First Frost

by A Lyrical Press Anthology

  “Ivor, nay. Move this boat.”

  “My decision is made. I’ll suffer the consequences of my actions.”

  “You will not. I won’t see you harmed. I never agreed to that.” She shot to her feet and dove off the boat. Surfacing ten feet away, she shoved back her hair and glared. “I can tread water until they arrive. Make your escape. Seek your safety.”

  What the hell was she trying to do? “You can’t rescue me.”

  “I can and I will. I’m a good swimmer. Now go!”

  “Ha, not from my experience, you’re not.” Gritting his teeth, he unbelted his plaid, tossed it across the seat then sprang off the side. He surfaced nose to nose with her. “Let’s get one thing straight. You will never, ever leave me in such a manner again.”

  “This is your chance. Take it and go. You can see I’m fine.”

  “I don’t care if you can swim the entire length of the sound, I’m not leaving you. You’re mine to care for. You have been since the moment I saw you.”

  She sobbed and pushed him away. “As you’re mine, but there’s no way to explain why I’m with you. Please.” Her chin trembled. “Go, for both our sakes.”

  “Listen to me, Julia.” Even with his enemy bearing down on him fast, his soul ached to keep hold of this woman and never let her go. “I’m staying with you.”

  “This is so—” The waves sloshed and bumped them against each other. “—impossible.”

  “Or completely possible. I’ll figure something out. You’ve weaved a spell around my heart and I can’t see beyond you.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and he gladly took her slight weight. “I could either kiss you or slap you right now.”

  He chuckled. “I’d rather you go with the—”

  “Julia!”

  MacLeod stood at the helm of his boat, his gaze targeted on them.

  “Lower the sail. All men to oars!” the MacLeod chief bellowed.

  “Julia,” Ivor whispered, “I would like to offer for you. Would you do me the great honor of—”

  She clapped a hand over his mouth. “Are you mad? This is not the time.” She shot a look toward MacLeod. “I’ll think of something to say. Let me handle this.”

  The fury raging across MacLeod’s face had him gritting his teeth. The MacLeod chief was a staunch warrior with a clever mind. He’d never be able to talk his way out of this dilemma.

  His time to atone for what he’d done had arrived.

  Chapter 5

  Rory was almost upon them, and naught could have frustrated Julia more. Lips pinched into a tight white line, Rory leaned one thick arm over the side of the birlinn. The man was a fierce fighter, but never had her cousin seemed more imposing than at this very moment. “Come. Here. Now,” he snapped.

  “I’ll be right behind you, lass.” Ivor gripped her waist and boosted her upward.

  She grasped Rory’s hand and he lifted her into the boat.

  “Where the hell have you been?” Rory clutched her shoulders then growled and dragged her into his arms. “I’ve been so worried. What were you and Margaret thinking?”

  “We weren’t,” she mumbled into the massive wall of his chest. “I’m so sorry. Ivor M—MacDonald rescued me after I fell into the sea.”

  “A MacDonald?” He whipped her behind him then withdrew his sword.

  “Nay.” She grabbed his wrist. “He pulled me from the depths and saved my life. You can’t hurt him.”

  He jerked a look at his second in command. “Fish him out of the water.”

  Ivor was yanked into the boat as Rory stormed toward him. “Explain yourself, MacDonald.”

  She raced around Rory. “He doesn’t have to explain anything. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. You have to listen to me, Rory.”

  “If a MacDonald’s involved, then there is little listening required.”

  “Stay back, Julia.” Ivor swung her behind him then advanced on Rory.

  Great. Two fierce warriors coming head to head, and she had to make them see reason. After ducking under Ivor’s arm, she planted herself between the two men. “First of all, I’m not moving, and second, you’re both listening. To me.” She glared from one to the other then straightened to gain some height on their towering forms. “Please.”

  Rory snorted then eyed one of his men. “Secure the skiff to the stern. MacDonald comes with us.” To her he commanded, “Begin.”

  She faced him. “I fell from the cliffs, not far from where Ivor had beached his boat. He dove in to save me when I couldn’t kick to the surface. I couldn’t breathe and I couldn’t move. I would have drowned if it weren’t for his fast action.”

  “The fact MacDonald was on my land tells me exactly what I need to know.” Rory clenched his fists.

  “Ivor was visiting family and lost his bearings. I was no better with mine. I must have hit my head and everything was rather confusing. I told Ivor to take me to the village. I thought ’twas closest, and then we ran into difficulties.”

  “Speak of these difficulties.” Rory’s gaze narrowed to slits.

  “His boat sprang a leak, so we made landfall for him to effect repairs. While I rested, my mind cleared, enabling me to tell him who I was and where he should take me.” She gripped Rory’s hand. “The news I was your cousin unsettled him, but still, as soon as he’d finished mending the skiff, he immediately set sail to bring me home.”

  “That is some tale.”

  “’Tis the truth.”

  “Then why did I see you jump from his boat if not to escape him?”

  “I was worried how things appeared.” Tears burned behind her eyes then trickled free. She had to make Rory believe her. “I feared your anger. I jumped so he had a chance to get away. As you saw, he dived right in after me. He’s a MacDonald, but one of the most honorable men I’ve ever met. I would have drowned this morn, if not for him.”

  “Don’t cry, lass. You’re safe now.” He wiped her cheeks with his thumbs then eyed Ivor. “Is it as she says?”

  “I have family further north in Trotternish, and my boat sprang a leak. I’m aware our clans are at war, but I have no intention of raising arms against you or your men, now or in the future.” His gaze settled on hers. “I’ve never met a woman who spoke more honestly in my life. In the short time we’ve been together, I’ve also learnt I don’t want that time over.”

  “What?” Rory’s jaw dropped. “Over my dead body, and her father’s as well.” He speared his second with a look. “Bind him securely to the mast. Gag him as well. I’ve no wish to hear any more of his drivel.” He strode away.

  “Rory, please.” She chased him to the stern. “You have it all wrong.”

  “Nay, you aren’t aware of the lengths my enemy will go to. Your father will be informed of what’s occurred, and we’ll await his arrival.” He swamped her in a blanket then sat her between two of his men. Aye, she was well aware of the lengths a MacDonald would go to, but Ivor was different. He’d changed his mind, and now she’d work on altering Rory and Father’s too.

  She’d make them understand and save her rescuer as he’d saved her.

  She had to.

  * * * *

  Ivor paced Dunvegan Castle’s topmost tower room overlooking the loch. One narrow window afforded him some air, but not an escape path with its sheer drop of fifty feet to the hard-packed ground. Well, never had he been in such a predicament. He’d expected MacLeod to toss him into the dungeons upon their arrival, except Julia had begged the man for leniency and it appeared he held a soft spot for her. The dank chamber was bare of all but a blanket and chamber pot, but at least he’d been afforded a meal to break his fast each morn this past fortnight.

  The bolt clunked and the wooden paneled door swung wide as the guardsmen appeared. A warrior tossed him a pair of trews and a tunic as a lad scuttled in and set a pitcher, bar of soap and a drying cloth on the dusty floor.

  The guard stroked his side-sword’s hilt. “Gavin MacDonald has returned from Edinburgh
to decide your fate. The lady requested these amenities. Present yourself and be quick.”

  Time for his atonement, and one where he’d fight for Julia. After stripping, he washed himself then dressed. Scraping his itchy, whiskered jaw, he eyed the man’s dirk. “I wouldn’t mind a shave. I don’t suppose you’d loan me your blade? You could consider it a last wish and all.”

  “I don’t believe so.” The guard smirked.

  “I’ll shave you.” Julia bustled in with another guard, her ruby skirts swishing about her.

  Hell, she was here? He’d pleaded with the guard each day for word of her, to assure himself she’d not suffered any ill health from her repeated sea dunkings. The guard had berated ’twas none of his business. He looked his fill of the woman who’d consumed his thoughts, from her mane of golden-blond hair to her lush lips and the sparkling blue of her— Why were her eyes so dull and red-rimmed? “What’s happened? You’ve been ill?”

  “The dagger, please,” she implored the guard. “He won’t harm me, and we both know neither of you will allow it either. Every man should receive his last…wish.”

  “Certainly, my lady.” The guardsman shoved him back until he sat on the windowsill. The other guard passed her the soap then slid his sword free and pressed it against his chest.

  Julia lathered his jaw. After taking the blade from the guard, she brushed against him, held the dirk close to his skin then ran it in a smooth line down. Her sweet scent of white roses floated around him and he fought the desperate urge to drag her into his arms. “Tell me, lass. Are you well?”

  “Father has arrived and so far, he won’t listen to reason.”

  “Did you expect him to?”

  “You must defend your actions.” Tears welled in her eyes, and she quickly blinked them away. “And ’tis my fault you must do so.”

  He savored her closeness as she turned his cheek and drew the blade along the next portion from his ear to his chin. “I wouldn’t change what happened between us. You’re home with your clan and this is where you belong.”

  “I also belong with you.” She pressed her hand to his chest, curled her fingers in tight. “Fight for me, as I will—”

  “Step away from MacDonald, Julia.” A man with gray streaked hair and an impeccably fitted jacket strode into the chamber.

  “He needed a shave, and there’s something you must know, Father.” After passing the guard the dirk, she dried his sudsy face, whispering, “We fight, together.”

  * * * *

  ’Twas time. Father had loved Mother. Surely Julia could make him bear witness to her devotion to Ivor. Staring into her captor’s soulful eyes, she allowed her love for him to flow free. “Since you returned me, every moment we’ve been apart has been a burden. You saved my life, but now I float adrift.”

  He stroked her cheek and the guard pressed his blade harder into his chest. He grunted. “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you, but my heart aches with love.” He slowly lowered himself to one knee, the guard’s sword scraping upward toward his neck. “Julia, I attempted to ask this of you before and now I can no longer wait. I wish to take you as my wife, to never allow you out of my sight again. What would you answer in return?”

  Her mind raced with only one answer, the knowledge pulsing through her. She dropped to her knees. “I love you too, and aye, I’m up for any adventure you’d like to embark on. Show me how high we shall fly and I will journey with you.”

  “Julia, nay.” Her father shot forward. “You can’t love him. He’s a MacDonald.”

  “I’ve told you I do. Wouldn’t you give your life to have Mother back? Because that’s what he did for me, when he rescued me from the depths of the ocean, and again when he returned me to Dunvegan. You must see how honorable Ivor MacDonald is. There is no other I could love but him.” Nay, Father couldn’t take away the one man who should be hers.

  Looking stricken, he shook his head. “We spoke about this.”

  “We did, but you’ve yet to listen to me. I can’t lose him. Grant this betrothal and allow us to wed.”

  “What you’re asking of me—” He drew her to her feet, gripped her hands. “Are you sure you feel this strongly? Mayhap this is a passing fancy?”

  “I love him, as Mother loved you.” She kissed his cheek. “Hear me out and give me my heart’s desire. Don’t rob me of what could be. I beg it of you. Please.”

  “Damn it. I’ve only ever desired the best for you.” He squeezed her hands then slowly slid his gaze to Ivor. “I won’t abide my daughter’s emotions being played with. Is this love you speak of true?”

  “Aye, I would give my life for your daughter’s. She holds my heart in her hands and I never wish to relinquish it. I ask for your daughter’s hand and for your blessing.”

  “I ask for your approval too, Father.” Heavens, what more could she say to convince him?

  Mumbling, he paced the chamber then stopped before the guardsmen. “Lower your weapons and leave us.” They filed out. “MacDonald, Julia is my only child, and her happiness means the world to me. If you wish to court her, I will allow it because she has asked. But should you crush her heart, I shall rip yours out.”

  Squealing, she swamped him in a hug. “Does that mean we have your blessing?” Had he truly relented?

  He patted her back. “As it did in your mother’s eyes for me, I see the depth of your love shining. So aye, ’tis given, though reluctantly so.”

  “You’ve taught me how to love. I’ve no greater example than you.”

  “I love you too, lass.” He kissed the top of her head then sighed, extending his hand to Ivor. “All of this aside, ’twas clear you saved my daughter’s life, that her feelings for you are strong.”

  “We shall join forces to ensure she never endangers herself again.” Ivor shook his hand. “Thank you, sir. Your daughter is not one to give up the fight.”

  “Like her mother before her, one of the greatest battlers of all time.” He tweaked her chin. “I shall see you both downstairs, my fighter. You may have a moment but no longer.” As he marched from the chamber, he grumbled, “A MacDonald. I shall never live this down.”

  Grinning, Ivor gripped her waist, toppled her against him. “I’m going to take every advantage of this moment, although remind me to never take you on in a battle again.”

  “You would certainly lose.” Her heartbeat pounded anew. “Advantage now to you. Kiss me.”

  “Aye, love, ’twill be hard to stop once I start, but naught will hold me back.” He seized her mouth with his, and with unmistakable passion, kissed her until she flew.

  Aye, this warrior had captured her…heart, body and soul.

  Adventure. They would have a lifetime to experience it all.

  Chapter 6

  Peace flowed through Julia as she leaned against Ivor’s chest and fingered her sapphire skirts. His knees held her captive as the white-tipped waves of the Cuillin Sound rolled in. Above, a wisp of cloud breezed across the brilliant blue sky. This was their place, where they’d made landfall to repair his skiff a short two months ago. The most special place on Earth.

  “You seem so calm, love.” He slid his hand around her waist as he rubbed his chin atop her head. “You truly don’t mind visiting Dunscaith after the fall?”

  “’Tis your home and I’ll be with you.”

  Yesterday Father had agreed to their betrothal, and they’d set to work on wedding preparations and obtained a special license. In a sennight she’d be Ivor’s wife. Poor Rory though, he’d been flabbergasted by Father granting Ivor permission to court her, but in the time since, he’d too come around as her warrior had shown his devotion.

  Shuffling around, she faced him with a grin. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

  “It took some persuasion to get your father to agree to this particular outing. Although, it won’t be long before I’ll have you all to myself. No more sneaking around in order to have my wicked way with you.” He gave her a long, heated look, which always sent h
eat coiling through her.

  “Sneaking is fun, an adventure all in itself.” She gripped his thighs as she leaned in. “We’re not sneaking around right now.”

  “’Tis daylight.”

  “That didn’t stop you yesterday.” She glanced at his lap, at the heavy bulge making its presence known. “Ahh, I see you recall our walk in the forest.”

  “And I will never forget.” He brushed with a finger along her gown’s sweetheart neckline then played with the white ribbons. “My tongue still tingles from the taste of you, and my mouth waters for more.”

  Heat bolted to her core. Yesterday, he’d lapped her flesh then sent her careening to the stars without him. He’d paid for that as she’d returned the favor and taken the full velvety hot length of him deep into her mouth. Sucking his plump head had soon had him begging for mercy. So many ways they’d loved each other, although not once had he slid himself deep inside her. He’d said that would occur once they were wed.

  “What has that dreamy look on your face?” He tugged on the ribbons and she toppled into him. “It’s intensifying my ache.”

  “Would you like me to aid you in easing it? I’m rather agreeable to doing so.”

  “Always, my captive.” He kissed her, long and deeply.

  Aye, his captive, in every way, and equally so, he was hers.

  Oh yes. The captured had become the captor, and never would she let him go.

  About Joanne Wadsworth

  I love reading romance, but even more, I love to write it. My characters hound me, demanding their stories are told. And I’m happy to oblige, giving them the romance they’re after, provided they can accept a little angst and adventure along the way.

  With each book I publish, another dream becomes fulfilled, and that wouldn’t happen without the huge support I receive from my hubby, Jason, and kiddies, Marisa, Caleb, Cruise and Rocco. I also have the most amazing editor, Penny Barber, and huge thanks go to her. She enriches every editing cycle, enabling me to sculpt my books to my heart’s content.