by Ceri Bladen
When he let go and stepped back, she felt the loss keenly. She watched in wonder as he bent on his knee and dried her feet and ankles, slowly working his way up her body. Goosebumps covered her skin.
“Especially here—” Kameron pointed towards the back of her knee, the towel still covering his hand, “—and here.” His towelled hand moved to her inner thigh. “And here.”
“Kameron!” Aileana said. Her eyes widened at his forwardness. “Ye wouldnae.”
He raised his eyebrow, mischief dancing in his eyes. “Aye, I would.” He stood and placed the towel around her shoulders, rubbing her arms to warm her. His dark brows gathered. “I told ye before, mo ghradh. It will be a cold life if our bed is the same.”
“But the priest says ye must not succumb to the temptations of the flesh.”
“Forget the priest’s words, he has nae a wife tae share his bed with and cannae comment on what tae dae.” He retrieved her clean shift from the chair next to the fire. He didn’t want to cover her, but he had a feeling she hadn’t been naked in front of anyone before and wanted to take it slower—well, as slow as he could.
“Kameron, ye cannae say anything against the church,” her voice squeaked in shock as her shift drifted down her body.
“Aye, I can, mo ghradh, when it comes tae pleasures of the flesh.” He put a finger under her chin, forcing her to look at him. “And that’s what it is, Aileana, pleasures of the flesh.”
“But I’m nae yer wife.”
“Och, the church teachings again.”
“But I am a Catholic, like ye.”
“Aye, I am, but there are things I dinnae agree with, and thinking of yer own pleasures as a sin is one of them. But—” he placed two fingers on her mouth, “enough of the church. We’ll discuss that later, but fer now…” Very slowly, his mouth replaced his fingers as it descended on to hers. Warm and coaxing, it moved over hers. All arguments disappeared from her mind as she placed her hand on his chest. His heart thudded furiously, matching her own. He nibbled, licked and delved into her, his mouth and tongue sending heat to her core so quickly she suddenly pulled away.
“Nae, dinnae be frightened, mo ghradh. I will nae hurt ye.”
She averted her eyes, too frightened by her overwhelming feelings and desires. She didn’t want him to see.
“Och, mo ghradh, look at me.” When she didn’t move, he cupped her head with his hands. “That’s better—” he smiled when she looked at him from under her lashes, “—there is nothing to be afraid of. Are ye feeling lightheaded?” She nodded. “Aye, well that’s normal.”
She bit her lip and thought for a second. “Is it?”
“Aye, mo ghradh.”
“What about feeling hot?”
He laughed. “Aye, that tae is normal, mo ghradh.” He looked between them, her shift a thin barrier hiding her body from him. “What about if ye take yer shift back off?”
“Kameron!”
Kameron laughed and swooped to pick her up. He turned and sat on the bed, pulling her into the hard cradle of his lap. He cupped his hand around her neck to pull her lips back to him, he was done talking.
When he felt her relax enough, he stood turning her, so her legs wrapped around him. He pulled his mouth away from hers. “Tell me if me belt hurts ye, mo ghradh.” She shook her head. He wanted to get naked too, but he had a feeling his body might scare her—until she was at the point of no return. Turning, he arched her backwards onto the soft bed, his hips pinning her to it. He continued to kiss and touch, but his caressing hands became impatient. They were both ready. Moving down her body with a trail of kisses, he was determined to feel the softness of her against his own skin.
He stood at the foot of the bed and waited for her whisky coloured eyes to open to look at him. When they did, he smiled and undressed, pleased to see the yearning in her gaze, although it amused him that she kept her eyes on his face and chest. Kneeling back on the bed, he grabbed the hem of her shift, rolling it up and kissing her until he reached her lips. By the time he’d finished, she’d forgotten that they were both as naked as the day they were born.
“Remember, mo ghradh. I will nae hurt ye, trust me,” he whispered into her ear, before turning her head for his mouth to fuse with hers as he entered.
Eyes heavy and bodies sated, they lay on the bed. When Aileana shivered, the night air brushing over her heated skin, he grunted and rolled onto his back, pulling her and the cover with him, not allowing her to escape. He felt her tense. “Dinnae start regretting anything now, Aileana.” His arm, hooked around her waist, bringing her back against him. “Rest on me. We’ll talk when the sun comes up.”
“I cannae stay till morning.” She watched his chest move in an even rhythm while her heart pounded.
He muttered something in Gaelic, so quiet she could not hear. “Ye’ll rest with me, Aileana, I’ll hear no more.” He used his hand to encourage her head onto his chest. “Coorie doon, now, mo ghradh.” Once she settled, he used his hand to stroke her red hair until she relaxed into sleep.
Morning…
Aileana jumped when a noise broke through her dream. She looked around, unsure where she was until she spotted Kameron at the end of the bed. His smile made her heart flutter.
“Ye might want tae cover up, mo ghradh.” His gaze slid to the rosy peaks of her breasts. “I didnae like the thought of anyone else seeing those.”
“Anyone else?” Sleep and pleasure had made her head fuzzy until movement in the corner of her eye made her grab for the coverlet to cover herself. She stuttered as the priest, Morag, and a couple others stood at the bottom of the bed.
Morag tutted. “Ye men turn around while we cover the lady—” she clicked her fingers, and a servant stepped forward with a gown, “—ye’ll see soon enough if she was a maiden.”
Colour rose in Aileana’s cheeks. She knew this is what happened—to make sure any child was not implanted before—but they weren’t married. “Why dae we need tae do this, we’re nae married?”
“Och, come on, lassie, let’s be having ye,” said Morag waving her chubby hand in encouragement.
Aileana scowled at Kameron before getting up, who despite being told to turn, still looked at her, a smile on his lips. She turned away when he blew her a kiss and rushed to get the gown on which was being held open for her.
Within seconds, she heard the mutterings of the men, before the sheet was ripped from the bed. She was mortified, knowing it would be hung from the tower window for all to know she’s been a maiden before laying with their laird.
“All out now,” Morag said, shooing the men towards the door. “Lady Aileana will be needing a wash and rest—” she turned to look at Aileana, and winked, “—before a wedding can be arranged.”
“But…” Aileana started to protest until she noticed Kameron step forward.
“I need a few words with Aileana,” he said to Morag, waiting for her to move away. “Look, mo ghradh. After last night I’d thought yer would like tae get married?”
“I… um…”
Kameron grabbed her hand. “Will ye marry me, mo ghradh?”
“I cannae.”
“Why?”
“Because I cannae offer ye anything tae be yer wife. Yer need tae marry to profit yer clan not yer loins.”
“Well, it’s tae late for that, mo ghradh. I’ve made my decision. Will ye marry me?”
She looked at her hands in his large ones. Whatever she felt for him, she was not worthy of marrying him. “Nae,” she whispered, not wanting the servants to overhear.
“Nae? But ye risk any bairn we have being labelled a bastard?” He dropped her hand and pushed a hand through his hair.
She stilled. That had not even entered her head. She placed a hand on her stomach.
Kameron gave a large sigh. “Look, mo ghradh. I’ll dae this right—” he took her hand, “—will ye, Lady Aileana MacAlpin by my wife?”
She hadn’t expected to be asked, and when she saw the sorrowful look on Kameron’s
face, she realised he was serious. What does it matter if we wed or not? I have no sire to ask permission from. She never wanted to go back to Ackergill Tower. She wanted to keep Kameron’s bed warm—and he wanted her too. She should enjoy it being there, especially as he wanted to make it legal, in the eyes of the church. “All right—” she looked at Kameron and smiled, “I will marry ye.” Kameron hooted and charged around the room, before picking her up to swing in a circle. Everyone, including herself, was shocked at his display of emotion. Aileana laughed when his hand squeezed her bottom through the thin robe and she caught the disgusted look on the priest’s face.
“Ye’ve made my day, mo ghradh,” he said as he released his hold, letting her drop slowly down his body—lamenting the fact his clothes were too thick to distinguish her curves. When her feet touched the floor, he laid a loud kiss on her lips and stepped back. “I’ll see ye in church, this evening.” He headed towards the door.
The quickness surprised her. “Tonight? But, don’t Banns need tae be read and other arrangements need tae be made?”
Kameron looked over his shoulder and winked. “Already done, mo ghradh. I received word in Auld Reekie that King Charles gives his blessing and that’s all that matters. Hurry now… wife.” He laughed as he shut the door behind them.
“Men,” said Morag, shaking her head.
After being persuaded by Morag to go to the bathhouse before dressing in her new finery, Aileana relaxed in the warmth of the tub. She had sent everyone out, wanting time on her own before she was fussed over by them preparing her for her marriage. She held her breath and went under the water. I’m getting married! she thought as she emerged and pushed her hair from her face. I’m getting married to Kameron! Excitement filled her as she closed her eyes to go under again.
When she was coming back up, something grabbed the hair on top of her head and pushed her back under. Surprise made her take in a mouthful of water as her hands grabbed to release the pressure on her skull. She couldn’t breathe under the water and she was dragged roughly up, coughing and spluttering, a voice appeared in her ear.
“Hello, sister.”
She froze. It was her brother, Donnan. She couldn’t turn to look at him, his grip was too tight on her hair, but she knew his voice. “Don… Donnan?”
“Aye, wee sister. Surprised?” He let go of her.
She rubbed her tender scalp and glanced at him, chilled at the wintery blast of his gaze.
“Get out, we’re leaving yer cosy Calder Castle.”
Aileana searched for something to cover her modesty. “Can ye pass me my clothes, please?” She pointed, making sure her body was under the water.
His face screwed up when he noticed the MacMahon earasaid. “Nae, get them yerself. I ain’t touching that.”
“But, I’m naked, Donnan.”
He paused for a moment, taking in what she said, before shrugging. “Naught I haven’t seen before.”
“Well at least turn away—” she stressed the next word, “—brother.” When he turned, she grabbed for her new clean shift to cover her nakedness. Once that was on, she reached for her stays.
“Get yer clothes on quickly, unless ye like people tae look. Yer a hoore, like our sire said. Fancy bathing here where anyone can walk in.
“I’m going as fast as I can,” she said, frantically trying to get her stays on without help.
“Ah, well. Dinnae think I dinnae ken that yer delaying.” He turned back towards her. “If ye take yer time, there’s a chance someone will come.” He leaned forward and grabbed her skirt and casaquin. “Ye can put these on later. Just put yer earasaid on over yer shift and get yer shoes on.”
“But I’ll be cold, Donnan.”
“I nae care. Move.”
The tone of his voice indicated she had no choice.
When her flat leather shoes were tied, Donnan grabbed her elbow painfully, forcing her towards the door and the men waiting who, until now, she had failed to see. She briefly wondered if they had watched her change before she was pushed through the opening and along the dark corridor.
“’Tis black as the Earl of Hell’s waistcoat,” one of the men mumbled under his breath, until he was told to be quiet by her brother.
Struggling to keep the speed of the men in her light indoor brogues, but being pulled anyway, not a word was exchanged until she was hauled onto a horse.
“Don’t ye think of making a sound,” Donnan hissed at her as he mounted his horse. “Don’t think I won’t kill ye, sister or not.”
By the look in his eyes, she knew he wasn’t joking.
Chapter 12
Ackergill Tower
Aileana’s stomach dropped when Ackergill Tower came into sight as the horses galloped over the glen. Unlike the last time she was taken, they hadn’t stopped to rest their horses. They had travelled all evening, and night. Once inside its thick stone walls, she knew Kameron would have no chance of getting her back. Once again, her fate had been taken out of her hands.
As soon as they entered through the tower gate, into the courtyard, she was pulled off her horse by Donnan. Keeping a hold on her arm, he frog-marched her through the main hall towards the chapel. Her mind raced as she saw her brothers—they hardly stepped inside the church—and her mind refused to absorb what it meant. Her head whipped around to Donnan who still had a death grip on her arm. “Why is there a priest? And why is Ethan, the accountant, here?”
He leaned towards her. “Because ye are marrying him.”
She tried to stop walking further along the aisle, but Donnan would not let her stop. “I cannae.”
“Ye have no choice, sister.”
“But… but—” she searched for something to stop the madness, “I’m nae a maiden. I laid with Kameron MacMahon.” The speed that Donnan stopped had her teeth knock together. He swung her in front of him, holding her by both arms. She tried not to flinch when his nose almost touched hers.
“If ye mention that tae anyone, I’ll kill ye,” he said through gritted teeth.
She didn’t blink, even when spittle accompanied his words.
“If ye say that ye were with him, ye—” he looked towards her stomach, “—and any bastard in there will be killed. Dae I make myself clear?”
Aileana nodded, trying to hold back the tears which threatened. She had no choice.
“After yer wedding, I will talk to our brothers to see what we can say to yer husband. Now, move.”
“We might have a problem, brothers,” Donnan whispered to his brothers while his eyes were glued on Aileana—just in case. He felt both his brothers tense.
“What?” asked Alban.
Donnan rotated his shoulders. “She says she’s coupled with Laird MacMahon.”
“What?” spat out Alban, but tempered his voice when the witnesses in the chapel turned to look at him. “Dae ye believe her?”
Donnan shrugged.
“It could be a way for our sister tae delay her nuptials,” suggested Druce. “If she had said she had coupled with anyone else, it would not matter.” He gave his brothers a side-glance. “Remember, despite what ye think, our sibling is no fool.”
“Aye, she is a canny one. What will we dae?” Alban asked through gritted teeth.
“Naught for now, let them wed. I’ll have a… a chat with Ethan, suggest he keeps her pure until after her first monthly courses.”
“Will ye tell him what she said about MacMahon?” said Donnan.
Druce sighed, did his brothers think him that silly? “Of course not. Remember brothers, ye cannae take her word as gospel. She might be lying to get out of marrying the auld goat.”
Both nodded, and the three of them continued to watch the ceremony.
After it finished, and the priest’s job was done, Donnan took Aileana to one side. “Remember what I said, sister. Don’t breathe a word to Ethan about yer dalliance with that MacMahon.”
“But how can I stop my husband—” she spat out the word, “—wanting tae consummate the marriage?
”
“Druce is having a talk with him now, suggesting that he keeps ye pure until yer courses, as ye have been living with the MacMahon clan. It will stop the gossip.”
Aileana relaxed but didn’t want to show her brother her relief. She snorted and spoke without giving her time tae think, “Gossip? Don’t ye think there will be plenty of gossip with him marrying so quick after his wife died?” She didn’t see his hand raise until it hit her across the face. Tears sprang to her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
“Remember ye place, hoore. Go tae ye husband and keep quiet.” He took a step back, tapping his dagger. “Oh, and his wife didnae die of natural causes.” He laughed before he left her and returned to his brothers at the altar.
“Come with me, wife,” said Ethan, pulling her out of her thoughts. “Tae my house.”
Aileana looked at his white, wrinkled hand on her arm. She shuddered, not concerned if he noticed. When she didn’t make a move to leave, his fingers grasped her arm, surprisingly strong for how bony they looked.
“Move, now,” he said, his lips thinning.
Aileana glanced at her brothers, looking for help, but they turned away. She left with Ethan, letting her tears fall down her face.
****
Once inside Ethan’s small wooden cottage, she heard the click of the lock. Aileana looked around the dimly lit room. It was still daytime outside, although misty, but inside, it felt night-time to Aileana. Scant rays of light penetrated the gaps in the wall slats—the bigger ones were stuffed with turf—but the room was as dismal as the drizzle that frequented the days. Dirt and dust covered every available surface, and it was overcrowded with an assortment of odd chairs which looked not safe, nor comfortable, to sit on. Although there were no livestock living with them, as Ethan was an accountant, there was still a strange, dank smell which required her to put her hand up to her nose. Her stomach churned.