Borderland Bride

by Samantha Holt

  “You fooled me, lass, here I thought I was going to have an easy game.”

  Isabel shrugged nonchalantly but Jake could tell she was pleased with herself.

  Another game?

  “Would that I could, but ‘tis late. You are meant to be resting and I have duties to attend to on the morrow.”

  It was not a lie, but Jake knew he could perform them competently on little sleep. What he could not do was remain in this stifling, candle-lit room with the temptation of Isabel’s perfect rosy lips any longer.

  The flicker of disappointment in her expression sparked a sensation in his gut. It was not for him. She was bored, that was all. He was just a distraction.

  Christ, she was a distraction.

  Gathering up the chess pieces, he tucked them into the table drawer before placing it back in the corner of the room. Aware of her gaze following him about the room, his skin tingled.

  Jake stepped over to her bedside and she stared up at him, her eyes wide. He gulped. They begged him to take her in his hold and kiss her until she was breathless. Don’t be a fool.

  “Thank you for a good game, lass. I’ll have to work on mine.” He paused. “I…I could read to you tomorrow…if you’d like.”

  Isabel nodded eagerly and Jake expelled a breath.

  “Mayhap I could show you a few words. Help you learn some.”

  She beamed at him and reached her hand out to him. I’d like that.

  Taking her offered hand, he bent over and brushed his lips across her fingers. His lips burnt and he dropped her hand sharply. Isabel clutched her hand to her chest and stared at him. Was it possible she had felt the same thing?

  Shaking himself from his thoughts, he gave her a curt bow. “Good night.”

  Good night.

  Jake turned quickly, his heart racing, and strode out of the room. With a muttered curse, he tore down the steps and out into the bitter night air. Stopping for a moment, he inhaled deeply.

  He was falling for her. Nay… hell’s teeth, he had already fallen for her.

  ~* * *~

  Hurrying from the armoury, Jake cursed. It was not the first morning he had arisen late. He pulled a hand over his face and pushed past a cart as he made his way to the hall. Apparently, Isabel not only haunted his every waking hour but his every sleeping one too.

  Damn fool. He should never have volunteered to help her with her reading. It meant dark, candlelight evenings spent in close confines. It meant leaning over her to help her make out a word. It meant reading aloud, aware of her eyes following every word that fell from his lips.

  Of all the mornings to sleep in. Jake had spied the physician leave that morning and he wondered what he had to say. He’d forced himself to stroll casually to the armoury and prepare for the day but all he longed to do was dash up to Isabel’s chambers and demand to know how she was. His pace quickened as he neared the hall, anxious to speak with Dominic so he could check on her.

  Taking the steps in one stride, he hauled open the heavy door. A bundle of silk and lavender slammed against his chest and he staggered back.

  “Isabel!”

  She swept a wisp of hair from her face and gave him a coy smile. My lord.

  Jake trailed his eyes over her, starting at the top of her head and following the embroidered lines of her gown to her toes before darting back up to her face. Shaking his head, he bowed. “What are you doing? Did I hurt you? Forgive me, I did not know…”

  She shook her head. The physician…

  “You are well? ‘Tis good news. I am pleased for you, lass.”

  He dragged a hand through his hair. God’s blood, she was more exquisite than he’d thought. She was tall for a woman, and incredibly fine boned. Her hips curved gently and he suspected he’d be able to span her waist with both hands. He had held her enough times, he should have realised this, but to see her stood in front of him, on display…Lord, she was astounding.

  Isabel kept one hand tucked behind her back and he frowned. What was she hiding? The familiar dart of anger speared through him. Women were not to be trusted.

  “What do you have there?” he asked as casually as he could.

  She licked at her lips, a bloom of colour filling her cheeks. Bringing her hand around, Isabel thrust a book forward, drawing her chin up and fixing him with a bold stare, daring him to mock her embarrassment.

  Ack, a book. She was hiding a book. Jake swept a hand across his brow. He should have known Isabel was not capable of deceit.

  Practice, she mouthed.

  “Aye, of course.” He glanced at the title. “King Horn…you like Scottish heroes, do you, lass?”

  Isabel opened her mouth and closed it again, shrugging. I knew not…

  “I’ll have to watch you don’t run off with a Scottish reiver. They would think you a fine prize, no doubt.”

  Isabel arched an eyebrow at him.

  God’s teeth, he’d offended her. If he could but keep his clumsy mouth shut. “I just meant…you’re a fine looking lassie, ‘tis all.”

  Her eyes softened and she let a smile slide across her face. Thank you.

  Dominic caught Jake’s eye from behind her as he gave a slow shake of his head and a taunting grin. Jaw tightening, Jake glowered at him. Isabel peeked over her shoulder and then back at Jake with a frown.

  “I’ll not keep you from your practice any longer. Good day, Isabel.”

  Good day, she paused to rest a hand briefly on his arm, forcing his gaze to hers, Jake.

  His heart rebounded against his ribs. If she had spoken his name, it could not be more powerful. His gaze followed her graceful form as she stepped carefully down the steps and wove her way through the bustling courtyard. What little self-control he had left, she had just unravelled with the mere movement of her lips.

  ~* * *~

  Sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, Isabel observed the lively daily routine of Thornewall. Dominic was busy attending to a dispute between neighbours in the Great Hall and, though outside, she could hear the peasants' raised voices. Isabel chuckled silently. A pig had escaped and wrecked his neighbour’s fence. Winnie had been awash with excitement when it had happened. Isabel shook her head. For all the talk of the notoriety of the borderlands, she had witnessed little evidence of its barbarity. Life in Northumbria was certainly no worse than the south.

  However, she had yet to experience the ruthlessness of the border reivers. Winnie had told her a little and Isabel had learned a few of the more important families had lost husbands and wives, never to be returned even upon payment of the ransom. Not to mention the livestock that had gone missing.

  She supposed her own experiences could be considered terrifying, but the great walls of Thornewall had all but erased any lingering fears. That, and the attentions of a certain lord. Tilting her head, she could still hear the neighbours arguing. Nay, she did not envy Dominic.

  A figure on top of the battlements caught her eye and she realised it was Jake. Fully armoured, he took her breath away. He towered over everyone, a commanding presence. Seeing him as a warrior induced her womb to clench. Some primitive need teased at her, setting her senses alight.

  Isabel could feel her mouth part as his head snapped around abruptly. She could not see his eyes clearly but she knew they were on her. An invisible connection burnt through the winter air. Come to me, come to me, come to me, she chanted.

  Turning abruptly, he strode along the wall and sprinted easily down the steps. She spied his hand curl over the pommel of his sword as he approached her and her feet twitched. Hurry up. Lord, she was pathetic. She practically craved his company.

  “Isabel.”

  Her name melted over her, rich and silky, and she curled her toes as a heaviness surged directly to the juncture of her thighs.

  Dipping her head, Isabel took him in, leisurely tracing the outline of his strong legs to the tousled cut of his chestnut hair. Her cheeks warmed until she realised he was doing the same to her. Her nipples peaked against her bodice and
she clutched her mantle around her.

  “Are you cold, lass? You should not be out here if it will make you ill again.”

  Nay. I like it here.

  Jake peered down at her for a moment with a twist of his lips.

  Patting the bench, Isabel fixed him with her eyes. Just for a moment?

  He hesitated, throwing a glance around the bailey, before carefully easing his great form onto the bench.

  They both watched as a peasant stormed from the hall, muttering curses.

  Jake shook his head with a smile. “Dominic has had his hands full today.”

  Always busy.

  “Aye, that he is. I could think of no better man for it, though. His even temper makes him well-suited to the role.”

  Unlike you? she asked with a grin.

  “You’ve not seen my temper yet, Isabel, and I pray that you do not.”

  You’ve seen mine.

  “That I have. But mine is naught like yours. Few men can tolerate my temper and no woman ever has.”

  He scowled, his eyes clouding over and Isabel studied him. She realised where his thoughts went when that cloud of sadness came over him.

  Your wife?

  Jake’s frown deepened and she reached out tentatively, brushing her fingers over his brow.

  You’re thinking of your wife?

  He stared at her, opening his mouth briefly before clamping it shut. Jake rubbed at the spot she had touched before turning and bringing his elbows to rest on his knees.

  Isabel waited, noting the tension running through his body. He looked as if he wished to take off and she chewed at her lip. Mayhap she should not have said anything, but curiosity got the better of her. And she couldn’t stand to see what the painful memories did to him. Had he ever shared them with anyone? Dominic mayhap, but knowing Jake, he would not wish to burden him with his problems.

  “Aye,” He sat up quickly but his gaze remained fixed ahead, “I was thinking of my wife.”

  Isabel let her fingers rest lightly on his arm and he darted a look of surprise at her.

  Tell me.

  He sighed and watched her fingers as they played absently with a link of his chainmail.

  “I was some nineteen years when we married. ‘Twas an arranged marriage, but she was a beautiful woman…”

  Isabel’s heart squeezed as a rush of jealousy flooded through her but she quickly cast it aside. Selfish, Isabel.

  “…and she seemed dutiful. I thought myself in love with her, but I was not fit to be a husband. I was young and foolish and knew not how to behave around a noble woman. Jane hated me from the very beginning and there was naught I could do about it.”

  Carefully laying his hand on top of hers, he lifted his gaze to hers and Isabel drew in a breath. The heat from his rough palm distracted her fleetingly from the pain that glittered in his dark eyes.

  What happened?

  “She distanced herself from me and I spent much time in Thornewall. Her moods became unpredictable and she was aggressive, striking out at the servants and villeins alike. I tried to speak with her, to find out the cause of her sadness, but she would have naught to do with me. We lived as strangers for nearly four seasons. I should have tried harder…I should have…done something.”

  She died, did she not?

  “Aye, ‘twas a senseless waste. She flew into a rage one day, claiming to be trapped by me, by our marriage. I tried to calm her but she would have none of it. She was crazed and I feared her harming herself so I attempted to take her to her chambers but Jane…well, no doubt you have been told.”

  She hurt you.

  “Aye, stabbed me and fled the castle. I was lucky to live. The wound was deep and I fought infection for many days. When I had recovered, Jane remained missing. I led a search myself and we finally found her in a filthy stable. She was dead. Along with the babe in her belly. The babe had tried to come early…far too early for she had no rounded belly yet, and had killed them both.”

  Isabel put a hand to her mouth as hot tears welled in her eyes. Jake…

  “‘Twas not mine. We had not lain together since our wedding night. I know not who the father was, but only that it was a senseless waste. If she had but trusted me…I would not have allowed the babe to be born a bastard.”

  Isabel nodded. Whatever response she could come up with would surely do little to comfort him. How she wished she could express the sorrow she felt. It was clear Jake continued to carry the burden of their deaths.

  Not your fault.

  Jake remained quiet as he studied her fingers pressing soothingly over his skin before meeting her gaze.

  Marry again? She forced herself to ask, even as she chided herself for her curiosity. The question bubbled inside of her and she had to know. More than anything, she wanted to understand this perplexing man.

  Jake gave a depreciative laugh, pulling his hand from hers. “I have proved myself an ill husband. I would not inflict that upon another wife.”

  Isabel scowled at him. Nay, you are a fine man. Do you not wish for babes?

  “Every man does, but ‘twill not happen. I am grateful my father is not alive, for it would surely have killed him to know that his lands will fall to the crown eventually.” Jake paused, shaking his head. “How is it that you know everything about me, lass, and yet I know naught of you?”

  Isabel laughed silently. You know me.

  “Aye,” he murmured wistfully. “I suppose I do.”

  His large hand extended forward and skimmed over a curl at the base of her neck. Isabel’s head swam as their gazes remained locked. His eyes were warm, the sorrow seemingly banished. The back of his finger brushed against her skin as he rubbed the curl between his finger and her breath quickened as Jake leant forward.

  The clatter of chainmail made him jump back and they both turned to watch Dominic approach.

  “My lady.” Dominic dipped his head to her. “‘Tis good to see you up and about, Izzy. Though you look a little flushed. Has my brother been tiring you?”

  Nay, not at all.

  Dominic glanced over at Jake. “‘Tis time for weapons practice, Jake, or had you forgotten? Though I do not blame you for being distracted by our beautiful Izzy.”

  Isabel shook her head with a smile as he gave her a flirtatious look.

  Jake stood quickly, glaring at Dominic. “I had not forgotten. I will join you presently.”

  Dominic grinned. “As you will. Good day, my lady.”

  They eyed Dominic’s back as he departed and Isabel could not help but spot the narrowing of Jake’s eyes. Was he jealous? Part of her hoped so. Part of her hoped for…she sighed inwardly. She knew not what, but she hoped for something.

  “Do you need escorting back to your chambers? You do look weary.”

  She flicked a look over the metal of his hauberk, tracing the line of his well-muscled arms. Would it be awful if she feigned tiredness to have him hold her in those arms once more?

  Isabel blew out a breath. Nay, thank you.

  With a nod and a warm look in his eyes, he left her and Isabel found herself contemplating the width of his shoulders with a wistful sigh. Little did he know, that one look would haunt her dreams that night.

  Chapter Five

  Scruffy children skipped around Isabel as she walked through the bailey. She grinned at them as they tugged on her mantle, coaxing her to play with them. Isabel shook her head and pulled her cloak tightly about her. Shooing them away, she laughed silently to herself. The mud of the bailey had frozen solid and her breath misted in front of her. How they could want to play in these temperatures was beyond her.

  Still, she inhaled deeply, the cool air revitalising her senses. After so much time confined to her room, the bracing temperature was a welcome change.

  A shiver shot up her spine. Jake. Isabel turned to see him walking from the keep towards her, his broad form towering above the peasants. His brown hair was tousled and his eyes bore into her from under his brow. Isabel gulped and blinked as he
neared, her skin tingling as warmth spread rapidly through her cold skin. Would be recognise her reaction to him? She lowered her eyes as he stopped in front of her, peeking up at him through her lashes. His broad chest greeted her and Isabel forced her eyes back to his face. His kind eyes met hers. Lord, she should have kept her gaze to his chest.

  “Isabel, I would speak with you.”

  I was walking.

  “May I accompany you?”

  She could feel her eyes light up, even as she forced her expression to remain neutral. Aye. She motioned over the wall. Can we?

  The rolling landscape had taunted her from her window for so long; Isabel had found she was desperate to see it for herself. She had thought to talk Dominic into allowing her to leave with some guards, but it would be much more pleasant with Jake at her side. Much more pleasant.

  “You wish to go outside the walls?”

  She nodded.

  “Are you well enough?” Isabel raised her brow at him and he chuckled. “Aye, of course you are. Shall I send for Winnie to accompany us?”

  A pang struck her chest and she shook her head vigorously. Did he not wish to be alone with her?

  “As you will then, lass.”

  They walked silently down the mound and onto the surrounding hills. Isabel’s breath came in sharp pants as they neared the top of the valley. She was not as recovered as she had thought. Jake offered her his hand as they negotiated several sharp rocks and Isabel took it gratefully.

  Gazing around at the moorland, Isabel gathered her breath. She smiled with satisfaction as she looked down at Thornewall, nestled amongst the frost-covered heather. The borderlands certainly had a lot going for it. She glanced at Jake. Aye, a lot going for it.

  Jake’s fingers flexed around hers and she remembered they were still holding hands. Catching her eye, he squeezed them again before letting them go. She burrowed her fingers under her mantle, missing the heat of his strong hand.

  “Isabel, we have received word from Brampton this morn. The outlaws that attacked you have been caught.”

  Her stomach churned as her contentment slipped away.

  What will happen to them?