by Gwyn Brodie
Beneath a Highland Moon
Gwyn Brodie
After her clan's castle falls under siege, the fair-haired Lady Jillian MacRae finds a way to escape with her four-year-old brother, seeking help from the handsome Kade MacLachlan, laird and master of Ravenskull Castle. Four years past their love had been strong—until her father betrothed her to another man who was later killed. Now, it is Kade she turns to for help in regaining control of her own castle from the wicked man who has taken over and intends to marry her. Once she is again face-to-face with Kade, she realizes the love she thought she'd put aside is alive and thriving.
Kade is speechless when the beautiful Jillian offers herself to him in exchange for protecting her young brother and banishing the intruders from her castle—an offer he is more than willing to accept. He has no intention of allowing her to slip through his fingers again. And when her life hangs in the balance, he will not let anything—or anyone—stop him from saving her, even as his own life dangles by a thread.
Beneath a Highland Moon
By Gwyn Brodie
Copyright 2013 Gwyn Brodie
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Dedication
To my husband, Michael, who has stuck beside me through thick and thin.
To my friend, Vonda, who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.
Beneath a Highland Moon
By Gwyn Brodie
Prologue
Scottish Highlands, April 1598
High winds roared along the glen, whipping heavy, snow laden branches of the great pines back and forth. Their limbs crackled and popped under the weight, and eighteen-year-old Lady Jillian MacRae feared that sooner or later one of them would come crashing down upon them. She shivered against the severe cold and drew the wool plaid tighter around her. She glanced over at her mother, heavy with child, riding beside her. Her complexion appeared pale against the blowing snow. Jillian worried about her having to travel in such harsh conditions.
For the past few weeks, Jillian, her parents, along with four maids and seven guards had been visiting with her mother's clan near Perth. The skies had been clear and blue when they started on their journey home, then had quickly changed. Winds grew stronger and the snow began to fall. The further they traveled into the Highlands, the worse the weather became. Snow steadily fell, and with the force of the wind, their visibility lessened to nearly naught. The drifts rose higher and higher, until they now almost reached the underbellies of the horses.
A few feet in front of Jillian, her father raised his hand and their party stopped. "I fear greatly for our safety," he shouted above the howling wind, "especially that of my wife. As soon as we reach MacLachlan lands, I intend to request hospitality at Ravenskull Castle."
Jillian's stomach fluttered. Kade. He'd kissed her once—three years ago. It'd been her first kiss and the memory of it remained as fresh in her mind as yesterday. His irresistible smile and devilish grin had turned many a Highland lass's head—including Jillian's.
Ravenskull loomed up before them, its massive walls of dark stone a strong contrast against the surrounding snow covered mountains.
Her father spoke with the guards at the gate, and after receiving permission from Laird MacLachlan, they were allowed entrance, and headed down to the stables.
Laird MacLachlan met them there. "Och, Angus, glad you stopped here. 'Tis no fit weather for man or beast."
"Much thanks, Adair, for your hospitality. I'm afraid we would never have been able to make it all the way to Lochstorm, especially with Margaret in such a delicate condition."
When they entered Ravenskull, the warmth wrapped around Jillian like a thick, wool blanket. She brushed away the snow from her cloak, her gaze darting about the room in search of Kade. For the past three years, twenty-one-year-old Kade MacLachlan had been studying at the university in Edinburgh and traveling throughout France. Jillian couldn't be certain that he was even at Ravenskull at the moment.
She followed her mother across the room, past the many servants and members of the MacLachlan clan gathered there, along with the MacRae party. They took a seat on an oak settle positioned close to the fire. She rubbed her hands together before the flames, hoping to relieve the numbness and tingling in her fingers brought on by the cold.
Kade came across the room toward them, and her heart raced. Never would she have believed he could have changed so much in the three years since she'd last seen him. He'd grown several inches taller and his long, dark hair hung loose about his shoulders. The belted plaid he wore accentuated his slender waist and gave her a glimpse of his muscular calves. A white, linen shirt hugged his back and chest, emphasizing his broad shoulders. She'd not thought it possible, but he was even more handsome, in a sophisticated sort of way. The very sight of him stirred a yearning in her she didn't understand.
After speaking to Jillian's father, who sat drinking mead alongside Laird MacLachlan, Kade turned to where Jillian and her mother sat. "Lady MacRae, Lady Jillian," he greeted them. "I welcome you both to Ravenskull." His voice was velvet-edged and strong—and much more refined than she remembered.
Her mother smiled. "Much thanks, Kade. Pray pardon, if you please. I see your mother coming this way and wish to thank her for allowing us this intrusion into her home," she said, meeting Lady MacLachlan half-way across the room. Jillian and Kade were left alone. Suddenly feeling very awkward, she wondered what she should say, or if she should say anything at all.
"Lady Jillian, may I join you?" Kade asked.
"Aye, of course." Jillian's heart hammered in her chest.
He sat down in the spot her mother had vacated, and turned to look at her. "Are you cold still? I'll be more than happy to fetch a blanket if you are."
"Nay, that's very kind of you, but I'm now quite warm," she said, shoving the hood of her cloak from her head and leaving her hair to spill down over her shoulders. She stole a glance at his face. He watched her intently. Her gaze dropped to his mouth, bringing the vivid memory of his lips touching hers the last time they were together. She quickly looked away.
"Come everyone, 'tis time to eat," Laird MacLachlan said, seating his wife in the chair beside him. "We have the MacRaes as our welcomed guests," he announced to his clan and other guests "They'll more than likely be at Ravenskull for at least a few more days, if the way the snow is steadily falling is to be an indication."
Kade rose to his feet. "May I take you to our table, Lady Jillian?"
"Aye, of course," she said shyly.
Taking her hand he helped her up. The touch of his fingers against hers sent a warming shiver through her. She accepted the arm he offered, and they headed toward the high table. The muscles of his arm felt near hard as stone beneath her hand and her pulse beat wildly.
From her seat, Lady MacLachlan appointed places to each of her guests. "Lady Jillian, sit here next to me, and Kade, beside her."
Once everyone had been seated, Laird MacLachlan nodded to Father McTavish to proceed with the blessing.
With her head bowed, Jillian glanced sideways at Kade, who happened to be at that moment looking at her. When their gazes met, he winked. She quickly closed her eyes tight, not daring to open them again until everyone said, "amen."
They shared a trencher, and when they reached for the same hunk of bread, his fingers brushed against hers. She quickly jerked her hand away.
His face split into a wi
de grin. "You're a wee bit jumpy, Jilly," he whispered, "I promise I'll not bite you, lass—unless you ask me nicely."
Jillian wasn't certain what he meant, but the tone of his voice, and the way he'd said it, caused a strange sensation to spread over her. "Kade MacLachlan, I'd never ask you to do such a thing," she managed to whisper back.
His dark eyebrows arched mischievously. "Och, never say never."
***
Kade poured himself a second dram of whisky and drained the goblet. He couldn't get Jilly off his mind. She'd walked into Ravenskull two days ago and taken him over, both mind and body. Not only that—she'd taken over his dreams. She'd shoved the cloak from her head when she'd first arrived, and taken his breath away. Her beauty had hit him like a kick to the gut. She'd always been a pretty lass, but she had blossomed into a young woman of tremendous beauty. Her eyes were the same color as a still loch reflecting the blue sky above. How he ached to run his fingers through her long, blonde hair, and bury his face in it. It would smell as sweet as a Highland rose—Kade was certain of it. He'd noticed the intoxicating scent the moment he'd sat down on the settle beside her. And those full lips of hers. They were perfectly made for kissing, and he wanted to be the one to kiss them. Kade stood up from the chair. 'Twas late, but no matter. He had to see her.
***
Jillian had just crawled into bed, when someone softly knocked. Perhaps 'twas her mother come to tell her good-night. She opened the door. Kade.
He stood in the doorway, the scent of whisky on his breath. "Might I come in?" he asked, his voice low.
She hesitated. No man, other than her father, had ever stepped foot inside her bedchamber.
"I ken 'tis late, Jilly, but I must see you. I promise it won't take long."
The look in his eyes begged her to allow him entrance. She couldn't refuse. Jillian stepped aside.
He hurried into the room, locking the door behind him.
"If my father finds you in here, there's no telling what he might do."
"Aye." He nodded, but I had to see you."
Jillian shivered.
He moved closer to her, his gaze settling on her lips. "Jilly, you make me daft. I'm as a thirsty man in need of a drink, and I'm afraid the only thing that will quench my thirst is a taste of you."
Her knees trembled and her heart raced.
He leaned down and gently brushed his lips over hers.
She closed her eyes, savoring the amazing sensation. Then he covered her mouth with his, devouring her. He tasted of whisky and smelled of sandalwood.
Slipping his arms tightly around her, he pulled her closer, softly moaning.
Her whole body feverish, she clung to Kade's shirt as she returned his kisses. His muscles felt hard beneath her fists and she yearned to touch him. Jillian let go of his shirt and ran her hands over his chest, his shoulders, his back. What was wrong with her? She could barely breathe.
He lifted his mouth away, leaving her wanting more kisses.
"Och, lass," he whispered against her throat, "I must leave you now or I'll not be leaving you at all this night." He kissed her one last time before her bedchamber door closed between them.
Jillian still trembled as she slipped beneath the covers, certain she'd get little sleep. Her whole body felt strangely different—more alive, all because of those marvelous kisses of his. Jillian knew she'd have been considered wanton if they'd been found out, but she wished he'd not left so soon. She'd never realized how much she might enjoy kissing and being kissed.
***
Kade stepped out of Jillian's bedchamber and immediately spotted Shaw, a good friend, and a MacLachlan guard, standing in the corridor. He'd obviously seen Kade leave Jillian's bedchamber. Shaw grinned broadly and gave him the signal that all was clear. Kade nodded his thanks and hurried back to his room. Once inside, he breathed a sigh of relief and grabbed up the whisky bottle, pouring himself another dram.
He'd believed that if he kissed her, he'd be satisfied—he was wrong. It had but whetted his appetite for her. And the way she'd passionately returned his kisses with a need that surprised Kade, had fueled his already heated body. When her hands moved over him, he knew he had to stop—before 'twas too late. As much as he hated leaving her, it couldn't be helped. Even now, he wanted her so badly that every part of him ached. She would be his. For Kade couldn't stand the thought of anyone else touching her.
***
The MacRaes had been at Ravenskull for over a week, when the snow storm finally blew itself out and the skies cleared. At supper that evening, Jillian's father announced they would be leaving for Lochstorm the following day—and her heart sank.
After the night Kade had come to her bedchamber, he'd decided it better he not return—for her sake—he'd said. But that hadn't kept them from being with one another during the daylight hours. In fact, they'd shared kisses in every nook and cranny of Ravenskull. But the more they shared, the more they wanted—and no longer just kisses.
The pale light of the full moon illuminated Jillian's bedchamber. Unable to sleep, she decided to go down to the MacLachlan's library and choose a book to bring back to her room. Lighting a candle from the still glowing embers of the fire, she pulled on her slippers, wrapped her cloak about her and quietly slipped out into the cold corridor. Jillian had gone no more than a few feet when she heard the sound of footsteps behind her. Her first thought was to hurry back to her bedchamber and lock the door, and then a familiar deep voice whispered her name. Kade. An instant wave of excitement washed over Jillian. She stopped and waited for him to catch up to her.
"I'm glad you're awake, lass," he whispered, smiling down at her. For the past hour, I've been trying to decide whether I should risk knocking on your bedchamber door and wake you, or wait until morning to talk with you. Either way, I didn't want you to return to Lochstorm without us having a private word."
Whatever was he talking about?
"Come with me," he said, offering her his arm.
She took it, feeling the familiar and enticing warmth of his body beside her. "Where are we going?" Not that Jillian cared—not when she'd be with him.
Without answering her, he opened the door to the solar and led her inside, then closed the door behind them. The room was in complete darkness, until Kade threw open the window coverings, allowing the light of the full moon to flood the room.
Standing in the center of the floor, Jillian began to have second thoughts about allowing him to bring her there. The kisses between them had grown more and more passionate over the last few days. The night he'd come to her bedchamber, he'd left after kissing her but a short while. He later confided he'd been near to losing control. What exactly did he mean? What would have happened had he stayed? What was about to happen now? A gust of excitement swept through her. She looked up into his handsome face, and any doubts she might have had disappeared, only to be replaced by the thrill of being there—alone with him. Aye, it would be deemed unseemly, but Jillian didn't care. Any time spent with Kade was precious to her. Even so, her nerves began to get the better of her and she walked to the window. She gazed out over the countryside, bathed in moonlight and wrapped in deep snow like a thick blanket of pristine, white wool.
Kade came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, gently drawing her back, until she was pressed against the length of him.
She should go. Her heart pounded and her breathing quickened, but she didn't step away. She didn't want to. Closing her eyes, she savored the incredible feel of his body next to hers, and the smell of his familiar sandalwood scent.
He gently turned her about, until she faced him. Sliding his finger beneath her chin, he tilted her face up to his. "Och, lass," he whispered, his breath warming her cheek. "How beautiful you are with the moonlight kissing your skin like that, and how I've dreamed of seeing you clothed in naught else."
Jillian's face heated at his intimate words. Before she had a chance to tell him he shouldn't be saying such things, his mouth covered hers hungr
ily. The few kisses she'd experienced in her young life were naught compared to Kade's kisses, and as always, Jillian never wanted this one to end. She ran her fingers through the silky stands of his long, dark hair, and then clasped her hands together at the back of his neck to keep the weakened state of her knees from sending her sliding to the floor. She didn't realize he'd unfastened her cloak until it lay gathered at her ankles. Now, the only thing that stood between him and her bare skin was a thin shift, which he'd already seen her in once—the night he'd come to her room. She shivered.
Kade suddenly murmured an oath beneath his breath. After retrieving the cloak from the floor, he swept her, weightless, into his arms, and set her down on the settle beside the still flickering fire. He added peat until the flames leapt to life. "I'm sorry. I should've done this sooner. You're near frozen," he said, wrapping the cloak tightly around her. "I shouldn't have brought you here."
Jillian couldn't bear to hear the anguish in his voice. "'Tis naught for you to be sorry about."
He looked at her for a moment, studying her face, and took her hands in his, sending a rush of sudden warmth through her.
"You wouldn't say that," he whispered, "if you knew what I'd truly like to do to you right here, right now, with the light of the fire dancing along your bare skin, with only the moon to see. I've dreamt of naught else since you walked through the doors of Ravenskull a few days ago."
Not wishing him to ken how his words had affected her, she turned and stared into the crackling flames. Jillian was much too inexperienced to ken exactly what he spoke of, but she knew enough to at least guess a part of it.
"Och, now I've gone and upset you," he said, drawing her once again into the circle of his arms. "I care very much for you, Jilly, and I think you care for me. Am I wrong to believe so?"
She placed a hand on each side of his face. "Nay, Kade, you're not wrong. I care very deeply for you as well." In fact, she cared so deeply that the thought of leaving Ravenskull the next day saddened her greatly.