One & Only

by Kara Griffin

  His hands craved to touch her everywhere. He could imagine what she looked like beneath her garments. Nice sized breast, curvaceous hips, and long legs, all envisioned in his mind’s eye. Never had a woman so tempted him. The ride home would be a tumultuous journey.

  Fortunately, with his guard on duty, he didn’t have to be on alert. During the ride, he’d let his attention stray from listening and watching – to feeling and holding. His imagination soared with visions of her beckoning him as if she was a faerie out to torment him. It would be a torment he would enjoy.

  He almost groaned aloud when he imagined kissing her naked stomach, and feeling the softness of her skin as his nose traced the contours of her waist to her breasts.

  With a shake of his head, he pulled himself from the vision, knowing it was wrong to think such immodest thoughts. The lady’s troubles should be his foremost concern, yet all he thought of was taking her to bed and making sweet love to her.

  Duff and Colm took the lead, while the others placed themselves strategically around him. Her maid seemed content to ride ahead of them, directly in front of him. Sean took up the rear.

  They rode a good distance; at least two hours and were leaving enemy territory. Grey more than ever wanted to reach home. The lady in his arms needed a safe place and there was no other than beyond the sound walls of his home. Once they reached home, he would give the order that none other than a Gunn be allowed entrance.

  If Kenneth MacHeth found out about their treasure, and he wasn’t thinking about the trunks she’d traveled with, he’d have the entire MacHeth army breathing fire at his walls. Perfect, really because then he wouldn’t have to search them out. For years he’d hoped for a good reason to war against the dog and now the sweet lass in his arms gave him one. He wouldn’t let MacHeth near her, no matter what the cost.

  “You’re being quiet, laird. What are ye planning?” Sean asked low.

  “Her protection. MacHeth will be cursing me when he learns about his loss.” His men knew him well. Grey often kept his thoughts to himself and he rarely shared his point of view. When he needed to, he did, but he was better at giving orders than opinions.

  “I have a suggestion. We got a lot of baggage. What say you Colm, Kenneth, and I bring the trunks, whilst you, James, and Duff ride ahead. We’ll continue home whilst ye visit Laird Ross.”

  “I’d say that would be a fair idea, Sean. You will likely reach home before us.”

  Normally, he wouldn’t leave his men behind, but getting Bree to safety was of more import. Grey whistled to Duff, who was now way ahead of them. As soon as everyone was within hearing distance, Grey directed his men to stay behind with the trunks while he, James Duff, and Cait rode onward.

  His men would take the trunks directly home and he would call upon his greatest ally. Surely a war would break upon the MacHeths learning of their misfortune. News traveled fast in the highlands. He’d be surprised if Donal didn’t all ready know about what he’d done.

  If they were to get any rest this night, they should make camp soon. The air cooled slightly and it wasn’t as oppressive. He noted the bloated clouds in the sky, looking for signs of a storm, but there were many stars scattered betwixt the clouds. They’d be dry this night. After riding a bit ahead, he pulled his mount to a stop, causing the others to do so. Grey palmed Bree’s cheek and her eyes flew open.

  “What are you doing?” She yanked his hand from cuddling her soft cheek.

  “Waking ye. We’re making camp.” Grey wasn’t in a hurry to dismount. He wished he could continue to hold her, say things in her ear that would make her blush, just to see her bonny blue eyes widen with shock.

  She yawned and almost fell backward, but saved herself by hugging him tightly. Grey almost laughed. He hadn’t felt so lighthearted in such a long time. The winsome lass made him feel amused. Then he felt her breasts pressed against his chest. With a groan, all amusement faded. Using his hands, he caressed her back, causing her to maintain her position.

  “Mind those hands,” she said and slapped his arm from around her.

  “My apologies.”

  Duff stumbled as he passed by and laughed. “This is a day to remember, Laird. I don’t believe ye ever apologized to anyone for anything.” Duff helped Cait from her horse and he and James began setting up camp.

  Grey helped Bree down and once she stood on her feet, he left the camp. There was something about her that stirred him and he wasn’t sure why. Eventually, he’d learn all he needed to know. For now, he needed to get a hold of himself.

  Alone now in the woods, he contemplated what he was going to do with her. And how would he explain to Donal why he’d taken the MacHeth bride. Neither answer came to him. He supposed he’d keep her safe until she revealed more about herself. As for Donal, he would have to be honest with him. Donal couldn’t fault him for saving the lass or for accepting her bargain.

  When he returned to camp, he found her awaiting him right where he’d left her.

  “Lady? Why do you not rest?”

  “I wanted to wait for you, Laird Gunn. How much further do we have to travel?”

  “Another day or so. Not too far. We will stop and pay our respects to Laird Ross before continuing on home.”

  “You mean when we reach your home. What is to become of me? You cannot take care of me forever. When I am able to, I mean to return to my home.”

  “You cannot return.” Not if he had anything to say about it. The thought of her returning to England set a foul taste in his mouth. Grey wasn’t about to let her go anywhere, anywhere but his home. He was glad she’d turned her head. Lord, she smelled nice, like summer rain. Grey took a deep breath, wanting to inhale her fragrance and remember it.

  “You cannot keep me from leaving, Laird Gunn. I will stay as long as it pleases me.”

  “It will please ye to stay as long as I bid. I will hear no argument.” Grey couldn’t keep his voice from rising a little when he made that statement. He didn’t know why her leaving bothered him or why he found himself frowning. His hand moved to her shoulder to keep her from walking away. He absently caressed the soft fabric of her overdress. “Aye, I surely want you,” he mumbled under his breath. She brushed his hand away and stepped backward.

  Lord, she really was innocent and for some reason that made him happy. Grey wondered what she’d do if he kissed her. He was tempted to do so just to see what her reaction would be. Would she shriek in abhorrence or return the kiss? Given her appearance, he’d assumed the prior. Aye, she’d shriek and he’d find it delightful.

  “I mean what I say, Laird Gunn, I shan’t have anyone in danger because of me.”

  “Are you saying that because the MacHeths might come after you?”

  She looked up at him again and this time her eyes were wide with fear. “Aye.”

  “Damned right they’ll come after you. Don’t worry, we Gunns are much stronger than the MacHeths.”

  “You Gunns are an arrogant lot, are you not? Still, I am nothing to you. Why would you go to such lengths to protect me?”

  “You are everything.” Grey didn’t realize he’d spoken his thought aloud until she smiled at him. “Besides, we made a bargain, you and I. For your protection, I was given the trunks. You paid well for our service and you cannot go back on your word. We aim to protect you and shall do so from this day forth.”

  “About that …”

  He pressed a finger on her petal soft lips. “We must be quiet and get some rest now.”

  “You cannot expect me to be quiet when you just—”

  He kissed the breath right out of her. It was her lips. Aye, they moved so gracefully when she spoke, Grey couldn’t help himself. Her lips stilled against his, but she had no idea what she was doing. Lord, she was beyond demure and had the softest lips. Grey deepened the kiss and lightly brushed his tongue against the silky softness of hers.

  An instant need rose within him. His attraction turned to lust. Aye, hardness came with an ache beneath his tartan. He d
efinitely wanted her—wanted to keep her—wanted her in his bed, but most of all, he wanted to keep her safe.

  Grey pulled his mouth from hers. It took much to coerce his brain to function again. She didn’t realize the jeopardy she was in. But he’d throw himself from his horse before he’d dishonor her. Chivalry be damned.

  “Laird … Gunn, please do not do that again. I promise to be quiet. You need not do so to shush me.” She patted his arm and looked straight ahead. Damned if she seemed unaffected by the kiss.

  He couldn’t have that. Lightly, he took her face in his hand and turned her to look at him. Her eyes fastened on his mouth and by the look of her, she verily was affected.

  Grey almost laughed. It didn’t seem possible for her to keep quiet.

  “I do promise to be quiet, but you shouldn’t kiss me.”

  “We’re finished discussing this for now.” He did chuckle then. “Aye, ‘tis the truth I’d like to do more than discuss it, lass. There’s a lot more to kissing.”

  “So I’ve been told.” She blushed and walked to the tent James erected for her and her maid.

  “By who?” he demanded. Grey blocked her from entering the tent and watched her carefully.

  “No one, Laird Gunn, no one of any import.”

  As soon as she disappeared, Grey placed his bedroll in front of the tent, as a security measure. He unsheathed his sword and set it on the ground next to him. Sleep would not come, but he closed his eyes and listened to the night sounds. No woman ever caused him such concern or strife.

  Though he protected his clan, he hadn’t had someone close to protect since he’d lost his betrothed. Now this lovely lass entrusted her safety to him and by God he would not let her down.

  Near dawn, he noticed his men prepared their horses and were ready to ride. Once the ladies refreshed themselves, they continued on the journey. With the ladies present, his men slowed the pace. Grey sobered thinking about the fact that they rode through Mackay land, the land MacHeth declared his own when he overtook their clan.

  He’d heard most of the Mackays ran and hid in the hills when MacHeth killed the laird, Ian Mackay. Still, riding on the land reminded him of his childhood, when the Gunns and Mackays had made a pact, a truce which would never come to be.

  The ride through MacHeth land was uneventful. Those on sentry were inept and never knew when the Gunns crossed their borders. If Bree and her maid weren’t with them, he and Duff might have gone looking for a bit of entertainment. He knew Duff was probably disappointed they couldn’t cause the MacHeths a little havoc or inconvenience.

  Soon they’d be on Ross land, just westward of where they were presently. MacHeth land wasn’t as wide in the southern region and only took an hour to cross. Grey felt Bree’s body leaning heavily against his. She’d fallen asleep with a smile on her lovely face. He suspected of late she hadn’t had much to smile about, especially considering she’d been betrothed to a beasty-swine MacHeth.

  Finally, they reached Ross land, but the holding was located a good distance from its border. Grey decided to keep riding for a bit. He’d gain a few miles before stopping and giving the horses a rest. By the evening, they might spend the night at the Ross keep if they took a swift pace. That thought led to him thinking about what he’d say to Donal.

  Donal Ross had been named his protector when he’d turned ten winters. A lad couldn’t do better for a champion because Donal was a mean-son-of-a-bitch. It was Donal’s gift, a precious dagger crudely designed he’d used to inflict the reminder of his failure when Albrey went missing. Donal was laird of the Ross clan and one of the leaders of the highland council.

  He wasn’t one to go against, mainly because he’d allied with many of the other significant clans and was a great supporter of King Alexander. Donal would understand once he explained why he wanted to war with the MacHeths.

  Still it wasn’t a meeting he looked forward to. Donal could be extremely stubborn when he made up his mind about something. Many a time, Grey’s own father complained about the Ross and how he’d been unable to influence an outcome.

  A clearing ahead of them was the perfect spot to take rest. Grey whistled low to Duff alerting him it was time to stop. When he reached the clearing, he gently squeezed Bree’s arm to awaken her.

  “We’re going to take rest.” He dismounted and helped her to her feet and held on to her for a few minutes until she was steady enough.

  “Keep watch, Duff.” Grey wanted to reflect on these new problems and so he left the clearing.

  * * *

  Bree ached everywhere, even her head hurt. There was no way to rub all the aches away. She sat next to a tree and waited for Cait to join her. Cait stood by Duff and from her stance; she appeared to be dallying with him. Bree would have laughed if she didn’t hurt so much.

  “God should put me out of my misery,” she said to herself. “What were you saying to him?” she asked when Cait approached.

  “I was thanking him.”

  Bree doubted that. “Thanking him, huh? God be praised. Faith, you wanted to do more than that, Cait. You do not fool me for a second. Do you find Duff attractive? He scowls all the time and is cross. Surely the other man would be more amiable. James, that’s his name. Aye, you’d do far better with him.” She laughed when Cait humphed.

  Cait flopped down next to her laughing. “I do find the more formidable man to my liking, even if he scowls at me. He shan’t scowl at me in bed. Have ye ever seen a man so brawny? Aye, the man has muscles everywhere. I felt his arms. Oh, and his eyes, they’re so light blue. He’s verily handsome.”

  Bree shook her head. She’d never understand Cait’s ways. Why Cait enjoyed tarrying with such daunting men when she could have a sweeter-natured man, bewildered her.

  “I am a bit nervous about going to the Gunn’s keep. Laird Gunn seems to think the MacHeths will come after me. What if they decide to go back to the Champlain’s …”

  “Oh, dear, you shouldn’t think of them now. The baron has one of the largest armies in England. He has the king’s protection and shan’t need your concern. You should just give over to the idea the Gunn laird seems to like you.”

  She tilted her head back and tried to ease the tension in her neck. Nothing helped, even the firm massage she worked into the knots. “He did kiss me.”

  Cait moved closer and lowered her voice. “Ah, he did, did he? And ye liked it?”

  She drew an affronted breath. “How can you ask that?” Cait rolled her eyes. “Aye, of course I liked it. You have seen him, how could I not? He is a man who would take kissing most seriously. Laird Gunn scares me a bit, but I confess I do like his power.”

  “Bree, you are at liberty to make your way in this world. Not many ladies are afforded such freedom. You should take advantage of the lack of restrictions. If you like the Gunn laird, then you should let him know. Ye be a bit shy for a powerful man like him. He’d want a woman who could please him and knows what to do in bed. And I don’t deem sleeping.”

  Bree gave her an annoyed look. “I do wish there was a kitchen close by. I think best when I am cooking.”

  Cait laughed and shoved her shoulder. “Well there it is. You actually like the man. I never thought I’d see the day ye blushed like a true maid. Though you always stayed to yourself and didn’t talk much to any of the men at the baron’s keep, except for your precious Rhys.”

  “I did kiss Rhys by the lake. He didn’t return it though. Still, he kissed me goodbye, remember? The Gunn laird is far more intimidating than Rhys. I don’t know how to behave around him.” Bree felt her face heating. Surely this was not a discussion they should have sitting among the trees in the woods with men nearby.

  “I tell you all you have to do is be coy. Your innocence is enough to wave the flags. Aye, mayhap if you accent-uated your bosoms, he couldn’t help noticing. I have it on good authority most men like ample bosoms. Just push them up like this …” Cait pressed her palms on the underside of her breasts, raising them so cleavage showed at
the top of her overdress. Bree shoved her hand away.

  “What in God’s name are you doing? Pray, we should not discuss this here.” Bree was thankful Duff approached and sat with them. Cait remained quiet on the subject of love or sex. Surely her face turned crimson at what Cait had done.

  “Milady, are ye hungry?”

  “Nay, thank you, Duff. I ate earlier. I fear I may never rise again as sore as I am.”

  “Aye. You might want to get some rest before we move on.”

  She frowned. “Right here? I have no tent. I cannot sleep in front of strangers.”

  Duff scowled. “We don’t have time to erect the tent, won’t rest long. I’m not a stranger, milady. I’m your laird’s first in command. You’ll be safe, ‘tis my duty to protect ye. No harm will come to you whilst I’m on watch. I promise ye that. Are you cold?”

  She shook her head. If he thought she’d sleep for one second in the company of a stranger, he’d be mistaken. Duff surprised her when he removed his tartan and handed it to her.

  “In case you get cold.” He gave a look to Cait, who patted the ground next to her. But Duff didn’t seem interested. He maintained his position and frowned at her.

  “Where did Laird Gunn go?” she asked, looking around to see if he’d returned.

  “Went off to the wood. He oft does when he needs to think. My laird has a lot on his mind,” Duff said.

  “Oh, you mean me, do you not?” Bree set the tartan around her and leaned against the tree.

  “Aye, you most of all. I admit it will be interesting to see what he does. I haven’t seen Grey so torn, not since we were lads. About time he rejoined the living.” Duff nodded to James who inclined his head in response.

  “What is he torn about?” Bree asked.

  “You. There’s uncertainty in his eyes.” Duff shook his hand, releasing it from Cait’s hold.

  Cait was being bold with him and he didn’t seem to like it. She heard Cait giggle. Never one to back down, Bree was sure Cait would win the battle with Duff. Eventually the man would have no choice but to give in. She would get her way, one way, or another.