On A Highland Hill (Gunn Guardsmen)

by Kara Griffin

  Taking her breast in his mouth, he suckled and used his tongue to harden the tip. She moaned and called out his name. At that moment, all he wanted was to plunge deeply and end the torment or die from the intensity of it.

  “Elisa, come with me, love.”

  She gripped his arms tighter and tossed her head from side to side. “What? I can’t think … when you do that.” She sucked a breath when he covered her breast again with his mouth, and thrust inside her, their bodies clapping as they met.

  Kenneth lost all sense of control. All he could do was move his arse and enjoy the tumultuous ride. He had to keep reminding himself to take it slow. Teasing and testing her fortitude, he pulled out leisurely and rammed himself again and again in a slow dance that would lead her to pleasure. She gripped his hair and squeezed her legs around his waist.

  He thrust deep, knowing it would end his own suffering. Elisa squealed a sound of pleasure. He moaned, joining her in surrendering to the passion. She cried, saying nonsensical words. Kenneth cursed. It caused his end, as every part of him tensed. His body wracked with convulsions of desire, shaking so forcibly, he almost fell atop her. Not wishing to harm her, he rolled to his side. His breath still harsh and his heart beat ferociously. Never had he experienced such need or desire.

  Elisa lay with her eyes closed, tears wetting her lashes. Gently, he kissed her cheek. Kenneth wanted to speak kindly words to make her understand that what they’d just shared was not common, but she was already asleep. He took the tartan from the floor and covered her flushed well-loved body and promptly fell asleep.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Elisa’s eyes shot open when she heard a manly cough. For a few moments she couldn’t discern where she was. Then it all came back to her. The wedding on the hill, Kenneth, meeting Grey’s wife, learning about her family’s fate, Domhnall’s treachery …

  She turned and looked over her shoulder to find Kenneth slumbering. Gracious, she hadn’t dreamed any of it. A man, Kenneth was lying next to her, unclothed and she had…

  Her face heated at the shame that overcame her. She slept with him and had allowed him to … The words wouldn’t form in her head and she believed she’d acted without a thought of decorum.

  He’s your husband.

  Mayhap she shouldn’t be embarrassed. Wasn’t a wife’s duty to allow her husband certain liberties? Elisa had never spoken to any of the wives she knew about the unmentionable acts. Even if she’d attending many a birthing, she didn’t discern much about what men and women did during the sex act. She did know where babes came from. It was the begetting that eluded her.

  She had to face the fact that she was married and she hadn’t sinned. What they had done was beyond anything she imagined couples did. Most of it was enjoyable, more so, that she couldn’t help blushing.

  Gently, she shuffled from the bed and kept herself wrapped in the cover. All her possessions and clothing were left behind, so she had nothing with which to change into except the overdress that was a bit wrinkled and rumpled. She picked up her garments, shook them out, and began dressing and then pulled her fingers through the mass of tangles in her hair. She was a complete mess and felt like one too. Groaning to herself, she rubbed the small ache in her back.

  Elisa used the cover as a wrap and pulled it around her shoulders. Looking back at Kenneth, she noticed he continued to sleep. She picked up his garments and folded them, setting them on a chair in the cottage. As she tidied up, she thought of Bree and decided to go and see her. She wanted to ensure she was well and perhaps take her another cup of brew.

  Quietly, she opened the door and tiptoed through the opening. A light rain fell, and a few drops hit her face. She used the cover and wrapped it over her head. The sky looked ominous. It would be pouring any moment. Elisa smiled. It was going to be a gloriously wonderful day. She always loved rainy days.

  She hurried along the trail and headed for the kitchens. Just as she reached the main keep, she heard her name being called. Shouted, more like.

  Startled, Elisa turned and saw Kenneth walking briskly toward her. Walking, nay more like a bull charging at an unwanted guest in the pasture. She waited until he reached her before speaking.

  “Good morn, Kenneth. A fine day, is it not?”

  “Fine day? Have ye lost your mind, lass? It’s miserable. Why did you leave the cottage?”

  Elisa looked at her foot, becoming unsure of herself, making a small arc in the mud. He sounded angry and she didn’t know what to say to appease him.

  “I needed to go to the kitchens.”

  He stared at her with a frown on his manly brows. She thought he was quite cross in the morning. Mayhap he didn’t enjoy the early part of day and wasn’t an early riser. That wouldn’t bode well for it was her favorite time of day. When she didn’t elaborate, he took her hand and started off toward the buildings behind the keep.

  “I would have gotten you food.”

  “I wasn’t getting food.” She walked close to him and he slackened his hold on her hand.

  Kenneth stopped abruptly causing her to bump into him; he ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed his face. “You cannot leave the cottage, lass, unless I give you permission.”

  Elisa folded her arms, content to stand and watch him. He looked strong and quite intimidating when he was angry. Still, he was handsome, too attractive for his own good. His face shadowed by light whiskers looked appealing. She wanted to touch him there to see if it would calm him. She admired the tightness of his shirt and the way he’d wrapped the tartan at his waist. His brows formed an angry scowl. She had to say something.

  “I was unaware a wife needed her husband’s permission to go outdoors. Kenneth, how am I supposed to obey such absurd rules if you don’t tell me what they are?” Elisa didn’t mean to sound condescending, but it certainly came out that way. “Rule one; do not leave the cottage without permission. Pray tell me what other rules must I follow?”

  Kenneth’s scowl disappeared. He looked as if he wanted to smile, but he didn’t. “Elisa, you are being difficult. It is not a rule for a wife. It is my rule for you.”

  “So other wives may leave their cottages, but not I?”

  “Aye, that is correct. Why were you going to the kitchens?”

  Elisa wasn’t finished discussing his absurd rules. “Why must I not leave the cottage? Even Domhnall allowed me the freedom of the village.”

  He took her hand and led her to the overhang of the closest building to get out of the rain, which now came heavier.

  “Ah, my wife is upset with me. What to do to make amends?” Kenneth leaned close, causing her to back a step. His arms entrapped her. “Mayhap if I give her a good morn kiss, she’ll forgive me?” He pushed her against the wall with his body and kissed her.

  Elisa liked the way his hard lips felt against hers. She lost her breath, shocked that he would kiss her openly where anyone would see them. His kisses were all-consuming and when his lips touched hers, she couldn’t think of anything but the overwhelming sensation. She returned his passion, allowing her tongue to twirl with his. Kissing Kenneth was pleasant. More than pleasant, it made her feel light and dizzy as if she had not a care in the world or drank too much ale. He pulled away, but kept his hold on her waist. She was gladdened because surely her knees would give out. Elisa set her hands on his shoulders, enjoying the feeling of his strength beneath her palms.

  “Are you going to answer me?”

  She smiled, embarrassed at forgetting what he’d asked.

  “You don’t remember, do you? I asked what you wanted from the kitchens.”

  “I thought to make Bree another drink in case she continued to have the stomach upset.”

  Kenneth set his hands atop hers, still lingering on his shoulders. “I will explain this once, lass. You cannot leave the cottage without my permission and then, only if I go with you or the damned cottage is on fire. Do you understand?”

  His voice was calm, and yet stern enough to frighten her. She realized
he resorted to calling her lass when he was angry. The only thing she could do was nod.

  “Alexander is sure to come looking for you. We were given the task to bring you to him and we have not. Until he is satisfied that we did not return with you, I don’t want to risk your safety. And then there is Domhnall who is likely on his way here. It won’t take him long to figure out we’d taken you. I am charged with protecting you and must know where you are every moment of the day.”

  Elisa nodded again, unable to respond to his tirade. She lowered her arms, and looked toward the ground. “I didn’t think … didn’t deem … that is …”

  “Nay, you didn’t. If you need anything, you need only to ask me.”

  “May I take a drink to Bree?” she asked in a voice slightly above a whisper.

  Kenneth used his finger to raise her chin. “Aye, I will go with you.”

  They entered the kitchens to find Gell singing a bard not meant for ladies’ ears. Kenneth cleared his throat to get his attention and gave the man a look of disapproval.

  “Ah, Kenneth, you’re up early this day. Don’t believe I ever seen ye at such an hour. What say ye, Laird McInnish? What can I get you?”

  Elisa caught the words and watched Kenneth’s reaction. He seemed irritated, mayhap more so. “Are you a laird, Kenneth? Have you a clan?”

  “Nay,” he said in a clipped tone that indicated he wanted no questions. “Elisa, get what you came for. I’ll be awaiting outside.”

  Kenneth left her. Elisa went and prepared the brew, adding the right amount of chamomile to the heated water and strained it. She added a pinch of sugar and thought about adding a touch of goat’s milk, but thought better of it. She wasn’t sure Bree’s stomach could handle milk. Better not to chance it.

  “Farewell, Gell.” Elisa covered the tankard with her hand to keep the rain out. She smiled at Kenneth when she exited the kitchens and walked silently next to him. Within minutes they entered the keep and found Grey sitting alone at the massive table in the great hall.

  “Laird.” Kenneth greeted Grey.

  “Laird Gunn,” Elisa said.

  “Elisa, how …” Grey looked at Kenneth before returning his attention to her. “… are you?”

  “Well, thank you. ‘Tis a glorious day.” She curtseyed.

  “Nay, it is not,” Kenneth said, “It’s raining.”

  “I like rain.”

  “No one likes rain,” he countered.

  “I do.”

  Grey laughed. “I see you two are getting along well. My wife is resting in bed. God Almighty, she’s listening for once. I don’t know what you told her, but whatever it was it worked.”

  “May I visit her? I brought a cup of chamomile to ease her.”

  Grey nodded and before either of them could say a word, she fled to the stairs. Elisa was happy to be away from Kenneth for a few minutes, for she knew she’d irked him. She had to make sure she gave a thought to his instructions in the future. He didn’t seem to be one to cross. And yet she didn’t believe he’d hurt her. Still, she didn’t want to disappoint him.

  As soon as she entered Bree’s chamber, she suspected something was amiss. Bree lay still with a look of pain on her lovely face. Her eyes wide and dark, and she had no smile.

  “Are you unwell, Bree? I brought you a cup of brew.” Elisa handed the cup to her. Bree tried to shift her body upright, and Elisa hurried to assist her. “How are you feeling?”

  “Well, but large. I can barely move.”

  Elisa watched her face. “You’re a fine liar, Bree.”

  At that moment a woman entered. She carried a folded pile of linens. The woman looked to be the same age as she and Bree, mayhap a year or two older. Her blue eyes were kind when she looked at her.

  “I brought clean covers for the bedding. We’ll have you comfortable right quick. Oh, I heard about you. Bree told me you’ve come. You’re Elisa?”

  Elisa drew a gasp, for no one was supposed to know she was there. Bree must have realized what had upset her.

  “Not to worry, Elisa. This is Kait, my dearest friend. She would never betray you and always keeps my confidences.”

  “Thank you, Kait. If Kenneth found out that …”

  Kait smiled and took her hand. “Oh, Kenneth, bah. My thanks for getting Bree to rest last eve. I don’t know how you did it, but I am grateful. We all are. Lord knows I’ve tried, but she never listens to me and I’ve been her good friend she was wee.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you. ‘Tis the brew that made her rest not I. It makes you nice and sleepy.” Elisa nodded satisfied the brew had worked as she’d planned. Chamomile was a good remedy for getting someone to rest even if they didn’t want to.

  “I see you brought more. And now that I know your secret, I shan’t drink it.” But then Bree must have gotten a pain because she huffed and gripped the covers.

  Kait took the cup from her and set it aside, and took Bree’s free hand.

  “Aye, a wee liar, she is. She’s beginning her laboring, Kait. She must stay abed now. Given her size she could verily hurt herself if her legs give out. Do not let her out of it.”

  “I shan’t. How long does she have?” Kait asked.

  “It seems to me quite a bit of time. Birthing can be long, sometimes days. Bree, have you gotten many pains this day?”

  Bree eased upon the pillows. “Nay, only two. Once in the middle of night and one just now. I’m uncomfortable, is all.”

  Elisa handed the cup to her. “I would say mayhap a day, two at the most. Are you ready to bring your bairn into the world?”

  Bree smiled brightly. “I’ve been waiting so long, too long. Pray don’t tell Grey. It’ll only rile him and he’s nervous enough. I don’t need him pacing outside our chamber door.”

  “I shan’t speak a word. Drink this and save your strength. Kait, pray try to get her to rest. I must be off. Kenneth waits below and I’ve already tested his patience enough this day.”

  Kait took hold of her arm, stopping her from leaving. “Bree told me you wed our Kenneth.”

  “Aye, they made me wed him. They said making me a Gunn was the only way to protect me.” Why Elisa felt the need to explain was beyond her. She didn’t want to make enemies when she’d only just come and she wasn’t sure if Kait had feelings for ‘our Kenneth.’

  Kait laughed and held her stomach. Her eyes watered and she couldn’t seem to stop. Elisa thought something might be wrong with her. The lady had gone addled.

  Bree set her finished brew aside. “Don’t mind her, Elisa. She just finds what you’ve told her comical.”

  “Why?” Elisa found herself smiling as Kait’s laughter turned to giggles and became contagious.

  Kait took her hand again. “Those lads used trickery on you. You didn’t wed a Gunn. Kenneth is a McInnish.”

  “Aye, but he’s from the Gunn clan?” Elisa’s confusion set in. She wasn’t certain what they were telling her. If he was a McInnish then why was he part of the Gunn clan?

  Kait shook her head.

  Bree took up the explanation, “Kenneth is from the clan McInnish, so truly he is not a Gunn. Pray do not worry, Elisa, for he is a Gunn where it matters most. In his heart.”

  “Will the Gunns still protect me?” She now was vulnerable and insecure. Elisa’s panic began to set in, believing what she’d done was for naught.

  “We shall. Grey would never allow any harm to come to you and neither will Kenneth.”

  Elisa decided not to be alarmed by this news even though she should be angry with the lot of them for their trickery. And then she considered why they had tricked her? Did Grey only wish to have her wed to one of his men or was there another motive for his action? She should be irked that they had lied to her and until Kenneth explained, she wouldn’t let the matter concern her too much.

  “I do need to go. Bree, I must stay within our cottage. If you need me, please have Kait or someone fetch me.”

  “I shall. It is a comfort to have you here.” Bree rubbed
her belly and smiled at her as she reached the door.

  “I will come by later and bring you garments and necessities.” Kate waved, and started to pull the coverings from Bree.

  “That would be appreciated, Kait, I wasn’t able to bring any belongings. I do thank you.” Elisa waved farewell and left the chamber. As she distended the stairs, she heard raised voices in the hall. There seemed to be an argument amongst the men.

  She wasn’t sure if she should intrude on Kenneth and the guardsmen. When she entered the hall their heated discussion abruptly ended. Dare she ask what they argued about? Judging from their expressions, she decided against it. For five angry men did not make for a joyful afternoon.

  Colm tapped Kenneth’s arm and motioned toward her. She folded her hands and waited.

  “Elisa, come and break your fast. You must be hungry.”

  She approached her husband and sat next to him. Elisa took a few chunks of bread from Kenneth’s trencher and sat quietly. The conversation changed to farming and Grey told the men that he needed a strong lad to send to the Gurtey farmstead.

  Sean pounded the table to get everyone’s attention. “Laird, you should send Gordy. He’s been caught many times in the past fortnight shirking his duties. Aye, is that not right, Duff?”

  Duff, a large man with whom Elisa had yet to meet but had seen at the gatehouse, boomed with laughter. His laughter almost frightened her until Kait entered and sat on his lap.

  “What, my husband, has you so joyous?” Kait asked the stout man.

  Duff palmed her cheek and grinned. “Something Sean said. Aye, Laird, the lad has been in a wee bit of trouble of late. I deem Gordy would be the perfect man to help Gurtey with his labor. Would do him good to do heavy work, for he needs a bit of brawn added to his scrawny body.”

  Kait pouted. “I deem you should make him one of the guardsmen, Grey, for he should be rewarded for helping Bree. If not for him, we can only wonder what would have happened to her.”