by Jennae Vale
“I’m good,” she assured him. “Please, don’t stop.”
Dylan slowly began moving inside her and Maggie experienced that same growing excitement she had enjoyed before. She held tightly to his shoulders for a moment or two, as she adjusted to his movements and then she let her hands wander down his back to grip his buttocks. The muscles tensed and released between her fingers as he plunged into her. His breathing quickened and he dove deeper with each pump of his hips. She cried out, spasms of pleasure rocking her body for the third time and a moment later, Dylan joined her, growling as he poured his release into her. Rolling to his side, he pulled her with him and she rested her head on his chest. They lay that way, catching their breath, the crackling of the fire the only sound in the small cottage.
“That was beautiful,” Maggie said, when she finally found her voice. “Amazingly beautiful.”
“No pain next time. From now on, it will only be pleasure,” Dylan said in response.
Maggie smiled and snuggled closer to Dylan. He secured her tightly to his side with his arm, and with the flickering flames casting shadows around them, they both fell asleep, happy and sated.
CHAPTER 16
The sound of someone singing woke him. Dylan stretched and opened his eyes to discover Maggie happily setting out food and drink. “Good morning, beautiful,” he said, drinking in the sight of a tumble of red hair and smiling green eyes.
“Good afternoon,” she corrected, running across to the bed and throwing herself on top of him.
He caught her in his arms, thinking to himself that he was the luckiest man alive. Dylan couldn’t believe the happiness he enjoyed as he nuzzled her neck, her scent drifting to his nose and sending an alert throughout his body. In the past, he was always out the door before there was any time for talking, sharing or getting close. He couldn’t imagine doing that now, not with Maggie. He wanted to spend every waking – and every sleeping – moment with her.
Maggie pulled herself up so she could straddle him with her legs. She giggled and wriggled against his groin. “What’s this I feel?” A seductive smile caressed her lips.
“I think you know what it is.” Dylan grabbed her waist, deftly lifting her and switching places, putting her beneath him. He flipped his hair out of his face, so he could get a better look at her. Again, he considered how lucky he was to have found her.
“Are we going to do it again?” Maggie asked with a knowing smile.
“I think we are,” Dylan responded with a smug smile. “And I think I’ve created a monster.” He tickled her sides and she squirmed with laughter, trying to get away. “Where do you think you’re going, miss? I’m not done with you yet.”
Squeals of laughter echoed throughout the room as they wrestled with each other on the bed, until Dylan stopped teasing and began to kiss her. Maggie’s soft moan let him know she wanted more, but the sound of hoof beats from close by had both of them freezing on the spot and listening to the clip clopping as the sound approached the cottage. Dylan leaped out of bed and swiftly wrapped his kilt around him, while Maggie scurried about the room searching for her own clothes.
“Stay here,” Dylan ordered.
Maggie threw her clothes on as quickly as she could manage and much to Dylan’s dismay, she followed him to the closed door. He shook his head, knowing there was no time to argue with her, they needed to find out who was approaching. Pulling open the door, he saw a lone rider heading their way. The man was dressed in black from head to toe and rode a massive black destrier. Dylan was immediately on guard. “Maggie, get my sword. I left it inside.”
Maggie did as he asked, retrieving the sword from beside the fireplace and handing it to Dylan. The rider stopped just short of the cottage and casually dismounted.
“Good morning,” he said. “I was passing by and noticed smoke coming from the chimney. I thought I’d stop by, to see who was here.”
Dylan silently sized the man up, wondering if he’d be able to take him in a fight. He had gotten quite good with a sword, thanks to the MacKenzies’ practice sessions. Even so, he hoped he wouldn’t have to use the skill now.
The black-clad man continued. “My name is Sir Richard Jefford. I’m travelling north to visit some,” he hesitated for only a split-second and then continued, placing emphasis on the last word, “friends.”
Maggie poked Dylan in the back and Dylan turned to glance at her. She raised her eyebrows and widened her eyes in an exaggerated gesture, which he assumed she thought he’d recognize.
“Sir Richard, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Dylan Sinclair and this is Maggie MacKinnon.”
Sir Richard bowed in Maggie’s direction, giving her curious clothing the once-over as he did so. “Is this your cottage?” Richard asked.
“No. We’re also travelling. We arrived here yesterday afternoon and found a note from the owners, giving travelers permission to use it as shelter.” Maggie continued to elbow him, but he ignored her for the moment. “We were just about to break our fast,” Dylan lied. “Would you care to join us?”
“I would love to join you. Are you certain you wouldn’t mind? Miss MacKinnon seems a little distressed by my presence.” Richard nodded his head in Maggie’s direction.
“I wasn’t expecting company. One can never be too careful,” Maggie responded. Dylan couldn’t imagine what was wrong, but as soon as he and Maggie were alone for a moment, he was going to find out.
“I’ll just take care of my horse then.” Richard unsaddled his horse and left the massive destrier to graze, before heading back to join them. He had a relaxed manner about him and Dylan decided there was nothing to worry about from the newly arrived stranger. He was generally good at reading people and this guy didn’t seem as if he was interested in causing trouble. Just in case, though, he’d keep his sword close by. Dylan directed Richard inside and Maggie went first, stomping on Dylan’s foot as she swept past him.
“Is she upset about something?” Richard questioned as he passed.
Dylan merely shrugged his shoulders and followed them inside.
* * *
MAGGIE SAT on the edge of the bed, sullenly staring daggers at them, while Dylan and Richard sat at the table and helped themselves to the food. She couldn’t believe that Dylan hadn’t understood that she was trying to give him a warning. From what she had heard about Sir Richard, the man was no doubt up to something. She assumed he was heading to Breaghacraig, to cause more trouble for the MacKenzies. Auntie Edna had warned Maggie that he was in league with Brielle. This was not good. She had to find a way to get Dylan alone to tell him, but all she could do for now was watch as he sat having a friendly conversation with a man, who was in her mind, their enemy. The only good thing about the situation was that Richard had no idea who they were.
“I’m on my way to visit the MacKenzies,” Richard announced.
“The MacKenzies? What a coincidence—”
Maggie jumped to her feet before Dylan could utter another word. “Dylan, might I have a word with ye please?”
“Sure, Maggie. What is it?” Dylan asked.
“Alone, please.” Maggie knew this was all piquing Sir Richard’s curiosity, but she had to tell Dylan about the man, before he said something that could only lead to trouble.
“Okay, no problem.” Dylan stood and turned towards Sir Richard. “I’m sorry. Please excuse me for a minute. Go ahead and enjoy the food.”
Richard merely smiled warmly, and tucked into the food on the table in front of him.
Once outside, Maggie began to gesture animatedly at Dylan, her voice a loud whisper. “Are ye crazy? Don’t ye know who that is?”
“I’m afraid not, but I’m assuming you’re about to tell me,” Dylan retorted, sounding bemused.
“I tried to warn ye before ye invited him in to eat with us!” Maggie said. She was so frustrated, she was sure there must be visible steam coming out of her ears.
“I thought you were just upset because he’d interrupted us before I made love
to you again,” he teased.
“Dylan, this is serious. Sir Richard is an enemy to the MacKenzies! He has done nothing but cause trouble for them for many years and Auntie Edna told me he’s working with Brielle to destroy them, once and for all.”
Dylan lapsed into silence. His brow furrowed as he considered what she had just said.
“What are we going to do?” Maggie asked impatiently, when a response wasn’t forthcoming.
“Well, you know that old saying about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer? We’re sticking to him like glue.” Dylan disarmed her with a sweet smile. “You’re going to have to try and be nicer to him, Maggie. He already thinks something’s up.”
“Okay, I see yer point,” Maggie admitted. “I’ll be nice, but he’ll nae doubt be wondering what we’re out here talking about.”
Dylan winked at her. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”
Heading back inside, they found Sir Richard sitting in exactly the same spot they had left him in, happily eating. “Ah, you’re back. These meat pasties are wonderful. Did you make these, Maggie?”
“Yes, I did,” she lied. She had almost said no, but then she would have had to tell him where she got them, and she wasnae very good at thinking up stories on the spot.
“I’m sorry about Maggie’s attitude before, Richard,” Dylan said. “Maggie’s a bit upset because we were just about to, well, you know…” Dylan winked conspiratorially at Richard.
Richard didn’t miss a beat, shaking his head and giving a hearty chuckle. “I’m very sorry for the interruption, Dylan. Bad timing on my part. If I had known, I certainly would have waited outside.”
Maggie cringed with embarrassment. She couldn’t believe Dylan would admit something like that! And now, Richard was looking at her as if she were a wanton woman. The nerve of them both! Her temper got the better of her, and before she could stop herself, she grabbed a ewer of water and spilled it all over Dylan’s head.
The look of disbelief on Dylan’s face was comical. Maggie watched as Sir Richard tried to hide his own face, obviously struggling to cover his amusement. The best he could do was to try and conceal it by coughing loudly. Maggie stormed out of the cottage, leaving the two men together and baffled as to what had just happened.
* * *
“I BELIEVE she’s angry with you,” Sir Richard chuckled. “Women don’t like their deepest, darkest secrets revealed, you know. Especially to a stranger.”
Dylan sat in a puddle of water; his hair was soaked, as was his kilt. “I know that now. I’ll be more careful in the future.”
“Where are you from Dylan? I detect an unusual accent,” Richard said.
Dylan had to think on his feet here. He couldn’t say America, as that might rouse Sir Richard’s suspicions. He bought himself some time by rising and finding a cloth to dry himself off. “It is unusual, isn’t it? I’ve travelled quite extensively since I was a lad. I’ve lived in more places than I can count, and I guess I picked up a bit of an accent from each of those places. It’s made me the man I am today.”
Sir Richard nodded. “Before you went out to speak with your lady, we were talking about the MacKenzies.”
“Were we?” Dylan said vaguely, hoping he could keep Richard from asking too many questions.
“Yes. I said that I was on my way to see them and you said it was a coincidence. I got the impression you might know them.”
“Not really. I mean, Maggie and I spent a night at Breaghacraig. They were very kind and gracious hosts.” Dylan waited for a reaction, but when there wasn’t one, he continued. “You say they’re old friends of yours?”
“Not friends, really. We’ve had some problems in the past, but I’m on my way to give them my sincerest apologies for past transgressions, and to see if we can start over again. I’ve done some things I’m quite ashamed of and I’m proud to say I’m a changed man. I’d like them to know that.”
Dylan felt he was a good judge of character and he listened carefully for any sign that Sir Richard was not being truthful, but he got the sense that the man really did want to make amends. “It takes a big man to admit when he’s been wrong. I admire that.”
“I only hope I’m not too late. You see, there’s someone else who is intent on harming them, and I’d like to warn them if possible.”
“It sounds like they have lots of enemies,” Dylan said, testing Richard.
“No. Not so many,” Richard said. “Just myself and this other party I spoke of. I no longer consider them enemies though, and if I can help them dispense of this new threat, my conscience will be clear.”
“Then what will you do?” Dylan was curious as to what was motivating Sir Richard.
“I’ll go back to my own home and live my life. I’ve spent far too many years, blaming others for my own mistakes. I’d like to become the man I was meant to be, but who lost his way when he lost his first love and spent far too many years seeking revenge.”
Dylan could see that Sir Richard was genuinely sad as he discussed his past. He didn’t know all the particulars, but he could tell there was sincerity in the words being spoken. “Sounds like you’re doing the right thing.”
“That is my hope. I am not a wise man, and I have a lot to learn, but I will give you this one piece of advice with regard to your young lady, Maggie. If you truly love her, and she loves you, don’t make light of her feelings. She seems a good woman, who deserves your respect. I believe you may owe her an apology for sharing your secret with me.”
“I believe you’re correct. I’m going to go find her. Thanks for the words of wisdom.”
Dylan left Richard behind in the cottage as he set off to find Maggie.
* * *
MAGGIE SAT on the ground just outside the cottage door. She had been listening intently through the door, to everything that passed between Dylan and Sir Richard and she wasn’t sure what to think. She had been led to believe Sir Richard was a very bad man. Now she wasn’t so sure that impression was accurate.
“I guess I didn’t have to search too far for you. Were you sitting right here all along?” Dylan asked when he pulled open the door.
Maggie couldn’t help but giggle at his disheveled appearance, with his damp hair and sopping wet kilt, he resembled a drowned rat. “Sorry about the water. I guess I let my temper get the better of me.”
“Let’s go for a walk,” Dylan suggested. “We need to talk.”
Maggie took Dylan’s hand and followed him, as he walked towards the river. She glanced around and found a large, flat boulder for them to sit on. “Over there,” she said, pointing it out to Dylan.
Once they were settled together on the boulder, Dylan took Maggie’s hands in his. “Maggie, first I want to apologize for telling Sir Richard what I did. I didn’t realize it would embarrass you like that.”
“I know. I understand now, it was the perfect thing for you to tell him under the circumstances. It made complete sense and it worked. So, you’re forgiven.”
“You heard everything, right? What do you think of his story?” Dylan asked.
“I don’t know. He doesn’t sound anything like the evil monster Aunt Edna told me he was. Do you think he’s putting on an act for our benefit?” Maggie questioned doubtfully.
“I suppose it’s possible, but I’m reasonably good at reading people, and I don’t think he’s lying.” Dylan picked up a stone and skipped it across the creek.
“That was pretty good,” Maggie commented. She picked up a rock of her own, and tried to mimic what Dylan had done. It skipped, but not nearly as many times as Dylan’s.
“I think we should just play it by ear. Maybe we should stick with Sir Richard and see what he’s up to, if anything. If we can convince him to stay here with us for another day or two, maybe we can come up with some reason to head back to Breaghacraig. What do you think?”
“How will we get him to stay here with us? I’m sure he just wants to be on his way. And what about Brielle? We can’t just
give up our search for her.” Maggie noted.
“Brielle! He says he’s trying to stop her. Maybe if you could find a way to get her to come to us, we could solve all our problems at once.” Dylan waited for her to answer, but Maggie suddenly found herself mesmerized by how handsome he was. She wanted this mess to be over and done with, so she could have him all to herself and stop worrying. “Hey, what are you thinking about?” Dylan asked.
Maggie was embarrassed to be caught daydreaming about Dylan in the midst of a crisis. “Oh… it’s nothing. If I can get her here, I think it might work. It would certainly be a way of confirming if Sir Richard is telling the truth before he goes on to Breaghacraig. You know, maybe we’ve been going about this the wrong way. I have her talisman. She surely wants it back, so instead of us searching for her, we let her find us.” Maggie smiled triumphantly. “That’s the new plan.”
“Okay, I’ll see what I can do to get Sir Richard to stay. Try not to get mad at me though, if I say something you don’t like,” he teased.
Maggie punched him in the arm and laughed when he feigned injury. Dylan scooped her into his arms and planted a kiss on her lips and once again, Maggie was sad that they had so much to do before they could enjoy each other again. He put her down and they began walking back to the cottage. A chill ran down Maggie’s spine and she shivered.
“You cold?” Dylan asked, gathering her closer.
She wasn’t cold, but she didn’t want to alarm him. She could sense Brielle and she was nearby.
* * *
SURROUNDED BY BIRDS, sitting high up in one of the trees, Brielle had been observing the activity going on at the small stone cottage. “What goes on there?” she asked the birds. She received no response; the birds seemed content to ignore her, instead preening at their shiny black feathers with their strong, curved beaks. “I ken ye dinnae care,” she complained to her silent friends. “But they’re up to something. Sir Richard is with them. Why? Mayhap that will be to my advantage. He can deal with the man, while I deal with the witch.” A thought occurred to her, “But what if he betrays me? Hmm… No matter. If he does, he’ll pay for his betrayal right along with the rest of them.” Brielle kept watch as Dylan and Maggie went back inside. “That one senses I’m here,” she observed, pointing one gnarled finger in Maggie’s direction. Brielle cackled and the sound rang through the tree, scaring some of the birds into flight. “Don’t leave me, my friends.” She held out her hand and one lone bird hopped along the branch and then onto her outstretched arm. He tipped his head from side-to-side, intelligent eyes sizing her up.