by Meg Allison
“Gossip means nothing.”
“But it does,” he insisted. “You try to ignore it, rise above it, but you always find yourself locked in the past. I don’t belong here anymore. I’m not sure where I do belong, except with you by my side. So I shouldn’t ask it of you, but I will. I’ve found I’m a selfish devil, after all. I’ll not cut out my own heart to save face, to save you the scandal. Never again. If you’re willing to face the future with me.” Torin took both her hands in his but the words stuck in his throat. “Dance with me.”
She frowned at him for a moment before she drifted back into his arms and let her body settle flush with his. It should have been scandalous, but it felt so right. Torin wished she could burrow even deeper…to become one with him…to forever be safe.
The music flowed around them—a sorrowful ballad of tragic lovers. Alaina swayed with him, their bodies pressed together from chest to knee. He could feel the beat of her heart and her breath at his neck. Never before had he felt such a sense of belonging.
“Marry me,” he murmured against her ear. Her steps faltered.
“You…you really want me? After all I’ve told you?”
His arms tightened about her. “I’ve lived a lonely life, darlin’, and so have you. I think we need each other. I know I love you more than I ever thought I could love.”
Tears filled her eyes as she smiled up at him.
“I love you,” she whispered. “And I’d be honored to become your wife.”
Relief and joy that swept over him, lightening his heart more than anything had ever done.
“But,” she added. “I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you. That I won’t be able to…to please you.”
Her meaning was clear and he smiled at her softly. “Lass, you could never disappoint me. I’m a patient man. I can wait till you’re ready. And I think the pleasing should work both ways. We’ll learn together.”
* * *
Alaina tucked her head beneath his chin, her cheek to his chest and sighed. The whole idea still frightened her a bit—yet she couldn’t ignore the little tremor of excitement, that simmering warmth that filled her when she thought of Torin. His touch and his kiss were enough to light the darkness and chase away the shadows that plagued her since the summer her innocence had been lost.
As they swayed to the music, she could feel a change wash over him. What began as a tender, protective embrace now felt different somehow. Instead of fear, curiosity overcame her—and desire. She snuggled more securely along the steel length of his body and felt him shudder slightly, as if from a chill. Then he cleared his throat.
“Time for us to be going back to the ceili,” he said. His tone sounded strained.
“Not yet,” she whispered, unmindful of the danger she could sense lurking in the tension that grew between them.
“Darlin’…we must.”
With a sigh, she pulled away. A wave of cold desolation washed over her as the evening breeze wrapped around her body where his strong arms had been. Torin reached out and cupped her cheek in his hand.
“I’ll speak with your da tonight, if that’s to your liking?”
“Yes, please do.”
“I confess though, he somewhat gave me his blessing before.”
“I’m not surprised. He’s waited for this day for many years.”
“Aye…and I’m thinking I did as well. My dad must be dancing a jig with knowing he was right all along.”
“I’m sure he’s very happy and proud of you, Torin. Any father would be.”
Tears sprang to his eyes as a soft breeze blew across the surface of the water, fragmenting the stars and moon reflected there.
“Aye,” he said. “I think you may be right.” He gathered her hands in his and kissed them gently. “I’ll ask the priest to post the announcements. We can wed in three weeks.”
A look of guilt crossed over her face. “Oh, Torin! He already has…posted them, I mean.”
Torin moved a step closer, his expression a myriad of confusion, humor and pleasure. “What are talking about?”
She told him of the priest’s visit and his well-meaning intent that neither she nor Maggie had corrected. “I’m sorry, we should have said something but your mother—”
Torin chuckled. “Don’t be, darlin’. It’s just another sign that this was fated from the beginning.” His acceptance warmed her from the inside out. “This only means we can marry all the sooner. I’ll have to ask him before he leaves. Perhaps…”
“What?”
He frowned a bit as if wondering whether to speak his thoughts aloud. “Do you want a big wedding? With all that goes into it?”
She pressed herself closer, ducking her head as a sudden shyness overwhelmed her. But still she found the courage to answer him honestly. “I’d rather be married as soon as possible.”
He gently tilted her chin up. “What worries you?”
It was foolish, she knew that. But Alaina couldn’t shake the foreboding that seemed to envelop her thoughts. Instead of trying to explain, she shook her head. “I don’t want you to have a chance to change your mind.”
His sensuous grin lit his entire face and her heart began to race. “Not a chance of that, darlin’. You’ve made your bed and soon…” He leaned closer. “Soon you’ll have to lie in it.”
The words sent a frisson of desire down her spine, where it then spiraled lower as his lips met hers. Still a niggling doubt, a spark of fear lingered, but after a moment she let herself sink into the roaring flame of his kiss.
* * *
“Saints be praised!” her father shouted. The room fell into utter silence as all eyes turned to him, Alaina and Torin standing at his side. She felt as if her cheeks must be on fire, but Torin couldn’t have looked more pleased.
“Of course you have my blessing, lad. You’ve had it nigh on thirty years!” Patrick stood and smiled at the now silent and curious crowd. “Everyone, I’m pleased and honored to announce the engagement of my daughter, Alaina to Torin O’Brien.”
Cheers and clapping filled the room as everyone rejoiced in the news.
“So he wizened up then?” Colm asked over the din. Everyone laughed.
“Aye,” Sean added. “He was afraid I’d steal her away.”
“Nay, I worried your sorry jokes might send her back to America,” Torin replied, much to everyone’s delight.
“Well, now, we have a great deal to celebrate then, don’t we?” Patrick asked. “Play us another song! I feel like dancing with me inion.”
Before Alaina could protest, he led her to the middle of the dance floor as the musicians began to play. She glanced back in time to see several women gather around Torin, including his mother who pulled his head down and soundly kissed him on the cheek.
“This is what you’re wanting, right lass?” her father asked as he led her in a slow waltz.
“Yes, more than anything,” she said. “I love him, Daddy. He’s kind and intelligent.”
“And handsome?”
She felt the blood rise in her face. “Yes.” Alaina paused. “I’ve never felt like this with any other man. He…he makes me feel special.”
Her father’s eyes sparkled as he smiled at her. “Good, for I could not give my baby girl to anyone less deserving.”
“I suppose you’re quite pleased with yourself,” she said.
Her father’s face shown with a radiance she hadn’t seen in many years. “That I am. I couldn’t bear to leave you alone in the world, my love. Not without knowing you would be loved and cared for.”
Her step faltered a bit at his words. “Don’t be foolish, Daddy. You’re stronger than ever—getting more so every day. In a year or so you’ll be bouncing grandbabies on your knees.” She glanced around them and spotted Torin dancing with his mother. “Perhaps you’ll be renewing your own lost youth with a lovely red-haired lass I know.”
His pale cheeks turned pink and he cleared his throat. “Now who’s gone daft, I ask you? I am the last man on God’s
green earth to be thinking of romance.”
“No, I’d say that man would be Father Morris.” Alaina laughed at the look he gave her. “Daddy, I understand things that never quite made sense before. But you and Maggie…you both have quite a few years of living ahead of you. Why not take a chance and see what happens? If nothing else, you’ve got a lifelong friend.”
“Alaina, I want you to know nothing improper ever happened. And despite your mother’s misguided thinking, I was always faithful to her. But I…I never quite forgot.” Her father missed a step as Maggie and Torin danced by them.
“Have you told her?” Alaina asked.
Her father shook his head. “Nay, of course not.”
“What are you waiting for?” she asked. “You’re not getting any younger, Daddy. Do something before you lose your second chance.”
He stopped dancing and frowned at her for a long moment. Then with small nod, he leaned a bit on her arm as they threaded their way through the crowd of dancers to where Maggie and Torin stood.
“Torin, lad, the young lady would like to trade partners.” He held his hand out to Maggie. “As would I.”
When he took Maggie by the hand, she had a shy, bashful air about her like a schoolgirl in love instead of widowed mother of six.
“Aye, that would be lovely,” she said and settled into Patrick’s arms. They slowly waltzed off together.
“About time,” Torin said softly.
“Aye,” Alaina agreed.
He laughed and then scooped her up into his arms and twirled away through the crowd.
“You are an amazing woman,” he told her.
Alaina heard the love in his tone, felt the gentle strength of his arms. It was as if the world shifted beneath her feet. “I want them to be as happy as we are. You don’t mind?”
“Not a bit. Mum deserves a little more happiness in her life. If your father’s the man to be giving it, then I’ll have little worries of him interfering with mine.”
Her heart swelled and she wondered briefly how it was possible for any one person to love another so completely.
“The priest and I had a little talk,” he told her as they danced. “I finally convinced him we’re not in need a church roof to say our vows.”
Alaina stopped as the other couples waltzed by. “What are you saying?”
“He offered to marry us tonight.”
Her heart fluttered. “Tonight?”
“Aye, if you’d like?” he questioned, uncertainty in his gaze. “If not—”
“Oh, yes,” she said quickly, then cleared her throat. “I think that would be wonderful, since everyone is here already. But are you sure, Torin? Is this what you want?”
“More than anything, lass.” The touch of his finger on her cheek sent a little chill down her spine. “What I don’t want is waste another moment of my life without you in my arms.”
“Then let’s get married,” she said. “Tonight.”
He took her by the hand and all but ran up to the stage. The musicians stopped playing and a hush fell like a wave over the room.
“We’ve come to a decision, thanks to the Father’s foresight in posting banns some weeks ago,” he said with a smile. She laughed with the others as the old priest, standing to one side with a cup in his hand, winked at Torin. “Alaina and I would like to take advantage of the situation. We’re going to be married. Tonight.”
Several gasps echoed across the room and many started to murmur. “That is,” he added as he turned to find Mary Kate and Tom in the crowd. “If it be to the liking of our host and hostess? Mary Kate?”
“Oh! Married?” she exclaimed. “Here? Now?”
“If you don’t mind,” Alaina added.
“’Tis a grand idea!” her cousin cried, clapping her hands in delight. “We’re having a wedding! Oh, this is so exciting! Quick, lads, clear some room. We’ll need a small stool and a bit of wine…” She bustled out into the crowd, shouting orders and directing the others as cheers and laughter erupted around them.
“Move fast now, lad,” her father said as he reached them with Maggie at his side. “’Tis the best way. Then they don’t get it in their heads to change their answer.” Then with a serious scowl, Patrick turned to his daughter. “This is what you’re wanting, lass?”
“Yes, Daddy,” she said as she embraced him. “Very much.”
“Well, then, looks like we’re having a wedding.” With a bit of tears in his eyes, he clapped Torin on the arm and smiled. “Just be remembering our earlier conversation, boy-o.”
“That I will, Patrick,” Torin replied. “That I will.”
The ceremony was simple and quick, but Alaina heard little of it beyond the words they pledged to one another. Women in the room cried quietly while many of the men stood grinning from ear to ear. She had never seen a more informal wedding—nor had she ever felt such good wishes at one, either. After the priest pronounced them husband and wife, a flurry of applause erupted throughout the room and into the yard where some had gathered in the balmy night to listen.
Then the party began in earnest and Alaina knew she hadn’t danced as much in her entire life as she did that night. Passed from partner to partner, only on occasion did she catch sight of her new husband—each time the promise in his smile made her heart flutter.
Hour sped upon hour and the music and liquor flowed freely. Somewhere in the wee hours of the morn, Alaina excused herself and crept out to the privy, her heart still afloat and mind reeling from the revelations of the night. As she stepped out into the open once again, a sudden chill washed over her. She glanced about and saw little but the moon low on the horizon and a thin line of golden sun beginning to light the eastern sky.
She started back to the cottage, humming a tune softly as she stepped gingerly over the limestone. A sudden, sharp pain in her head made her gasp and the dark purple sky seemed to glitter with colored stars. As her vision faded to black, Alaina thought she heard a sound down a long, dark tunnel—a deep evil laugh.
Chapter Thirteen
A hot dagger of pain sliced through her head as she edged toward consciousness. Alaina winced and tried to open her eyes, but the light was almost blinding. After a moment she became aware of each aching limb and joint. It felt as if she’d been dragged over stones.
“Well, well,” a deep ominous voice drawled. “Seems O’Brien’s whore is finally awake.”
Something slithered over her skin and settled heavily against her midriff. Her stomach churned with fear as Alaina opened her eyes and swallowed. It took a moment for her vision to adjust. Almost at the same instant, she realized a noose of rough rope circled her neck and snaked down her middle to where a large coil rested on her belly. She blinked against the morning sun and slowly looked around, all the while dreading the sight of her captor.
“Nothing to say, lass?” Doogan asked. She stared at him and willed away the fear that made her stomach knot. He looked worse than the last time she’d seen him—the morning she’d defended herself and beaten him into the dirt. But today was another story. He had caught her unaware and now had the upper hand. She instinctively tried to move away as he leaned closer, only to find her wrists and ankles were bound by the same cord.
“You’ll not be going anywhere, bitch,” he said in an almost pleasant tone. “Not until your lover comes to call. Then…well, I’ve not decided that yet.” He trailed a single, dirty finger down her cheek, chuckling when she flinched. “You’ve got spirit, ’tis sure. It might make for an interesting afternoon romp.” His bloodshot gaze raked down her body as he spoke. “Aye, I could have me a grand time before I send you over the cliff.”
She blinked back the tears and struggled to move. “I’ll kill you first.”
His grin widened. “Ah, now there would be a pity. Never know lass—you might enjoy a real man touching you.” He gripped her chin with his large, rough hand and squeezed. Tears of pain blurred her vision as he leaned closer. “I could make your last hours a pleasure or painful be
yond your wildest dreams. Makes no difference to me.”
“Then go ahead and kill me now,” she told him. “I’ll never submit to you otherwise.”
He made a face of disgust. “Be a fool then. All I need you for is O’Brien.”
Alaina glanced cautiously around them at the sound of thunder. “He won’t follow us. He has no idea where we are and we quarreled earlier. Torin has no interest in me.”
“Oh, he knows where you’ve gone—of that I made sure. And you’re a terrible liar, Miss Ryan…or should I say, Mrs. O’Brien? The man has soft spot for pretty whores like you. Must be why he married you, aye? He’ll be round shortly.”
He stood and walked away from her, giving Alaina a chance to take in her surroundings. She had her back to an outcropping of stone. Soft grass sprung up from the hard earth beneath her cheek as the wind blew dark clouds over the early morning sky.
From the smells of the sea and sounds of waves crashing against hard rock, she knew they were at the cliffs. Had this been the same spot where young Brigit had met her fate?
Alaina shivered as the damp breeze chilled her skin. A wave of panic rose up inside her—one akin to the day she’d found herself alone and at the mercy of a so-called friend. But this man was never a friend and she couldn’t rely on someone riding to her rescue. She swallowed back the bile that rose in her throat. Her heart’s desire at her very fingertips, she could never let anyone take that away from her without a fight.
The sound of her captor’s steps alerted her to his return as she lay twisting the rope that bound her wrists.
“Don’t waste your strength, lass,” he said. “I’ve bound you well enough. You won’t be escaping so easy now. And look at it this way. If the O’Brien does what I want, I just might let you go again. Or maybe I’ll just pitch you over the side as he did my sister, aye? Are you afraid of heights, Miss Ryan? Brigit was. She had nightmares of falling off these bloody cliffs. And that’s why I want to kill the bastard—for taking her from me just like in her dreams.”