Brian watched Jamie blanch. He turned on Tessa. “You told him,” he accused.
“I did not,” Tessa said.
“She didna have to,” Brian admonished. “’Twas clear someone had ushered you into manhood. I saw how you were with Sorcha when you visited me and it became clear something transpired between the two of you.”
“I didna intend for it to happen. It was more than I could resist when offered.”
“And so it was with your sister,” Brian said.
“But she is a woman.”
Brian laughed. “Doesna you paramour enjoy your touch? So it is with Brianna and Rannoch. You ken she has worshipped him from afar for years and now he tricks her with his attention. He offers her marriage then entices her to let him touch her. The first kiss of the flesh is all powerful. Brianna will go willingly to his bed on her wedding day. Let us try our sequestration ploy and pray Ian gets back in time to save her from herself.”
Tessa, ever the practical one, spoke up. “How would you like us to approach her, Father?”
“Come closer and I will tell you,” he urged.
A light rap at her door sent Brianna flying to open it. To her surprise, she stared in the faces of her brother and sister. “Jamie and Tessa, what do you want?”
“We have come with a message from father,” Jamie said. “We ken your plans with Rannoch.”
Whirling around, Brianna turned her back to them. “Leave me, I dinna want to hear about your disapproval.”
Tessa came up beside her and touched her arm. “’Tis not what you think, Brianna. We saw father right after Rannoch left. Father sees the merit of your marriage. He just feels bad that he cannot protect you. He is glad that Rannoch is willing to join himself to our family and defend our lands.”
Brianna turned to face her little sister. “What?”
“Father has given his blessing and he asks one thing of you as you approach your wedding,” Jamie added.
“I canna believe it,” Brianna said, breathing a sigh of relief. She looked at both of them. “What does ask of me?”
“This is not meant to confound you. Father wishes that you sequester yourself in the days leading up to your wedding,” Jamie told her.
“Aye,” Tessa added. “Apparently Rowan told him of the passion both of you experience when you are close, and father wishes you to wait until your wedding night to taste this joy again.”
Brianna felt her face flush. “Rowan told this to father?”
“Aye,” Jamie said. “He made his case well for a speedy wedding and father agreed, but father is a man of tradition. He wishes you to remain a virgin until your wedding night.”
Brianna licked her lips. “I dinna ken what to do.” She sighed. “Rowan hasna taken me. Every night he comes to me and asks for small favors: a touch, a kiss, or a peek beneath my gown.”
“All the more reason to do the sequestration until the day of the wedding,” Jamie suggested.
“Aye,” Tessa said. “’Tis just three days. What is that in a lifetime?”
Brianna thought of the night before and how close she had come to begging Rannoch to take her. Would he have been able to stop if she had lured him thus? Perchance this made sense. She would sequester herself and think only of him—remembering each touch. She would be so ready to join with him on their wedding night that he would never want Sorcha again.
“Well, what do you think?” Jamie asked.
“Aye, ‘tis a good idea,” she agreed. “But where can I go?”
“Retreat to the north tower,” Jamie suggested.
“First write a missive to Rannoch to tell him of your intent. Beg him to honor your wishes and leave you this time to reflect on your upcoming marriage,” Tessa said. “That way he wilna worry.”
“Aye, I will do it.” She gathered her necessities and began a message to her betrothed.
Chapter 30
Sleep overtook Katie as she awaited Ian’s return. She stirred in his bed when the door to their chamber opened. “Ah, you wake,” Ian said coming closer. “And you wait in my bed. What do you wait for, Katie?”
“’Tis late, you spent a long time on the plan,” she commented, ignoring his jibe.
“Aye, so.” Ian smiled at her. “Is it too late, Katie?”
She grinned at him. “Too late for what, Milord?”
“Do you wait in my bed to sleep beside me? Or could it be you want something else.”
Taking his hand in hers, she led it to her flat stomach. “Should something go wrong, Milord, I want to do everything in my power to conceive your child. Our love will never die as long as part of both of us survives.”
“Very well,” Ian said with a smile. “I will do my best and then I must get some rest before we ride out.”
Smiling, Katie stood in the bed and ripped off her nightgown.
“Eager are we?”
“Aye, Milord.”
“Lie down.”
She dropped immediately onto the bed. Ian grabbed her hips and pulled her close to him running his hands over her. He towered over her, bringing the juncture of her thighs to the edge of the bed so that her legs dangled off. “You are so lovely,” he said as he stopped and dropped his plaid.
Katie started to rise, but he pushed her back down and used his hands to push her thighs apart. Before she could speak, he bent over her tasting her breasts, suckling harder and harder until she groaned and held him to her. Then his fingers began a steady stroke up inside her. He continued until her breath grew short with each invasion.
“You are ready,” he whispered. “Have you been dreaming of me?”
“Aye, and it was such a beautiful dream.”
“What did we do?” he asked.
“You tasted me again,” she murmured.
“You liked that,” he said. “I had hoped your would.” Dropping his head, Ian took her legs over his shoulders. He began a trail of kisses up her thigh. She held her breath waiting for him to go further, but he left off that leg and sampled the other, making her desire it more.
“Ian… please,” she begged.
He looked into her eyes and smiled. “Anything you wish, my love.” With that, he moved to the sweet spot between her legs finding the place that spawned all her desire. He didn’t stop until she cried out in ecstasy.
“Oh—oh—oh,” she broke off as her body contracted in delight. “Dinna stop,” she begged.
“I am far from done,” he promised. He let her legs slip off his shoulders, stood, ran his hands down her body, and grasped her hips.
Something about this whole conversation excited her more. He talked to her as he brought her pleasure. “Ian,” she gasped. “What can I do?”
“Just lay back and let me come into you,” he said. He jerked her to him and came into her hard. She arched with each powerful thrust. They rocked back and forth with an in and out motion that took him deeper and deeper inside her. Breathless, he bent over her. His arms went around her, lifting her torso just enough to allow his mouth to find her nipple again and nip her each time he came solid inside her. Her head fell back as he rode her. She could feel her hair skimming across the bedding. Ian held her to him and suckled while he moved inside her. Each drive grew harder making her come. Her body contracted wildly with each powerful thrust.
He stopped his attention to the tender tips, kissed her neck, and ran upward to capture her mouth with his. She could taste their union on his tongue. Her full breasts pounded against his chest with each invasion. She ran her hands over his buttocks and pulled him into her praying for his release. Then it came. He cried her name and spewed his seed. Her body answered, grabbed him, and held him inside her as wave after wave of pure pleasure wracked every part of her. Katie writhed in the sheet as he continued to move. “Oh… Ian,” she whispered. “Each time I want you more.”
Laughing he collapsed on top of her, pushing them both further onto the bed. He used his elbows to hold himself above her so she would not crush her with his weight. She could st
ill feel him though he was not hard like before. “Squeeze me,” he petitioned.
“What… how?”
“Like you do when you come, but with intent.” He looked into her eyes. “Will you try?”
She forced her body to contract around him.”Like this?” she asked.
“Zounds!”
Laughing, she did it again. “How much can you take, Milord?”
“As much as you can offer,” he challenged. Ian rolled them over as one so he lay on his back with her on top of him. Her hair fell down around them like a red-gold curtain.
In this position, she took him closer to where he had been at the height of their passion. He groaned at her success. “Can I do more?” she asked.
Ian eyes sparkled with desire in the dim light. “Sit up,” he urged.
Katie sat on her knees straddling him. He guided her hips and she felt him slide further into her. “Oh—oh—oh,” she moaned as her body erupted again. Restless, she moved against him feeling his shaft beginning to firm up with her constant urging.
“You entice me to the impossible,” Ian gasped. “Dinna stop. Squeeze harder.”
She did it repeatedly. An eternity passed in this sweet pleasure. Then things grew more serious, purposeful, and harder. Soon the whole bed shook with their frenzied motion until in one quick burst Ian brought her to the paradise of fulfilled desire. Spent they lay entwined for a long time before they disengaged. She snuggled to his chest.
“I love you, Ian.”
“And I love you,” he answered. His hand moved her flat stomach. “I think we have done our best.”
“Aye,” she whispered. “Thank you.”
He laughed. “Thank you, Milady. You have saved me from a frivolous life and helped me find purpose.”
“And what is your purpose, Milord?”
“To please you,” he murmured as he drifted into sleep.
Katie watched him in the glow of the fire that warmed their chamber. “And mine is to please you,” she told him through the darkness.
The chamber still wore the cloak of night when a knock came at the door. Jared MacLean called to Ian. “Time to move out,” Jared said. “Meet me in the bailey.”
Ian roused as Katie got up, threw a robe around her, and lit a candle from the dying embers in the hearth. She watched as he rose and stretched in all his naked glory. He came over and pulled her into his arms. “Thank you for making my night so memorable. I will dispatch Rannoch with all speed so I can come back to your arms.” He grinned. “And a few other places,” he added.
Her jaw tightened. He could make light of it, but Rannoch was a formidable foe. “Have a care, Ian. Rowan Rannoch has ensconced himself in Duntaigh Castle. For the last year, he controlled my father’s clan. Many of them are loyal to him now.”
“Dinna worry. I will vanquish him and return to you unscathed.”
Her fingers ran across the scar on his shoulder. “I shall feel better knowing Jared is at your side when you breach the castle and go after Rannoch.”
Ian kissed her long and lingering. He broke off the kiss with a sigh. “When I return we will speak the vows and become man and wife in the eyes of the church,” he told her.
“I will always be yours, vows or not.”
He laughed. “I have made you into a wanton woman.”
“Not wanton, just a woman who kens what she wants,” she corrected.
Ian moved away from her and dressed quickly. “Until you are once more in my arms,” he said blowing her a kiss as he walked out the door.
Katie crossed her arms over her chest feeling lonely already. How long would it be before Asilinn showed up?
A short time later, Asilinn came to Katie and Ian’s chamber. When Katie ushered her inside, she noticed Asilinn dressed like a stable boy. She wore a floppy top and small britches. Her golden hair hung down her back in a tight braid. She held a bundle of clothing in one hand.
“All is ready,” Asilinn said. “I need you to put these on and we’ll head for Duntaigh Castle unless you have changed your mind.”
Katie took the clothes and striped off her robe. “I canna wait to wreak havoc on Rannoch,” Katie said as she dressed in the things Asilinn had provided. “What is the plan?”
“We will strike out directly toward Duntaigh Castle. We will arrive before the gathering troops. We can get inside and prepare for the invasion that is about to occur.”
“Asilinn, you risk much if we are not successful.” Katie looked her newfound friend in the eye. “I dinna want to be the cause of any harm that may befall you. Perchance I should go alone.”
“Nay, Katie. I have seen your wedding. All will be well.”
“You’re sure?”
“As sure as I can be.” She smiled. “Come. Let’s go to rescue your family.” Katie followed Asilinn to the bailey where their horses stood ready and waiting. “I ken you can ride and now we must go sure and swift to the heart of Duntaigh Castle.”
“Aye, so,” Katie agreed mounting her horse.
They traveled for hours without much conversation. At length, Asilinn pulled up atop a ridge where they could see for miles around. The sheer rock outcropping allowed them to see the forest trails below and the breathtaking view of Loch Laiden and Rannoch Moor. “I dinna think we have anyone following us,” Asilinn commented. “Let’s take a break and have a small repast.”
They dismounted and partook of the food and drink Asilinn brought for them in relative silence. Finally, Katie had to ask. “Asilinn, when did you ken you had the gift of foresight?”
Asilinn’s blue eyes focused on her. “You ask because of Tessa,” she said with surety.
“Aye,” Katie admitted, a little startled at Asilinn’s quick appraisal.
“I was very young when I had my first vision. I have a feeling the same thing happened to Tessa.” She put her arm around Katie. “I ken ‘tis hard to accept in those we love. It can be scary and wonderful at the same time. To the one who has the gift, it is a treasure and a curse. I never ken when I might see some terrible vision of someone I love.” She shrugged. “Or I may be able to offer counsel because I see things that others do not. Oft times my visions can be misinterpreted. It is not easy for the soothsayer or the ones they love.”
“I canna fathom it and so I dinna have much patience with Tessa. I wish to believe when her insight is good. When it is not, I wish she never told me.”
Asilinn laughed. “That is the normal reaction to those of us with the gift,” she said. Her face grew more serious. “I have been aware of Tessa’s presence for some time. Her gift is strong and slightly different from mine. I am anxious to see her again.”
“She is so young,” Katie objected. “How can her gift be so strong?”
“Only God kens the depth and breadth of these special gifts.” Katie felt like Asilinn could read her every thought. “It is God, not the devil who grants these visions. I promise you that is true. The greatest thing you can do for Tessa is to accept her for what she is.”
“And what is that?” Katie asked.
Asilinn smiled. “A seer who can help us with our mission.”
“You are sure?”
“Aye, as I live and breathe.” She gave Katie a questioning look. “Has she not already shown her accuracy?”
Relenting, Katie nodded. “It is so,” she said.
“Time to get back on the trail.”
They mounted and rode on toward Duntaigh Castle. Katie prayed they would arrive before Rannoch could marry her sister.
Night fell by the time they came to the far side of the mountain. The cave entrance loomed ahead of them. By riding straight through they had cut a lot of time off the trip. Katie thought of the stop she and Ian made in a different cave. She smiled to herself at the images that ran through her mind. Now she must focus on the task at hand and make sure she and Asilinn stayed safe as they embarked on this risky adventure.
They tied the horses inside the entrance of the cave, lit torches, and made their way on
foot through the dimly lit tunnels. Katie led the way through the winding maze. When she reached the secret door, she checked for guards through the spy hole. No one attended the empty cells. She opened the cantilevered stone and led Asilinn into the dungeon. Katie started in the direction of the upper levels, but Asilinn grabbed her arm and stopped her. “One of your kinsmen is nearby,” she said. “Let us go the other direction and find him.”
“Who?” Katie asked.
“I dinna ken,” Asilinn said. “I only ken he will help us.”
Following Asilinn’s lead, they made their way to a far corner of the dungeon. Katie heard Keith’s voice cry out when they entered the dark and dingy cell block. “Keith, is that you?” she cried.
“Katie?” Keith Blackburn walked out of the shadows and gave her a sound hug.
“Keith, what is going on?”
“When Rannoch discovered you missing, your father and I contrived a story to point the blame at me. In this way, Rannoch would not suspect that Ian lived or that you had left the keep. I have been hiding here waiting for your return.” He looked around the gloomy dungeon. “I believe I ken why Ian didna like it so much. The days I have spent here almost made me want to go and show myself.”
“I am glad you did not.”
Keith gawked at Asilinn then knelt before her. “Lady Asilinn,” he murmured. “I am in your debt.”
“We have met before,” Asilinn said. “Rise,” she ordered. “There is no time for formalities. You must help us secure the Blackburns before Ian and Jared arrive with an army to rout Rannoch.”
“Praise God,” Keith muttered. “Just tell me what you need me to do.”
Asilinn smiled. “We need to speak with Laird Blackburn. I must tell him of the plans for the attack.” She turned to Katie. “You must find Tessa and Jamie and find out what has transpired in your absence. Can you do this while Keith takes me to your father?”
“Aye,” Katie responded, “But what of Brianna?”
Asilinn let out a sigh. “We will have a better idea of what to do about Brianna once we talk to your family.”
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