First Frost

by A Lyrical Press Anthology

  “I have bad news, Julia. I’m not just here to fish a fair maiden from the sea.” He continued to nudge her along. “I’m scouting, and never did I expect such a treasure to fall right into my hands.”

  “I’m no treasure.” She quickened her step, wanting to get out of the chilling blast of the wind.

  “Ahh, Julia, you are.” Blue eyes twinkling, he swung her into his arms. Oh, he was all hard angles, and she should demand he put her down, only, the heat coming off him had her snuggling closer. “I also require a bargaining chip, to ensure my clan has more sway over yours. You, my sweet, will make the perfect token of exchange should it be necessary.”

  “Then bargain now. Take me to Rory. He’ll pay you well for my rescue.”

  “The transfer will occur once my chief deems it necessary.” He strode along the ledge and around the corner. “’Twill be just you and me as we journey to Sleat.”

  “I can’t leave. Please, take me home.”

  “’Tis impossible. I’m sorry, Julia, but it appears you’re the reason I’ve come.”

  * * * *

  Never had Ivor expected MacLeod would allow one of his ladies to wander unescorted beyond Dunvegan’s walls. He’d hoped for a bargaining chip, but never of this magnitude. For her to fall, literally into his arms, as she had, was an incredible boon.

  In his arms, she shivered, and he tucked her in closer, providing as much warmth as he could. He had to get her covered, and fast. “I’ll never allow any harm to come to you. Simply consider this abduction an adventure and one far less dangerous than falling from the cliffs.”

  “You saved my life.” Her long golden-blond hair caught the sunlight and shone like silk as it fluttered in the breeze, and her eyes sparkled, such a striking hue of sapphire. “You can’t think now to endanger it.”

  “You’ll never be in any danger with me.” At the end of the ledge where it sloped toward the beach, he jumped. With a soft thud, he landed on a small patch of sand. Lifting her high against his chest, he walked into the water and settled her on the wooden bench in his boat. “By my honor, I give you my word.”

  “Honor aside, it must be a sin to kidnap an innocent lady.”

  “Adventure, not kidnap.” Donald, his chief, would not believe the treasure he’d found in Julia when he returned with her.

  “Call it what you will, but— Oh my goodness.” She clutched her chest as she peered past him toward the beach. “This is the most beautiful spot. I never knew this was here. It’s a hidden alcove within the cliffs.”

  “Aye, I was intrigued when I first caught sight of it.” At high tide, the water would cover the narrow beach. “We’re leaving now. There can be no delay.”

  She gripped his hand. “Please, change your mind.”

  “My course is set.” He pushed the skiff off the beach then jumped aboard. Underneath the bench at the bow he foraged for a fur from within his supplies. The thick brown pelt in hand, he returned to her and knelt. “If this doesn’t warm you, let me know.”

  “Ivor, don’t do this.”

  “I can’t turn this opportunity down.” He wrapped the fur around her then ensured it wouldn’t work loose.

  “You just saved my life, but save it a second time and return me to Dunvegan.”

  “Your life will never be in danger, not with me.” Her heartfelt pleas would kill him and he couldn’t allow it. He grabbed the oars, settled on his seat and rowed.

  “Are you not c-cold?” Her teeth still chattered.

  “I’ll dry soon enough.” Daily training involved long ocean swims, conditioning him against the cold.

  “They’ll think I’ve drowned.” She snuggled into the pelt, bringing it up to her nose. “Margaret will fret, terribly.”

  “Was she with you on the cliffs?” Thick clumps of bushes jutted over the sheer face where the forest met the edge, but no one stood along the ridge.

  “Nay, but fret she will.”

  There was naught he could do about that, and now he’d cleared the alcove, he tucked the oars away, gripped the ropes and raised the sail. “This skiff moves swiftly once the sail is full. You’ll need to hold onto something as we hit the winds coming across the tip. It was rather rough on my journey in.”

  “Hold onto what?”

  The wind filled the sail with a hearty slap sooner than he expected. With his feet braced wide along the side, the skiff shot off like an arrow. His captive slid across the seat and tumbled into the puddle swishing within the boat’s hull. Damn, she was likely bruised enough and he didn’t need to add to her injuries. With the ropes in one hand, he pulled her up against him then planted himself back into position along the side. “Hold tight to me. The crosswinds can be dangerous.”

  “Ivor MacDonald.” She clutched his waist as their side of the skiff rose out of the water. “We truly need to talk.”

  “Aye, go ahead. ’Tis a lovely day for a chat.”

  “A chat?” The wind whipped her hair in a frenzy. “You just abducted me.”

  “Saved you. Abducted you.” He grinned. “One evens the other out, wouldn’t you say?”

  “Not a chance.”

  “I love naught more than sailing. Relax and enjoy, my wee captive.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head.

  Aye, his captive, one his honor demanded he now protect even as he delivered her to his chief.

  A task he was up for, in every way.

  Chapter 2

  Why was Ivor chuckling? Relax and enjoy? How infuriating, no matter the soothing tone of his laugh. Aye, she was alive and now his captive, though she intended to seek her release.

  Wind whipped through his shoulder-length hair, drying it into a rakish look. As he held the ropes, his biceps bulged and his every muscle strained to control the wind power he’d harnessed in the skiff’s tight sail.

  Oh, she should turn her gaze away. Only, so impressive. A warrior of great strength.

  Mayhap she should enjoy this since she didn’t have a choice. She’d certainly never ridden in a boat moving at such speed that ’twas half out of the water. Awed by his ability, she peeked over his arm. The coastline was but a blur. Her heart near jumped out of her chest and she clutched him tighter. “How fast are we going?

  “Faster than usual, but the crosswinds will ease off soon.”

  Plastered against the hard planes of his body, she almost hoped they didn’t. She smiled and lifted her face to the sky, allowing the moment to expand. This was life, and far more interesting than the confines of Dunvegan Castle, not that she’d ever tell Ivor that.

  “You look happy.”

  “I’ve never sailed like this before.”

  “I should think not. Ah, look, the wind is easing. Keep holding on as the boat flattens out. Sometimes it can get a bit bumpy.”

  Waves splashed over the bow as it settled down, but naught like the jolt that had first lifted it. Ivor held the ropes and her as he jumped from the edge and into the hull.

  She scampered to the bench seat, patting her racing heart.

  “Tell me how you came to be on those cliffs?” Ivor tied the ropes off to hold the sail in place then dropped in beside her. With the rudder in hand, he turned it a fraction.

  “My father’s in Edinburgh and I didn’t wish to travel so far this close to winter. Margaret, my cousin, asked me to stay.”

  “You’re traveling now.”

  “A most unexpected trip, wouldn’t you say?”

  “Most.” He winked. “But exceptionally glad for the company, I am.”

  “So I see.” Along this expanse of rugged coastline, the village lay nestled beyond the forest. At high tide or on the rising and setting of the sun, half a dozen boats would be out, fishermen casting their nets. ’Twas unlucky all was quiet with no opportunity to raise the alarm. Although ’twas by far lucky Ivor had been at those cliffs. She lived now because he’d rescued her. Aye, she owed him for that. If only he’d turn this vessel around and take her home. Mayhap she needed to work some magic to make that ha
ppen.

  “I know what you’re thinking, lass.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “You’re planning on how to change my mind.”

  “Of course I am. You rescued me. I sank and couldn’t have kicked to the surface. You also took advantage of that. My father will fear the worst once he receives word of what happened. You’ll need to inform him I survived, please.”

  “Where in Edinburgh is he?”

  “He’s at Holyrood House, on the king’s business.”

  “Well, the last thing we want to do is get the king involved in this little abduction. I’d say that’s a hearty nay to your request. You have naught to fear. Your good health is necessary for what is required. Eventually your father will see you returned home.”

  Not good enough. Hmm, she needed to work some charm. She sidled closer and laid her hand on his leather-clad leg, prepared to offer coercion, as innocently as she could.

  He narrowed his gaze. “Now I sincerely know what you’re thinking.”

  “There’s more to you than what meets the eye. I’m sure of it.”

  “’Tis good to see the fire in your spirit—” He gripped her hand and placed it on her lap. “—but take care.”

  “There must be something I can say which will change your mind. My father won’t forgive your lapse in judgment, and I know you’re only doing this because your chief assigned you the task. When you rescued me, you risked your life for a stranger. That tells me you hold great honor.” Perfect. She’d work the honor angle.

  “Any warrior would come to the aid of a lass in trouble. I merely took a midday swim, and a pleasant one at that.”

  “Stop belittling what occurred.”

  “You’re my captive.” A slow grin broke across his face. “There’s nothing trivial about it.”

  She’d break his resolve. ’Twas only a matter of saying the right thing, which would see Ivor turning this skiff and returning her home.

  She was certain of it.

  * * * *

  Ivor wasn’t returning her to MacLeod. Not only would her fierce chief see him tossed into Dunvegan’s dungeons for what he’d done thus far, but he’d have failed his mission. His course was set.

  “I’m feeling much warmer now.” Julia lowered the fur to her lap. Her burgundy gown appeared to be drying. The white lace along the square neckline rippled in the breeze, giving him a tantalizing view of creamy flesh which would usually remain hidden.

  He touched his palm to her cheek. Good, the chill had gone from her skin. “Where do you live when not visiting Dunvegan?”

  “On the western tip of Loch Snizort, a touch north of here.” She looked at him with far too trusting eyes. “What of you, my rescuer?”

  “Dunscaith Castle.” The boat crested a massive wave which came out of nowhere. He lifted her free of the bench and onto his lap as the hull slammed down. The impact knocked the wind from his lungs, but thankfully not hers.

  “Are you all right?” She skimmed with her fingers along his chest as spray blew over them.

  “A rogue wave. I’m not surprised, with these crosswinds. They can rear up again at any moment.”

  “Mayhap you should slow this vessel down.”

  “’Tis best just to hold tight. I’ll ensure all is well.” He had a good grip on her and wouldn’t let go.

  “It won’t tip?”

  “I’ll not allow it.”

  “Good, then I trust you.” She raised her hands to the sky and waved them. “I feel like I’m flying. It’s both crazy and dizzying. Is it always like this?”

  “One can never tell when the wild rides will begin.” He caught her hands and brought them against his chest. “Take care. I’ve rescued you once and don’t care to again.”

  “This is naught compared to when you first rounded the tip. I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She giggled, arched her back and gazed upward. “Rory has kept Margaret and I cloistered within Dunvegan’s walls these past weeks. I feared I’d grow cobwebs if I didn’t get out this day.”

  “Well, out you got.” Sweeping a hand around her back, he kept her from slipping off his lap.

  Amusement lit her eyes. “Look at you. I think I just discovered your weak point.”

  The little minx was doing this on purpose, testing his boundaries. “Come here.”

  “Nay, I wish to fly since you have no wish to return me home.”

  She tried to rise, only, he tipped up his knees and tumbled her against him. “I see I’ve released your adventurous spirit.”

  “Have you ever. I love this.” She laughed, her rosy pink lips glistening from the spray misting the air.

  Hell, his groin tightened, and he barely resisted the urge to kiss her, to sample what was before him. He shouldn’t have such thoughts. “Julia, take care.”

  Looking into his eyes, she stilled then smoothed her fingertip over his lower lip. Her pupils darkened. Aye, more than a minx. “I wonder…”

  “Wonder what?” He cleared his throat.

  “What it would be like to kiss you.”

  Damn. He gulped.

  “I’ve never been kissed before, but I’d like to thank you.” She traced to the corner of his lower lip then back to the center. Her gentle caress was his final undoing.

  “Then be prepared for one.” He leaned in, brushed his lips against hers with the barest touch. Divine. Her lips were so soft and though salt clung to her skin, he still detected the alluring scent of roses.

  “Oh, I like,” she murmured, and then deepened their kiss, her mouth molding to his.

  His cock stirred, and an urge to wrap her in his warmth sizzled through him.

  “Nice.” She gripped his shirtfront and melted against him.

  What was she doing?

  She shouldn’t be encouraging him like this.

  Had she not heard his warning?

  * * * *

  Mayhap Julia should have taken Ivor’s warning to heart, but he’d be her lifeline to returning home. Surely a little adventure along the way wouldn’t hurt.

  She licked his bottom lip. So dark and delicious. She dipped her tongue into his mouth and was rewarded when he crushed her closer. Oh, his body was such a hard wall of muscle, and the things he was doing with his mouth... Never had such sensations caused her to become so fixated, or her body to become this sensitive. She had to keep working this angle.

  “Ivor,” she breathed against his lips to ground herself. He was real. This moment was real.

  “Aye, my sweet.” He stroked her scalp. “You want me to stop?”

  “Nay, show me what else you can do.”

  He groaned, pressed his mouth to hers and showed her exactly what she’d asked.

  Chapter 3

  Ivor should’ve put a stop to this kiss, but every soft mewl escaping Julia only encouraged him further. Their kiss grew wilder, more insistent, and unable to help himself, he circled his tongue around hers and slid deeper into her mouth.

  “Oh, yes.” She slipped her arms around his neck. “I like.”

  Hell, the level of her trust almost felled him. Except, where was his honor? He jerked back, only an inch, but one valuable inch. “We need to stop.”

  “Or keep going.” Her lips lifted in the most delicious smile, and dimples formed either side of her luscious pink mouth.

  “Halting would be best.” He yanked the fur over her shoulders, captured her arms within the folds.

  “You said to relax and enjoy myself.” She giggled, actually giggled. The lass had no sense of self-preservation. “That’s exactly what I was doing.”

  Right, best to set her beyond his reach. He lifted her from his lap and eased her onto the seat beside him. “Don’t move, and don’t talk.”

  “What happened to all your—” Her gaze dropped to her feet. “There’s so much water. When did that happen?”

  Damn. Indeed, a little water made its way in during the usual course of a trip, but never this much and never this quickly.

  “Is this normal?�
� Julia swung her dripping feet onto the bench.

  “Nay, I’ll have to take her in for repairs. That rogue wave. It must have cracked a board. Most of what I need will be within my supplies though. Don’t fret.”

  “I’m not.” She looked deep into his eyes. “I learnt that the first moment I saw you.”

  Definitely too trusting, too giving, and far too innocent for her own good. Traits he desired. Aye, never had a woman worked her way under his skin so quickly. He would have to make certain she didn’t burrow in too deep.

  His mission relied on it.

  * * * *

  Ivor adjusted the rudder and sent them cruising toward land. This was good. They hadn’t yet passed the southern boundary of Rory’s lands and she may have been given the best chance to sway her rescuer. She touched her lips. Oh, his kisses were positively wonderful.

  “Hold tight.”

  She gripped the edge of the bench.

  Along Skye’s rocky coastline, Ivor guided their boat over the waves rolling into shore. After making land, he bounded out and roped the skiff to a boulder. “Come here. I’ll help you out.”

  She scrambled onto the seat then jumped into his arms.

  He caught her with a chuckle. “I see you’re eager to be on dry land.”

  “MacLeod land. Will we be here for some time?”

  “A few hours at most.” He set her on the beach. “Don’t wander any farther than the tree line. Wolves roam this area.”

  “I’m not scared of a wolf.” As the breeze freshened, she shivered. Autumn would soon give way to winter and the days would grow shorter and colder. “The wolves are becoming scarce on Skye. Have you not heard?”

  “Scarce or not, I don’t need you falling prey to one.” He tipped up her chin. “Give me your word you’ll do as I say.”

  “I want to go home. Give me your word you’ll take me.”

  “One day I shall. No farther than the stream.”

  “I promise.” The stream gurgled into the sea. “Just you worry about the boat and I’ll worry about the wolves.” She tramped along the shore then lowered herself to her knees and splashed her face and neck, removing the salt from her skin. Ivor wasn’t watching, and discretely she tore a strip from the hem of her gown then wedged it between two rocks. If only she could do more.