by Gwyn Brodie
She raised a brow. "I've naught else to wear and I'm certainly not going to stand around naked until these dry."
He grinned. "I wouldn't mind."
She tried to keep from smiling. "Nay, of course you wouldn't."
"You can wear my other plaid. 'Tis in my pack. Now, undress or I'll do it for you," he said, then raised a brow. "On second thought, allow me the honor. It'd be most enjoyable, I can assure you—for the both of us."
Even in the dim light of the hut, he saw her blush. "I've no doubt 'twould be, but I think I'll do it myself—this time," she said, removing first her bodice, and then her skirts. After taking off everything but her shift, she said, "This'll dry soon enough."
Water dripped from the hem onto the floor. "Are you daft? That thing will never dry with you wearing it. Now, off with it."
She sighed. "If you insist." Jillian slipped the straps from her shoulders, letting the thin material fall to the floor in a wet heap at her feet. "I hope you're pleased, Kade MacLachlan," she said, placing her wet clothing near the fire to dry.
Kade swallowed hard. "Extremely," he whispered hoarsely. The sight of her with the glow of the flames flickering across her bare skin, showing every hill and valley of her enticing body, was the most erotic thing he'd ever seen. Kade didn't ken how he managed to wrap her in his plaid, without taking her then and there.
He slid his finger beneath her chin, tilting her face up to his. He kissed her forehead, her eyes, her cheeks, and then her mouth. "Jilly, you've no idea how badly I want you right now," he whispered against her lips.
She smiled up at him, and her eyes sparkled with tears. "Kade, I love you so."
"As I do you, lass. We've a long life together ahead of us, with many bairns to bounce on our knees."
"And I'm looking forward to every minute of it," she said then kissed him.
He groaned against her mouth and lifted his head. "As much as I regret leaving you, my fiery wife, I must see to Caesar. When I return, we can continue where we left off. Stay by the fire."
Jillian stiffened in his arms, but she didn't say a word—she didn't have to. The frightened look on her face bespoke her fear. MacRae would pay dearly for putting it there. Kade pulled her against him. "I'll not be long, Jilly, I promise," he said, pressing his lips against her forehead.
She nodded and sat down on the edge of the hearth, pulled the plaid tightly around her and was staring into the fire when he left her.
Kade found a dry place for Caesar beneath what was left standing of an old shed and hurried back inside the crofters hut. Closing the door behind him, he shook the water from his hair. "This storm won't be letting up anytime soon. 'Tis a good thing I remembered this hut or we'd have had to seek shelter beneath the pines boughs. Are you warm enough now, lass?" When she didn't answer him, he glanced across the room. She'd fallen asleep on the floor in front of hearth and the fire was beginning to die down. The dry leaves and twigs had burned up quickly.
After he'd been soaked to the skin for so long, his teeth had started to chatter. He didn't wish to become ill—not when Jillian needed him the most. Looking about for something more to use for firewood, he spotted a broken settle propped against the back wall. Quietly as he could, he snapped it into pieces and added it to the fire. The dry wood quickly caught up and the fire steadily burned. If they were fortunate, it'd last them through the night.
He pulled his rain soaked shirt over his head and spread it along the edge of the hearth to dry beside his boots, but left on his belted plaid. 'Twould dry soon enough if he kept close to the fire.
He sat down on the edge of the hearth, with his back to the comforting warmth of the fire, and watched Jillian. She hadn't moved since he'd returned from outside. Her steady breathing told him she was in a deep sleep. Strands of blond hair framed her face and firelight flickered across her pale skin. Except for the bruise, she looked like a child at slumber. But the lass was no child, he could vouch for that. Her passion burned hotter than the sun.
Trying not to wake her, he lay down on the floor behind her, with his dirk and broadsword within easy reach He unwound a portion of the plaid wrapped around her and covered himself from the waist up. Slipping one arm beneath her head, and the other about her small waist, he gently pulled her back against him. Closing his eyes, he listened to the popping and crackling of the fire and the steady drip of the rain off the old thatched roof. Under different circumstances, with Jillian curled against him in a warm bed, it would've seemed a wee bit of heaven. But if truth be known, any time he held Jillian in his arms it felt that way.
Kade was thankful he'd found Jillian before MacRae had taken her for his own sick pleasure. The tattered condition of her bodice told Kade that he very nearly had. If not for his wife's quick wit, he more than likely would have. Anger raged through him at the thought of MacRae's filthy hands touching her soft skin. If the bastard thought he'd get away with what he'd done to Jillian—and to Sully and Will—he was wrong—dead wrong.
Chapter Fourteen
Jillian woke to birds singing and sunlight spilling across the floor. And to the comforting warmth of Kade pressed against her back and the weight of his arm thrown across her mid-section. Even though they lay on the floor of a ramshackled hut, 'twas so wonderful to have him there, she didn't dare move for fear of shattering the splendid moment. His breathing changed and she realized he'd awakened.
"Morning, lass. Did you sleep well?"
"Aye, I did. I stayed warm and cozy the whole night." She sat up and the plaid slipped down to her waist, offering Kade an unhindered view of her breasts. She quickly pulled it back up.
He cocked his head sideways and grinned up at her. "You're so damn pretty, lass, especially with the morning sun kissing your skin like that."
His words evoked memories of their bodies tangled in a lovers' embrace, and her face heated. She lowered her gaze.
Kade got to his knees and slipped a finger beneath her chin. He gently lifted her face up to his. "No need for blushes, Jilly. I'm your husband, and plan to be for a long, long time."
Jillian gazed up into his dark eyes, thinking how very handsome and dangerous he looked all at once. She was so fortunate to have a man like Kade to love and to love her.
Kade pulled on his boots and rose to his feet. Then helped her up. "There's a small loch just the other side of that hill. I'll take Caesar to drink and bring you water."
"Mayhap I could bathe there. I don't wish to ride into Ravenskull such as I am."
"Aye, if you wish. But I should warn you, the water will be very cold. Perhaps we could bathe together," he said, with a most wicked grin.
Good heavens! Just what did he have in that devious mind of his? No matter. Jillian was certain to enjoy it—whatever 'twas.
She waited until Kade had retrieved Caesar, and with the plaid wrapped tightly around her, she followed him over the knoll. 'Twas a beautiful place, with the loch mirroring the blue sky above, and thick green grass growing right up to the water's edge.
Kade tethered Caesar a good ways down the loch, where the grass grew taller than the rest. He lay down his targe and weapons, the hilts facing the loch where he could quickly grab them if need be. He wore naught but his boots and his belted plaid, and in an instant, they were gone. He slipped into the cold water and disappeared beneath its dark surface, like some mythical creature. Just when Jillian started to worry, his head popped out of the water. He shoved his wet hair away from his face and smiled. "Aren't you coming, lass?" He looked almost sinful.
"Aye, give me but a moment. She let the plaid slide to the ground. His heated gaze never left her as she stepped to the water's edge and hesitated. "I can't swim, you ken." 'Twas quite obvious he could swim like a fish.
He swam to where she stood and reached out his hand. "I'll not let you drown, lass. Trust me?"
Aye, she trusted him. Jillian grasped his hand tightly. She slipped into the loch, shivering as icy tongues lapped at her skin. Holding onto his arms, she let her head dip
beneath the water to cleanse her hair. Without soap to wash it, there was little else she could do. After wiping the water from her face, she opened her eyes to Kade's breathtaking smile.
"You're a vision, Jilly, with your light hair and pale skin against the darker water of the loch." His hands shifted to her waist and he pulled her closer, until their faces almost touched.
Jillian gazed into his expressive eyes. She'd lost herself in their deep, dark and dangerous depths long ago. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He felt so good. Taking her mouth away from his, she moved her hands over the hard muscles of his chest and arms. "I love touching you. I love the way it makes me feel—as if I've had a great deal to drink."
"I too love the way it makes you feel," he said, covering her mouth with his.
She trembled with desire, as his hands moved over her, caressing her back, her waist, the curve of her hips. The stroking of his fingers sent jolts of pleasure through her. "Kade, I need you."
"I ken, Jilly, I ken," he said, slipping his hands beneath her hips and lifting her.
She gasped and instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist.
"Och, you feel so good," he whispered against her mouth. Then her teeth chattered. Kade didn't mind the cold water of the lochs. He'd swam in them often enough as a lad. But the lass was near frozen. "Perhaps we should get you out of this freezing water," he said, swimming on his back and pulling Jillian along with him until they reached the bank. Kade helped her out and then got out himself.
Shaking with cold, Jillian grabbed up the plaid, wrapped it around her and sat down on the grass in the warm sun. Kade spread out his plaid and stretched out beside her. He put his arms around her and pulled her to him.
She lay down at his side and snuggled against him. She shivered. "I'm so-o-o-o co-o-old."
Kade raised himself up on one elbow and grinned down at her. "I ken how to warm you up, lass."
She raised a brow. "What did you have in mind?"
"Well, I'd start with this." He gently brushed his lips against her. "Then this." He nuzzled the base of her throat. "Next, I'd do this." He opened the plaid and kissed the peak of each of her breasts. Then he raised his head, grinning broadly.
Little by little, warmth crept into her body. Jillian liked this game of his. "What would you do then?" She trembled—but not from the cold.
His smiled most wickedly. "Why, this of course." He unwrapped the plaid as if opening a precious gift, and lowered himself over her. "I think you ken what happens next, don't you, lass?" he said hoarsely.
"Aye, that I do," she said, breathlessly. Jillian welcomed him into her body, rising to meet him with an unexpected and uncontrolled passion. Her desire for him overrode all else, and she abandoned herself to the incredible sensations washing over her. Their bodies found the rhythm that bound them together as one, and the world around them ceased to exist. She cried out and a thousand tiny stars shattered before her.
Kade's eyes were dark and filled with need, and his breathing, uneven against her cheek. His lids fluttered shut and he let out a low growl through clenched teeth. Then he shuddered and collapsed on top of her. He lay there trembling, his heart beating like a drum against her chest. "Jilly, my sweet, sweet Jilly," he whispered against her throat, his breath coming in gasps. He moved to lie beside her and wrapped his plaid tightly around them. With his broadsword within easy reach, they were soon fast asleep.
***
Kade was the first to wake, and looked down at the still sleeping Jillian. Pride swelled inside him. She was his and his alone. He gently pushed her hair away and nuzzled her throat.
Her eyes flew open and she smiled up at him. "What a wonderful way to be awakened," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I'll have to remember that." He kissed the tip of her nose.
She shook her head. "Nay, that'll never do, husband of mine." She pulled his head down and pressed her lips against his.
Since the first time they'd made love, Kade had been constantly amazed by the amount of passion she possessed. And he'd never tire of it. He reluctantly took his mouth away from hers. "Once I get you back to Ravenskull—and into my bed—I may not let you leave it for days, but for now, I must be strong." He gave her one last kiss before rising from the ground. "We need to leave this place as soon as you're dressed."
She pretended to pout, and he almost gave in—almost. He put on his belted plaid, pulled on his boots and grabbed up his dirk and blade. Then he helped her up from the grass. Go to the cottage and get dressed. Make certain we don't leave anything behind." He glanced down the loch at Caesar grazing contentedly. I'll fetch him and come along after you," he said, giving her one last kiss before releasing her. He walked to the top of the knoll, watching her until she'd safely entered the crofters hut, then he turned back toward the loch. He smiled to himself. The lass had become as much a part of him as breathing. He strapped on his broadsword and dirk, picked up his targe, and headed down the loch.
As he approached, the horse tossed his head and whinnied.
Kade scratched him behind the ears. "'Tis time for us to leave, lad. With a belly-full of grass, you should be more than ready to run," he said, un-tethering Caesar. As they neared the crofter's hut, a sudden movement to his left caused him to turn. MacRae.
MacRae's blade sliced through the air, coming dangerously close to Kade's chest. He leapt out of the way and went for his broadsword, but before it could clear the sheath, MacRae swung the flat edge of his sword against the side of Kade's head. Stars exploded inside his skull as he sank to the ground, fighting the overwhelming darkness—and losing the battle.
***
Happily humming to herself, Jillian put on her clothing and raked her fingers through her damp, tangled hair. She folded Kade's plaid and went to put it back into his pack. After picking up his shirt, she held it to her nose and smiled. It smelled of sunshine, peat and sandalwood. She hung it across her arm and picked up his pack. Jillian glanced about the hut. The fire had long since gone out. After finding naught else that belonged to either of them, she went outside to wait for him.
She sat down on a mound of soft, green grass and closed her eyes. How wonderful the heat of the sun felt against her face. She was alive. Kade had come for her, just as she'd known he would—because he loved her.
Hearing steps behind her, she rose and waited for Kade to reach her. He was leading Caesar, and the horse kept tossing its head up and down. She'd never seen him act that way before. A cloak covered him from head to toe, and his head was bent. He's wearing a cloak. Where did that come from? Why is he carrying his broadsword? Something is very wrong, a small voice inside her head told her, and she stiffened.
He looked up at her and grinned. 'Twasn't Kade, but Gordon MacRae. A wave of absolute terror washed over her. "Where is Kade?" she asked sharply, trying to hide the fear that threatened to strangle her.
Gordon laughed, sending an icy chill up her spine. "If you mean that savage you married, I took care of him back at the loch."
The sheer evil in Gordon's eyes filled her with fright. Kade, please don't be dead! Trembling, with tears streaming down her face, she choked on a sob and slowly backed away. She had to get to Kade. He needed her—she needed him. He couldn't be dead. He just couldn't be. "I must see to him."
Gordon stepped in front of her. "Forget about him," he sneered. Did you think you'd seen the last of me? Are you perchance wondering why I left you at that shed? The injury you caused my shoulder became infected. I had to find a healer to give me something—or I'd never make it to France. I was certain the cottage owner wouldn't go check on the animals until morning. I couldn't very well take you into the village slumped against my chest, could I? People would ask questions. I never thought you'd wake before my return, but when I came back, you were already gone. I knew you would head back to Ravenskull."
"How did you ken I was with Kade?" she asked, trying to distract him enough to run past him and reach Kade.
; "Och, I didn't. MacLachlan is not the only one who kens of that particular loch. I was going for a drink of water, when I caught a glimpse of the two of you. 'Twas as if fate had suddenly decided to reward me for its earlier mistake. I slipped back into the cover of the wood and watched you disappear inside the hut. Then on foot, I slipped across the field and caught him unaware. I cut him down when he went for his weapon."
Jillian felt ill. If Gordon had killed Kade, she didn't ken what she'd do. He'd become her life's blood. "You're mad," she said, fighting back a flood of tears.
"Nay, not mad, but a genius. One who has had a sudden change of plans."
Jillian knew with a certainty that she was staring into the face of a monster. His eyes darted back and forth like those of a drunkard, but with the brightness of a child who'd discovered a new plaything. A sharp, sliver of fear cut down her spine.
He talked wildly as he came toward her. "I should've taken you that day in your bedchamber—whilst you were yet untouched. Instead, you gave yourself to that savage." He crept closer and closer. "Why him?"
"I've loved him for a lifetime, and he's loved me." She kept backing away, afraid he'd grab her at any moment.
"Love," he scoffed, shaking his head. "Such a useless emotion. Once I toss your body over the nearby cliffs, along with MacLachlan's, there'll be no evidence and no witnesses. The sea will simply swallow you up as if you never existed to begin with. With what's left of my wife's dowry, I'll be able to purchase the services of another garrison. There'll be no one left to stop me from taking the lad, who'll also soon meet his own end. Then, of course, I'll hold the barony and rule as the Laird of Lochstorm. Don't you see how all the pieces are simply falling into place?"
***
Kade's head throbbed, but he forced himself to sit up. The surrounding landscape and sky spun violently around him. He closed his eyes and waited for the dizziness to subside. He touched the side of his skull and his hand came away covered with blood. He glanced around for Caesar. He was gone—along with Kade's sword. It had been removed from the scabbard at his side. At least he had his dirk, still strapped to his belt, and his targe lay where he'd dropped it when MacRae struck him. Climbing to his feet, he took a step and staggered like a drunkard. Jillian. He had to get to her. That thought drove him, as he unsteadily made his way toward the crofter's hut.