away and fell into one of the chairs, staring wildly at her. ‘You gave up a child to gain your father’s favour?’

  Her control snapped at that accusation. Before she knew it, words spewed out of her mouth, calling him every foul name and word he’d taught her and others she’d only heard. She ran over to him to...do something to make him stop. He grabbed her hands in one of his hand and backed her up against the wall. Trapping her legs between his, he stopped her from kicking and flailing.

  ‘You stupid miscreant!’ she yelled. ‘I did not give her up. He took... He took my...’ She stopped then, losing all desire to explain or to fight him. Her body collapsed, and he released her. She slid down the wall and sat on the floor. He walked away then and took a place on the other side of the chamber.

  ‘Mayhap it was for the best that he took her,’ he said. ‘Where is she now?’

  Her head snapped back against the wall as though he had backhanded her. Could she tell him all of it? What if her father did still have her somewhere? Dare she confide in him now? One glance at his face, distorted by anger and disgust, gave her the answer.

  ‘She is gone. The price I paid for defying his wishes.’ She could say no more about Mairead.

  After a few minutes of silence, she managed to climb to her feet. Stum
bling, she crossed the chamber and sat on a chair. He watched her but said nothing. When he finally headed for the door, she knew she must say the words now, for it would be the last time she would see him.

  ‘I may have married you because of my father’s plans, but I did not fall in love with the Mackintosh’s man.’ He stopped but did not face her.

  ‘I fell in love with Robbie Mackintosh, a man loyal to his cousin. A good man who did not strike back when it was his right. A kind man who took care of a woman he should have left behind. A faithful man who did not stray from his vows even when he was refused by his bride.’

  Tears flowed freely now, making it difficult to speak. She brushed her hand across her eyes.

  ‘An honourable man who would not give up because he had given his word.’ He turned and looked at her then. ‘I love Robbie Mackintosh, the man. Not the bloody Mackintosh’s man.’

  Without acknowledging her words by action or sound, he left, closing the door behind him.

  Strange, once he left, she could not cry. Enveloped in complete sadness and utter devastation, the tears would not come.

  * * *

  Eva remained there, not speaking to anyone for the next two days. Servants came and removed Rob’s trunks and belongings from the chamber. Nessa tried to see to her, but she waved the girl away. Calls to meals were ignored. Summons to Arabella’s chambers went unanswered. She sat, unable to do anything at all.

  Rob never returned. She had no idea of what he was doing or what he would do, so she contented herself knowing that Brodie would find a way to dissolve their marriage. What that meant for him or for her, she knew not.

  Nessa was the only one who returned, unbidden, to clean around her. And to force her to drink something from time to time.

  She learned her father was leaving from the girl on that second day. And learned of Rob’s hasty departure two days later.

  It hurt too much to wonder over where he went. It hurt too much to even breathe. Eva had not thought that anything could hurt more than the loss of her daughter. But this loss did.