by Jennae Vale
She was jumping to a conclusion that may never be possible. She was so conflicted about their relationship. Should she be angry with him, should she give in to her feelings and damn the consequences? She hated being in this position, but she had no idea what to do about it, other than to let things play out in whatever fashion they would.
Kat was the first person he greeted upon entering the hall. She sprang from her seat and ran to him, where they exchange a brief, yet passion-filled kiss. Standing on tiptoe she whispered something into his ear before returning to the table.
“Nick, this is Logan, Hamish and Sara. They’re here to see yer brother,” Kat explained.
“Duncan?” Nick nodded at the three of them. “He’s nae here.”
“No. Rory.”
Nick exchanged a questioning glance with Kat, who tipped her head in Logan’s direction.
“Rory isnae having any visitors at the moment,” Nick explained to him.
“We’re aware he wasnae seeing anyone today, but thought mayhap tomorrow,” Logan said.
Nick again looked to Kat. “How is he today?”
“The same.”
“Is there something wrong? Is he sick?” Sara hoped it wasn’t true.
“He was injured on his way home from Breaghacraig, some time ago.”
“Injured? How?” Logan asked.
“He and his companions were riding along a steep trail when his horse slipped and fell. Rory tumbled down the side of the hill where he remained unconscious while his men tried to retrieve him. When they finally managed to get him back to the road, it was clear that he had been gored by something. It appeared as if he had a sword wound, but the men searched and found it had to be part of a tree or jagged rock that he rolled over as he fell.”
Sara’s hand flew to her mouth at what she somehow knew would come next. Logan positioned himself beside her, taking hold of her other hand.
“He remained unconscious, but his men managed to get him back to us. Our main concern was the head injury, but he eventually came to and seemed fine. His wound appeared to be healing, but it has since become infected, making a full recovery now seems impossible. We’re afraid he may nae make it.”
Sara was unable to speak. She was appalled at what had happened and dreaded having to tell Aisla. She’d be devastated.
“So, you see, he may nae be awake to speak with ye. He drifts in and out,” Kat said.
“Me wife tells me yer here from Breaghacraig, is that correct?”
“Aye,” Logan answered.
The atmosphere in the hall had become muted as everyone around them spoke softly in deference to what the family was going through.
“I’m so sorry,” Sara said. “We don’t want to bother him if he’s not well.”
“Why are ye here to see him?” Nick asked.
“’Tis a personal matter,” Logan said before Sara could speak.
“I see. We’ll see how he’s doing in the morning and make a decision then.” Nick tried to lighten the mood. “How is everyone at Breaghacraig? It wasn’t long ago that I was there meself. How are Cailin and Cormac?”
“They are well. Their wives are each with child,” Logan replied.
“Good news. Give them my best wishes.” Nick gazed at Kat and they shared a wordless exchange.
“Sara, I’m going to retire for the evening. I’ll speak with ye in the morning.” Kat laid a comforting hand on her arm and then went to her husband, who also bid them good night as they left the room together.
“This isnae a good turn of events,” Hamish said.
“Aye. ’Tis nae.” Logan agreed.
“Aisla will be beside herself, but she has to be told. She has to know that the reason he didn’t come back for her was because he couldn’t.”
The men were used to the fragility of life in these times, but even they appeared down at this news. The only thing Sara could think about was how Rory would be alive and well in her time, but not here. Not now.
“There has to be something we can do.”
“’Tis in God’s hands now, Sara,” Logan put an arm around her shoulders and the three of them made their way back up to their chambers.
“Good night, Hamish.” Sara said. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Ye willnae. I intend to visit me cousin tomorrow. I’ll be gone most of the day.” Hamish strode down the passageway and was gone.
Logan opened the door to Sara’s chamber and Sara passed through in front of him. He waited at the door, unsure of what to do. He wanted to stay with her, be close to her, hold her one more time. Sara turned back and considered him, clearly she wasn’t sure where to go from here either. She came back to the doorframe and took his hand, drawing him into the room. Logan closed and latched the door, then went to stoke the fire. As he turned, he almost tripped over Sara. “I’m sorry, love. I didnae see ye there.”
“No worries. I only wanted to get warm. It’s chilly in here.”
Logan pulled her into his arms and ran his hands up and down her back to warm her. “Is that better?”
“Much,” she said, melting into his arms. “Are you sure it’s summer. The temperature hasn’t been nearly hot enough.”
“’Tis our summer, Sara. ’Tis what we’re used to.” She looked so beautiful standing there gazing up at him. He pulled her closer, massaging the sore spots along her back. At least that was what he was telling himself. She felt so right in his arms. The glow from the fire shone in her dark brown locks and her sweet blue eyes were alight with something he was unsure of. Was it love or lust he saw there?
“Logan,” she turned her head into his neck. He could feel her breath there, and lowered his head to kiss her hair. “I know I told you we couldn’t be together, but I’ve changed my mind. I want you to make love to me.” Logan stilled. Sara pulled away a bit to look up into his eyes. “I don’t care that things might not work out for us. I only know that I want you. I want to be with you right now, in this moment.”
He was shocked into silence. This woman had his heart in her hand. She was bold and strong and smart and beautiful. He was the luckiest man in the world to hold her in his arms for even a moment. And now, she was offering him more. She was offering him everything and even if it would only be for this moment, it would be a gift he would treasure all his days.
“Am I being too forward?” she asked, suddenly shy. She looked away and became stiff in his arms. She started to pull away from him, “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I mean, I’d understand…”
Before she could finish what she was saying, Logan lifted her in his arms and tossed her gently on the bed. She gazed up at him as he stood towering over her. “Oh, mo chroi you dinnae ken how much I want to.” His voice was thick with emotion as he gazed at her laying there, trusting him.
“Oh…” She murmured as he pulled his shirt from his kilt and stripped it off over his head. She watched his every move as he undid his belt and then unwrapped his kilt, letting it drop to the floor. He noted her quickening breath and the way her eyes traveled from his chest to his hardened manhood, which was now standing at attention.
“Is this what ye want, lass?”
“Mmhmm,” she smiled.
“Roll over,” he ordered and she did. His hands made quick work of the lacings at her back. He guided her over once more onto her back and then carefully slid the dress from her body. Next came her undergarments and then there she was, the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, naked before him. The woman he wanted so badly it hurt. She was going to be his tonight.
He climbed atop her, enjoying the feel of her beneath him, his legs on hers, his belly on hers and his chest in contact with the silky skin of her breasts. He dipped his head into the crook of her neck and lavished soft, wet kisses there. The scent of roses and sweetness was thick in the air. It was her scent and he couldn’t get enough of it. Her head lolled back giving him room to explore this sensitive spot he’d discovered. She likes this, he thought. His teeth nibbled a swe
et little earlobe and a soft moan escaped her lips. He was making a mental note of these places and of what brought her pleasure.
Sara’s hands explored his back with feather light touches that tortured his senses. The pleasure each touch brought was fleeting before moving on to another spot and doing the same. Her hands finally came to rest on his lower back before squeezing and caressing his backside. She then managed to get a hand in between the two of them and took hold of his throbbing shaft. He growled his pleasure. She stroked it in such a way that Logan forgot about pleasing her, but only for a moment. He regretfully pulled her hand away, wanting to take his time and knowing her skilled hands would take him to the peak long before he was ready. He wanted this to last and to that end, he took hold of both her hands, pinning them alongside her head.
“Not so fast, love,” Logan said.
Sara licked her lips, sending him into a frenzy of desire and he dipped his head so his tongue could follow hers across her lips. He freed a hand to glide from her neck to her breast, enjoying the feel of her, so soft and warm. Squeezing, pinching and pulling her erect pink nipple caused Sara to lift her hips and buck beneath him. He was keenly aware of every muscle twitch, every movement and every sound she made. He knew what she wanted, but Logan wasn’t ready to give it to her yet.
He released her other hand and moved down her body. Logan nipped at her waist and enjoyed the way her body responded. Another sensitive spot. His next destination was the womanly vee that lay nestled between her thighs. As he explored, Sara’s sensual movements continued to tell him he was pleasing her. She opened her legs and he lay between them, gazing up to see his woman overcome by his loving her and begging for more. No need to ask. He was more than willing to accommodate Sara’s wishes. His tongue flicked her sensitive pearl and her hips bounced in reply as a soft moan escaped her lips. His throbbing cock was in search of relief, but he controlled himself, wanting to bring Sara pleasure first. “Do ye like that, love?”
“Mmmm…”
He’d rendered her speechless. This pleased him so he continued. His mouth masterfully licked, sucked and nibbled until Sara was writhing, her hands in his hair, her legs wrapped around him, on the brink of her orgasm and he stopped, a sly smile on his lips.
“Do ye want me, mo chroi?” he asked, knowing the answer, seeing it on her face.
“Yes,” she whispered.
Logan positioned himself over her, holding her carefully in his arms like a precious gift, and slid into her warmth. This was what he’d wanted for so long. She was his now. All thoughts left him as he allowed himself to bask in the sensual sensations Sara had revealed to him. Her arms and hands clasped him to her as they both rode this euphoric wave of emotion and arousal to its climactic end and then collapsing in each other’s arms.
Logan was overwhelmed by feelings of love for Sara. He gazed at her lovely face as she lay in his arms, eyes closed, sated from their love making. How could he ever let her go?
Laying snuggly in Logan’s arms, Sara’s hands explored the silky softness of his skin. A contrast to the solid mass of muscle beneath. Her heart was full of love, happiness and sadness. This might be the last time they would be together and though it wasn’t fair, what could she possibly do about it.
“Sara?” Logan turned on his side and laid a hand on her belly. “I’m sorry things havenae turned out the way we wished. I’ll never ferget ye and I’ll never ferget this time we’ve shared.”
She wanted to cry, but she wouldn’t. She’d hold it inside and keep it close to her heart. Close to the place where she’d keep Logan when she returned home. Their time together would be brief, but it wasn’t over yet. Together they’d make the most of what little time they had left. And when she left, the only regret she’d have would be that she couldn’t take him with her. If only they were in her time now, none of this would be a problem. Rory would be in the hospital, taking antibiotics and would make a full recovery. He’d marry Aisla and live happily ever after and she’d get the one thing she wanted more than anything in this world - Logan. Damn the sixteenth century and their lack of modern medicine.
“Logan!” Sara shouted as she popped up to a sitting position. “Oh my gosh! I can’t believe I didn’t think of this.”
Logan was sitting now, too. “Think of what?”
“Edna.” She sprang from the bed and began rummaging through her clothes.
“Edna?”
“She gave me a pouch to take with me.” Sara grabbed her dress and felt around for the pouch. Where could it possibly be? “She put some medicine in it from Dr. Ferguson. Just in case I needed it. I think they’re antibiotics.”
“What is that?” Logan crinkled his brow, looking puzzled.
“It’s something that might save Rory! I can’t find them. Where’s the pouch?” She searched through her clothing a second time. “I had it tied to the underside of my skirt. It’s not there.”
Logan joined her. “Calm yerself. We’ll find it.” Logan began searching all over the room.
“Logan, I was wearing it, why would it be over there?”
“If ye remember correctly, I wasnae careful when I removed yer things, mayhap it ended up across the room or…” He reached under the bed and pulled out the pouch.
Sara threw herself at him, knocking him over and kissing him all over. “Thank you. Thank you.”
“Thank Edna.” Logan’s face broke into a huge grin. His hands came to her backside as his body suddenly realized they were both naked and pressed together.
Sara smiled, “I will help you with that later, but right now I have to go,” she scrambled off of him and began dressing.
“Where are ye going?”
“The sooner we get these to Rory, the sooner he’ll be well.”
“Will it really work?” he asked as he rolled into his kilt, secured it in place and grabbed his shirt.
“I hope so. He may be too sick for it to take effect, but we’ve got to try.”
Logan stood and pulled Sara into his arms. “I love ye, Sara. No matter what happens I want ye to ken it.”
“I do know it and the feeling’s mutual. I love you.” He kissed her tenderly and softly brushed the hair from her face with his hand. She gazed up into his dark and often unreadable eyes to see softness there. Something reserved only for her.
“Let’s go.”
“Wait. Let me help ye.” He grabbed the lacing of her dress and pulled her back to him where he expertly tied the ribbons and then brushed the folds of the dress around her. “What about these?” he asked picking up her breeches.
“Thanks, but I don’t need those right now. How do I look?”
“Beautiful as always.”
She kissed his cheek and, grabbing his hand, headed out the door to find Kat and Nick.
Chapter 13
Rory’s room was dark when they entered, his still form barely visible in the bed.
Sara walked to the window and grabbed hold of the shutters blocking the sun. “May I?”
“Yes, please,” Kat responded.
Sunlight flooded the room and Sara got her first good look at Rory. There was no doubt he was Nick’s brother. The same dark hair and tall physique were obvious to her even as he lay in bed. It was also clear that he had lost muscle mass since the time of his accident. He did not look well.
“Rory?” Kat softly said as she sat on the edge of the bed and reached for his hand.
His eyes opened and then closed again. “Rory, I’ve brought someone to see ye. She has something with her that may help ye be well again.”
It was as if he didn’t hear her. No movement came from the bed. Kat motioned Sara over and switched places with her. “Rory. My name’s Sara. I’ve come here with some news for you. Some news from Ailsa.”
At the sound of her name, his eyes opened again and he gazed steadily at Sara.
“You know Ailsa, right?” Sara asked.
His lips moved, but no sound was emitted. He tried again and this time croaked out, �
�Aye. Ailsa.”
“She was wondering why you didn’t come back for her.”
“I’m sorry. Wanted to.” His voice was getting stronger.
“We’ll talk more in a minute. I’ve brought some medicine for you. I’m going to give some to you now. It should help you to feel better.” Sara motioned to Logan for help. “Hold his head up so he can swallow this.” Logan did as instructed, and Sara placed a pill in his mouth and then gave him water to drink.
Rory swallowed it, but it seemed to sap him of all his energy. He sagged back into the pillow, eyes closed. Sara glanced at Logan who wore a concerned expression on his face.
“Rory?” Sara wasn’t sure whether he was still awake or if he had fallen back into unconsciousness. It took a moment, but he opened his eyes again.
“Aisla. Why didnae she come with ye?” he asked.
“She doesn’t know we’re here. Rory, Aisla is with child. Your child.” She heard Kat gasp on hearing this.
A lone tear trickled down his cheek. “Love her,” was all he could manage to say. “Tell her I love her.”
“We will,” Sara said, but you’ll be able to tell her yourself. You’re going to be better soon. I promise.” She didn’t know that she could promise anything of the sort. She was trying to give him a reason to pull through. A reason to live. “She loves you, too.”
There was no way of knowing if he’d heard her. He appeared to be sleeping deeply, so she let go of his hand and wiped the tears from her eyes. The sadness she felt for Rory and Aisla was compounded by the sadness she felt for herself and Logan. She’d never been a very religious person, but she said a prayer now that Rory would live. Her reasons were no longer purely selfish ones. She wanted Aisla, Rory and their child to be a happy little family. “Please God, if you can hear me. Please don’t take Rory away from Aisla. She loves him and needs him. Please make him well again.”
The others in the room solemnly watched and listened. Kat went to Sara. “I’ll take care of him now. Do you have the prescription bottle? I’ll see that he takes the pills.”