Highlander's Guardian

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “I will always think of you, kisses or no’.” He pressed her against the wall, every inch of their bodies fully aligned until heat raced the entire length of his body. How was he supposed to keep control when she teased and tempted him like this? One kiss, but he’d make it quick. He brushed his lips over hers then jerked back. “Done.”

  “My father kissed my mother with far more passion than that.”

  “And how would you know?”

  “I was a nosy bairn.”

  “Aye, and I remember just how nosy.”

  “Please.” She ran her thumb along his lower lip. “Kiss me again. Show me your passion.”

  “You’re going to be the end of me.” He dipped his head and covered her mouth with his. Lost, and with breathless urgency, he kissed her deeper, darting his tongue over hers until she panted for more. “Annie.” He caressed her sides, roamed down and scooped her bottom. Lifting her higher, he made certain she felt every hard inch of him. “This is dangerous.”

  “Oh.” She seized his biceps. “I like your form of danger.”

  He kissed her again, until their breath mingled as one and the heat between them blazed and swarmed his senses. Damn, he had to stop. Where was his resolve?

  Breathing hard, he pulled away. “I hope that will be one kiss you never forget.”

  “I’m certain of it.” She licked her lips and he groaned.

  Heaven help him.

  He heaved the door open, shut it behind him and adjusted his too-tight trews. Annie was a temptress he had no business playing with. He certainly couldn’t allow her to waylay him when his oath to his chief had to come first.

  Through the dark weave of passageways, he returned to his chamber and once inside, stripped off his shirt and dunked his head in a basin of icy water. He came up and sent drops flying. Soap in hand, he scrubbed his jaw then ran his dirk across his stubbles.

  Dressed in black trews and a leather vest over his tunic, he marched out the door, his mind once again clear.

  “Building the bonds between the clans is important.” James’s voice echoed toward him. “Annie is aware I wish to court her. I would like your permission to do so as well.”

  Colin stopped outside one of the private rooms where at night men often enjoyed a game or two of cards.

  “James, I cannae believe you have the gall to ask such a thing after I was forced to agree to the handfast between her and your brother.” Rory’s voice. “I dinnae wish her to marry you anymore than I did Alex.”

  Colin stepped through the doorway. The antechamber’s gilt-encrusted walls, carved ceilings and lavishly upholstered furniture gleamed, and at the window overlooking the inner courtyard, Rory stood, his dark blond hair trailing over the tip of a massive claymore holstered to his back, his tunic and breeches damp from training.

  James MacDonald palmed the hilt of his sword as he continued, “My brother is happily married, and to a MacLeod no less. All I ask is for some time with Annie, to see if we might make a good match.”

  “Your request is denied,” Colin bit out as he stormed up to James. “I’ll never allow you to wed Annie. She deserves far better than the likes of a MacDonald.”

  James snorted. “Of course you’d say that, but she’s been given the choice to decide.”

  “She’ll never choose you. She needs her kin close by and you cannae provide that.” He stood side by side with Rory, the MacLeod chief nodding in agreement with him.

  “I would never prevent her from visiting Dunvegan,” James glanced between them. “As I’ve already told Rory.”

  “And what of when she wishes to visit Duart on Mull? She is a MacLean, as much as she is a MacLeod.”

  “Should she wish to visit the Isle of Mull, I wouldnae stop her.”

  “The hell you wouldnae.” He grasped his sword.

  “Colin, remember where you are.” Rory laid a restraining hand on his shoulder. “As much as I detest his request, I’ve still left this choice to Annie. Thankfully, we both know she’ll never agree to such a match, so this discussion is moot.”

  “And if she does agree?” James countered.

  “Then I’ll convince her otherwise.” Rory walked to the door, pulled it wider and gestured for James to leave. “Our conversation is done.”

  “You believe so, but for peace to prevail, you and I still have much to talk about.” James left, but not before sending Colin a look over his shoulder that spoke of a man intent on his mission. The glint of determination in James’s eyes was one warning Colin would certainly heed.

  “We’ll need to keep an eye on him.” The hair on Colin’s nape stood on end. “He’s up to no good.”

  “Lord Sinclare also spoke to me last eve, although I couldnae find you after he had.” Rory scrubbed a hand over his face. “He too put in a formal offer. He needs to take a young wife in the hope of replacing his heir. He lost both his sons last year.”

  “I’m aware, but Annie has no intention of marrying that man either.”

  “I agree Sinclare is no’ for her. Watch over her for me today. The king has requested my attendance and he willnae accept an apology. I have no choice but to go.”

  “I too have business to attend to in the city. Arthur will guard her. I’ve already given him that order, and when I return, I’ll watch over her. I’ll never allow James MacDonald to court her. On that, I give you my word.”

  “Rory, there you are.” Annie breezed into the room, her full red velvet skirts brushing the floor and her sweet rose scent engulfing Colin. He wanted to drown in that scent. “I hope I’m no’ interrupting either of you.”

  “Nay, never.” Rory smiled at her. “Did you sleep well?”

  “Very. Will you be around and about this day?”

  “No’ until this eve. What did you need?”

  “I wish to go riding.”

  “Then take Arthur and Elizabeth as escorts. I’ll speak to my captain and ensure he arranges a sufficient guard for the ride. I’m sorry, but I must be away, lass. The king waits for no man.” He kissed her cheek and strode out the door.

  Annie turned her mischievous gaze on him. “Well, well. We are all alone again, and at a time when I didnae expect to see you.”

  “Where do you intend to ride?” He crossed his arms in the hope that action would prevent him from reaching for her.

  “Around the park.” She stepped closer, slid her hands over his crossed arms and dipped her fingers into the gap between. “You look dark and dangerous in full black attire. Would your current business be an activity in which you wish discretion?”

  “I’m a warrior. I prefer to wear dark clothing. It aids me in blending into the shadows.”

  “And you’ve shaved.” She kissed his chin. “Mmm, ’tis so smooth.”

  “Cease distracting me. This morn, James approached Rory with a request to court you.”

  “Aye, I’ve already told you of his wishes.” She winked and sashayed out the door.

  “Annie.” He followed her down the passageway. “Where are you going?”

  “To break my fast. If you have time, come and join me.”

  “I’ll make time.” His business with Ian could wait a little longer, and he had yet to find Arthur who should have been up and about by now and standing sentry outside her door. He led Annie into the great hall where he found the very man he was after sitting at a trestle table in the far corner. He joined Arthur and scraped a wooden chair out for Annie.

  “How are you this day, Arthur?” Annie smiled at Arthur as she sat.

  “Very good. Did you sleep well?” He munched on an oatcake.

  “Aye, and more soundly than I thought I would.” She glanced at Colin as he took the seat next to hers. “I didnae ask. Did you rest well?”

  “There was a lump in the bed, one I wasnae used to.” A lump with long blond tresses he adored. He hauled out his dirk, cut a slice of bread from the loaf and slathered it in jam before taking a bite.

  “Hot oats, sir?” A serving maid appeared with a la
rge tray holding steamy bowls.

  He nodded, and she set a bowl before him and Annie.

  “That’s awful, about the lump, Colin.” Annie poured milk over her oats and his, then picked up her spoon. “I cannae stand such things myself. Whenever I find a lump, I roll over it a few times and flatten it out. ’Tis the best way to deal with lumps.”

  He coughed and almost choked on the bread he munched. “And exactly how often do you find these lumps?”

  “More often of late than ever afore.” She patted his back. “That’s a nasty cough you have. If you like, I could take a look at your lump.”

  “My lump will be fine.”

  “If you’re sure…”

  Arthur scratched his chin. “’Tis been a while since I found a lump in my bed myself.”

  “Lucky you.” Annie giggled. “They can be quite the nuisance and very difficult to get rid of once they make themselves at home.”

  “Behave.” Colin squeezed her leg under the table.

  “You started it.” She pointed at the bread. “Could you pass me some please?”

  “Aye, allow me to feed my lump roller.” He cut a slice, added jam and handed it to her.

  He enjoyed his meal and the light conversation that followed, no matter that Annie continued with her teasing. Her smile was infectious and lightened his heart. Hell, he’d missed such times like these with her whenever they’d been forced apart.

  “Annie.” Elizabeth hastened across the great hall and hugged her niece. “Good morn, my dear.”

  “And good morn to you too.”

  “Sit here, Elizabeth.” He offered her his seat as he stood. “I must be away. Business to attend to in the city. Watch Annie for me. She’s in an impetuous mood today.”

  “She’s always in such a mood.” Smiling, Elizabeth slid into his seat. “Travel safely.”

  “I will.” He leaned into Annie’s ear and whispered, “Take care as you ride.”

  “That goes for you too.”

  He tore himself away from her and crossed to the doors. At the edge of the great hall, he stopped for one last look. ’Twas impossible not to soak in the sight of her. Her smile lit up her face as she spoke to her aunt and Arthur, then she stopped and glanced over her shoulder at him. Her gaze softened and she blew him a kiss.

  It hit him square in the chest, like a physical blow that blossomed with heat and spread out to envelope him whole. He was a lost cause.

  With that difficult thought consuming him, he left for the stables. He was a captain in his chief’s guard, a warrior who went to war when called to do his duty. He couldn’t take Annie to wife and expose her to his kind of life. Should he not survive a battle, he’d only bring more heartache down on her head. Aye, she deserved so much more than that.

  After saddling his destrier, he rode out the gate and along the cobbled road that ran between Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle, his heart a heaving mess.

  At least there was one thing he knew for certain.

  His chief awaited his freedom, and he’d make damn certain ’twas granted.

  Chapter 3

  Guilt consumed Annie as Colin strode out of the great hall. She’d kept the finer details of her coming excursion with James from both him and Rory and it grated on her. She’d told James she would go riding with him, and she’d keep her word, but she didn’t care for the mistruth she’d spoken in order to do so.

  “What has that frown on your face, my dear?” Elizabeth swirled honey over her oats and ate a bite.

  Voice low so Arthur couldn’t overhear, she said, “We’re going riding with James MacDonald this morn. I said aye to him last eve when he asked. Colin and Rory know naught about it.”

  Elizabeth shivered. “We’ll have to watch James. Those MacDonalds are a devious bunch.”

  “This ride is for me to get to know James a little better, only things have changed since he and I spoke.” She sipped her tea. “There’s a man I’m very interested in, and I dinnae mean James.”

  “Oh, do tell.”

  “I’m rather close to him already.”

  “Hmm, I see.” Fluffing her gown’s mahogany skirts, Elizabeth’s eyes lit. “Now, would that perchance be the strapping young warrior who just left?”

  “How did you know?”

  “I may have seen how close you two were standing together outside last eve afore I called your name.”

  “You should have said.”

  “I thought I did when I asked him so blatantly to dance with you.” She propped her elbow on the table and leaned closer. “Some men need a gentle push, and it appears Colin more so than any other. Your mothers were the best of friends and he’s always been there to protect you. His dual guardianship of you though may be an issue for Rory. ’Tis no’ fitting for him to be courting you when you’re his ward.”

  “Who I wed is my choice. Rory allowed me that decision.” That’s if Colin could be persuaded to offer for her. He’d kissed her last night and this morning, and the passion simmering between them had flared, although he was still holding back. “I dinnae wish to force his hand and I worry I inadvertently will.”

  “Colin adores you. If there is force, ’tis of the right nature.” Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “I can see the indecision worries you. You should speak to him, and afore ’tis too late.”

  “What do you mean too late?”

  “We both know he’s here for more than one reason.”

  “His chief?”

  “Aye, if Rory were in the cells, there isnae a MacLeod warrior who wouldnae be trying to free him.”

  “What do you think I should do?”

  “Follow your heart. That is all any of us can do.” She plucked a wedge of cheese from the breadboard and eyeing her, bit into it. “Are you up for the challenge?”

  “I am.”

  “Good. Now no more worrying when we need to ready ourselves for this ride.” Elizabeth pushed out her chair and stood. “I do long for some fresh air, even though I must endure James’s company while I partake of it.”

  Why did her kin hate James so much? Aye, they hadn’t spent time with him as she had. Mayhap that was all. He certainly wasn’t like his dastardly chief and uncle.

  In her chamber, she donned her black riding jacket and boots then emerged from her room to find her aunt in the passageway informing Arthur of the finer details of their ride.

  Arthur snorted, clearly not impressed as he eyed her. “I take it Colin isnae aware of what’s happening?”

  “Nay, but I’ll have a guard, and we’ll no’ be leaving the king’s land.” She stepped up to him. “Think of this as an enjoyable excursion, naught more.”

  “I still dinnae care for it.”

  “James has always been polite and kind to me.” She patted Arthur’s arm. “Truly, what harm could there be in a short ride in the park when I’ll have you there protecting me?”

  “Aye, there is little harm with the guard you’ll have, and I’d lay my life down for yours.” He gripped the hilt of his sword and stroked the gleaming metal.

  “I know you would.”

  He slowly nodded. “We’ll go, but you’ll follow my every order, and I will be leaving a message here for Colin should he arrive back afore us.”

  “I’d expect naught less.” She’d won the immediate battle. She linked arms with her aunt and together they walked down the passageway and outside into the inner courtyard. At the stables, James and two of his men, along with three of Rory’s guard waited with their saddled mounts.

  “Annie, good morn.” James, with his plaid belted low on his waist and a brown leather vest covering his starched white tunic, caught her hand and dropped a kiss on her knuckles. Dipping his head, he acknowledged her aunt. “Mistress MacLeod, I thought we’d ride through the park afore we enjoy a midday meal at one of the countryside’s finest taverns, The King’s Tavern.”

  “That sounds lovely.” Elizabeth crossed to her palfrey and a MacLeod guardsman boosted her into the saddle. She arranged her heavy
mahogany skirts around her then grasped the reins.

  James steered Annie toward her horse then with his hands on her hips, lifted her up. “Thank you for agreeing to this outing. I know I made it a little difficult to say nay.”

  “Aye, but I’m looking forward to the ride and being outdoors.” How could Colin not see James’s true personality? He was nothing like his warring uncle. Certainly ambition drove him, but not in a menacing way.

  “We’re Highlanders,” he said as he mounted his destrier. “We shouldnae be closeted up at court but riding free across our great land.”

  “Well, of that, I’m in agreement.” She slapped the reins against her horse’s neck and side-by-side they rode out under the arch with the others following in a steady stream behind. Arthur rode next to her aunt a horse length behind, his gaze a targeted one on James’s back. She shook her head at him, but he paid her no mind.

  “Dinnae frown so. Your guard simply watches you as he should.” James leaned closer. “Although, the MacLeods and MacDonalds have agreed to a truce, even as uneasy as it currently is. I’m just glad MacLean isnae here.”

  “Colin had other business to attend to, and I also thought it rather prudent no’ to tell him.”

  He chuckled. “Aye, your prudence is much appreciated.”

  They trotted down the trail, entered the depth of the forest and left the imposing sight of Holyrood House behind. The palace’s park, a vast expanse of land stretching for hundreds of acres held glens, lush rolling moors, rocky crags and hidden lochs. ‘Twas wonderful to be surrounded by such seclusion mere minutes after leaving the castle.

  James too grinned, his shoulders wide as a look of pure pleasure crossed his face. His mop of unruly red curls gave him a youthful look, although the two-handed sword strapped in a baldric across his broad back, stated he was a warrior, born and bred. “Tell me more about yourself, Annie. I’m aware you grew up on Mull afore your father joined the MacLeods at Dunvegan.”

  “Aye. I was a mischievous bairn, climbing trees and hunting from high in my tree hut.” Well, it had been Colin’s tree hut, but as he’d grown older and left his youth behind, he’d visited it less often, so she’d claimed it for herself.