Tyler, Lynn - For Her Honor [For Her] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Lynn Tyler

  Robbie’s jaw tightened but knew he would have asked Will for the same thing. He helped his brother to his feet and held him up as they staggered to the bed. Pale and clammy with pain, Will groaned as he lowered himself onto the mattress. “The pain lets me know I am alive,” Will said as he waved the cup of laudanum away.

  Robbie shook his head, wishing his brother would take the sleeping potion but understood because it was something he would have done himself. “I need to speak with Jocelyn. You will be all right with Sarah?” he asked.

  “Aye, we will be fine, Sarah and I,” Will responded, though his eyes held little enthusiasm.

  Robbie once again reminded himself to speak with Will about his attitude toward Sarah. He wondered what was going on. Will was not usually this ambivalent. In fact, he was the one all the women sighed about how sensitive and kind, if not a little brooding, he was. He could put some of his attitude down to his suffering but he didn’t seem to treat anyone else with such apathy.

  Robbie caught Jocelyn’s hand and led her out of the room. As soon as they were in the hall, he looked around carefully before lowering his head to capture her lips. The kiss quickly became heated, and he sucked in his breath as her hands caressed his belly. Robbie was so lost in the kiss he jumped when he heard a man clear his throat.

  “Ahem, Robbie?” Jamie inquired, looking delighted to once again be interrupting them.

  Robbie sighed and leaned so he could whisper in his wife’s ear. “Meet me in our bedchamber.”

  She ran her hands once more across his chest before moving down the hall, casting an annoyed look at Jamie as she went, her hips swaying seductively.

  “I see you have not told her yet,” Jamie said, his smirk still in place.

  “How do you know?” Robbie asked, irritated that Jamie seemed to know so much.

  “The keep is still standing,” Jamie joked, punching his brother on the arm.

  “Go and joke with Will. His fever has broken, and he is awake for the moment,” Robbie ordered, desperate to get back to his wife. Aside from the fact that he couldn’t wait to get her in the bed, he had sent her to wait unguarded.

  “Ah, perhaps I will tell him of Jocelyn’s rant and how she left you with your mouth hanging open,” Jamie teased mischievously.

  Robbie cuffed him on the head. “Lad, I thought you grew out of your mischief years ago,” he joked.

  “Do not tell the lasses that,” he replied. “They like to think they are getting involved with a dangerous man.”

  “The watches have been set?” Robbie asked, changing the subject to a more serious one.

  “Aye, all is set.”

  He grinned at Jamie and sprinted down the hall, pausing only to open the door of his bedchamber. He nearly cried at the sight he found. Jocelyn stood, gloriously naked, in the glow from the open window. Her hair was floating around her face, a slight breeze stirring it around her delicate cheekbones.

  Her breasts stood proud, her nipples already taut with desire. She reached out and wordlessly asked him to come to her.

  He did just so, moving across the floor to sweep her into his arms. She sighed into his mouth as he carried her to their bed. He placed her on her stomach and laughed as she squirmed, trying to twist around to lie on her back. He tickled her ribs until she was panting.

  Her beautiful bottom was in the air, and he suddenly realized he wanted to be in her. Now. He wanted to forget his brother’s accident. He wanted to forget the lean winter to come. He wanted to forget Jocelyn was in danger.

  Robbie jerked her hips up and brought her to her hands and knees. He was poised to enter her when he realized she could not be ready for him. Running his hand over her bottom and trailing his finger along her core, he shivered when he found how wet she already was for him. “Imp, what is this? I have not made you ready yet.”

  Panting with desire, Jocelyn glanced over her shoulder and rolled her hips seductively. “Please, Robbie. Come into me…”

  The headboard slammed against the wall when he plunged into her, groaning as he buried himself to the hilt. “Oh, Jocelyn…”

  He leaned forward and bit her shoulder. The urge to move was overwhelming, and he shoved himself into her over and over until he felt his balls pull close to his body. His whole body throbbed, and he spilled inside her, pulling her as close to him as possible.

  Robbie flipped her over and kissed his way down her soft belly, stopping to dip his tongue into her belly button. The sheets bunched in her fists as he sucked gently on the skin of her inner thigh, blowing over the mark he had made.

  “Robbie, do not tease me,” she demanded, arching her back off the bed.

  “As you wish, loving,” he said gruffly before fastening his mouth over her small, straining clit. He didn’t move until she gripped his hair and bucked against him. He chuckled against her hot flesh and slid one finger deep inside her. She was wet from both his seed and her own desire. He curled his finger forward and found her hidden spot as he increased the suction on her pearl. The bed creaked as she jerked toward him, her small inner muscles convulsing strongly around his invading finger.

  He climbed up her body and held her as she calmed, her head cradled against his shoulder. “Your ass pleases me,” he mumbled drowsily.

  Still exhausted from the events of the previous days and their vigorous lovemaking, he relaxed into the mattress and fell asleep to the sound of her gentle breathing.

  * * * *

  Jocelyn grumbled when the afternoon light hit her eyes, and she rolled over, nuzzling her face into Robbie’s powerful upper arm. She resigned herself to getting up. It was, after all, the middle of the day. She gazed out the window and judged from the position of the sun they had missed the afternoon meal.

  She wondered briefly if anyone had come to fetch them but decided she had taken more pleasure in making love with her husband than she would if she had eaten with the rest of the keep’s occupants. She couldn’t believe how much she enjoyed his body. It was so different from hers, and yet it seemed to be made for her pleasure.

  “What are you thinking?” her husband asked.

  She looked up and met his sleepy eyes, smiling softly. “We have missed the midday meal,” she said, sliding her arm across his abdomen and resting her head on his chest.

  “Ah. There was a knock on the door a while ago. You slept right through it. I ignored it. Mayhap they left us something to refresh ourselves,” he replied, smiling back at her.

  She rose and wrapped the fur around her nude body as she walked to the door. Sure enough, a tray of food was sitting in the hall. She carried it back to the bed and settled next to him, allowing the fur to fall from her shoulders.

  Raising his arms over his head, Robbie stretched like a giant cat and sat up, pulling the cloth off the serving dish. Cheese, cold meat and soft bread waited to be consumed and goblets of ale bubbled, ready to drink.

  Jocelyn looked at the ale and back at Robbie doubtfully, remembering the last time he had indulged in drink. “I can handle one cup of the brew,” he said with contrition. “’Tis the whisky that I cannot tolerate.”

  They ate quietly, enjoying each other’s company. Jocelyn couldn’t help but think that Robbie was gathering his courage to tell her something she wouldn’t like.

  Sure enough, as soon as the last scrap of cheese had been eaten, he set the tray aside and faced her. “Eileen’s father has died,” he said without preamble. “Her brother, Henry, has become laird, and he does not look upon me with kindness.”

  “What clan?” she asked curiously.

  “Campbell,” he said. “Why?”

  She scrunched up her nose as she thought back to one of her last days in her father’s home. “Henry Campbell? He was another of my suitors. You were not the only one who did not believe the rumors I started about myself. My father chose you over him,” she informed him.

  Colin had already told him this, of course, but Jocelyn had just confirmed the rumor. He looked away from her and swallowed compu
lsively, before turning back to face her. She was oblivious to his concern as she continued speaking. “He is not a nice man, Robbie. He was always trying to corner me and put me in compromising positions. And the things he does to his bedmates…” She shuddered and pulled her face into a disgusted expression.

  “He has taken responsibility for the raids and the destruction of our crops.” Robbie twisted his fingers together, trying to figure out the best way to inform her of his decision for assigning guards to her. Now that he knew Henry had already tried to defile her, he was twice as determined to keep her safe.

  “So, Will’s injury is on his head, then,” she interrupted.

  “Aye, but there is more. He has made a threat on your life.” He swallowed again, as if he was trying to force down a bitter potion.

  She understood with a start the idea of losing her was painful for him. Perhaps there was more to Will’s comments on how much he cared for her than she had originally thought.

  “I will be careful,” she said, stroking his arm reassuringly. “I will carry my dagger.” She leaned forward to kiss his chin. “All will be well, husband, I will be safe.”

  “You will be safe, Jocelyn, because you will not go anywhere without a guard,” he said firmly.

  She stared at him with confusion. “Robbie, you are laird here. You cannot spend every waking hour with me, escorting me to my duties,” she said reasonably.

  “I know, imp. I have assigned two men to guard you when I am not able to be with you.” His tone warned her not argue.

  Jocelyn frowned when she heard this. She understood his position, but she was more than capable of defending herself. “Robbie, I am able to protect myself. I held off those attackers for quite a while, if you would well remember.”

  “Jocelyn, I cannot take chances with you. Even now, you may carry my heir,” he replied.

  A thrill ran down her spine at the thought of carrying her husband’s child, but she wouldn’t let the notion dissuade her. “Robbie, I am not stupid. I will not leave the inner bailey. I will not leave the keep at all without a guard if it will make you feel better. But I do not need a guard every waking moment.”

  “I disagree,” he said steadfastly. “And I am the laird, as you pointed out. Since I am in charge, you will have the guard.” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked at her, as if daring her to defy him.

  She breathed deeply through her nose, trying desperately to control her temper. “I do not need a guard. I will be careful. I will arm myself. I will not leave these walls without you. Robbie, do not imprison me in our home,” she pleaded, one step away from throwing the silver laver at him.

  “Nay, Jocelyn. You are a woman and too weak to defend yourself from any attack made in earnest,” he insisted, getting out of bed and securing his kilt around his waist. “Besides, it is well known women have no ability to think quickly in dangerous situations and are unable to strategize further than the next action.”

  His words made her blood boil with passion but not the same passion she had experienced just a few hours before. No, this was rage, pure and simple. She could best men twice her size at close range with her dagger. She had beaten all her brothers-in-law at dagger-throwing contests and had even trained with some of the MacKenna laird’s men. She could feel her cheeks coloring and seized up the silver goblet. “You bastard!” she said quietly, gripping the cup in her hand.

  “I beg your pardon?” he asked, looking at her with confusion. Apparently he believed all the manure he had just fed her.

  “You should be begging my pardon,” she ranted, taking aim. “How dare you say this to me? You yourself have complimented me on my ability to defend myself.” She paused in an attempt to control her breathing. “On top of that, you dare to question my intelligence?”

  “Now, Jocelyn,” he said, looking at her warily. “Do not resort to hysterics to get your way.”

  “You bastard!” she yelled again, throwing the heavy silver cup directly at his head. “You will not speak to me like that.”

  Robbie had thrown up his arm to block the blow from the goblet, and she used the momentary distraction to jerk on her chemise, grab her dressing gown and storm out of the room. “Jocelyn,” he called, sounding highly irritated. Good! Let him be irritated.

  She brushed past Jamie, who was standing in the hall, looking as if he had been waiting for this explosion. “I take it he told you of his decision,” he said lightly, falling into step with her.

  “Aye, and he said a few other things, mainly about my intelligence and my God-given weakness,” she spat back, gripping her dressing gown more tightly around her.

  “If it is any consolation, I told him not to set guards on you,” Jamie responded, a slight grin gracing his face.

  “What are you smiling so foolishly about?” she asked waspishly.

  “He is usually much more reasonable than what he appears to be. You seem to be clouding his judgment when it comes to your safety,” Jamie replied. “I have never seen him quite so concerned about a woman before. His feelings for you must run deep.”

  Jamie said no more, and he left her at the door of the apothecary. She stewed in her own thoughts for some time. Jamie was the second person to make a comment on Robbie’s feelings for her. Perhaps he really did care for her. Perhaps his concern for her safety could be construed as a loving gesture.

  Still, she could not ignore his degrading comments on her ability to defend herself and on her intelligence. She was fuming and in no mood to speak with him.

  She could hear him thundering down the corridor, doubtlessly on his way to punish her for throwing the cup at him. It really had been a beautiful goblet. She hoped she hadn’t dented it. Her husband’s head, however, seemed to be in need of a good dent.

  She locked the door and ignored his pounding, busying herself with her herbs. She would mix more salve for Will. Yes, let her husband’s rage simmer. Once her own rage had cooled, she would be better prepared to deal with his.

  She heard Robbie curse loudly and storm off. She smiled slightly. He could think many things about her, but he shouldn’t question her intelligence after this. Strangely though, she didn’t feel soothed by her temper. Instead she felt anxious and restless.

  With nothing else to do, she set about mixing more salve for Will. When that was done, she organized the new herbs on her shelves and straightened the books. She made meticulous notes on the locations of herbs and plants in the forest. Through all this, her heart raced and her stomach clenched nervously. Anyone would feel anxiety over a death threat, she told herself.

  She sat down on the bed she’s had the men carry in as a sick bed. Exhaustion weighed down on her but couldn’t erase the disquiet thrumming through her body.

  She laid her head down and stared at the ceiling in disgust. If she was anything, she was honest with herself. And though it scared her to admit, her body’s upset wasn’t due to fear over Henry’s death threat. What she was feeling was a by-product of the fight with her husband.

  Chapter 14

  Robbie pounded on the door furiously. He wasn’t sure what he was angrier about, the fact that she had thrown a goblet at him or the fact that she had locked herself in her room. It had brought back awful memories of his marriage to Eileen.

  He sighed and backed away from the door. He had duties to attend to. Hollering for Neil and James, he indicated they should stand at the door. So what if his wife didn’t like it? He wasn’t about to back down without good reason.

  Rubbing the back of his neck, he made his way down the stairs and into his study, where he found Jamie in a rather intimate embrace with one of the kitchen girls. Clearing his throat, he glared at the girl until she scampered from the room and turned his ire on his brother. “Can you not keep it in your pants until you get to your room?” he barked.

  Jamie didn’t flinch but rather punched his brother none too gently on the shoulder. “Just because you are not going to get any loving from your wife does not mean the rest of us canno
t get any,” he said with a grin.

  “Shut your mouth,” Robbie growled, dropping into his chair and resting his head on his folded hands. “She locked herself in her apothecary.” He pulled at his hair before rubbing his eyes tiredly.

  The grin faded from Jamie’s face. “Do not worry about it, Robbie. Your Jocelyn will not do the same thing Eileen did,” he said seriously.

  “How do you know?” Robbie asked sadly. “She was forced to marry me, just like Eileen. Why would she be any different?”

  “Aye, but the difference between the two is that Jocelyn loves you,” Jamie replied.

  “She loves me? Do not be stupid, Jamie. At the moment, she cannot stand me. At the best of times she enjoys my body, that is all,” Robbie growled, though his black mood lifted slightly.

  Jamie slapped his brother on the back bracingly. “Nay, Robbie. I have seen the way she looks at you. She is quite fond of you.”

  “Then why can she not see my need to protect her? Why has she locked herself away from me?” he asked, flinching at the desperation coloring his voice.

  “Ah, she has spirit, your Jocelyn. She does not like the way you strong-armed her into doing your bidding, and she is letting you know. I did warn you,” Jamie reminded him with a helpful tone.

  “Aye, you did. But still, she is my wife, and she should know who is in charge,” he mused.

  “I have a feeling she is in charge, at least in the bedchamber,” Jamie said slyly, his grin back in place.

  Robbie grinned back at him. “Aye, she may have her way in our bed,” he said. “Still, it would do no good for the MacGillivray clan to look as if its chief was controlled by his wee slip of a wife.”

  Feeling lighter than just few minutes earlier, he joined his men outside to begin repairs to the outer walls. He stripped off his tunic and hauled rocks for the rest of the afternoon, purging his agitation with pure physical labor.

  Though the work was mindless, the sheer strength needed to shift the heavy rocks into place left his mind blissfully clear. By evening, he felt better about his situation.