Leanna ran out and stood by her friend. Down the mountainside, there was a large, stone building that looked supiciously like a castle. Her mind had to be playing tricks on her. It just couldn’t be real. How the hell could there be a castle? It hadn’t been there earlier. All she could do was stand in awe. “You weren’t lying. Keith, are we really in the sixteenth century?”
“I can’t come with you. I must return to the time before I entered the passageway.”
“But where do we go? What do we do?”
“Ask for Masias. He’s my da, and he’ll help you. He’ll protect you.”
Amber and Leanna looked at each other. “I don’t like this one bit, Leanna.”
It started to rain and the girls ran toward the castle.
“This is a dream. I mean, it’s nothing but a dream and we’ll wake up any minute.”
They were soaking wet and it was getting colder. The rain fell from the sky and drenched the two girls. The castle was huge; its gigantic towers hovered over the lands. The descriptive details were that of a true artist. It was exquisite. Leanna was in shock as they approached the entrance. The guards just ignored them as they approached the side entrance. It was almost as if Amber knew where she was going. Both of the girls began to pound on the entranceway. The doors opened after a couple of minutes. An elderly woman dressed in a white gown and matching hat opened the door, muttering, “This better be good. I was just on my way to bed. Did he lock you out again? I tell you, Jewel; you’re about as wild a lass as they come. Now who do you have with you?”
Both girls stopped dead in their tracks. “Does the cat have your tongue, lass?”
Amber put her hands on her hips. “I’m Amber, not Jewel. This is my friend, Leanna.”
The older lady laughed a good hearty laugh. “Always a dreamer, you were. Very well, if you want to play your name game, then I’ll play along. Come inside, Amber, before you get sick.”
They walked into a dark room. It looked as if it was some kind of storage room, a possible pantry. Amber looked at the pans piled high upon the shelves. Amber grabbed the towel from the older woman and began to dry off.
“Now go up to your room and change before you catch a chill. I’ve enough to do around here then to tend to the ill. I tell you now, lass, I’ll a be having a talk with him.”
Amber stopped at the steps. “Where is Keith?”
The older lady just shrugged her shoulders. “Well, both of the boys went to town to get me some spices. They best be getting back soon or I’ll a be tanning their hides.”
Amber looked at Leanna. “We’re not dreaming.”
They moved into the hallway; the walls were covered in furs, paintings of different scenes and fabric panels of many colors. The girls both stared at the beauty.
They began to walk up the large steps, Amber leading. It was as if she knew where she was going. There had been many closed doors, but she walked to the last one down the hall and opened it. They walked in and looked around, and the woman spoke.
“Now, Jewel, I mean, Amber, give your friend some clothing to put on. Tidy yourselves up and get a good night's sleep. I do not want to be hearing you fighting with him in the wee morning hours, either.” With a motherly smile, she left, closing the door behind her
Leanna jumped on the bed. “Amber, this is silk. These draperies are velvet. My God, look at the bed. I can’t believe this is happening.”
Amber was staring at a picture on the wall. “Leanna, check out that picture. It looks like me.”
Leanna turned around and her jaw fell open in surprise. “Oh, my God, she does look just like you.”
The picture was beautiful. A girl was sitting on a bench in a garden. She wore a long green dress with delicate black jewels adorning her neck. Her hair fell in ringlets from a matching clip. Her dress hung off her shoulders and a beautiful brooch of a rose rested on her breast. She was smiling at something...or was it someone?
“Amber, her name is Jewel.”
“Oh, Leanna, he came to New York for me.”
“Great, he’s yours. I finally meet a man that I find extremely sexy, one I would fuck in a heartbeat, and he wants you. Talk about my damned bad luck.”
“I don’t want him. He’s ugly.”
Leanna rolled her eyes at Amber and folded her arms across her chest. “That man is pure sex appeal and nothing about him is ugly...or small.”
“How would you know?”
Leanna blushed.
“Leanna, you better start talking.”
“When he was climbing up on the...well, they don’t wear anything under their kilts.”
Amber couldn’t control her laughter. “Oh, no way, you mean, you saw his thing?”
“It wasn’t just a thing. Girl, the ‘thing’ was huge. I’m telling you he could make a stallion jealous. I’ve never seen anything that big.”
Amber climbed into bed and pulled the covers around her. “So the barbarian has a big dick, who would have figured?”
Leanna climbed into the bed and pulled the covers over her. “Well, he came for you, so I figured I would just warn you.”
Amber sighed. “Not in a million years. He’s ugly.”
Leanna rolled over and thought of him behind her, inside her, beneath her.
Chapter Four
Masias knew that Keith wouldn’t remember. As soon as Jewel returned to the sixteenth century, all was the same as before her murder. She’d been riding with them back from Hounden when the Goathers, a neighboring clan, attacked them. Jewel had been merely along for the ride, but Sasha wanted her dead, had since the night Kolten left her bed, telling her he was in love with another.
Now that things were right, the only problem was Jewel—or Amber—didn’t remember a thing, and now they had another woman here. Both women had the power to capture his sons. He leaned back in his chair and wondered how it would all unravel.
The next morning, Keith walked in with Kolten following behind him. Bess stopped Kolten. “You besta be handing over those spices.”
Kolten glanced toward his father. “Do you allow her to talk to us like that? She’s nothing more then a...”
Bess stomped on his foot. “You best be watching your tongue with me, lad, or I’ll be taking a switch to you.”
Keith sat at the table across from his father.
Masias wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “How was the ride, son?”
“Long and tiresome.”
Bess looked at Kolten and stomped on his foot again remembering the night before. “What did you do to Jewel? She showed up here late last night freezing and with some girl.”
He sat down. “I didn’t do a thing to her. Little brat probably got lost.”
“You’re going to lose that one, Kolten. I tell you, she has a handful of men who will swipe her up in a second if you’re not careful.”
Keith let out a deep chuckle. “Oh, Kolten, you don’t wanna be missing out on her.”
Kolten glared at his brother. “I would rather die an old man alone than be with the likes of her.”
Bess moved out of the way when a young servant came in carrying jam to the table. “You’re full of it, Kolten. You’re just like.”
Masias raised his hand to her. “Do not be bringing me into this conversation.” She walked out, muttering under her breath. He knew she was referring to him, but he didn’t want to hear it. His sons were a lot like him. The truth was, everyone from the servants to the knights knew Kolten had feelings for Jewel.
* * * *
Leanna opened the door and they both walked out into the hallway. She lost herself in the magnificent paintings that hung on the walls; huge, beautiful paintings of Scotland. They were the real masterpieces she had only seen in books.
“I can’t believe this place. I would kill for these paintings.”
Amber sighed. “I’m starving. What I wouldn’t do for an Egg McMuffin.”
They walked down the steps and heard laughter coming from down the hallway. Upon
entering the room, the men stopped talking and turned to the direction their father faced.
Kolten quickly turned back around and continued to eat his breakfast. “It’s just her.”
Keith watched them for a minute, then, when they didn’t move, he spoke up. “Are you going to stand there or are you going to eat?”
Masias pointed to the empty chairs. “Well, come on, ladies, sit and eat.”
They sat down and Leanna immediately looked at Keith. He wasn’t lying, he didn’t know them. There was no recognition in his face. He looked at her as if she was a stranger. She had hoped he would have smiled or spoken to her but his face was blank.
“So who is your friend, Jewel?”
Amber looked at the huge guy sitting across from her. “My name is Amber, not Jewel, and who are you to be talking to me like that?”
“Amber? Oh, so this is your new name.”
“You’re a kick in the side, you know that?”
Amber put some fruit and a biscuit on her plate. “My friend is Leanna, and I’m Amber. Who might you be?”
“I would be Kolten, the one you have wished for since you were born.”
She rolled her eyes. “Wished you weren’t so cocky?”
“What game are you playing today? Why did you run off and get lost? Must I get a chamber maid to baby-sit you in my absence?”
“I’m hardly a child, and I don’t need you doing anything to—or for—me. So don’t speak to me.”
“Don’t try my patience today, lass.”
“Oh, you're scary.”
“Would you two just kiss and make up?” Kolten was about to address Keith when Amber spouted off again.
“I’ll never kiss that big lug. I’ve never in my life met anyone as repulsive as him.”
Keith shook his head in disbelief. “I’ll never understand you two.”
Kolten angrily shoved backwards in his chair. “I need to go and practice with the guards.”
“You really need a bath.”
He walked over to her and pulled her up out of her seat. “Would you like to bathe me, dear Jewel? I’m sure you will learn a thing or two.” He smiled a big cocky grin when she gasped.
“I’ll learn that the bigger on top, the smaller on bottom.”
Keith jumped up and grabbed Kolten. “Come with me before you kill her.”
He let her arms go and took a deep breath. “If only I weren’t a gentleman. If only my father didn’t teach me manners, and how to be a true knight.”
“If only you had a brain.”
Leanna laughed at her friend’s little comment.
“Little children, that’s all you are.” Both Keith and Kolten walked out.
* * * *
She had to be the most pig-headed woman in the world. If he hadn’t had an audience, he would have thrown her on the table and shown her what a real man was.
As soon as they were outside, Kolten stopped and turned to his brother. “One of these days, Keith, I’m going to take that girl to my bed and rach air muin. I’ll show her what a man really is.”
“She’s a virgin, Kolten. Virgins like to tease you. She doesn’t know the dangers of teasing a man. I’m sure the day will come you’ll teach her and make her a woman.” He watched as the two girls followed Bess in the gardens. Bess was talking to them and laughing. “I’m sure Bess is giving them an earful. Oh, that lady would have you two betrothed if it was up to her.”
Kolten shook his head and continued to work out with the sword. His muscles rippled as he swung the sword in the air, either fighting an imaginary enemy or attacking a problem he didn’t want to deal with. He was huge, and showed so much talent, if he'd only learn control.
* * * *
Leanna watched as Bess walked off. “I’m so happy right now I could die.”
Amber turned to her. “Why?”
“Because it’s you that Keith came for, but not for him. It seems you and Kolten have something going on.”
“I would never be with that barbarian. He’s downright rude and he’s so obnoxious.”
Leanna laughed, she could sense the attraction her friend felt for Kolten. “Well, for someone so disgusting, you haven’t taken your eyes off him for the last five minutes.”
“I’m not watching him.”
She smiled. “Better watch your step with him, dear lass.” She mimicked Bess. “He’ll take you to his room and tup you.”
“And what the hell is tup?”
Leanna sat down on the bench. “It’s sixteenth-century talk. It means screw, fuck, make love, have sex, womp, get it on, makin' bacon or as they say, faigh muin.”
Amber raised her hand to stop her friend. “I get what you mean. Sometimes I wish you knew a bit less history.”
A few of the knights began to circle around Kolten and Keith as they sparred with each other. Amber and Leanna watched as they went back and forth with their swords. Their pecks were bronzed, tight and strong. Sweat flung off their bodies as they moved in a routine protecting themselves from the other. It was quite erotic to watch.
“My God, Amber, they’re magnificent.”
The size of the two men was outstanding. Men in the twentieth century could never surpass them. The color of their skin was almost bronzed. They both had long hair; Keith’s past his shoulders and Kolten’s hung to his exquisite ass, though most of the time they had it tied back. They wore tartans and their broad, muscled torsos were bare. Kolten had a scar on his side that shone brightly against the tanned flesh. Almost mystically, they moved with ease as they went back and forth. The two brothers were everything a highland warrior should be.
They set their swords down as Masias approached to speak with his sons. Kolten and Keith laughed at their father, and he walked off, shaking his head. Leanna wished she had been able to hear what they had been talking about.
Bess came over to the girls. “Lasses, we don’t have all day. We must get you ready for the ball. The Lord is coming for dinner tonight. Now you, young lady, must be nice and cordial tonight. No fighting with Kolten.”
“The Lord? What Lord?”
Bess laughed. “Oh, dear lass, you must have hit your head. Why, Lord Darnley, of course. He will be here soon. Come with me, ladies.”
As they passed Keith and Kolten, the brothers stopped talking.
Kolten flashed Amber a big smile. “So, Bess, are the lasses coming tonight or do they have a bedtime?”
Amber extended her middle finger at Kolten. Leanna controlled her laughter. There was no way Kolten could have known what Amber meant when she flipped him off. The confusion showed on his face.
“What does that mean, girly?”
Amber waited till Bess walked in. “It means screw you.”
“I would, but we have no time, dear. That would take all night, and the Lord wants to see me.”
“It wasn’t an offer, you creep.”
“The thought of me kissing you and teasing you with my tongue drives you mad, doesn’t it, young Jewel?”
Leanna pulled Amber inside. “Oh, my God, Amber, you better stay away from him or he’s going to take you.” While it was amusing to see them argue and carry on, she knew Amber had no idea what she was getting herself into. She would have to keep those two apart.
Bess yelled down the stairs. “Would you lasses hurry up?”
They both went upstairs to their chambers to change.
“Can you believe we’re going to meet the Lord? Amber, I’ve read about him in the history books. This is so exciting.”
Leanna gasped as the dresses were brought in. “Oh, heavens, look at them. These are Keith’s colors. I see him wearing them.” The dress she drooled over was long; the material was velvet and the richest purple she had ever seen. The other, that Amber would wear, was the exactly the same but an emerald green in color.
A group of chambermaids began to fuss over the two girls. Leanna enjoyed the attention, but still in the back of her mind she wondered what Amber was thinking. Did she really hate the gu
y or was it a ruse?
A young chambermaid began to help Amber dress. Amber looked upset.
“How the hell are you supposed to put your tits in these things?”
Leanna sucked in her gut as her laces were tied tight around her waist. “A woman was supposed to show a lot of cleavage. It was just a male thing.”
Amber situated her tits to fit in the dress, somewhat awkwardly. “This dress is heavy. What I wouldn’t give for my mini dresses at home.”
“At an event like this, your hair must be down and curled.”
For hours, they were fussed over. Bess was in and out of the room all day. Servants hustled and bustled all day preparing the castle for the Lord. Once Amber and Leanna were bathed, dressed, hair curled and the final touches were done, they heard a tap at their door and Masias entered. “Oh, what beautiful lasses you are.”
He held out his hands, and the girls took them and walked with him into the hallway. “I’ll announce you.”
They walked down the steps and the whole room grew quiet.
“Lord Darnley, this is Jewel Monticello and her cousin Leanna.” The girls curtsied, but didn’t argue at the names. They just smiled as the Lord walked over and kissed their hands. Amber liked him right off, but could sense his lady-killer ways from the start.
“It’s my pleasure to meet both of your lovely ladies.”
He turned to Keith and Kolten. “Now I see why I can not get you two to join my army.”
Smiling at Masias, the Lord winked. “So is either one of them betrothed, or are they free for the taking?”
Masias gently released their hands and walked to the table. “These are my gems, Lord Darnley. They’re not yet betrothed, but they’re not for the taking, either.”
Turning to Amber, the Lord seemed to ignore Masias. “Have you ever considered being a queen?”
Kolten walked over. “She does not wish to be a queen.”
He pulled out her chair and she sat down.
Kolten quickly sat next to her. “Quit smiling at him.”
The Willing Warrior Page 4