Highlander's Charm

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “Then you may have another night with your grandmother, but that is all.” He ran his fingers through her silky black hair, tidying the damp waist length locks as best as he could. “I need you, Lila.”

  “The fortuneteller told Nanna that my future must be fully realigned before all can be set right. What if leaving with you isn’t the right thing to do?” She grasped her skirts and walked back toward camp. “I need more time to think this through.”

  “When a woman joins with her husband, she abides by his decisions.” He stormed after her.

  “This woman doesn’t, and I warned you about my crankiness.” She shot him a fierce frown. “Highland warriors should come with a warning. Get involved at your own peril.”

  He held up a low branch, and she passed underneath. He wanted to drag her right back into his arms and see rapture again cross her face, but instead he allowed her to walk from the woods and return to her grandmother. He could bend her to his will and insist she come, but he didn’t care to do so. She needed to join with him because she wished for it as greatly as he did.

  “Mistress Jean asked me to guard the trail.” Colin emerged from behind a tree, a curious expression on his face. “What has your woman done now to make you scowl so?”

  “Wait until you’re wed.” He paced between two trees. “There is naught more frustrating than considering your wife’s feelings. She has no’ had enough time with her grandmother and father.”

  “The warriors at camp say she’s John’s daughter, and their laird is well pleased with her return.” Colin motioned toward the loch’s tip. “I discovered three fishermen’s skiffs beached beyond those rocks. Any one of them will do if we wish a quick escape.”

  “Then on the morrow’s high tide we’ll sail for Duart.”

  “You’ll have your wife’s agreement by then?”

  “Aye, somehow.” He’d never leave her behind.

  Chapter 9

  The next morning, Nanna dressed in a whirlwind, acting as nervous as any girl about to go on a date. Lila sighed contentedly as Josiah kissed her grandmother’s hand then escorted her from the tent. It was wonderful to see Nanna so happy again.

  Alone, Lila tidied her bed of brown fur pelts, adjusted the long lace sleeves of her golden gown and stepped outside. The air held a slight chill, but the sun shone high.

  “Are you looking for your grandmother, my lady?” The matronly cook scrubbed a pot on the trestle table nearest the fire pit. “She and Josiah have just wandered down along the beach toward where the men train.”

  “That’s all right. I’ll see her later.” She nabbed a folded drying cloth from the table and walked toward the other end of the camp. A ripple of awareness heated her body. Calum. He was close, his presence firing all her senses.

  She turned around and almost toppled over. Good heavens. He strode toward her in black hip-hugging rawhide breeches, his tanned chest bare and displaying a healthy sheen of sweat. Her mouth watered to take a bite out of him. Why did he have to look so damn scrumptious all the time? “You need to cover up.”

  His gaze dropped and fastened on the low neckline of her gown. “As do you. Did the seamstress get your measurements wrong?”

  “No. I think this is the fashion. Don’t you care for it?”

  “I’d rather see it off you than on.” He caught her elbow, guided her past a cluster of boulders and toward a natural hollow within the rolling sand dunes.

  Once out of view, he motioned for her to sit, and going by the determined look in his eyes, she wasn’t about to argue. She plopped down, tipped her slippers off and dug her toes into the soft sand. “How was your sleep?”

  “I prefer my wife at my side than a hundred snoring men.” He knelt and traced one finger along the top rise of her breasts. Her nipples beaded and scraped with aching need against the fabric barely keeping them in. “Your breasts appear sensitive.”

  “They are when you touch me like that.” She looked into his eyes and her heartbeat raced. “That was an invitation in case you missed it, my wolf.”

  He chuckled, claimed her lips and kissed her. Their breath melded, and she caught his wide shoulders and scooted closer. She wanted him, badly, and she’d never be able to deny this connection. It pulsed with such strength between them.

  Slowly, he skimmed her sides then stroked her hips and belly. “Colin and I will borrow one of the skiffs. We leave within the half hour.”

  “I didn’t say I was coming.”

  “I know, love, but I need you to all the same.” He slipped the edge of her bodice to one side, dipped his head and grazed his teeth over her nipple. “I cannae leave without you, and if I stay, my capture will only be a matter of time. You need to come.”

  “I—I—” She was sunk, her resolve disappearing fast. “You do not fight fair.”

  “Is that an aye?” He brushed his mouth over hers in a teasing caress.

  She was out of choices. His safety had to come first. “Yes, I’ll come, but you have to agree that Nanna can visit as often as she likes. I also have to have your assurance I can return to Mingary whenever I need to visit my father.”

  “Your grandmother is welcome and will be afforded safe passage to Duart’s sea-gate.” He fixed her bodice, covering her up. “I’m sorry. Visiting Mingary right now is out of the question.”

  “Then allow my father safe passage as well.”

  “John will never accept that invitation.”

  “I finally have a father. I want to get to know him.”

  “Once this feud calms, I’ll do all I can to grant your request. I give you my word.” He tugged her to her feet and kissed the top of her head. “Pack what you need and say your goodbyes to your grandmother. Colin and I will be waiting for you here.”

  “Hmm, I prefer it when you get all stubborn and I can argue back as I please. I’m not sure about this persuasive side of you.” She turned on her heel and marched back the way she’d come. For now, she’d ensure Calum’s safety then she’d worry about the rest of her issues later.

  Nanna stood before their tent, a knowing smile on her face. “You appear a little flustered, my dear. Is all well?”

  She ducked inside, tugging Nanna along with her. “Calum insists we leave right now.”

  “You’re his wife. Should he be discovered, his life would be forfeit. Of course, he’ll want to leave. Surely you knew his request would come.”

  “Loving him is so frustrating.” Adjusting her tight bodice, she blew out a long, steadying breath. “Although, he did agree to your safe passage to Duart. You’ll come, won’t you?”

  “Try to keep me away.” Nanna hugged her. “I’ll speak to your father. This news won’t go down well with you beyond his reach at Duart, but your handfast vows give Calum the same rights as marriage vows do, even if only for a year and a day. Don’t fight what should be.” Nanna released her. “Do you have your charm? The fortuneteller said you must always keep it on you.”

  “Yes.” She patted her pocket.

  “Good. Go quickly, and travel safely. I’ll do all I can to hide your leaving, for as long as I can.”

  “I love you, Nanna.” She grabbed her bag.

  “I love you too, and we shall see each other soon. I’ll make certain of it.” Nanna poked her nose out the flap. “All is clear.”

  She kissed Nanna’s cheek then scurried around the tent and into the thick woods. At least she’d never be more than a day’s travel from her. She’d sort this all out somehow. There had to be a way.

  With her nerves stretched, she weaved between the trees and came out near the sand dunes where she and Calum had spoken. Hidden by a clump of boulders on the rocky shore from those at camp, the two men held the sides of a fisherman’s skiff in thigh-deep water.

  Calum surged out, scooped her into his arms and strode back to the skiff. “Did you leave without any issue?”

  “Yes. Nanna kept a lookout.”

  “Thank you for coming. I didnae care to steal you away.” He leaned into the
boat and settled her on the wooden bench. She didn’t doubt he would have done so had she fought his decision to remain.

  “Then let’s get moving.” She stowed her leather bag under the bench next to his. She couldn’t believe she was leaving, except Nanna was right. She and Calum were destined to be together, and she loved him. He was the only man she wished to spread her wings and fly with.

  “You should have fought a little harder, Lila.” Colin jumped in. “I was looking forward to seeing Calum having to fetch you.”

  “My wife certainly knows how to spar.” Calum bounded aboard, splashing water into the hull. He grabbed his plaid from his bag and wrapped it around her. “It can be cold out on the water.”

  “Just get this skiff moving before someone sees us. I prefer we don’t have an all-out war on the water.” She wriggled one hand free and nudged him toward the bench. “Move it.”

  “Aye, my feisty one.” He settled on the center seat, grabbed the oars and rowed toward the mouth of the loch.

  Colin kept a lookout.

  All remained clear, and she burrowed, bringing Calum’s plaid over her nose. Entrenched within the warm wool, his fresh outdoor scent surrounded and comforted her.

  “No one follows,” Colin declared and gripped the ropes.

  “Then we raise the sail.” Calum tucked the oars away and grasped two of the ropes Colin held out to him. The wind filled the sail with a hearty slap, and with their feet braced wide along the side, the skiff shot off like an arrow. “The winds are strong. Come here, Lila.”

  She scrambled across and clutched Calum’s waist. “Promise me you’ll get us to Duart safely.”

  “I would never risk your life.”

  Their side rose out of the water, and both men leaned farther back to counter the move. She toppled against Calum until she lay half over top of him. If she reached out, she’d be able to touch the white-capped waves. The sheer power of the wind amazed her. They’d certainly cross the short mile between the isles in no time. “This is an interesting way to travel.”

  “There’s naught like sailing the seas.”

  The wind whipped her hair into a frenzy and pulled the side pins free. “I’ve always lived near the ocean but never sailed like this. Australia is one large country. Perhaps a hundred times the size of Scotland, and we usually travel in vehicles. They’re steel contraptions that roll on wheels, and they move fast.”

  “Australia is still across the ocean. You must have sailed the seas to reach Scotland.”

  “In the future one can board a plane, a huge vessel which carries hundreds of people and flies across the sky. I traveled half way around the world in just one day.”

  “Unbelievable.” Colin whistled, his dark hair blowing in the breeze. “What else does the future hold?”

  “The greatest opportunities. Children are taught to read and write, from a very early age.” She stroked Calum’s broad chest as a seagull screeched overhead. “Girls and boys both.”

  The boat crested a huge wave, which came out of nowhere. Calum gripped the ropes tighter, his biceps bulging and every muscle straining to control the wind power harnessed in the skiff’s tight sail.

  “Hold tight,” he bellowed.

  The bow rose sharply upward.

  “’Tis slippery,” Colin yelled as he grappled to keep his footing.

  The hull slammed down and the impact sent Colin flying.

  She screamed as he disappeared within the raging waves. “No! We have to stop. Turn back, Calum.”

  “He can swim. Look how close we are to Mull. There’s our cave.” Colin’s loose ropes hit the sail and pinged off with a drumming whop. Calum jerked forward to seize them.

  She pitched sideways and hit the icy water. The current rolled and twisted her tartan wrapped skirts around her. Clawing, she fought to free herself.

  With the tartan gone, she kicked, thrusting through the murky depths. She broke the surface and shoved her tangled hair back. The skiff had overturned and the surf crashed over the curved hull. It popped bow up then slowly sank. Gone, swallowed whole.

  “Lila!” Calum’s shout blasted from somewhere between her and the sunken vessel.

  “Calum!” Colin’s shout came from not far behind her.

  They’d all escaped and survived.

  “Look for Lila, Colin. She fell no’ long after you.”

  “I’m here, and fine, Calum.” Her skirts dragged, but she swam toward shore. “Race you both to the beach.”

  “Where are you?” Calum snapped, his shout closer, and then he was there, catching her around her waist and kicking for her. He propelled them both toward land. “I’m no’ allowing you within ten feet of the water once we’re back on firm soil.”

  Colin swam in beside them. “’Tis no wonder the fortuneteller told you to keep her safe from the sea.”

  The surf rolled them up onto the beach and she collapsed onto her back on the sand.

  Heaving deep breaths, Calum and Colin flopped onto their backs on either side of her.

  “Are you all right?” Calum caught her hand, twined their fingers together.

  “There’s nothing like a refreshing dip to wake one up.” Birds soared above then dipped to land on the highest branches of the towering trees. She dug into her skirt pocket and clasped her charm in her chilled fingers. “At least I didn’t lose this.”

  “I’ll go build a fire to warm us up.” Colin pushed to his feet and slugged toward the forest’s edge. He collected driftwood along the way then in a sheltered spot near the tree line, laid his armful down and dug a hole.

  The wind whistled and she shivered at the cold blast. She had to get out of her heavy gown. The linen sark she wore underneath should cover her adequately. She unlaced the stays and tried to drag her arms out of the long, clingy sleeves. “Can you help me?”

  “Aye. Your gown will dry quicker if we hang it over a branch.” He crouched in front, and wriggled the fabric down her hips and off.

  She slid her coin into her sark’s concealed front pocket. “I’m thirsty. I think I swallowed some sea water.”

  “We’ll get you fresh water.” He steered her toward the stream gurgling into the loch. “I’ll watch over you.”

  “Thank you. The last time I drank from here didn’t go so well.” She knelt, dipped her cupped hands into the brook and slowly sipped.

  Calum held her hair from flopping forward. Even though the water was chilly and hit her empty belly, no dizziness assailed her. Splashing her face, arms and legs, she washed away as much salt from her skin as she could. “What’s the plan now since we didn’t make it to Duart?”

  “We’ll walk to the village of Craignure and hire horses. ’Tis close.” With his hands around her waist, he drew her to her feet. “Can you walk?”

  “Yes. I don’t think we should stay here for any longer than we need to.”

  “With the skiff sinking, there is little to track us with.” He stroked her cheek, his hungry gaze dipping to the sagging neckline of her sark. “I want to kiss you.”

  “So I see.” Her pebbled nipples poked the thin cloth. “Where would that be exactly?”

  “Everywhere.” Golden eyes twinkling, he slid his hand around the back of her head and brought her mouth to his. He kissed her, his lips scorching a hot trail across hers and leaving her breathless.

  “What about Colin?”

  “Damn. I lose my mind when I’m around you.” He tugged his sodden tunic off then slipped it over her head. “Let’s warm you first afore the fire.”

  “Calum!” Colin sprinted toward them. “MacIans. Crossing the sound.”

  A horn sounded with one long and eerie blast across the bay. A loud roar boomed from a dozen warriors on board a birlinn. At the helm, Ian bellowed an order and the men tightened the sail and changed course directly toward them. The vessel flew across the water.

  “Hell, they must have seen us.” Calum snatched her hand and raced her toward the nearest tree. With his hands on her hips, he boosted her into
the bow where it formed a solid V. “Remain here, out of sight.”

  “Don’t leave me.” She clung to her high spot.

  “No one will take you from me. I promise you.” He slid his ever-present claymore free of its side scabbard. No. Surely he and Colin weren’t about to battle so many warriors on their own.

  “If you get hurt, I won’t speak to you ever again. Remember that. No more cranky wife for you.”

  “I long for our next argument. I’ll take the utmost care.” He raced toward the loch.

  If only they hadn’t been seen. She couldn’t lose him.

  * * * *

  Calum skidded in beside Colin. Beyond the breakers, a dozen warriors plunged their oars into the sea and powered their vessel in. Ian MacIan pumped his fist into the air and ordered his men to lower the sail. They slashed their oars in the reverse direction and slowed their speed.

  “The guardsman at Craignure will raise the alarm. He’ll no’ miss their arrival.” Colin gripped his sword.

  “Aye, until our warriors arrive, we will fight.”

  Two warriors leaped into the waist-deep water, seized the bow and held the birlinn steady. MacIan bounded over the side and slogged toward them, the surf crashing into the back of his knees and spraying in a wide arc. “MacLean, you’ll return my laird’s daughter now.”

  Motioning Colin to remain at his flank, Calum stepped forward, one eye on the warriors still onboard and awaiting their captain’s orders. “’Twas Duart she first came to many weeks ago. Lila and I handfasted, and afore she was aware of her parentage, or I of hers.”

  “You’re aware now, and surely you’ve nay wish to remain wed to one of us?”

  “I willnae hand her over.”

  “Repudiate your vow. Or mayhap you prefer death to achieve the same means.” He heaved his claymore free and swung his blade between him and Colin. “You two are by far outnumbered.”

  This oncoming battle was inevitable, and Calum’s blood roared for justice, to have his wife by his side and ensure she remained safe and well. He raised his blade. “Leave, or fight. ’Tis your choice.”