by Kara Griffin
“Nay. Mayhap I suppressed those memories. I did not want to remember where I’d come from, I suppose. All I knew was the lady was nice and the baron treated me with kindness.”
“That is honorable for an Englishman. You don’t remember your father or mother?”
“I don’t remember them and hadn’t wanted to. I was very young and I always suspected I’d done something terrible to have been sent away.”
Her words deeply affected him and he didn’t want to press too much. His heart tore at her despondent admission. She thought she’d been banished. Grey shook an odd feeling away and decided to cease his questions for now.
He stood and motioned to the water. “Let us take a dip in the stream and cool off.”
“It is unbearably hot tonight. Do you deem we shall have a storm?”
He led her toward the stream and found a few people mulling on the opposite side. Though the stream was wide, it wasn’t very deep, perhaps three feet at the middle. The clear water was cool from the mountainous runoff.
“I doubt it. There’s a good many stars starting to come out,” he said, pointing to the sky.
Bree kicked off her shoes and lifted the hem of her overdress and skirts, and wadded into the water. “The water feels wonderful. It was such a hot day.”
“Aye, it was.” Grey pulled off his plaid and removed his boots. He walked farther out and stood in mid-thigh deep water. Cupping his hands, he started to splash water on his arms. Bree stood a few feet from him and as if he’d traveled back in time, he stood staring at her, envisioning a small lass playing in the water.
He remembered the time when Albrey had begged him to take her to loch. She ran straight into the water with all her garments on, including her shoes. He had to fish her out of the water before the sprite drowned. They’d gotten in trouble when they returned to the keep soaking wet. Grey had been sent to the stables to do chores for the rest of the day. Albrey had it easy and only sent to her chamber. There were many times when the wee lass got him into trouble.
Jarred from memories, he felt the water splash him. Bree kept up the attack, soaking him through. Grey chased after her, lifting her in his arms. She squealed with laughter, a delightful sound that made him grin. They were both wet now and as he looked at her face, he realized how much she meant to him. For all he knew of her, in that moment, he just wanted her to be his.
His lips sought hers, only for a light touch, but Grey couldn’t tamper the flames that ignited within him when their lips met. He found himself kissing her like he’d never kissed another. Desire strong and pure rushed through him. Using his tongue to coax her response, he felt her timid touch being returned.
Breaking off the kiss, he smiled, knowing how good it was going to be between them. “You make me forget myself.”
“I fear I have forgotten enough for the both of us.” Bree didn’t move away when he set her on her feet, but her hands flattened against the hard muscles of his chest beneath his soaked tunic. “Thank you for bringing me here, Grey. I’m much cooler now.”
“I’m hotter.”
“I should return. I can find my way back to the keep. Stay and cool off.”
Grey immediately shook his head. She wouldn’t leave his sight until they reached home. “Nay, I’ll walk you back and then return.”
On their walk back, Bree kept quiet. Grey made sure she entered the keep and bid her a good night. He then trotted back to the stream and found no one nearby. Taking each and every piece of clothing off, he walked to the deepest part and sank into the water. He was hot, but more than that, he needed to cool his desire.
“How the hell am I going to keep my hands off her?” Grey smiled to himself. “This is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
“What say ye, Grey?” Duff asked from the bank of the stream. “Are ye going mad talking to yourself?”
“Aye, Duff, madder than I have ever been and never happier.”
Duff joined him in the water minutes later. He tried to drown him when he took hold of his shoulders to dunk him. Grey came up sputtering.
“Aye, it’s been years since ye smiled like that. We’re all used to you being a stern laird. Don’t know how the clan is going to take to this change. I’m not sure I like this new Grey I’m seeing.”
“You’d better get used to it.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Rising before the sun wasn’t something she would ever get used to.
Before first light, Bree was awakened and was told Laird Ross awaited her. Duff banged on her door and wasn’t quiet about it. The man was rude by far, but she suspected that was his nature. She and Cait dressed and readied to leave. Bree wasn’t looking forward to answering Laird Ross’ questions or of another long, hot day of riding.
When she entered the hall, Adeline hugged her goodbye. “Promise to make Grey bring you back for a visit. I shall be glad to see you again.”
“I will. Thank you for your kindness, Lady Ross.”
Bree watched Laird Gunn from afar. He didn’t look pleased this morning and must be as cross as she to be awake at this God forsaken hour. The sun wasn’t even peeking out yet.
“Adeline, keep the hall clear. I wish to speak with Bree and Grey alone.” Donal pointed to the table and waited for them both to take a seat before he joined them.
“Grey tells me you were taken as a child and sent to the Champlains? Tell me of this, Bree. Don’t leave out a single detail. Who was your family?”
She eyed Laird Gunn suspiciously. “Why do you wish to know of my childhood? It bears no significance on the fact that I do not wish to marry within the MacHeth clan.”
“Be that your wish, Bree, we shall honor it. I need to know I am doing right by you. I cannot send ye off with Grey without knowing how ye came to him.”
His concern and the reassurance in his voice wore her down. Bree began her tale and she wasn’t fearful of revealing anything. “I am embarrassed to admit my family didn’t want me. I don’t remember much, my lord, but when I was small, a young child, I was delivered to the Champlains. They agreed to keep me until Laird MacHeth came for me. I thought I had been banished by my family and so I swore to be good. I didn’t cause any trouble for my lord and lady in fear they would send me away again.”
Why Laird Ross and Grey became agitated, she didn’t know. Neither said a word. But she could hear their harsh breath and see the look of disapproval on their faces.
“Was it the MacHeth who took you there?” Laird Ross asked.
“Aye, it was. I heard my father say such and my maid heard my father speaking to my mother about it before I left. You see, I considered Baron Thomas and his wife my father and mother, since I had come to them at such a young age.” Bree was baffled by their questions, yet she wanted to make sure Laird Ross agreed to let her go on her way.
“You don’t remember where you came from or who your parents were?”
“Nay. Sadly I cannot remember them. I am sure they did not want me.”
Grey leaned forward, his gaze so intent on her, his jaw tensed before he spoke. “How old were you when you were taken to the Champlains?”
Bree leaned back. Their stares so intense, she wasn’t sure why they were irritated.
“I was young, mayhap four or five.”
Grey closed his eyes and groaned. “Are ye certain MacHeth took you there?”
“I was told that my father, that is, my lord Champlain, made the pact with the MacHeth until he was ready to war, he would return for me. I am not certain with whom he wishes to war or how I am involved, but I shan’t want to find out. What bearing does this have on anything?”
Grey became heated then and stood with a growl. “Bree, if what you are saying is true then—” He let his words trail off when Laird Ross shook his head.
“Bree, await Grey outside. I wish to speak with him before he leaves. I wish you a safe journey to his home. And fear not, we shall not let the MacHeth near ye.”
Relief lightened her. She wasn’t
about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Bree stood and curtseyed to Laird Ross and hastily left the hall before he changed his mind.
* * *
“Good God Almighty!” Donal poured himself a drink and downed it. “I cannot believe what I just heard. Grey, if what she says is true then the MacHeth abducted her from your land and took her to England.”
“That is what she said. She is Albrey Mackay. I cannot believe this either.” Grey kept his seat, knowing if he stood he might lose his footing. He was quite knocked on his arse. Every part of him shook with rage. After all these years, he hadn’t expected to find her and yet she had somehow found her way to him. “I have found her, Donal, I’ve found my lass.”
“That ye have. I do not like hearing the MacHeth plans war. I need to look into this matter and find out what he is up to. I should send word to Alexander. I deem MacHeth has a plan to take the crown. How does Albrey fit into his scheme?”
Grey got a sick feeling in his stomach. “I don’t know, but the swine-cosh will pay for stealing my betrothed. I knew he was involved, Donal. When Albrey was young, she told me of her fear of him. I told my da, but he didn’t take it to heart. If only we had listened to her. Now that I found her again …”
Donal nodded. “Aye, but you were honor bound and would do any duty asked of ye. Your da told me you never questioned the betrothal. Do you still feel the same? Will you still honor the betrothal?”
“Why wouldn’t I? If my da thought she was good for me, I would take her to wife. Donal, duty was important to me, but she grew on me as she does now.”
“Grew on ye?” Donal laughed. “She ran you in circles and bribed you with sweet cakes. She was a smart lass even at the age of five. Hell, I would have gladly taken her to wife too, even at that tender age. She was a pretty lass, but has grown into a bonny woman.”
Grey sobered. “I never expected to lose her or be without her. Now she might not want to be married to me.” He had never felt so torn up inside; well except for the day Albrey went missing. This vulnerable feeling didn’t sit well and he wasn’t used to it in the least. Let alone admitting such foolishness to the one man he held above his own da.
“Grey, as hard as that is, you need to be honest with her. You will never know until you tell her. Let there be truth amongst ye and you will have no regrets.”
“That may be, Donal, but I want to give her time to get used to the idea. In time she will come to accept me.”
His friend laughed, and not just low chuckle, but an all-out burst of laughter. “Accept you? Grey, you’re a tough man to get to know. For God’s sakes, I’m your champion and I hardly know you. Ye have never been open to anyone. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather just tell her she’s betrothed to you? I can go get the priest now. You can be married before you leave my hall.”
“Nay, I won’t be dishonorable. Bree doesn’t deserve that. She needs to accept who she is first … was … and then I’ll see to the claiming.” Grey wanted assurance that she’d accept him before he told her of their betrothal. She’d been through enough without adding his claims.
“That reminds,” Donal said abruptly, “We’ll be having a wedding celebration. Aye, my brother is marrying a Campbell. I expect you’ll be here in support. You will bring Bree too. I’m sure Adeline will want to see her again.”
“Nay, Bree won’t be attending.” Grey stood next to Donal shaking his head. “She will not leave Gunn land until I’ve dispatched the MacHeth. I doubt I shall be able to come as well. Tell Maurice why I couldn’t attend.”
Donal nodded, though he didn’t look pleased about it. “I’ll check in on you in a few days. I just may even bring Maurice so you can explain to him yourself.”
“I’d rather ye not. Your brother can be insufferable.” Grey laughed and headed to the door. He wanted to escape before Donal laid into him again about his desire for Bree.
“Grey, wait. If she doesn’t agree to the betrothal, ye need to return her here. Ye know that, don’t ye?” Donal waited for his response, but Grey hunched his shoulder.
“She’ll agree.”
Once outside, Grey went to let Duff and James know to be on alert. “Be extra vigilant. I want Bree safe and on our land posthaste. We will travel at a quick pace.” He assisted Bree upon his horse and gave the command for Duff to lead.
He noticed Bree’s maid smiling at Duff and she hurried to ride next to him. What he found ironic was Duff didn’t seem pleased by the woman’s attention. It wasn’t like Duff to turn his head from an attractive woman. For some reason his friend seemed chaffed by her attention.
“Do we have much further to ride?” Bree asked wearily.
“We’ve only just begun the ride. But not much longer, another day’s ride.” If he hadn’t had the women along, the ride would only have taken a half a day or so.
“Mayhap not for you, but my body is killing me. Tell me about your home. Is it made of stone like Laird Ross’?”
Grey tightened his hold on her, making her give him more room. He closed the space between them and kept his arms at her waist. Holding her eased the tension that had built during his discussion with Donal. Then he smiled, for he held his own Albrey in his arms.
“Nay, ours is mostly made from wood, some stone. Our walls are made of stone though at least twenty feet thick. We live close to the sea and need the protection.”
“I have never been to the sea before. What does it look like?”
Grey looked ahead as he answered, “It’s vast with water as far as the eye can see. When the sun shines upon it, it looks like the water is aflame. Do ye not remember?”
“Remember? Nay, but that sounds lovely.”
“Quiet now. I hear someone ahead.” He gave a low whistle to Duff, who pulled his horse back into the high brush. Grey followed suit and they were hidden within seconds beyond the tall pines and briny brush.
He tried to see who they were, but he could only hear the sound of horses and from the noise, it sounded as if there were many. Grey touched her face and she looked at him. He gave a silent command for her to be quiet. He didn’t say anything, but continued to look at her. Her bright blue eyes seemed to penetrate his mind, for he swore she could tell what he’d been thinking. And exactly what that was, he didn’t know because all he could do was stare back.
Grey envisioned her eyes when they were young and innocent. How the pureness of them gazed at him when she’d told him her secrets. Then he remembered the one secret she wouldn’t speak of. She’d told him the MacHeth bade her not to bespeak the secret and he hadn’t been able to get her to tell him. At the time, he didn’t consider it important, but now …
The sounds became further away and Grey started moving again. This time they took the lead and Duff, James, and Cait followed. Throughout the rest of the day, they didn’t see anyone. Toward early evening, Grey stopped and helped her down from the horse. He kept his hands on her waist, but what he wanted more than anything was to take her in his arms.
As he stood beside her, he couldn’t help but remember their last time together. “I knew ye as a child, Bree.”
A look of shock came upon her bonny face. “You did?”
“Aye, you were the sweetest lass.”
“That is kind of you to say, Laird Gunn. I am quite taken aback. I want to know how you knew me. Did you really know me as a child? Did you know my parents?” She gripped his tunic tightly, pulling him toward her.
Grey gently removed her hands and held them. “Aye, you were always getting into trouble. My da, Laird Mikal, put me in charge of watching you when you came for visits. You always brought me gifts. It destroyed me when you disappeared.”
“I am sorry. I sense a deep sadness in you. I would never cause anyone such distress. Do you know why I was sent away?” Her eyes shone with tears.
“’Twas no fault of yours, Bree. You were not sent away, but abducted.”
Bree drew a deep breath. “Abducted? Why would anyone take me from my family? Who would do such a thing?
Is this MacHeth a monster?”
“I know not why MacHeth took you, Bree, but I’m going to find out. Aye, ye thought he was a monster when you were young and I believe his is. Come, let us stretch our legs. Can you walk?”
Grey walked alongside her while she worked out the soreness in her legs. The night sounds came and he kept his thoughts to himself. He didn’t want to relive the heartache he’d endured when she disappeared, but if she wanted answers, he’d make sure she got them.
CHAPTER EIGHT
All the uncertainty of what Laird Gunn told her brought forth more mystery.
Bree moaned, feeling each pain as it coursed through her. She sank to her knees, not minding that the ground was sparsely covered with grass and hard from lack of rain.
“Cait, come and sit with me.” Her maid left Duff, to her surprise and did as she asked. Duff seemed to let his guard down and actually spoke to Cait briefly on their ride.
“Are you as sore as I am?”
“Just a little, but I am all right,” Cait said and sat next to her.
Grey took a plaid from his horse and set it on the ground. He collected wood and started a small fire. “Have you any food?”
She wanted to smile, but only nodded. It made her happy to cook for someone especially now when she needed to take her mind off things. When he, James, and Duff moved off, she reached for her satchel. “Men always have one thing on their minds. I’d best get making something to eat and quick about it.”
Cait rolled back on the cover with laughter. “If ye think that’s the one thing on their minds, Bree, you are mistaken. Men only think about bedding, and that is that. Food is but a necessity. I have it on good authority.”
Bree shook her head. Whenever Cait said that, she assumed Cait had first-hand experience in the matter. She was coming to the conclusion that Cait’s good authority was turning any topic to her advantage.
Once she retrieved the small pot from her satchel, she began putting some of the items Adeline had given her before she left. She added a few onions and a fat carrot the cook had chopped into small bits, and to that added some cloves and peppercorn. When the men returned, she noticed she’d be able to add rabbit meat—they would have a delicious feast by the time she finished.