An old man slow in step and manner stepped out of the woods, a young lad of about ten years with dark brown hair and fine features following. No sooner did the lad spot them than he drew a dirk from his belt and moved to stand protectively in front of the old man.
The old man placed a reassuring hand on the lad’s shoulder. “I do not believe they mean us harm.”
“Do you?” the lad challenged, his dark eyes on Bryce.
“I have no cause to fight with you,” Bryce said. “Though we were about to find a spot to have a respite if you care to join us. We have food to share should you be in need.”
The lad’s eyes turned wide as he swerved around to face the old man. “Food, grandda.”
Bryce was impressed with the way the young lad patiently helped his grandda to sit and gave him food before taking any for himself. And he didn’t grab for more food when he finished what Charlotte had given him though he obviously was hungry for more.
It also didn’t surprise him that Charlotte insisted that the lad take more. It was easy to see she empathized with him and no doubt envied him. He had his grandda with him while Charlotte still searched for her da.
“I am Cadmus, and this is my grandson, Randall,” the old man said. “We thank you for your generosity.”
Randall nodded in agreement, his mouth full.
“Where does your journey take you?” Charlotte asked.
“To safety,” Cadmus said.
“Away from soldiers,” Randall added. “They stalk the villages and countryside for any manner of man or lad capable of carrying a weapon.”
“When we learned they were close to our home, we left,” Cadmus explained. “I will not have my grandson fight for King Kenneth.”
“I will fight for the true king,” Randall claimed proudly. “We hunt for his camp, and I will join in his fight.”
“You are too young to go to battle,” Charlotte said.
Bryce had not expected the lad’s angry reaction. His hand shot out and sent her tumbling. Odin launched himself at the lad, and Bryce grabbed hold of him before he could do any damage. With a command to the dog to stay, Bryce was ready to get to his feet when Cadmus placed a hand on his arm.
“Let the lassie teach my grandson a necessary lesson.”
Bryce was surprised the old man knew Charlotte to be a woman, and it only confirmed his concern for her safety. He was about to intervene, regardless of the old man’s request, when he saw that Charlotte had scrambled to her feet.
“You just proved you are not worthy to fight for the true king,” she spat. “You push like a lassie instead of fighting like a man.”
Randall’s eyes popped wide, and his face flushed red.
Bryce looked to Charlotte, and she smiled. He remained where he sat and prayed she wouldn’t get hurt yet again.
The lad launched himself at Charlotte, and Bryce had all he could do to keep himself from interfering. His confidence however in her grew as he watched her use wit instead of brawn to defend. She tripped the lad and sent him sprawling and outmaneuvered flying punches. She jumped from one rock to another, avoiding more senseless strikes, and finally gave him a hardy boot to the butt, sending him to land face-first and hard on the ground.
“That will teach you not to fight until you are ready,” Cadmus said with a shake of his finger at his grandson.
“He’s bigger than me,” Randall said, getting to his feet and brushing dirt and mud from his clothes.
“Taller perhaps,” his grandda said, “but he is a she. You were bested by a lassie.”
The lad paled. “He can’t be a she. He fights too well.”
“I did not truly fight you,” Charlotte said. “I avoided you, made you tire yourself out, lash out at me in frustration, until I finally seized the opportunity to end it.”
Bryce expected anger from the lad, but instead was impressed by his reply.
“Teach me,” Randall pleaded.
“The first intelligent move you’ve made,” Cadmus said.
Charlotte introduced Randall to a few tactics while Bryce and Cadmus spoke. And when all was done, the old man and lad pointed in the right direction, Bryce and Charlotte continued on their way.
“How many defeats did you suffer before being able to successfully defend yourself and your da?” Bryce asked. The thought had crossed his mind as he had watched Charlotte deal with the lad. How many times had she suffered the same humiliation or worse?
“It is amazing how fast you learn when it means your survival.”
“You need not worry about that any longer,” he said. “You have me to protect you.”
He was prepared for her to argue, say what she had said many times over—that she could defend herself. She, however, surprised him.
“It truly pleases me to know that.”
It pleased him too that she finally didn’t argue over it.
“I’m sure I won’t need to trouble you with help that often, being able to handle most things quite easily myself. But it is good to know you are there for me.”
There it was, her tenacious nature, though presented mannerly. What she was truly saying was, I can do it; I don’t need your help. He was about to set her right when she spoke up, though her voice was softer than usual.
“You truly don’t know how safe it makes me feel to know that you are nearby and will come to my defense without question.” She smiled. “Even when I am the cause of the problem.”
He laughed. “So you admit you can be troublesome.”
“Occasionally.”
He laughed again though it faded, replaced by the imposing voice of a mighty Highlander. “Occasionally or daily, your fault or not, I will always defend you without question or hesitation.”
“I would do the same for you,” she said just as soberly.
“You will not,” he ordered firmly.
“I will too!”
“You will not place yourself in danger for me.”
“I already have, and I will do it again,” she said obstinately.
He was ready to debate the matter most strenuously when she spoke up again.
“We work as one, or do you forget?” She shook her head. “When you hurt, I hurt. When something troubles you, it troubles me. When someone does you wrong, he does me wrong. If someone harms you, he harms me. And may God help him, for I will kill him.”
Bryce was stunned by her fierce declaration, especially her last few words. And he was even more stunned, for he felt the same way. He had wanted to kill Ewan for what he had done to her. Wisely, he had contained his rage though he’d made the fool suffer.
He noticed she was shaking her head.
“What’s wrong?”
She stopped walking though she continued shaking her head. “I don’t know when it happened. I can’t believe I willingly admit it.”
Fear gripped at his heart and throat, and he worried that he wouldn’t get the words out. “What happened?” Had Ewan done something to her that she hadn’t wanted to tell him? If he did, he would kill him and slowly. He took firm hold of her shoulders. “Tell me. Do not be afraid tell me.”
She stopped shaking her head and stared at him.
“Tell me,” he urged, fearing what she would say. “Tell me.”
Chapter 22
“I’m falling in love with you.” Charlotte was shocked that she openly admitted it but had felt compelled to do so. She was tired of keeping it secreted away inside, even to the point of denying it to herself. What good was love if you didn’t embrace it?
Seeing the startled expression on Bryce’s face, she wondered if she had blundered, speaking her feelings aloud. But it was done. She could not retrieve it, and she did not want to. She spoke not only the truth but from her heart.
Finally, his mouth opened, and she was eager to hear his words, but none came. Had she shocked him silent? She hadn’t been wrong about seeing love in his eyes. It had been there more potent than she would have ever thought possible. Perhaps seeing it so visible
had given her the impetus to admit her love for him though perhaps he did not feel comfortable or was not ready to do the same.
He opened his mouth again and looked as if he struggled to find the right words.
Her heart went out to him. Here he was, a mighty Highlander warrior who fought fearlessly in battle, but found himself fearful when it came to love. She couldn’t bear to see him suffer, and so she pressed her finger to his lips.
“It’s all right,” she said softly. “You don’t have to say anything. I don’t need flowery words and declarations of undying love. What I’ve seen in your eyes is enough.”
His hand reached up, took hold of her finger, and moved it away from his mouth. “What have you seen in my eyes?”
“That you love me,” she said boldly and without the slightest bit of hesitation. She had to smile, for the shocked look that registered on his face was priceless. “Have I told you something you have yet to learn yourself?”
He let go of her hand, took a step away, rubbed his chin, turned away from her, scratched his head, and turned back around to stare at her, his mouth open but no words forthcoming.
Charlotte laughed. “You are so in love with me that it has rendered you speechless.”
He threw his hands up. “If you say so.”
“Good, then it is settled. We are falling in love,” she said. “Now we best keep moving. It would be nice to find fitting shelter for us to finally consummate our love.”
She would have stumbled if his grip hadn’t been firm when he suddenly grabbed hold of her. She looked quick in his eyes, and there, mixed with confusion, was love. It warmed her heart and made her feel secure, and she hoped that sparkle would remain there forever.
“I can make no promises to—”
“I know,” she said before he could finish. “We have spoken time enough on that, and I understand more than most would. We take and give what we can for now; the rest is up to fate.”
He kissed her then, and she welcomed it. She enjoyed his kisses and wished they could share them more often. Time and circumstances, however, interfered, and so she would welcome and enjoy their kisses whenever chance allowed them to steal one.
They were on their way once again, Charlotte feeling her step lighter than usual. She barely felt the aches and pains that tormented her now and again. And reminded her of the many altercations she had been in of late. Nothing seemed important now other than the relief of admitting that she loved Bryce. It had given her a sense of peace and filled her with joy.
That she had once again seen love for her in his eyes had made her even more confident of his love. She was glad she had had the courage to speak up and tell him how she felt, and she cherished and always would the memory of his shocked expression.
She wondered if he hadn’t truly realized until that very moment that he loved her. Regardless, he did now, and when finally they made love, they would truly be making love. The thought sent tingles racing through her, and her smile widened.
The continuing gray clouds did not dampen her spirit or the muddy trail. She was in love, and it felt like the sun shone and the trail was no burden. That changed when the terrain turned rocky. She had no time for smiles or sunny thoughts; it was time to keep a firm watch on her footing.
Scotland could be a land of endless beauty and an unforgiving land. Her father had taught her that much could be learned from both. And so she had listened well to his lessons and learned the temperament of the land. It was for that reason that she paid close attention to where she stepped and what to avoid, especially with its having rained.
She and Bryce were halfway across the rough terrain when a light rain began to fall, and Odin gave a bark. They heard a shout then, a distance behind them. They both turned and spotted six soldiers on foot.
One shouted again, and it echoed across the land.
“In the name of the king, I place you in his service.”
Bryce turned to Charlotte.
She spoke before he could. “We keep going. They no doubt will attempt to hurry their steps and will suffer for such a foolish move. We watch our steps and will soon find easier ground.”
No sooner had she said it than they heard a soldier cry out in pain.
“My ankle. Bloody hell, I broke my ankle.”
Bryce and she watched for only a moment as one other soldier tried to help the injured one and slipped and fell himself. While the other four looked awkward and foolish as they attempted to hurry their steps across the unforgiving terrain.
She and Bryce in turn were soon free of the treacherous patch of land, hurrying their footsteps and covering their tracks as they put distance between them and the soldiers.
“I doubt those soldiers will follow us,” Charlotte said. “They will be too busy seeing to their injuries.”
“If not them, there will be others,” Bryce said.
“King Kenneth builds his troop to ready for battle with the true king.” She shook her head. “How does he think those taken by force will fight for him?”
“He probably threatened harm to their families.”
Thunder cracked and rolled around them.
“Not another night of rain,” Charlotte said, still not fully dry from yesterday.
“We need to find shelter for the night.”
“Hopefully, more than a tree to huddle under,” she said. “A cottage would be nice, with a good fire.”
Lightning lit the sky, and the loud crack of thunder that followed gave her a start. She hurried her steps, wanting desperately to be in a warm, dry place before the sky unleashed yet another storm.
She was not so lucky. The storm broke before they could find shelter. They walked until they were soaked and still found no place that would adequately harbor them. The dark clouds blotted the sky, night falling far earlier than usual.
They stumbled along, frantically searching for anything that could protect them from the thrashing rain.
Charlotte repeatedly wiped at her eyes, the rain making it almost impossible to see. Bryce grabbed her arm and pulled her along with him. She went eagerly, assuming he had found shelter. Catching a glimpse of Odin’s backside slithering beneath thick bushes made her realize that Bryce intended to do the same.
“You can’t mean this,” she shouted against the storm as he stopped next to the bush that Odin had disappeared under.
“There is nothing else,” he shouted back. “Now get down and crawl beneath it.”
She shook her head. “No, I will find a tree to camp under.”
“Under the bush,” he ordered with a shout.
“I will no—”
She never finished. His arm went around her waist, and she was hoisted up and tucked flat against his side. He was on his knees before she could protest and had them both under the bushes in seconds.
There was little room to move, but the rain and wind could still be felt, but not with nearly the intensity of before. She had no choice but to rest her head in the crook of his arm and let her body relax against him. His arms remained firm around her, as if he expected her to attempt an escape.
She might be stubborn, but she was no fool. They couldn’t have kept going. It was just that she so wanted more from this night.
She looked up at Bryce and innocently, without thought or intention, gently wiped away the rain from across his nose and cheeks. She spoke softly as she did, thinking nothing of her complaint. “I’m always wet of late.”
His blue eyes turned intense, the color almost turbulent. Had it been her refusal to obey him or her words that angered him? With soothing strokes across his forehead, she continued wiping the rain away and the wrinkles that bunched along his brow.
“No doubt we both will heat each other soon enough,” she said, already a nice warmth spreading through her. She tucked strands of his wet hair behind his ear and ran her finger down along his jaw to wipe away droplets of rain on his chin. “Before you know it, we’ll be hot.”
Raindrops doused his lips, and, with
out thinking, she kissed them away, lingering in her innocent efforts, or so she told herself.
Chilled at first, his lips began to warm, and though he hadn’t responded, it didn’t stop her from continuing. She actually was quite enjoying herself. And was pleased when more raindrops fell on his lips; this time, she licked them off.
Slowly and steadily, she made her way across his mouth, her tongue making certain to get each and every drop. It darted several times to the corners of his mouth to get tiny stubborn drops that clung tenaciously. But they were no match for her, scooping them up with the flick of her tongue.
With no more raindrops to wipe away, she gave him a gentle kiss, smiled, and glanced up at him. She froze as soon as she caught his eyes. Passion, hot and heavy, blazed in his blue eyes, and she wasn’t sure if it frightened or excited her. But why be fearful? Wasn’t it what she wanted?
“My turn,” he said, and lowered his mouth to hers.
Chapter 23
Sanity vanished, along with fear, as soon as his lips touched hers. Nothing made sense, nothing mattered but his kiss. It took hold of her and held her captive, a willing captive. She would linger in the taste of him forever if she could.
It was a strong, demanding kiss, and she responded with the same strength and demand. Thunder rumbled overhead, but it was nothing compared to the thunderous passion that rumbled between them.
He abruptly pulled his lips off hers, and she tilted her head back and took a needed breath. She gasped when his teeth began to bite playfully along her neck, sending tingles all the way down to her toes. They were light and teasing and oh so tantalizing. His nips soon traveled up over her chin and along her lips before he once again stole her breath with a kiss.
Lost in sensations that were new and wondrous, she hadn’t realized that his hand had settled on her breast. He cupped her, her small breast getting lost in his large hand, and gave a firm squeeze; and then his thumb teased her nipple hard. She so wished that there were no clothes to interfere with his touch. She ached to feel flesh against flesh.
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