With his hand under her chin, he tilted her head back, and his lips hovered over hers. His eyes peered into hers and she imagined the world ceased.
“Do you know how bonny you are?”
His mouth touched hers gently at first, and then he added his hot tongue to the mix and Frances’s knees nearly collapsed from the pleasure of it. She returned his kiss, twirling her tongue with his, hoping that he knew how much she loved him.
Sean scooped her in his arms and set her on the bed. He continued to kiss her and slid his palm over her body. She grew heated by his touch and no longer had a care for the cold in the chamber.
He pressed her onto her back, and then took her thighs in his hands. Frances watched as he knelt back and set her legs against his thighs. She waited anxiously for him to enter her, and as much as she wanted him to rush, she hoped he’d go leisurely because she wanted to feel every blissful movement, every delightful second.
Sean teased her by setting his tip near her entrance and he shimmied closer, but still she had to wait for the reward. She drew in an exasperated breath and tried to thrust her hips toward him.
“Impatient, aye?” he asked with a hint of teasing in his tone.
“Will you take me? I cannot wait.” No words were ever truer. Frances pulled at his legs hoping he’d get on with it. “I shall not be content until we are one.”
Sean laughed and leaned forward. “I love this part of you,” he said, and set his lips on the flesh of her abdomen.
The sensual way his mouth moved over her skin made her huff with longing. He knew she wouldn’t wait another second when she writhed beneath him.
Sean cupped her thighs with his hands and yanked her toward him. He thrust into her and lifted her bottom to give himself better access. Frances yelled out at the marvelous sensation of him filling her. His heated erection felt so wonderful that she tossed her head and closed her eyes, fully concentrating on his every movement.
He began thrusting slowly, pushing forward until he was completely within her, and then he retreated as nerve rackingly deliberate. She dug her heels into the bedding and lifted her body to meet his. They joined again and again, and Frances yielded to the sensational affects beginning to swarm her.
Sean took hold of his erection and guided it toward her vagina, but he didn’t enter her and slid it against her clitoris. She nearly died from the erotic way he held it against her and it caused her to want to throw herself into the chaotic climax. He continued to tease her, by not entering her, and tormented her with the longing of it.
“I want you inside me. Hard, I want you hard.” She drew in a gasp when he jabbed into her and kept up the frenzied clash. Frances gave in to her climax and let go of all she was.
He kept moving forward and thrust his hips until he couldn’t take anymore and groaned his release. She kept her body tilted and another round of euphoric waves of pleasure came over her.
Frances wanted to weep at the beauty they’d shared, but resisted. She kept stroking the skin of his arms and legs, and wherever she could reach.
Neither spoke for some time. Frances was content to lie in his arms and listen to his breathing. She was no longer chilled, but even so, Sean pulled a warm covering over them. He said nothing, but watched her.
“What are you thinking? Tell me.” Frances lay on her side watching him in return.
“I don’t want to leave you.”
She sighed, stroking his arm to calm him. “I don’t want you to leave. What if something happens to you?”
Sean laughed. “Do you deem that priss-garbed clootie could hurt me?”
She couldn’t help laughing either when he put it like that. “But he’s desperate now and will be unpredictable. You’ll be in peril.”
He flashed a grin at her. “The only peril I’m in is losing my heart, love. But I’ve already lost it, so there’s no need to worry.”
Frances leaned over him, and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “I will worry for you. Will your friends be going with you?”
“Aye, they want to see this through. I received word from King Alexander this day. A missive arrived and Armstrong is indeed at his castle in Edinburgh.”
She tried to soothe him, for he’d grown tense, and his muscles tightened. “Will he be there when you arrive?”
“I sure as hell hope so. I said nothing to Alexander about his deeds, but asked that he detain him. So I expect he should be in residence.”
“What do you plan to do?” Frances wished he’d take her with him, but he’d told her nay, and that he wanted her to stay home where it was safe. She knew as long as Armstrong was alive she’d be in danger.
“I will confront him in front of the king and let the king dictate his punishment.”
She was skeptical. “What if the king’s punishment is not what you deem sufficient? What if the king doesn’t believe you?”
“He will. I’m sure Armstrong’s head will be put upon a pike, and the herald and bards will get the message out to any other banshees that we will not allow such deeds be done to our women.” To affirm his statement, Sean pulled her next to him and set an arm over her stomach, holding her closely.
It was the most he’d ever said to her in one breath. Frances’ lips firmed, and she hoped all that he alleged happened. But she wouldn’t know until he returned.
She closed her eyes and tried not to think about the confrontation. When she opened them again, it was morning and Sean was gone. Frances was hesitant to move out of the bed, but was anxious to know if he’d left. Then she saw the piece of parchment lying on his pillow.
‘Frances, worry not. When I return we can begin life anew with our hearts eased. Yours, Sean.’
She held the parchment to her chest and wished with all her heart his words rang true.
* * *
Edinburgh was as frigid as the outer lying areas. A cold wind blew against them as they rode through the gates. Sean was glad they’d arrived, and he couldn’t help fingering his sword for soon he’d be able to use it.
The gatekeeper nodded when he spoke his name and allowed them entrance. Nary a soul was outside the keep or other buildings along the path to the castle. It was too cold a day to be outdoors. He dismounted as did the rest of the Gunns. They all insisted on riding with him and wanted retribution as much as he did.
Sean walked beside Grey, and they entered the great hall where many entertained the young queen. He greeted her as did the rest of his party.
“Has Frances come with you?” the small dainty queen asked.
“Nay, my lady, she has not. She says to say hello and bid you good health.”
“Pray convey the same to her when you return home. Alexander is in his private chambers and awaits you. You know where they are.”
Sean looked around the great hall, searching for the bedeviled Armstrong, but he did not see him. He caught the end of her speech and nodded. “My thanks, Queen Joan.”
He, Grey, Kenneth, James, Colm, and Duff, bowed to her, and strode toward the private solar of the king. There, he knocked and waited to be bid entrance. They waited a few minutes and finally were shown in by the chamberlain, who promptly left.
“Grey, it’s been too long. How are …” the king ceased his welcome when he noted the stern looks on their faces. “Sean, you’ve returned. I received your missive, and wondered at it. Why did you wish Armstrong detained?”
“Sire. It is not good tidings I bring. Your follower is a murderous villain.”
The chamberlain returned and set a parchment in front of Alexander. “I’ve readied the missive, Your Grace.”
The king rose, after putting his seal on the document and looked bewildered. He led them to stand by the hearth. “You speak of the missing lassies?”
“Aye, I do. Lord Lombard’s daughter was killed by him. He abducted and killed one of our maids, Sabine, and then we found my daughter’s nurse killed, there’s another missing lady, Lord Ashford’s daughter, and Frances was abducted.”
“
The hell you say. Tell me all.” The king waved off his chamberlain who retreated from the chamber, and he shifted his stance. “Was Lady Frances harmed?”
“She was. He poisoned her, but we were able to rescue her in time. He had a partner, his brother, who took the women and prepared them in the woods where he’d murder them.”
Alexander’s scowl turned fierce. “I cannot believe any of my followers would commit such a heinous crime.”
“I speak the truth, Sire. His own brother gave him up. I want Armstrong brought before you so he can speak of his ill-deeds.”
Alexander shook his head. “I find this hard to believe, Sean. Och if you say he committed these heinous acts then I shall believe you. I will have him brought before us immediately and questioned. Armstrong, that villainous snake!”
Sean waited with his friends by the hearth as Alexander went to retrieve his chamberlain. The man was instructed to find Armstrong and have him brought to his chambers. They heard the king’s shouting from his solar.
They waited for a good amount of time before Sean’s impatience wore on him. He decided to find the man himself. As he walked around the great hall, he didn’t see him within. He asked several lords standing about, but none had seen him either.
Sean returned to the king’s solar and found the chamberlain there. His breath pitched from his exerted search.
“Your Grace, I was told Armstrong left the keep, my lord, earlier. The gatekeeper said he saw him leave soon after the Gunns entered.”
“Damnation! I bid the gatekeeper to hold him here,” the king shouted. “Have him found and returned. Send men after him immediately.”
“I must go.” Sean didn’t wait to be dismissed. He hastened to the exit and the rest of the Gunns followed. He said nothing to anyone, and quickly reached the stables where he and his men’s horses awaited.
“Do you deem he’s on his way to hurt Frances?” Grey asked.
“Aye, where else would he go? We have to hurry, he’s not that far ahead of us.”
“We might be able to catch him,” James said.
“I sure as hell hope so.” Sean mounted his horse and rode toward the gate. All his fears came to fruition as he sat there awaiting the rising of the gate. Frances’ life was in jeopardy.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
As the day wore on, Frances busied herself with household chores and spent time with Ermintrude. Her daughter was pleased that Alvin had come to the keep. She was gladdened too, and Alvin appeared to like living there. Ermintrude seemed to like having a big brother around. When Sean suggested he stay with them, she fell in love with him even more so.
At first, Alvin wasn’t keen to the idea, but said he was willing to give it a try. Frances gave him a chamber on the first floor, near the back exit of the keep where it was more private. Alvin kept to himself until Sean bid him to attend their nightly suppers. After that first night, she saw him more and more in the main hall and around the castle.
She sat next to Ermintrude, who petted her cat, and her daughter asked Alvin to read her another story from the bound book. With her daughter entertained, she left her to Alvin’s good care and that of Lillia, her new nursemaid.
Frances grew nervous and worrisome the more the day drug on. It lasted forever, and she was wont to have it over. Sean likely would not return until the morrow or mayhap the day after. She hoped he’d at least send word as to the happenings. Frances couldn’t wait to hear the news.
After pacing a good ten minutes, she decided to get some air. She took the steps and found herself standing by the barbican door, and opened it. Before she’d step outside, she returned to her chamber to don a heavy cloak. She pulled it around her and clasped it at the neck.
Frances returned to the hallway and went through the door to the crenellation wall. Standing there, she watched the field far from above, where snow covered the hills as the sun did little to melt what lie there.
Winter’s fierce chill lent the air with a crispness. Her breath clouded and she pulled her cloak around her.
The door suddenly closed with a bang and she turned to it. The wind must’ve blown it closed for there was a strong gale along the wall. No one was there, and so she turned back to the view. It was beautiful the way the setting sun played on the snowy field.
As much as she hoped to see Sean riding the field on his way home, it was vacant. Frances was caught up in the scenery and didn’t hear the man approach until he grabbed her and pulled her back against him.
She let out a surprised gasp and turned to see Adam Armstrong holding her forcibly.
“What are you doing here? Release me,” she said in an icy tone.
“You know well right why I’m here. Did your husband kill Jacob? Did he?” He squeezed her hard against him.
“I do not know. I suppose, but he didn’t speak of it.” Frances gripped his forearm to keep him from pressing too hard against her stomach. He was hurting her, but she wouldn’t let on that he was.
“Nay? Do you know how long I’ve waited for you? Two years I courted you, and like all the others, you rejected me.”
She didn’t respond, and knew well enough to keep quiet. The man was deranged. He pulled her away from the wall and leaned against the stone, his breath harsh in her ear.
“If you’d accepted me, I wouldn’t have to do this.”
“What? Do what?” An edge of panic came and her breath rasped, causing streams of fog around them.
He tilted her chin back with a dagger, its sharp edge almost cutting her skin. Frances held as still as she could, but her eyes widened and she breathed softly so he wouldn’t cut her. Tears streaked her cheeks as they came freely.
“You knew I wanted you and yet you wed that barbarian from the north. Aye, you knew. You all knew. I tried to warn you by killing Winifred, but did you heed my warning?”
Frances couldn’t move and didn’t try to. Her heart ached hearing such foulness from him. She saw a glint from the field afar and hoped and prayed that Sean had come home. But from where she stood she couldn’t see well, and there was no way he’d return so soon. She was destined to die, for there’d be no help this time.
“Ah, Winifred. She would’ve been a sweet diversion until I could have you. Then that maid, Sabine, aye she caught me inside the keep near your chamber. I had to do what I did else she would’ve given me up. You see, my love, what I have done for you? All for you?” His lips pressed against her ear, and the vigor of his breath heated her skin.
A lump the size of a hen’s egg formed in her throat. Frances gasped when he raised his forearm to rest beneath her breasts. With her back to his chest, he gripped her tightly, holding her in place. She thought of fighting him, but with the dagger pressed so against her, she’d be killed before she could strike.
“Ahhh, so lovely,” he said, petting her hair. “You were meant to be mine. I had to take Reina for she would’ve warned you about me. Aye, she knew it was me and had seen me in the woods with the maid.”
“Why…?” Frances couldn’t form words to ask the questions that wracked her. She regained a bit of gumption and said, “You could have any woman you wanted.”
Adam’s lips grazed her cheek, his breath foul with the odor of drink. “Ah but not you, my love. You’re too sweet for that highlander. I won’t let him have you. I vow Reina was a worthy bed partner, aye and fucked like a wild woman. Och she wasn’t you. I imagine you’ll be good bed sport, won’t you?” He shifted the dagger, scraping it on her skin. “The night I came for ye, your maid got in the way. It is just you and me now, my love. Alone at last.”
“We are not alone,” she uttered in a breathless whisper.
“Ah, but we are. Your husband is in Edinburgh on his fool’s errand. We’re finally together as I always knew we would be.” He gripped her face, pinching her cheeks, the dagger pressing her skin.
A creak sounded from the door, and Frances heard it as if it were as loud as someone chopping wood. Adam didn’t seem to hear it and she knew she ha
d to distract him. If someone came to save her, she’d do what she could to assist.
“Aye, you and me,” she said, and stopped resisting him. Frances relaxed and ever so slowly he released his tight hold on her. His arm remained in place, but slackened.
“Tell me the truth,” he said, gliding a finger over her bottom lip. “You didn’t wish to wed that man.”
She shook her head, but would never speak such a false statement no matter what. Frances tried to get him to leave the wall so his back would be to the door. She twisted and tried to break free and he turned with her. Adam spied the wall and looked downward.
“For so long, my love, have I been courting you. Your first husband … Robert accepted his fate that day. Aye, he knew too that you would be mine. He did his best to protect ye, but he was no challenge for me.”
“You killed Robert? Why?” She would keep him talking, and hoped someone would come soon. Her legs weakened, and she desperately wanted to be away from the monster. Nevertheless, she clung to him, keeping his attention on her.
“You didn’t love him. I knew. I saw the way you looked at him. He cared not a whit for you either. I rid you of the nuisance, my love. Do I not get a kiss for such a good deed?” He puckered his lips.
Frances wanted to toss her supper to the ground. He was vile and every wretched blasphemous name she’d ever heard came to mind.
At once, Adam was torn away from her, and Frances fell back against the low barrier. Her head was on the other side of the stone barrier, and when she turned, she saw the depth of the wall. She started spinning from the height and hastened away. When she reached the stone wall of the keep, she noticed Sean and all the Gunn guardsmen standing there.
Adam was held by his neck by Sean. Frances wanted to run to him and throw herself in his arms, but he looked fearsome. She slunk back and out of the way.
“You dare touch my wife?” Sean gripped him by the tunic and forced him back to the low barrier wall and then pushed him over. Adam’s feet dangled high above the expanse of the air below and his eyes widened with trepidation.
A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman) Page 27