by Gill, Tamara
“Aye.” He nodded. “I do. Verra much so.”
“You cannot be held responsible for other people’s actions, Aedan. Whatever happened to your sister under the care of the O’Cains is their cross to bear. Their error of judgment. You were trying to gain peace. How would anyone know they would use your act of goodwill in an evil way?”
“I should not have bartered my sister. It was a mistake that’ll haunt me for the rest of my days.”
Abby came and sat beside him, leaning back on the tree as well. She looked out at the sheer beauty of his lands and sighed. In a lot of ways, the man beside her reminded her of David. A man with an ingrained need to protect others, risk his life and limb to keep those he loved safe. She pushed the thought aside, not wanting to remember how it had all ended, nor did she want to start having feelings for a man who could be killed at any moment. “You’re a good man, Aedan. If not a little pigheaded at times, but then, no one’s perfect.”
He laughed, and their gazes locked. A warm ache fluttered in her stomach, and she looked away, not liking her reaction to him when he was charming.
“Well,” he said, standing and pulling her up to join him. “Like I said before, should ye wish to compete for my hand, you’re welcome to it.”
She smiled; glad his words changed the tension in the air to one of ease. “Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t.”
“I’m betting ye won’t.”
Abby grabbed the bow and arrows, anything to distract her from his devilishly cute grin, and started toward the castle. “I think you’ll probably win that bet.”
They walked for a little time in silence before Aedan cleared his throat. “Abigail, lass, I’ve been meaning to ask ye for some time now, and since we’re alone, this may be the perfect time. I wanted to know about yer home. What yer life was like before coming here?”
Abby searched Aedan’s gaze and could see he was serious about the question. She thought about her home, of all the amazing things she’d had available to her: medicine, transport, living conditions, technology, and her college education.
She looked at the castle, a magnificent edifice beyond the trees they now walked beneath, knowing no two places could be farther apart, if they tried. “I suppose it’s a lot faster paced than how people here live. Everyone’s in a hurry to be somewhere, to do something. This, of course, is helped by the fact that people can travel around the world in twenty-four hours or so.”
“What of horses? Surely, they still exist?”
Abby laughed, nodding. “Of course they do, but the cart has been replaced by what we call vehicles, no horses required. People can travel by air, and yes, I do mean we can fly, but not literally.”
He looked at her as if she’d lost her mind, and she supposed should she be in his situation, she would’ve had a similar countenance. “Do you want to ask me anything?”
“You fly?”
She smiled. “They’re called airplanes, and they hold one- to three hundred passengers at a time, and yes, they fly, over mountains and oceans alike. I must admit, I’m not a huge fan of air travel, but it’s a lot quicker than walking or by boat.”
“But how? It doesn’t seem possible.” Aedan frowned, looking up at the wispy clouds. He had a handsome profile, and she smiled.
“The airplanes take off down the runway at a great speed, and their wings produce an upward force called lift, and they go up into the air. It’s hard to explain, and I’m not a scientist, but that’s the gist of it.” Abby accompanied her words with hand actions and he smirked.
“Let’s move on from the flying, it’s too bizarre to warrant thought.” Looking up at the sky, he continued, “So what else made up yer life?”
Abby didn’t want to tell him studying and her part-time work in a supermarket was what made up her life. The daily grind to earn enough money to pay her college school fees had felt like a noose about her neck sometimes, not the liberating career path she’d envisioned. And then, Aedan probably wouldn’t understand why women worked or were allowed to go to school. But, he did ask…
“I’m in school learning to become a museum curator. I’ve always loved history, and the stories behind beautiful paintings, or Roman sculptures, or a ring, or a bracelet. To look for items for a museum, catalogue and piece together their history, is everything I’ve ever wanted. Maybe it’s because I know very little about my family, having been raised in foster care…” At Aedan’s confused frown, she went on, “I was orphaned very young and lost my parents. Piecing together history, making sense of it and showing it to the world, is satisfying.”
“You’re a very fascinating woman, Abigail, lass.”
“Not really. I’m an ordinary woman in my time. Here, I may seem a little eccentric.”
“What about a husband or lover? Did ye have one of those in yer time? Please tell me my interfering sister didn’t pull ye away from yer family.”
Abigail laughed. “No, I have no husband.” Was that relief she noticed on Aedan’s face. Abby wondered at it before she said, “I did have a serious boyfriend, and before he was killed we spoke of marriage. But that’s over now, obviously.”
“I’m sorry for yer loss, lass. I’m sure, to have captured yer heart, he was a good man.”
Abigail met his gaze and read the sincerity behind his eyes. “He was a good guy.” But even after all the time she’d known David, never had her body reacted as it did right now, standing next to Aedan. Abby didn’t want to delve into what that meant, and she stopped as they came before the castle outer wall. “We’re back,” she said to change the subject.
“Aye, and if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do before the evening meal. I thank ye for our chat today, lass. ’Tis always good to learn a little bit about people.”
“Very true.” Abby gestured for him to go, and unable to help herself, focused on his ass as he walked away. Yowzers, they don’t make men like that anymore, and if they did I’ve never seen one. How sad she had to travel back four hundred years to view a guy with such sensual attributes.
...
Abigail stood between Gwen and Aedan at the front of Castle Druiminn, as clan after clan arrived for the Highland Games. Each day there was a new arrival, and each introduction and explanation of who, what, where, when, and how she’d come to be here had taken a toll. Before the games had even begun, she was exhausted.
Her answers had become curt, with little embellishment to smooth over inquisitive noses. Aedan had pulled her aside and reminded her of their deal. It had annoyed her a little, but a deal was a deal. And she wasn’t one who went back on her word. Not to mention the fact that, as the days passed and a truce formed between them, her stomach had an unfortunate consequence of somersaulting whenever they spoke.
But he’d become a Scottish Neanderthal again in front of his Highland lairds, and all the softening emotions she had developed disappeared. At times, he tarnished her ideals of what all Scottish men of this era were like. Never again would she read a romance novel and think Scottish lairds were swoon-worthy men she’d love to sneak into her bed.
“We’re heading down to the field where the men are practicing the different events for the competition. If you would accompany me, I’m in need of your advice.”
Abby sighed. Not in the mood to help him pick his bride, especially one from Clan Grant, who were at the field already, going through their own preparations for the competition. “Can’t we talk at dinner? I’ve about had enough of listening to all the clans boast about who’s the strongest and who’s sure to win.”
He took her arm and placed it around his, and she ignored the thrum of awareness that coursed through her veins. Surely it was only because he was so vexing at times that she reacted to him. It couldn’t possibly be that she found him attractive. His mouth, which was smiling down at her, may be smooth and nice looking for a guy, but as soon as he opened it, she had a totally different reaction.
“You promised, and I’m going to hold ye to that promise. Now come,” he said, pull
ing her along.
Abby followed. They walked down a grassy bank, little stone steps buried into the side of the small hill that led to a large field. It looked like the Murray and Scott clans had also come down to practice, the men busy with whatever they thought would give them an advantage.
There was one consolation. The lack of clothing the men had on certainly made delectable viewing. Large shoulders rippled, their backs glossy from sweat, glistened in the sun. Well-built sword-wielding arms clapped each other on the shoulders in welcome, their smiling features making her wonder if she’d been too quick to dismiss all Highlanders as Neanderthals.
“Enjoying yourself?”
His hardened tone snapped her out of her perv fest, and she looked up at him. He was frowning down at her, the line between his brows quite severe. “Actually, I was. You didn’t tell me they were going to practice with only their skirts on.”
“They’re kilts.” The word squeezed through his teeth.
Abby laughed. “Whatever.” She chuckled and felt him stiffen. “Now, as for the women we’re supposed to be discussing, who is it exactly you want me to advise you on.”
He looked over to where a group of ladies stood, some giggling into their hands and looking away shyly from the men, while others openly ogled them. “She’s from Clan Murray. Her name is Mary. I saw you talking to her after dinner last eve. What was she like?”
Abby looked to where the girl stood and shrugged. “I like her. A lot. She isn’t a simpering idiot like the Grant lass.” She could feel him staring at her, and she tried to ignore it before the extended silence got the better of her. “What?”
“You don’t like Aline?”
“No, I don’t. She’s as cold as Loch Ness in winter.” A cool breeze picked up, and she cuddled into him, seeking his heat. “I may not like you very much, either, but anyone as a wife would be better than her.”
He huffed out a breath, half laugh, half scoff, and looked back toward the women. “What else did you find out about Mary?”
“She seems learned. Her brother recently married and would like her to become someone else’s problem. She let it slip that he’s low on money, something to do with a land dispute.”
“She said all that to you after one night?”
The look of awe on his face made her smile. “Well, of course. You did ask me to scope them out and that’s what I’ve been doing. If you take an interest in people, eventually they open up and start blabbering about all sorts of things.”
“You seem to be doing a great deal of chattering now. So your summarization seems correct.”
“You’re such an ass.”
He laughed and walked toward Mary, the first woman he’d shown an interest in. As he greeted her, it was all smiles and easy conversation. Abby stood back and watched how the women all simpered around the very handsome Laird MacLeod. And he really was particularly nice to look at in his kilt and sporran. Somehow the colors of red and blue only highlighted his captivating eyes.
Eyes that reflected merriment and enjoyment. She hoped he wasn’t playing a part, a part that would end as soon as he married. Aline pushed her way into the conversation and clasped his arm. Abby’s eyes narrowed, not missing the way the little minx rubbed her breast against his arm, or how Aedan looked down at her with something akin to shock…or was it desire…
Well, it was a dangerous game he was playing, and women, more often than not, didn’t play fair when marriage to a wealthy laird was on the table. She smiled. The poor man was almost being led to the slaughter, and by her, no less.
“I see ye found my favorite Highlander and placed him in the bonniest circle in the Highlands.” A large hand clapped her shoulder, and she stepped forward to stop herself from falling over. “I’ve never met ye before, but I’d like to. I’m Benjamin Ross from clan Ross. Most people call me Black Ben.”
Abby looked up to the towering form of muscle, long black hair, and huge biceps. She felt her mouth pop open. Never had she seen such a huge guy. “I’m Abigail Cross. A distant friend of Laird MacLeod and his sister.”
He smiled, showing teeth stained with red and in need of a good cleaning. What had he been eating?
“Sure ye are, lass.” He called to Aedan. “Hey, boy. You forgot to greet me like the good host you’re supposed to be.”
Aedan turned and came over to the man, hugging him tightly, both of them clapping each other on the backs. Abby joined the women and let the men have their reunion in private. They spoke animatedly, laughing and talking at the same time.
“I see ye met Black Ben, Laird of Ross. He’s the best longbow shot north of the Scottish border. Tower of a man, but just as kind as Aedan MacLeod. They were both under the tutelage of my father from clan Scot for a few years.”
Abby smiled at the young woman. “I’m Abigail Cross, by the way. I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten your name. I’ve met so many people these last few days.”
The woman smiled in turn. “I’m Mae. ’Tis lovely to meet ye, Abigail.”
Aedan met her gaze across the short distance, his eyes taking in her form while the other gentleman spoke and looked at her as well. Heat suffused her cheeks, and she looked back to Mae. “I noticed when I spoke to the Laird of Ross that his teeth are red. Why is that?”
The woman laughed, causing those close by to look at her with interest. “They’re not normally so, I would think he’s been partaking in too many Rowan berries. There are a few trees scattered around the castle. Surely you’ve seen them on your travels.”
“I must admit I have not.” Abby paused. “Are you looking forward to the games?”
“Aye, I am. Because the sooner they start the sooner they’ll be finished. I didna want to come here, but my brother, future Laird to Clan Scot, insisted.” The woman’s brow creased as her attention snapped to her brother, who had now joined Aedan and Black Ben.
“You can tell me to stop being nosy, but why didn’t you wish to come here?” For a woman of her age and living in this time, not to be interested in this type of entertainment and socializing was odd.
Mae cleared her throat. “My brother wants me to marry a man that I do not love when my heart has already been given to someone else. I will not be forced into marriage—by him, or anyone. I have promised myself to a good, kind, honorable man. I will not be swayed.”
Sympathy for the girl consumed Abby. The poor woman, living in a time where the men in her life could dictate to her, make her marry someone she neither knew nor cared for. She shook her head. Thank God times had changed for women in the twenty-first century. “I hope you can marry the man you love. If there is any way I could possibly help you, please let me know. I, too, would hate to have an arranged marriage.”
“Thank you,” Mae said, clearly astonished and relieved Abby had said what she did. “I will not forget your kindness.”
“You don’t owe me anything, truly. And I really don’t mean to be nosy, I don’t know anyone other than Gwen and Aedan, but I’m curious, who does your brother wish you to marry?” Maybe it was Aedan, and by at least knowing that she wasn’t interested in him she could advise him, in case he was looking at her for a potential wife.
“He’s from Clan Kirk. They’re not here, but we’re to travel home past their lands. My brother will break our journey for a day or two at their castle.” She shook her head. “He’s the worst of men. There are rumors the woman he was betrothed to disappeared. An English woman that no one past the border would care for, so easy to be rid of.”
“That’s terrible. Do you think he murdered her?”
“I don’t know, but I certainly don’t want to marry him and find out for myself how dangerous he is. I can’t believe my brother is even considering the alliance.”
“Maybe Aedan could speak to your brother and help sway him to see that such a marriage is not wise.”
Mae clasped her hand, squeezing it. “Would you do that for me? I would be eternally grateful. From the few times I’ve met the Laird Kirk, I’ve bee
n left with a revulsion that has stuck with me for days. I do not like him, and I certainly couldn’t marry the man.”
“I will do whatever I can. I promise.”
At that time, Gwen joined them, letting them know luncheon was served up at the castle. Abby walked with Gwen and Mae and watched as Aedan and his friend Black Ben walked in front of them, their muscular thighs hers to look at.
She shouldn’t ogle Aedan. He wasn’t someone she should be looking at in any way. This wasn’t her time, nor were these the people she’d grown up with, hung around, or called friends. And although they were friendly, Gwen especially, and had tried to make her experience here as smooth as possible, it didn’t change the fact that she was in way over her head.
Aedan might be kind, a good laird, but medieval Scotland wasn’t for her. There was a reason why society had evolved over time, people lived longer and were increasingly intelligent. Who wanted to live with no access to medicine or die from trifling illnesses like colds? Social media, technology, and electricity were non-existent. Everything she knew, her entire way of life, was foreign here.
The thought of never having ice cream again, watching a chick flick on TV, or going out for drinks with the girls, was awful. Women in this time had no rights, in many cases were seen and not heard, and basically used as bartering tools between men, a fact of which she’d been made well aware. Not to mention, throwing all her years at college down the drain and never using the degree she had worked so hard for. No, it wasn’t an option.
Aedan bent over and her attention snapped once more to him. On the other hand, what harm was there in admiring the man’s form while she was here? He’d never know that she was taking in his strong legs and muscular arms that she imagined would flex nicely when leaning over someone in bed. She’d be a liar if she hadn’t thought about him in that way. Of what he’d look like thrusting into her, his intense eyes meeting her own at the crux of orgasm. Of what he’d sound like finding pleasure within her.
He laughed at something Black Ben said. There was certainly no doubt he had a definite charm, well, maybe not so much charm, but his body certainly had appeal.