Highlander: Secrets (The Scottish series Book 1)

by Ceri Bladen

  Kameron’s jaw tensed before he decided to act dull. He rolled his eyes at Fergus, before he asked, “Aye, I will. Apart from ye manners, have ye lost anything lately?”

  One of Donnan’s men laughed. “Only his sister!”

  Donnan’s head whipped around and his eyes narrowed on the drunken man. “Ye fool.”

  The man took a step back towards the other men, deciding that going outside with Donnan might not be such a good idea at the moment.

  Donnan turned his attention back onto Kameron. “I need no manners with the likes of ye. I’m a Laird. Just stay out of my way.”

  “Aye, I will,” said Kameron, killing the smile he wanted to form. He had just the information he wanted, and the idiot didn’t even realise.

  Fergus followed, and they both sat back on the bench as another ale was banged in front of them. He waited for the serving wench to leave them. “So, she is the MacAlpin daughter?”

  “Aye, so it seems.” Kameron pushed his ale towards Donald. He didn’t want it.

  Fergus scratched his beard. “What will yer dae with her, now?”

  Kameron didn’t reply. He wasn’t sure but the thought of returning her to that brother made his stomach churn.

  Donald let out a snort. “Take her back? Treat her differently?”

  “Stick her back in gaol?” asked Fergus, his mouth sneering.

  Kameron glanced up and considered the smiles on the men’s faces. He couldn’t blame them—they hated the MacAlpins. It was surprising they hadn’t made trouble to cause a fight, this eve. “Nae, ‘tis not her fault she was born tae Dougal MacAlpin.”

  “Aye, but she is the daughter, not just one of the village folk,” said Donald.

  Kameron shrugged. “Still the same in my eyes. You cannae take on the sins of yer father.” He glanced towards the merry MacAlpin warriors. “Unless she shows me otherwise.” He returned his gaze to his closest confidant. “Fergus, I’ll nae be taking her back tae MacAlpin land, but I have to confess, I’m not sure what I’m going tae be doing with her yet.”

  “Ye’ll figure something out, Laird. Ye always dae,” said Fergus picking up his ale. “And we’ll all drink tae that.”

  Chapter 7

  Calder Castle

  One sennight (week) later…

  Aileana crossed the courtyard being mindful of the puddles of melted snow resting on the compacted mud. The sky was dark, the moon only just showing, as she made her way to the storage spence, situated on the ground floor. The spencer, whose job it was to keep the meat and fish safe from flies and rodents, was ill and cook didn’t want to waste time finding someone else, so it was her turn to make sure there were no rats in there—another job no one volunteered for.

  As she carefully walked down the stone steps to the cold rooms, her thoughts turned to Kameron—as they seemed to be doing all the time, lately. She hadn’t seen him since a sennight ago—when he and his men had left the main hall so suddenly. She had missed a couple of meals because she’d been given jobs to do and when she had managed to go to the main hall, he wasn’t there. She hoped he was all right, but she couldn’t ask anyone. They would wonder why she cared.

  Checking behind the shelving with her candle, she shook the broom to make a noise. Her heart was knocking against her chest, she was scared of the furry rodents. A chill ran down her back when she sensed something behind her. She’d heard rats weren’t afraid to attack if cornered and she screamed, her fear of rodents coming to the surface.

  “Och, that’s a noise,” said Kameron as he stepped into the spence.

  “It’s ye.” Why does he always sneak up on me? Being such a large man, ye’d think he would make more noise, she thought.

  His eyebrow rose. “So it is.”

  “I thought ye were a rodent.”

  Kameron chuckled. “I’ve been called worse.”

  Her cheeks flushed. “I… um… sorry, Laird,” she added remembering her status. Her mind was scattered and instead of calming down, her pulse beat faster. While her stomach did somersaults, her eyes narrowed on him, the broom firmly in her hand. His beard had grown on his strong jaw, making him seem more attractive—if that was possible. I am happy to see him, but I shouldnae be. He is the Laird. She shook the thoughts out of her head and wished she could get away—for her own sanity. But the only way out was past him.

  “Let’s start again. Good evening, lassie.”

  She greeted him back. “Feasgar math.”

  “I noticed ye weren’t eating tonight. I told ye a while ago that ye must eat. Ye’ll get ill without food, lassie.”

  “I had work tae finish. I’ll find something in the kitchens later on.” She pulled her shoulders back to pretend to be irritated but kept the broom tightly across her. “Ye can leave me now, Laird.” Her eyes narrowed on him when he stayed still. She needed him gone otherwise he would see her shaking hands and that her skin had heated, despite the cold. He wouldn’t miss her rosiness.

  “Aye, make sure that ye dae get food inside ye, lassie.” Kameron stared at her a while, debating his moves before he flicked a quick look over his shoulder, towards the brighter stairwell. He turned back towards her, a gleam in his eyes. “Ye shouldn’t look at me as ye are with yer eyes the colour of whisky. What am I tae dae when you stand there so tempting, lassie?”

  Something hot flowed through her veins, pooling low in her stomach. Her mind raced, what was he saying to her? “Tempting?” she muttered in an uncertain tone.

  “Aye, tempting.” He took a step forward.

  Her eyes widened, she hadn’t expected him to overhear her muttering. Panicked she resorted to what she thought would keep him at a distance—annoyance. “Och, be away with ye. I have work tae dae, just the same as the others. We’re not lairds able tae swan around when we fancy.” She knew, as the laird, he didn’t have much free time, but she wanted her comment to sound mean. Let him think her a shrew. Perhaps then he would allow her space?

  “Och—” he stepped forward again, “—it might seem that way, but I wanted tae see ye.”

  Feeling herself overheat, she bristled. She wanted to—needed to—push him away with her words. “Me? Why? Have you got something tae clean or a bed ye need making?” As the words left her mouth, she cringed. The last thing she needed was to remind them both of his bed.

  He wiggled his dark eyebrows at her. “Another time? I’ve a fancy tae see ye in my chamber again, lassie.”

  “Aye,” she managed to squeak out. She tried to gather herself, but it was pointless—her pulse was all over the place.

  His face became serious. “I have tae ask you something. Are ye a MacAlpin child?” Her shocked reaction gave him his answer. He let out a grunt and considered his next move. He knew in the pit of his stomach—and loins—he was attracted to her. MacAlpin daughter or not. But he was in a dilemma. Could I just bed her? Even if she protested at first, it would be easy to wear her down now he could see she was attracted to him. He’d coax her underneath him and not worry about it. To bed her would bring shame on her family and be a type of revenge. I cannae. He liked the woman—regardless of the blood running through her veins. What am I tae dae? He couldn’t marry her. As a Laird he was expected to marry wisely to bring assets to the marriage and peace to the clan—and there would never be peace with the MacAlpins.

  “Um…”

  As Kameron waited for her to answer, he felt his hands tingle to touch her. There was no point avoiding the fact that he wanted her. He had to work out in what way.

  Aileana kept very still, watching his gaze narrow on her, his large hand rubbing the short hair on his chin. How did he find out? Surely my kin have not requested my return? What will he dae now he kens I am an enemy? Am I in more danger? She tried to control her breathing but failed miserably—her heart was pumping too hard in her chest to aid her. Pushing her chin out, and putting on a brave voice, she broke the silence which stretched between them. “So, are ye finally going tae return me tae my clan now ye think ye ken who I am?” She
didn’t know if she wanted to return, but she didn’t want to be a pawn in a clan battle and she certainly knew that it was better to be with the devils she knew, than this dark one in front of her. They could physically break her, he could break her heart. “Are ye?”

  Kameron looked at her proud stance and fought the urge to smile. She had admitted nothing. She reminded him of one of the fort’s kittens—when cornered, it comes out spitting. Her spirit hit him in his gut and instincts kicked in—he wanted to be the one to tame her, be damned with returning her. He’d think about what he would do with her later. His gaze settled onto her mouth. “I might have tae… but I nae want tae...” He moved nearer. “Are ye going tae tell me who you are?”

  It was all Aileana could do to shake her head. The way he looked at her turned her legs into water. She watched in silence as his hand came towards her.

  Kameron wanted to taste her, and he had no desire to temper his feeling. He reached out and slipped a hand onto the back of her neck to hold her still. He moved his head nearer and lingered over her lips. “Admit that ye enjoy my touch, lassie. I swear I dae—” he flicked his tongue out with teasing touches, “—for your lips are as sweet as honey.” His fingers on the back of her neck tightened, pulling her forward. Her face tipped back, and he hovered over her mouth.

  Against all that was wise, her body responded to his actions and words. She shuddered. She knew she should step out of his hold—slap him even—but somehow, he had scaled the walls of her defences. Regardless of what she told herself late at night, she liked his attention—craved it, even. Even if it was wrong in the eyes of the Lord.

  “I’m going tae kiss ye, lassie,” he whispered. When he felt a shiver flit through her, and her lips part, he knew she was willing—even though the broom was firmly in her hands.

  When her mouth started to move under his, trying to mimic his motions, he realised she had no idea what to do. That pleased him more than he could say. “That’s the way, lassie…” he murmured out of the side of his mouth.

  Despite his superior size, he controlled himself, being gentle and patient with her, and that knowledge overwhelmed her. She was no one of importance in Calder Castle even if he thought her as Aileana MacAlpin. He could treat her as no more than a servant—bedding her if he took a fancy and tossing her out if she didn’t please. She’d seen the rough treatment her brothers had given their servants, before and after copulating. But I have tae trust him, don’t I?

  Kameron’s mouth left hers and he trailed kisses along her jawline and down her neck. His breath caressed as he moved. “Ye cannae believe how long I’ve wanted tae dae this. So long.”

  Aileana’s breathing became shallower when he used his teeth to tease her neck back up to her ear, his hot breath hitting it. She lengthened her neck to give him better access. She couldn’t speak, her senses overwhelmed her, having never felt this thrill before. She wasn’t sure how to react but became hot as her sensitive skin reacted to his touch. Her hands dropped the broom and curled around his great kilt to pull him closer.

  The bang of the broom handle on the stone floor, cut through his desires. “Aye, yer very tempting,” he sighed.

  She failed to hear the regret on his voice, and when he took a step back, she felt the distance keenly.

  Kameron smiled, but kept his hands by his sides as they were aching with the need to touch her. He couldn’t—the need to be with her, to couple with her here in the spence, was too overwhelming for him to continue. He noticed her glossy eyes and flushed skin. “Ye cannae deny ye liked that, lassie. Ye kissed me back, and that’s all I need tae ken.”

  As her head cleared, Aileana shook her head. Why have I allowed him tae know my attraction to him? He could use it to his advantage. How silly I have been, she thought. She put her hands on her hips. “Ye surprised me that’s all.”

  He clicked his tongue as he reached out to run his knuckles down her cheekbone. “Ye body is responding to me. It’s burning with need. Tell me you dinnae feel a heat between your legs.”

  She stepped back as her hand touched her lips. “Ye shouldn’t be speaking like that.”

  Kameron shrugged his broad shoulders. “Nae a sin tae discuss your feelings, despite what the church tells us. It’ll make for a cold bed if you dinnae know how ye feel.”

  Shock flicked over her face. It was a brave man to say a word against the wishes of the church. “I ne’er said I would bed ye.”

  A slow smile spread on his lips. Kameron didn’t want a quick tumble—getting her into his bed was more appealing. He moved forward and put his hands on the wall either side of her and leaned in. “Ye’re blushing for me, lassie. Ye’re body is giving you the answer ye’re head doesn’t know yet.”

  She covered her cheeks with her hands and scowled at him. “I’m nae blushing. That’s because I’m annoyed at ye. Ye should nae be saying such things tae me.”

  A large grin appeared on his lips. “Aye, if that’s what ye say, lassie. In time, you’ll understand why ye body is responding tae me.” Aileana’s eyes widened when she heard someone come down the stairs, making enough noise to move the rats on themselves. “Someone is coming,” she said, thinking he would remove his hands.

  A loud cough made him turn his head, but Kameron kept his hands firmly in place. He didn’t care if anyone saw him with her. “Aye, Donald?” Anyone listening could tell from his tone he was not amused to be interrupted.

  “Riders are approaching, Laird.”

  Kameron let out a large sigh. “I’ll be right there, Donald.” He turned back towards Aileana and gave an apologetic smile. “We’ll be discussing this another time, lassie. I have tae go.” He leaned forward to kiss the tip of her nose before dropping his arms and straightening. She watched the soft expression on his face disappear. He was the Laird once more.

  “I need tae see who comes.” He gave her one last glance before leaving, wondering whether her brothers had come to reclaim her. Mayhap going to the inn had been a reckless move on his part? There was a chance they never knew she was with them.

  Aileana heard the ringing of the warning bell as he strode away—once more a hardened leader with his black kilt and the broad shoulders of a warrior. She leaned against the stone wall, her legs still akin to water.

  When she recovered, she crept up the stairs, interested to know who needed him. She leaned against the door frame as tiny thrills hummed through her body—until she caught site of Wynda, running up to the group of men, presumable to ask what was happening. She had heard talk—not directly, as most servants still ignored her—that one of the Laird’s bedmates was Wynda. It made Wynda’s actions to her since she’d arrived make sense—the snide remarks, the scowls, the off-hand attitude. It had surprised Aileana how jealous she had felt when she’d overheard the conversation—for Wynda was beautiful, with her long black hair and sultry eyes. It was obviously why she’d caught the attention off the Laird. Aileana’s shoulders slumped. He was the Laird of Calder Castle and until he took a wife—and maybe after—he would have many bedmates to keep his bed warm. Her lips pressed together as she rubbed her forehead. What am I playing at? Of course, the laird would be interested in bedding me. She reddened at her wanton behaviour of not moments before and berated herself to think that he’d sought her out because he liked her. She was the same as any of the other women—if they showed interest, they would be bedded. To make matters worse, being a MacAlpin, there were no consequences for him if they lay together. Even the church would not condemn such an act, they would turn a blind eye. She blew out her cheeks then released the air. She needed to stay away from him. For her own protection.

  Kameron watched the riders near the castle from the watch tower. Their flag indicated they belonged to King Charles II. From the small numbers, and no carriage in sight, Kameron knew the king was not amongst them and he was curious to see why they had arrived at Calder Castle. The ride from Edinburgh would have been arduous with the winter’s snow. He nodded to his men to lower the drawbridge an
d open the gates. He made his way to the entrance with his loyal men.

  While they dismounted, Kameron flicked a glance around. His men had weapons trained on the group and would only disarm when they knew it wasn’t a trap. He watched Dav, his tacksman, go up to the leader and talk. When Dav gave him the secret signal, Kameron indicated for weapons to be lowered. He watched Dav walk towards him.

  “Laird, you are tae report tae Edinburgh to provide bonds of conduct of ye tenants,” he said.

  “Och, Auld Reekie is calling, is it, Laird?” asked Fergus.

  “Aye, so it seems,” Kameron muttered, distracted with thoughts.

  Donald interrupted. “Isn’t it unusual tae be asked to go in the middle of winter?”

  Kameron scratched his beard. “It is.”

  “It’s because the King is there,” Dav supplied the answer.

  Kameron nodded slowly while his mind raced. It might be useful to go. He looked at Donald and Angus. “Court is full of gossip, which could prove useful for our…” he looked at Dav, not wanting him to know what he spoke about Aileana, “our problem.”

  A knowing glance passed between the men.

  “I will come with ye,” said Donald

  “Aye, me, too,” echoed Angus.

  “Me,” said Fergus.

  Kameron agreed, before he noticed the ledgers in Dav’s large hands. “Ye’ll have tae come, too, Dav.”

  “Aye, Laird.”