Claimed By A Charmer (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  A hearty supper was served with courses of meats, soups, and vegetables. Isabel hadn’t eaten such a meal in a long time. It took hours to eat, with each course coming from the kitchens located behind the keep. Douglas hadn’t attended, and probably wouldn’t dine with them. She missed him, though he’d only been out of her sight for a few hours. She wondered where he went, but he had said that he wasn’t there often.

  Brendan and Gil sat next to her, one on each side, and they wouldn’t let any of the men near her. It was disconcerting, yet endearing, the way their hard looks sent the men running from their table. Brendan MacKinnon didn’t say much during the meal, although, he moved his seat close to hers. Gil spoke to her, which helped take her mind away from thoughts of Douglas. He engaged her with his witty sense of humor, making her laugh with his delightful tales. Gil was far more intelligent than she thought, and he amazed her with his knowledge.

  Many people had left the hall, and Isabel felt it respectful to leave. She wanted to retire to Candace’s chamber, and since Wills was visiting, her friend wouldn’t likely retire for some time. When she pushed her chair from the table, both men jumped from their seats.

  “I’ll walk you to your chamber, Milady Isabel,” Gil said, taking her hand.

  Douglas had just come inside, and was about to take a seat at the head of the table, when Gil made that comment aloud. He seemed to ignore them, and began filling his trencher.

  “I’m walking her, Gil. Now take your hands off her.” Brendan shoved Gil’s chest.

  “I can go myself. Good eve to ye.” Isabel was pulled between them. She yanked her hands from theirs and walked away.

  Douglas caught up to her. He grabbed her hand and led her from the hall. Both Gil and Brendan smiled after them, and she turned to glare at them.

  “I must apologize. They’ve no manners around bonny women.”

  Isabel stared in wonder. “Are you saying I’m beautiful?”

  A slight grin came to him. “Aye, I suppose I am. Don’t pay attention to them. I think I’ll have to keep them busy so they won’t bother you whilst you’re here.”

  “Thank you for walking me. We’re here.”

  “So we are.”

  An awkward silence fell between then and Isabel wasn’t sure what to say or do. She should open the door and retreat, but looking at him was so enjoyable. She found herself looking at his hard mouth, the way his jaw line made him so attractive. Douglas didn’t release her hand. He pulled it toward him—she went along with it. She landed against his chest, and felt his arms surround her. He lowered his head and kissed her. Isabel became consumed by the kiss. She was so happy to be kissing him again; her heart was ready to burst. His mouth made her feel hot, like she stood by the smithy’s bellows. He kissed her forcefully, yet gently. She didn’t want it to end, and held onto him firmly. His hard body sent her spiraling, pressing hers against the wall.

  Isabel splayed her fingers through his hair, mindless of the texture, because his lips moved over hers in fierce kisses. Feeling his mouth pressed against hers wasn’t enough, she wanted more. Douglas stopped kissing her and stared into her eyes. She quickly set her mouth back on his and he ran his tongue along her lips until she parted them, letting him invade her with his searing tongue.

  She was completely breathless, and whimpered until he released her mouth. He pulled back and looked into her eyes again. His hands held her head, and he lightly caressed her cheeks with his thumbs. Leaning in, his mouth brushed hers again softly then he deepened the kiss. She felt him pulling her hair tie out, and her long locks tumbled down. Douglas caressed her hair, like he’d done two years before, in the stable. Isabel shifted her hands to his shoulders, holding on for dear life.

  She became as unbridled in her reaction. Her hands moved along his chest to his hard biceps. She gripped his arms in an effort to keep herself from sinking to the floor, because her knees went weak, and she felt herself shaking inside. He groaned low in his throat. She felt his hands move to her bottom pulling her closer.

  “Douglas, let that lass be, unhand her, I say.”

  Isabel barely had time to register Lady Kerr’s voice before Douglas released her. She looked up at him with a bemused look, and swept her tongue over her rosy lips. He scoffed when she did so, but then he grinned.

  “I shouldn’t have done that.”

  From the wicked smile on his face, Isabel could tell that he wasn’t sorry in the least. Neither was she. He had an endearing dimple on each of his cheeks. She’d never seen him smile so, and found herself wanting to see him smile like that all the time.

  “Darned right, ye should not. Douglas, get away from her. That’s right, lad, step back now. Give the lass some breathing room, that’s it.”

  Douglas turned and looked at his mother. Lady Kerr stood beyond him, ready to whack him with the large bowl that she carried. Isabel watched a look of mortification cross Douglas’ face, and he left the hallway as quickly as he could.

  “Did he hurt you, Isabel?”

  She watched Douglas walk away, and Lady Kerr asked her again. “Did he?”

  She stood transfixed to the spot where he’d kissed her, her mind whirling with the memory of his touches. His manly scent lingered, and she felt as though his hard body still pressed her. A blush crept upon her face. She finally looked at Douglas’ mother.

  “Isabel?”

  “Aye, he is … Good night, Lady Kerr.” Isabel closed the door and leaned against it. She heard Lady Kerr talking to herself through the door.

  “What did she say? He affected her, and I don’t think she minded either.” Lady Kerr hummed as she walked away.

  Isabel thought about their wondrous kiss. Her plan was working, and she giggled into the darkened room. She ran to her bed like a silly girl, throwing herself onto it. If only her dream could come true. Ever since she’d seen Douglas two years ago, she’d prayed so hard that this day would come. Secretly, she hoped he was the man for her. Now here she was in his home and he’d kissed her. She had to be resigned. Patience was definitely not one of her virtues, and many times she’d been hasty in her decisions. Not this time. She would have patience—even if it killed her.

  Tempt him with kindness then she could reveal her true self. By then he’ll be too interested to care about her unusual ways. Perhaps she could tempt him enough to give up on the other lady that he was interested in. Isabel fell asleep smiling.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Douglas slammed his door closed and stood inside his chamber in chagrin at what he’d done. His body felt as though it was on fire, and the only way he could douse himself was to make sweet, slow, love to her. He lay on his pallet, trying to mitigate his intense emotions. She sent him to a tormented condition, one which wasn’t easily assuaged. Burning with the hunger to taste her again, he swallowed in defeat. He promised himself that he wouldn’t act on his desire, but there he was, kissing her again, as if his promise meant nothing.

  If he didn’t stop being so beguiled, she’d surely end up in his bed. He knew he had to stay away from her. The only way to respect her, would be to keep his distance—a great distance. Only he didn’t want to respect her. He wanted to feel her naked body beneath his and … Oh, God. He closed his eyes against the dissension. He wouldn’t be such an arse and violate her in such a way. Douglas finally fell asleep after hours of reflection, frowning.

  He awoke early and hesitated to begin his duties that morning for the sole reason of possibly seeing Isabel again. Lingering in the hall wasn’t something he’d ordinarily do. He watched his sister waiting for Isabel in the hall, and wondered what took her so long to come down that morning. His sister anxiously paced beside the stairs, glancing at them every few seconds. He became irritated by Candace’s pacing and with himself for tarrying inside the hall.

  “Candace, come away. She’ll come down when she is ready. Why don’t you go and see Wills? He’s outside.”

  “I can see Wills anytime. I didn’t get a chance to talk to Isabel last ni
ght. After supper, she went right to bed. It’s not like her to be tired. I’m worried about her.”

  “She had a tiresome journey. Let her rest.”

  “Nay, you don’t know her like I do. A journey wouldn’t tire her. I wonder if she is ailing. I should check on her.”

  Candace was about to take the stairs, when he stopped her. “Go see Wills. I’ll check on your friend and send her to you.” Douglas pushed her toward the door.

  “Very well, but send her soon.”

  He chuckled at her sweet concern for her friend. Taking the stairs, he strode toward the lass’ bedchamber. When he arrived, he heard rustling noises within and knocked. What took her so long to answer the door?

  Douglas grew impatient and opened the door slightly so he wouldn’t disturb her if she was still abed. He almost laughed at what he saw.

  “Help,” she muffled. Isabel thrashed about, trying desperately to move her limbs. She couldn’t move, couldn’t see because the material was wrapped around her head. Aye, her captor had trapped her, and there wasn’t anything she could do. She fumbled against her foe, and he smiled at the way she grumbled in her exertion. Her arm was caught behind her back, and the fabric taught against her arm, didn’t give way. “Humph.” She fumbled with the end of the plaid, and tried to loosen it with her free hand. She yanked the fabric, stumbled backward, and then fell to the floor with a loud crash, knocking over a stool.

  Douglas realized he’d been standing there instead of helping her. He opened the door and laughed at the sight of her predicament.

  “What happened to you? Got yourself in a tangle?”

  “Help.” She gasped when she realized her legs were bared, and she hurried to cover her legs.

  Douglas lifted her as though she barely weighed as much as a goose, and set her on her feet. He unwrapped the plaid and shoved it at her. Her hair became lopsided, and her bun had come undone. She blew a few tendrils away from her face. Douglas shifted awkwardly, becoming tempted by her rumpled appearance. She hastily smoothed her garments.

  Douglas laughed again. “Tell me you didn’t get yourself tied up in the plaid?”

  “Well, aye, I did. I don’t know how to arrange the material and it became twisted. I’ll have to ask for assistance next time.”

  He laughed again. “Mayhap that’s a good idea.” His smile turned to a frown. “My sister awaits you, and she’s grown anxious at your delay.”

  Isabel swayed standing so close to him and for a moment he thought about taking her in his arms. She smelled so nice, and he breathed deeply. He noticed her eyes focused on his chest, at least she had restraint. Her eyes rose to meet his, and she saw that he watched her. Blushing slightly, she lowered her eyes. He wished he could kiss her again.

  “Lady Isabel, Candace is waiting.”

  “Oh, aye, of course. I just have to apply the plaid. Would you be kind enough to send her to me?” She righted the stool and began folding the plaid.

  “I’ll assist ye, lass.”

  Isabel dropped the plaid to the floor, but he retrieved it and set it around her. He pulled one end over her shoulder, covering her breast. It became too poignant for him. He tried to endure the pain of being so close her, and touching her, without wanting her. After pleating the last fold, he pulled a tie around her waist.

  “There, all fixed.” A fold came undone over her shoulder, and he quickly readjusted it, letting his hand slide down the front of her.

  Isabel gasped at the touch. She took a step backward and placed a hand over her heart.

  He smiled and turned toward the door. “You’re ready now. I must say you look fetching in our plaid, cat-eyes.” Douglas wasn’t sure why he called her the endearment, but he noticed her demeanor changed and a smile came to her eyes.

  “Thank you, Laird Kerr, for your assistance.”

  “Come.” He took her hand.

  He reveled at her touch, hoping she wouldn’t let go. It felt wonderful to touch her, and he wished he could always be so forthright. They walked to the hall, where they were greeted by his mother. Douglas had to tug his hand to get her to release him.

  “Good day, ladies.” He really should leave, because he wasn’t ready to face his mother after the embarrassment of being caught kissing Isabel the night before, but he wasn’t about to leave, and went to make himself inconspicuous. After pouring himself a cup of ale, he sat across the hall. All had gone about their chores, and the hall grew quiet, quiet enough for him to hear their conversation.

  “Isabel, you’ve finally come down. I thought Candace would roust you long ‘ere now. Are you well this morn?”

  “Aye, Lady Kerr, thank ye.”

  “Come and sit with me whilst ye eat. What have you done to your hair? Let me fix it.” His mother rebound Isabel’s bun, giving it a pat. “Have you met Rachel? She’s visiting from the Dunmore Clan.”

  “Nay, good day, Lady Rachel.”

  “Rachel is not addressed so formally.” His mother spoke softly.

  Isabel smiled, but didn’t correct herself.

  He noticed Rachel’s face, she didn’t look pleased to meet Candace’s friend. Rachel was pretty enough, with shinny flaxen hair and light blue eyes. The lady seemed angry and he wondered why.

  “And you are?” Rachel asked snidely.

  “That’s no way to speak to a lady, especially a friend of Candace’s. This is Lady Isabel Calvert, from England.”

  “Oh, aye, Milady. I promised to assist Helena with tonight’s supper. I’ll go.” Rachel turned, and quickly left the hall.

  His mother seemed happy that Rachel left, and she smiled at Isabel.

  “Tell me, what’s going on in England? The men never tell me much about the goings on, let alone hearing of events in England.” She patted the seat next to her, and Isabel sat.

  “There’s not much to tell. King Henry was declared of age, and was crowned successor to King John. I heard that Sir William Marshall attended. It was supposedly a grand affair. I’m not sure how England will fare with Henry as king.”

  “I hear he’s a good lad and wants to be a good king. Julianna MacKinnon is the king’s cousin and she’s told me that he’s going to right the wrongs of his father.”

  “I hear he’s as domineering and extravagant as his father. There’s dissension in England, and the barons may rebel. Does Julianna have influence over him?” Isabel looked surprised to learn that a Scottish lady was related to England’s king.

  “Nay, not really, although, I hear he adores her and they communicate though letters. I understand he’s asked for her attendance at court. Her husband finally relented and took her for a visit.”

  “Isabel, you’re finally awake,” Candace shouted across the room. “Good morn, Mother. Oh, Douglas, I didn’t see you there. Why are you sitting all the way over there?”

  He nodded to his sister. Because I can’t keep my hands off your friend. “No, reason. Just thinking something over before I go to the training field.”

  “Candace, try to maintain a sense of decorum, ‘tis unladylike to shout. Come and sit with us. We were just talking about England. Isabel was kind enough to relay the news.”

  “Don’t make Issy talk about that boring drivel. She probably wants to escape your chatter.” Candace laughed.

  “Nay, she’s not boring me, and that’s no way to speak to your mother.” Isabel frowned.

  “Oh, she knows I’m not serious. Mother?”

  “She’s teasing me, Isabel. Mayhap you can influence her to mind her manners, and be a good daughter for a change.”

  Douglas grunted at that, but they didn’t seem to hear him.

  Candace’s mother laughed at Isabel’s confused look.

  “You’re fortunate in your parentage, Candace. I wouldn’t speak so if she were my … mother. I never knew my mother.”

  “Isabel, you’re right. I’m sorry, Mother, can you forgive me?”

  “Of course, dearest.” Lady Kerr patted her daughter’s shoulder. “Now tell me, why haven’t you e
ver met your mother, dear? Did she die at your birth?”

  “Uh ... no.” Isabel looked saddened at the topic, and he leaned forward thinking to save her from his mother and sister’s inquisition.

  “You don’t have to talk about it, if ye don’t want to,” his mother said.

  “She died when I was very young. My father never spoke of her, nor does anyone because he forbade our people to speak her name. He dislikes all women immensely.”

  “That’s disheartening. I’m sorry, but he sounds rather crude.” His mother clasped her hand.

  Isabel smiled. “I refused to continue to discuss a ghastly subject such as my father. What are we to do today?”

  “Mother, have you any suggestions? Is there anything we can do to help you?” Candace looked at him for a second before returning her gaze to his mother.

  “Nay, you lassies run along. I’ve the household to see to, and have plenty of help. Try not to get into trouble. Laird Gordon told me what happened the last time you were together. Stealing—”

  Douglas heard Candace and Isabel laughing as they ran from the hall before she could finish. He wondered what his mother was going to say, but he had dawdled long enough this morning. In a rush, he set his cup on the table and quickly strode to the training fields.

  After training for a few hours, he sat on the embankment of the loch, watching the warriors roughhouse in the water. The men ventured into the loch throughout the year, having no concern for the temperature of the water. Brendan pushed Gil under the water, and he came up sputtering. They’d become good friends during the past year, since Brendan came for a visit and stayed on.

  When Brendan left, Douglas considered sending Gil with him. Gil was a few years younger than Brendan, and he could learn much from his warrior cousin. Brendan had trained to be a warrior since the age of five, and knew every skill known to fighters, probably more. Douglas didn’t have much time to spend training, now that clan matters took up most of his time. He barely had enough time himself to practice his own sword.