by Sherry Ewing
Her back arched. Her hands clenched in the bedding. She wanted more of…what? His name came rushing from her mouth whilst she teetered on the brink of her sanity. He stopped and looked up at her. Everything surrounding her in a swirling heat of sensations halted in an instant. Time passed slowly, as though the days and nights had of a sudden all become as one whilst their gazes held one to the other. He moved atop her as he took her legs to wrap them around his hips.
“I am sorry, lass,” he whispered almost reverently like she was his most prized treasure, “but there is no easy way to do this that will not hurt you.”
He plunged inside, breaking the barrier that was the proof of her virginity. “Ian!” His name left her lips, yet again, even whilst she clung to him. He held her, unmoving. Stroking her hair with fervent soothing words, he murmured to her in both English and Gaelic. His murmurings were meant to lessen her pain. And lessen it did. Slowly, he began to show her the rhythm known to couples throughout time itself. If she had had an inkling of what she had been missing, she would have asked him to take her sooner.
Onward and upward he took her, to heights she had never thought possible. Lynet knew not what force overtook her own body, but she lost all control as a startling energy consumed her like the burning of the sun. Every piece of her very soul tightened. With one final thrust, Ian called out her name, and she shattered like a piece of fragile glass breaking into a million fragments. She would never be the same again. She was at last his.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
A piercing whistle slashed through the quietness of the morning air, much like an ax descending upon a piece of dry wood. Calum opened his eyes to peer into the mist surrounding him. The morn was chilly, giving a clue nature would not be cooperating with his plans for fair weather. ’Twas only summer, and yet, this morn gave the impression winter would be upon them sooner than expected this year, or so Calum surmised.
Standing, he wrapped his plaid closer around his shoulders to find some remnant of warmth. Another warning signal echoed, alerting Calum someone was fast approaching. He attempted to determine from which direction the sound originated, but ’twas difficult to ascertain, given he could not see far in front of him.
The shadow of a horse with its rider began to take shape on the outer edges of the clearing. He kicked at Lachlan, who repeated the gesture to the man next to him as the rest in camp began rousing from their slumber. Lazy louts! ’Twas no small wonder he had not been cut down whilst he slept, whether by an assailant or Lachlan, who would like nothing better than to replace him as laird. The camp finally began to come to life when they realized they were not alone and had an unwelcome visitor in their midst.
Calum’s hand reached for his sword ’til the stranger pulled on the reins, halting his steed, and held up a gloved hand in surrender. Calum relaxed, but kept up his guard. There was no sense in losing more of his men than he already had from the fiasco of losing his prisoner.
The rider dismounted. Calum’s sword sang out as he pulled the heavy steel from its sheath and pointed the blade in the direction of the intruder, who began to advance towards him. “That is far enough. State your business,” he ordered loudly.
An amused chuckle emerged from the depths of the cloaked figure, who swept back the hood of his cape. “I mean you no harm and come unarmed,” he answered snidely.
“Is that wise?”
“I take my chances that the proposition I have for you will be to your liking.”
Calum nodded to one of his men. “Search him.”
A grin split the man’s features as he again held up his hands whilst his body was patted down for weapons. “I spoke no falsehood.”
“Then you will not be surprised if I ensure you come here in good faith,” Calum replied knowingly. “I take no chances with strangers who enter my camp.”
“I would do the same, if I was in your position.”
His man completed his inspection, and Calum returned his sword to his scabbard. “Why are you here?”
“Direct and to the point, are you not? You are a man to my own liking. No reason for us to indulge in idle chit chat then, eh?”
“I have little time, nor patience, for such things. Again, what do you want of me?”
“I have, or shall I say, Urquhart has, something you desire. I want to help you get it.”
Calum folded his arms across his chest. “And just how do you think you know what I want, or who I am, for that matter?”
The man pointed to the log near the fire. “May I?”
“Suit yourself.”
“My thanks,” he said, taking a seat and holding out his hands to the fire.
Calum stood where he was but his patience was wearing thin. “Comfortable?”
“Aye.”
“Who the hell are you?” he roared with a scowl, wanting to get down to this man’s business.
“My name is Edric, lately of Urquhart,” he answered with a sly grin. “I’ve been holding on to the estate and running it for my sister.”
“From what I can see, you have not been doing a very good job of it.”
“And therein lies my problem, and hence, my reason for seeking you out, Laird Calum.”
“You surprise me by knowing who I am.”
“I knew the exact moment you rode across our borders and who you were. Only a fool would not be vigilant in protecting what is his.”
“I believe that is no longer your right, if you could claim such ownership prior to MacGillivray’s arrival to lead his clan.”
An animal-like snarl erupted from Edric as he lost his composure. “The lands should have been mine, and would have been if Fiona’s brat of a son had continued on his path, looking for glory abroad.”
“How unfortunate for you he has returned to claim his birthright, including bringing home a bride,” Calum smirked meaningfully.
“And therein lays the root of my proposition to you.”
“Go on. You have my attention.”
Edric stood. “I need monies to see myself settled where I can live out my life comfortably. You need the same in order to ensure Clan Davidson’s survival through the coming winter. Split Lynet’s ransom with me, and I will ensure easy passage into the keep. You should have no trouble capturing the girl, once inside.”
“Why should I trust you?”
“Do you think it wise not to? I could have just as easily sent out our own guards to lead you on your merry way back to whence you came without so much as a shilling for your troubles.”
“’Tis still no reason to take you up on your offer of helping me obtain that which I need.”
“I would think we would both benefit from such a scheme.”
“What if I want more than mere coins to fill my coffers?”
“Pilfer whatever you can find from Urquhart, for all I care. There is not much left for the taking. Believe me, I have looked. Why do you think I wish to leave?”
“What if I desire to keep the girl?”
“Give her to Dristan of Berwyck, keep her for yourself, or drown her in the lake. Think you I care what happens to her?”
“She is part of your family.”
“Bah! All I want is my fair share of the coins she will bring. I will then bid good riddance to the place, along with my useless sister.”
Calum considered Edric’s plan, including the drawback of sharing what he could easily get done by himself. Had he not been scoping out the lay of the land, including the routine of the castle guards, for some time now? Then again, if Edric could ensure easy entry through the barbican gate, then, mayhap, ’twould be just as simple to get rid of the man afterwards. He would not have to share any of the ransom, but keep it all to himself.
Calum held out his hand. “Do not cross me,” he warned.
Edric reached out to seal their bargain. “’Tis done then.”
“Aye.”
Edric gave a satisfied smile. “Let me tell you how we shall go about getting you inside the keep.”
&nbs
p; Calum listened intently and nodded in encouragement for Edric to divulge all he could on the inner workings of the castle. Afore too long, he had a good handle on the situation, knowing he would indeed easily obtain Lynet, along with her ransom monies from Berwyck. Edric, on the other hand, would quickly become a useless liability and would in no way further aid his cause once the keep had been breached.
Edric droned on about the wealth that would soon be his, causing Calum’s head to throb with a horrendous headache. ’Twould give him the utmost pleasure when the time came to put this babbling idiot out of his misery. He called his men to gather around the fire and listen to how they would obtain their gold. Calum smiled. ’Twas time to put his plan into action.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Ian awoke to stare in wonder at the miracle lying next to him. His heart seemed to freeze for an instant afore beating ferociously within his chest again. Was it no small wonder the woman he had taken to wife had slowly crept her way into a place where he thought no lady would ever dwell again?
She lay there beside him, appearing like a picture of innocence. The corners of her mouth were turned up in the slightest of smiles set upon her lovely face. He reached over to brush a strand of her hair from her temple, and the heat of his fingertips caused her to automatically lean into him. Her own hand came to rest upon his chest. ’Twas almost as if she tempted him in her sleep for him to take her, yet again. But she would need time afore her body would be ready for another round of pleasure as they had shared last eve. Kissing her forehead, he moved to leave her side.
“Ian…” He paused at the sound that escaped from her dreams. His name came from her pouting lips in a breathy wave of desire. A hungry craving for her rushed through him, almost causing him to rethink his thoughts of but an instant ago.
“Rest awhile, my love,” he replied. Her eyes opened wide at his words whilst she looked upon him as if he had given her the greatest of gifts.
“Come back to bed, Ian,” she murmured, snuggling into his chest. “’Tis too early to rise after such a night as ours.”
He chuckled at the thought of lounging with her to while away the morn. “Duty calls, Lynet. There is much that must needs be done today.”
“’Tis barely sunrise. Surely, you can rest a little longer.” She yawned and began to stretch. The cover slid down to expose the creaminess of her breasts, taunting him to reach out and caress them. He gave in to the temptation. His thumb slid gently across one peak, and he grinned, watching her unfold beneath him. She moaned. Arching her back in response to his touch, she reached up to wrap her hand around his neck. “Stay with me,” she whispered as she gently brought their heads closer afore capturing his lips in a searing kiss.
Any thoughts of leaving her side swiftly left him when she all but molded her body into his, as if she were an extra layer of his own skin. Heat flooded his senses when her hands began to roam upon his body. She was so small next to his own tall frame, and yet, she behaved as if they had been lovers for years. She may have been a shy virgin the night afore, but she left all inhibitions behind in her eagerness to please him now.
A discrete knock at the door interrupted their play, and Ian reluctantly tore his lips from his wife’s. He still did not move as their breaths passed one to the other. Opening his eyes, he stole one glance into the blueness of Lynet’s and knew, without reservation, he was lost. Aye, she had indeed captured him, heart and soul, the little minx.
With one last parting kiss, he left their bed to quickly don his garments whilst Lynet covered her lovely self from whomever had disturbed what might have been a most pleasant way to start the day. A giggle escaped her lips, as if she knew where his thoughts had led.
Ian opened the door to peer into the passageway then moved aside as Lorna came into the chamber with a mumbled apology. She was not alone. She crossed the room to place a tray of food upon a table then waved the servants waiting in the corridor forward like a captain commanding her troops.
The room began to quickly fill as a large tub was brought near the fire and bucket after bucket of water was poured into it. The hearth was stoked and wine poured ’til Lorna nodded her approval and began shooing the women from the chamber. With a hastily bobbed curtsey and a knowing grin towards her mistress, Lorna fled the chamber.
Silence filled the air, with the exception of the cracking fire. The wood snapped and hissed once greedily consumed by the growing red hot flames that heated the room. The fire itself was not the only thing in the chamber smoldering, for Lynet followed his every move with longing in her eyes. No woman had ever looked upon him with such yearning, and he was more than pleased she was as eager for him as he was for her. With a sigh, he knew she needed the hot water that would soothe the aches she was probably not even aware would be hurting, once she was fully awake.
He came to her side, but ’twas her delicious tongue moistening her lips that was almost his undoing. He captured her mouth briefly and listened quite contently to the sigh of pure bliss that left her.
“You, dear wife, would tempt a saint to sin,” Ian declared softly.
“Then come lie abed with me,” she urged. “We can rise later to greet the day.” She batted her eyelids and gave him a pouty pleading look, but he would not be swayed in his resolve.
He chuckled and stood to his full height, feasting his eyes on the woman who now belonged to him in every way. “Nay, lass. There is much to do, and we best be about our duties.”
She wasted no time flinging back the covers and kneeling upon the bed. He sucked in his breath watching her come to life beneath his gaze whilst a rosy blush crept up her body. By Saint Michael’s Wings, she is perfect, he mused. His feet suddenly felt as if they had become like granite, and for the life of him, he could not move from her side. With a racing heart, he became weak-kneed and felt a shiver of lust swarm up his backside. He had never felt such a hunger afore and was pleasantly surprised such a wee, young lass could reduce a seasoned warrior like himself to the point of feeling overwhelmed in anticipation of her touch.
His hands shook when he reached out for her, but ’twas not to give in to her demands that they return beneath the coverlets. Instead, he gently picked her up and carried her to the tub. Slowly, she slid down his body. If she did it purposely just to arouse him, he could not say, since holding her naked body against his own had already had such an effect. He swore. She laughed as she sank down into the water.
“Will you join me, Ian?” she whispered seductively. “There’s more than enough room for us both, and I should look at your wound to ensure ’tis healing properly.”
“The wound is fine, lass. I could not be done in by such a cowardly act as Broderick had planned for me.”
“I hate that someone who is kin to me would do such to you.”
“We cannot always choose our relatives, my dear.”
“Aye, I suppose that is true, but I should still see to the wound. Come join me,” Lynet tempted again.
He lean down to kiss the top of her head and proceeded to bring over a small table and the tray of food so she could break her fast. “Another time, my lovely wife. Relax, and enjoy your bath. I will see you later, at the noon meal.”
As he began to make his way from the room, a splash of water followed by another blissful sigh captured his attention.
“Are you sure?” she teased, lifting her leg up for his viewing pleasure whilst she began to soap that silken porcelain limb.
Ian groaned. “I shall make you pay for jesting with me once you are up to another round of love making, sweet Lynet. Of that, you can be sure.”
She laughed afore resting both arms on the rim of the tub to smile seductively at him. “I will look forward to it, my laird.”
He gave her a brief nod of acknowledgement and quickly left the room, afore he changed his mind and joined her in the tub.
Sometime later, he made his way down the turret to the Great Hall, and Angus approached at a brisk pace to meet him at the bottom of the stairs.
“There is trouble afoot,” Angus whispered.
Striding across the room, Ian sat at the high table as food was laid afore him. He motioned for Angus to take the vacant seat next to him. Surveying the room, he was not completely surprised to see ’twas mostly empty. He assumed the celebration had continued on, far into the early morning hours.
“Report…” Ian mumbled, taking a mouthful of porridge that for a change did not stick in the back of his throat and actually had some flavor.
“’Tis as ye suspected. A small army is camped approximately four miles away. ’Tis Calum and his men, as far as I can gather. I did not want tae get too close without giving away that we are on tae him.”
“And my Uncle?” Ian tore off a chunk of bread as Angus hesitated with his account. He went on with his meal whilst he pointed the piece of bread in Angus’s direction. “Proceed…”
“Again, ye were correct in yer assumptions that yer uncle was up tae no good. He left the castle afore dawn and has yet tae return. I have a scout tailing him, but am sure the two are conspiring against ye.”
“I am not surprised. He has become greedy in his old age and a fool to be in cahoots with the Davidson laird. Surely, they must know Lynet is now my wife, and I have no plans on giving her to anyone.”
“’Tis obvious they only look fer the coin. Mayhap, ye could offer them a small stipend and send them on their way.”
Ian wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve and sat back in his chair. “Men of their ilk are never satisfied with a mere pittance of monies if they think there is more to be had to line their coffers, no matter how they procure it.”
“Perchance, if ye make the offer,” Angus urged.
“Nay, I will not. ’Twill only encourage them to find another way to ransom more coin from me, or worse, make an attempt to get to my wife.”