With hands above her head as she danced Cairstine dipped in Moira’s direction. His sister’s head fell back as she roared with laughter at the antics. His lips curved at seeing Moira so happy. She too was beautiful and garnered much attention. But like him, her marriage would be arranged.
Several tankards of ale later, Declan finally made his way to where Arabella awaited. He guided the lass to dance as people clapped and tapped their feet to the music. The dance started with partners together and then they circled with hands held. After a few beats, everyone was to turn away from their partner and grasp hands with another, circle about again, and then return to the first partner. They continued on until he found himself holding Cairstine’s hands.
Cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling, she looked up at Declan. A stirring raced through him and he did his best not to miss a step. It proved to be a monumental challenge as she took all of his attention. With a giggle, she took his bicep and turned him in a circle. “One, two, three,” she whispered to him until they returned to where they’d started.
A beat later, he turned to face his partner, annoyed at the pang of disappointment.
No he would not succumb. Arabella pulled his head down so she could whisper in his ear. “Come to me tonight.”
“Where are ye sleeping?”
The saucy wench bit her bottom lip and smiled widely. “Third room on the left, upstairs.”
Once again, they were set to dance away from each other. This time, when he faced Cairstine, he clenched his jaw when she twirled. Instead of holding her hand, he took her waist as they moved and she gasped. “What are ye doing?” she hissed. “Do ye not know how to dance?”
The small waist fit perfectly in his hands and he followed the couple in front of them. “One, two, three,” he whispered in her ear.
Her head snapped to him and their lips almost collided. When his gaze moved to her mouth, the surroundings disappeared. Gracefully, she moved closer and Declan held his breath. He’d kiss her and that would be it because for he could not stop himself if his life depended on it.
She giggled and shoved him back and turned away continuing to dance. Declan once again, faced his partner. Thankfully, Arabella was much too self-centered to have noticed what had occurred. No doubt the woman had been flirting openly with her other dance partner.
Declan looked over her shoulder to the guard who danced with Moira noting the man’s regard of Arabella. Yes, Arabella was as incorrigible a flirt as he was. It mattered not to him as he planned to be with her only one night. There were no emotional ties to the woman, just the need for release.
Once again they circled and he caught sight of Cairstine, his heartbeat quickened when she laughed at something her partner spouted. The man who danced with Cairstine caught his gaze and the man’s brows lifted in surprise.
Declan looked away. He’d not meant to glare.
Chapter Two
“’Twas a wonderful evening ye think?” Cairstine asked the table in general.
Arabella, who’d ignored her up to that point, perked up. “Why, yes, and it will only get better.”
After the cryptic reply, the woman stood and looked over her shoulder toward where a few of the guards remained along with Declan. “I best go rest.” Without looking at anyone at the table, she sauntered away, not appearing a bit tired in Cairstine’s opinion.
She exchanged a puzzled look with her mother. Why would Arabella, who’d just been dancing, suddenly decide to quit the room?
Unlike Arabella, Cairstine had barely been able to keep her eyes open since sitting down. As exciting as it had been to dance, she was exhausted after the long day of travel and cold. Many of the guests had dispersed, but her family would remain until the laird gave them leave. Her father would never allow for the Reids to depart the room until after the laird and his wife did.
There was laughter at the guards’ table. Declan leaned his head back and emptied a tankard of its contents into his mouth. The man would not be up early the next day. Cairstine watched as her brother followed suit and shook her head. Men never seemed to remember the aftereffects of too much ale.
“Mother, should we warn Ethan to stop drinking?”
“Nay,” her mother replied. “It will be punishment enough when I get him up early in the morning.” Her mother’s lips curved at the thought and Cairstine laughed.
“What excuse will ye use?”
“Fresh water or something.” Her mother chuckled and Cairstine had to shake her head. She loved her mother’s playful side. Although when she was the one being taught a lesson, it wasn’t as enjoyable.
The musicians began a familiar song and although it was one of her favorites, Cairstine could barely muster the energy to clap along with the beat as exhaustion settled into her bones. At the high board the laird yawned and his wife leaned in to his ear. The man nodded in agreement to whatever she said.
A few moments later, the laird stood. After the room quieted, he bid everyone a goodnight, thanking them for spending a few days to celebrate the holiday. Arm in arm, the laird and lady walked out followed by another couple. Her da motioned to her mother to come with him.
Cairstine moved to go with them when Declan’s sister came up with another young woman and stopped her.
“Would ye like to go for a walk on the morrow?” Moira asked. “We want to go gather greenery for the tables.”
It was a nice change to her lonely life at home. It was wonderful to have women friends to do things with. Cairstine was sure that part of the reason for the walk was to talk about this night and whatever man caught their fancy.
Although Moira knew about her admiration for Declan, she usually didn’t make Cairstine feel silly about it. Instead, she often shared how she found Ian, one of the guards, attractive and hoped to sneak a kiss from him.
“Aye, I would love to,” Cairstine said. After more small talk, she hugged her friend goodnight.
Just as she reached the stairs Cairstine looked, toward the table where the guards seemed to be in deep conversation now. Her brother caught her watching and nodded in acknowledgement just as his tankard was refilled yet again.
Cairstine rolled her eyes at him and he pretended not to notice.
The men burst out laughing again at something. Once again, Declan’s dark head leaned back as he drank down the contents of his own tankard.
It would be a bad morning, indeed, for them both. She turned and headed up the stairs to the small chamber she’d been appointed. Luckily for her, there were plenty of rooms in the keep and only a few of the visitors were remaining there so she had one to herself next to her parents’ chamber.
Despite shutters being closed, the frigid night air still managed to creep in through the small window making the small chamber cold.
Shivering the entire time, Cairstine lit the fire in the hearth. Inexperienced at it, it took her longer than it should have to do so and the chamber became a bit smoke-filled. It was much to cold to wait for servants who were, no doubt, assisting the laird and other more important guests and would not have time for her as yet.
Finally, after starting the fire, she stood in front of it until enough heat emanated for her to undress.
A picture of Declan came to mind and her lips curved. For the first time ever, she’d actually danced with him. It was for only a short moment, but twice she’d held his hands and even bantered with him. Although he’d probably not remember it, for her it had been delightful.
Even though he’d seemed to be a bit off-step while dancing, the man moved with an unexpected grace for a warrior of his size. She’d been bold enough to take his arm and guide him and he’d taken her waist to do the same later. Her breathing hitched at the thought of Declan’s hands around her waist and she let out a long sigh. Perhaps the next day, she’d get an opportunity to seek him out. Ask how he felt. No that would be silly. She would ask about his plans for the winter.
Biting her bottom lip, she tried to come up with what she’d say. Surely there h
ad to be some point of discussion without sounding like a loon. Asking if he slept well was silly, as the man would no doubt have a headache the next day. Slowly, her lips curved. That was it. She’d find something to soothe his headache.
Delighted at the thought, she hurriedly removed her gown and stripped to a thin chemise. Then she scurried between the covers, shivering at the coolness of the blankets.
However, within moments, the thick blankets warmed her body. Her eyes drooped as she fell into an exhausted slumber.
Through a haze, Cairstine sensed someone in the room. Whoever it was continued from the doorway moving closer and closer. Although a part of her knew it was a dream, her heart raced in expectancy at recognizing the low grumble. It was not the first time she had dreamed of Declan, nor would it be the last. Each time, Cairstine embraced it, welcoming him, even if only an imaginary part of the man she’d always admired.
Suddenly, he was magnificently naked and her breath caught. She fought the sudden urge to awaken. No, she could not allow it. Of all the moments, this one she planned to experience to the fullest. Willing him to come near, she remained frozen, as her limbs did not respond to any commands.
Finally, he leaned over her, his features hazy, the smokiness of the space not allowing her to see him clearly. But it was Declan. There was no doubt in her mind whatsoever.
The bed dipped and his body was instantly atop her, his lips pressing kisses down the side of her neck to her shoulder. So real, so perfect. Cairstine moaned when his mouth found her breast and suckled through the thin fabric of her chemise. His right hand roamed down her side to cup her bottom and lift her up as he pushed between her legs.
“Arrrrebela...” he mumbled as he trailed his tongue back up the side of her neck. “Open for me.”
Cairstine let out a long breath. What was he saying? Once again, she moaned when he pressed a kiss just beneath her ear.
Had he said Arabella?
Why was he saying another woman’s name? Shocked at the new direction of her dream, Cairstine attempted to turn sideways. It was impossible as his entire weight was upon her.
His mouth covered hers. Declan tasted of Ale.
As if cold water was poured over her, Cairstine realized someone was actually in her room. It was not a dream. A man had not only entered her chamber, but was in her bed. And whoever it was, he was completely naked.
A scream ripped from her as she shoved him away with all her strength.
“Be quite, someone will come.” The man’s harsh whisper barely permeated through the banging of her heart and the loud gulps of air as she attempted to catch her breath. And, once again, she screamed.
Slapping and shoving, she finally managed to get him off of her.
“Ugh.” Declan made a sound as he fell to the floor. It was then she realized who he was. Clutching her blankets over her body, she peered down at him.
“What are ye doing here?” they both said at the same time.
Before either could reply, the door burst open. Her father, another man and, lastly, her mother rushed in.
Cairstine’s eyes went wide. Declan groaned and collapsed backward onto the floor, seeming not to care he was naked.
“He’s drunk,” her father said.
“Did he pass out?” the other man asked.
“Darling, are ye all right? Did he scare ye?” Her mother came to her bed. She glanced at the drunken Declan and threw her arms around Cairstine.
“What is happening?” Gordan stood at the door and peered down at his brother.
Declan lay staring up at the ceiling and let out a huff. “I need a drink. Where am I?”
“Come on.” Gordan went to his brother and pulled him up by both arms. “Up ye go.”
“I’m going to be sick, I think,” Declan said to no one in particular.
The man who’d arrived with her father helped Gordan get Declan to his feet while her mother rushed over to tie the tunic around his hips.
Through all this, Cairstine remained in the center of her bed with the blankets clutched to her chest. “I didn’t mean to scream. He scared me.”
“He did more than that,” her father lifted to his toes and placed both fists on his hips. It would have been intimidating except for the fact that he was in a nightshirt without any breeches on.
“What do ye mean?” her mother asked as both Gordan and the other man looked to her father.
Declan seemed more interesting in grinning at her. He gave her a saucy wink. “I kissed ye and I...”
“Enough,” Gordan interrupted. “What say ye?” The Scot’s serious tone made Cairstine look to her mother. The woman remained transfixed, her gaze moving from her husband to Gordan.
“I say,” her father started and then nodded at Declan. “Yer brother will marry my daughter.”
It was as if Declan suddenly sobered by the way he shook off his brother and the other man. “I am not the type to marry.”
For the first time, she saw that her father was not a man to be intimidated. He went almost nose to nose with Declan. “Ye will marry Cairstine. I will not let ye dishonor her by entering her bedchamber for the purpose ye did. If ye are so interested in her, then ye will make her yer wife.”
The room went silent as both men stared at each other. Declan turned a sickly shade of green, took several steps and threw up just outside the doorway.
Chapter Three
It could not be real.
Declan stood before his father in the study his brother beside him. They were discussing how they’d respond to Reid’s ultimatum that Declan marry the lass, Cairstine.
In his opinion, it was much too early for such a conversation. His head pounded and his stomach tumbled in protest of remaining upright.
“Ye will marry her there is no reason not too. Reid is correct in his demand. Ye have no good excuse for entering the room and climbing into the lass’ bed unclothed.” His father’s glare bore into him. “I am without recourse in this and I won’t make enemies of a strong local family because of ye.”
Despite the pounding at his temples, he managed to clench his jaw. “I will do no such thing. It was a simple mistake. I meant to...” he trailed off as the real reason he’d ended up in the wrong room was not any better. “Ye had plans for me did ye not? To marry in a few years when it would be advantageous for our clan?”
His father’s eyes narrowed. There was a slight flare to his nostrils, which meant he was close to losing his temper.
“I had no specific plans for ye, Declan. I wanted ye to marry whoever ye chose. It seems ye have done exactly that.”
His mind raced in hundreds of directions, each ending up at the same dead end. He’d not run away from this nor would he do anything that would dishonor his clan. The disapproval in his father’s face lessened as his eyes met Gordan’s.
“’Tis apparent yer brother was caught while attempting to tup a bonnie lass.” His father’s chuckle made him want to grind his teeth. If not for the headache, he would have rolled his eyes. It was not the time for mirth. Instead of them joking, it would be preferable if they’d join him in finding a way out of the mess he found himself in.
“Can’t ye tell them I’m already betrothed? Or that I am about to go away for many months to fight and may not return?” The last words lost steam as the queasiness in his stomach reached an alarming rate. Surely his face must have turned green because his brother brought over a tub and placed it next to his feet. “Why don’t ye sit down?”
Although the idea had merit, Declan doubted he’d make it more than a step. “I cannot move right now.”
“There is no more to discuss. Take him to his chambers. Or better yet, take him outside to the side garden. Fresh air will do ye good. Tonight, we will celebrate the handfasting.”
At the words, Gordan did not have to do much to assist him outside. Declan raced out of the study, down a corridor, on through the kitchens and to a door leading to a shaded garden. The frosty air would have felt better on his overheated fac
e if not for the need to empty what little there was left in his stomach. He stumbled to a low wall and leaned sideways on it while dry heaving.
There was no one about, which was a good thing. The last thing he needed was noise of any kind.
Finally, Declan was able to move and, ever so slowly, he walked to a bench and lowered onto it. The chill in the air would have normally sent him back indoors but, at the moment, he hoped it would help. Not only did he need to sober up, but also there was also little time to figure out how to get out of a handfasting. There wasn’t any time to spare with being ill disposed.
Despite having drunk so much, he clearly remembered what he’d done the night before. Cairstine had reacted as if she were pleased he was there to begin with. She’d threaded her fingers through his hair and moved beneath him like a woman with desires. If he’d not called her by the wrong name, would she have screamed out?
Having been drunk had dulled his senses. Declan had two rules. Never go to an unwilling woman and never call out a woman’s name. It was dangerous to do so as, in the heat of the moment, one could not help who came to mind.
It was unfortunate that Cairstine had screamed. Just a few more moments and she would have been his. Now, he’d never know what being with her would be like. Even if it would have been a mistake to take the beautiful lass, a part of him had yearned for her and continued to do so.
The fact was puzzling as he rarely gave a specific woman more than a passing thought. If a certain lass caught his attention, Declan always did his best to pursue her. If she was unwilling, then he let the fancy go. It was best not to become emotionally entangled.
That would be a sworn bachelor’s worst mistake. What he’d done was no better, he’d stumbled into the wrong room. No matter how many times he thought on it, it was clear to him that he’d followed Arabella’s directions exactly. The woman had told him the wrong room
Declan's Bride: A Highland Romp Page 2