The Highlander's Bargain

by Barbara Longley

  “What have I done? What have you done? I’m blind. You’ve blinded me.” He rolled away to lie on his back beside her. “Shite! What is it that causes such agony?”

  “It’s a combination of pepper spray and mace.”

  “Lay your hands on me, lass. Make the burning stop.”

  “No.”

  “No?” His voice came out an incredulous croak.

  “That’s right. You heard me. No. I’m too pissed.” She sniffed and wished she had a box of Kleenex to take care of the snotty mess she’d become. A twinge of guilt tugged at her, but it passed just as quickly as it came. The burn would go away eventually, and he wasn’t the only one suffering.

  “By pissed, I take it to mean you are none too pleased with me.”

  “Exactly. What did you do, Robley?”

  “I told you. I made a bargain with a faerie in exchange for the two crystals.”

  “Yes, but you failed to mention you stole from their high king. What were you thinking?”

  “Giselle never told me whose chamber I’d entered, and I didn’t care to ask. Besides, we’ll never know the truth of the matter. They’re fae. They live for intrigue and games.”

  “Great.” Erin opened her puffy eyes a slit. They lay in a field of dry grass and wildflowers that had gone to seed. The air held a crisp chill, and the forest behind them wore the brilliant colors of late autumn—gold, crimson and burgundy, interspersed with the deep hue of evergreens. She caught sight of a large, uncut diamond on the ground between them, like the one Robley kept stashed in his back pocket. This must be the place where his journey began. Hadn’t he told her the return trip always took the time traveler back to the exact point of their departure? “I don’t think we’re in Minnesota anymore.”

  “Nay.” Rob swiped his hands over his watering eyes. “We’re in Scotland.”

  “I found the other diamond.” She picked up the valuable gem and closed her fist around its cool hardness. She held it out to him. “Here.”

  “Keep it, lass.”

  “Do you think it’ll get me home?” she asked in a quavering voice. She slid the crystal into her purse, which she’d somehow managed to keep during their tumultuous passage.

  He shook his head. “I’ve already used the magic in the first, but I willna keep you here against your will.” He pushed himself up from the ground to loom over her. Blinking and tearing, he peered at her through red, swollen eyes. “Had I kent what the faerie intended, I would no’ have drawn you into my arms. ’Twas pure instinct. I apologize, lass.”

  His tone was flat and filled with pain. She’d hurt him, rejected him, and that cut her deeply. But what did he expect? Did he think she’d just up and leave behind everything she knew, everything she’d struggled so hard to achieve? Unfair. Asking so much of her had been unfair. He offered her a hand, and she took it.

  “At least I have the Harley jacket to remember you by.” He drew her into a hard hug, releasing her all too quickly. Reaching into his back pocket, he fished out the leather pouch holding the unused diamond. “I’ll miss that claymore. ’Twas made for me by a master blacksmith who passed from this world years ago.”

  Things? He wanted to talk about things while her heart was about to be ripped from her chest? “Rob, I wasn’t rejecting you. You do know that, don’t you? I . . . of course I care for you. You know I do, but—”

  “Then stay. Give us time. Take a chance, and I swear by all that is holy that I’ll never let you down. ’Tis all I ask.”

  “I can’t. I have to finish school. I have to.” She grabbed the edges of his jacket front. “Come back with me. You still want that Harley, right?”

  “You heard the faerie.” He covered her fists with his large, callused hands. “If I wish to live beyond my four and twenty years, I must find Madame Giselle and grovel at her feet for the return of the bloody pensieve.” He grunted. “I suspected the task was far too simple. My parents are right. I am impetuous, impulsive. More frequently than no’, I fail to think things through before acting.”

  “This . . . I guess this is good-bye. Having you with me these past few weeks has been amazing. Really amazing.” She could hardly breathe. How would she go on without him? He’d wormed his way into her heart, and losing him would leave her hollow. “I hope you’re able to find Giselle and that everything works out for you.”

  Another reason to go. How could she bear it if she stayed only to lose him? If she left, no matter what really happened, she could pretend that he’d lived on, married and had a family. She could imagine him happy. She held out her hand, and he poured the diamond into her palm. “How does this work?”

  “Find a hard spot on the ground and spin the crystal like a top. You’ll see the air above it begin to shimmer. Fix in your mind where and when you want to be, and then step into the shimmering air.”

  “I suppose it’ll hurt just as much on the return journey.” Sighing, she studied the gem, looking for the magic held within its depths. “I’ll miss you, Rob.”

  “You dinna have to leave, Erin. I dinna want to lose you.”

  She bit her lip and searched his face for understanding. “I know, but my family . . . it isn’t much, but . . . my mom is going to need me soon. I just know it. And there’s school. I have a life.” Kind of. Mostly she felt as if her real life had begun the day he fell into her. He’d filled her thoughts and her days, and she’d been happier than ever before. She’d miss having him to come home to, miss sharing tidbits of her day, hearing about his and relaxing over dinner or a TV show with her hand in his. “That faerie said time travel is against their laws. Even if I did stay, I’d probably be sent back once he catches up with us.”

  The muscles along Rob’s jaw tightened and twitched. He nodded, turning his gaze toward the tree line behind them. “Best get on with it, babe.”

  A strangled laugh broke free. “Babe? It cracks me up when you slip that into your fifteenth-century vernacular.” She found a hard, bare place on the ground and crouched low. Placing the diamond in the center, she gave it a good spin. Nothing happened. She tried again, and once more nothing changed. “Why isn’t it working?”

  “Humph.” Rob stepped closer. “Mayhap I must be the one to spin the crystal, since the tokens were given to me.”

  “Do it then.” She handed over the diamond.

  He took it and looked from the gem into her eyes. “Erin—”

  “Don’t, Rob. This is already difficult enough. Don’t make it worse.”

  Nodding, he placed the crystal on the ground and sent it spinning.

  Nothing happened.

  Erin went all weak and wobbly inside. Collapsing back onto the grass, she stretched out and stared into the sky. So many emotions swirled through her at once, she could hardly catch hold of a single one. Fear. Panic. Disbelief. The option to return to her own time had been taken from her, and even though she was scared out of her wits, an overwhelming sense of relief came right on the tail of all the other emotions.

  Relief?

  She’d have to think about that, but not now. Right now she was beyond thought. A crushing weariness pressed her into the ground. “Well,” she said to the clear blue sky, “it’s been quite a day.”

  “That it has.” Rob lay down beside her and reached for her hand. “I’m sorry, lass. I’m so sorry my actions have interfered with your plans,” he rasped out, his voice breaking.

  “Not your fault. Not entirely, anyway.” She sighed. “I’m having a hard time keeping my eyes open all of a sudden.” She twined her fingers with his. “I need a nap.”

  “Time travel has that effect. We’re on MacKintosh land and safe enough for now, and at any rate, I dinna want to return to Loch Moigh until Vespers.”

  “What does that mean?” She glanced at him.

  “Early evening around six, going by your modern clocks. Dressed as we are, I’d rather slip in
when it’s no’ full daylight. Sleep, babe. I’ll watch over you.”

  Exhausted and far too close to hysteria, a giggle burst free. “You think the Harley jackets might raise a few eyebrows?”

  “Aye, for certes.” He put his strong arms around her, sharing his warmth and strength. “Wheesht now, lass, and dinna fash yourself. Rest.”

  What choice did she have? She curled into his side, let everything go and did just that.

  CHAPTER NINE

  He’d been selfish, impulsive, and look where it had landed him—in a month’s time, ’twas more than likely he’d be dead, leaving his love alone and stranded in a century and place not her own. What new bargain could he possibly enter into with Giselle that would persuade her to give up what he’d only just handed over? Wracking his brain, he could think of naught.

  Guilt tore him apart as he held Erin in his arms and watched her sleep. “I will recover the pensieve and keep you safe. I swear it,” he whispered. By the saints, he prayed he could make good on his vow.

  His remorse was chased in equal measure by a surge of relief, and he sent up a fervent prayer of thanks. The crystal hadn’t worked, and more than ever he believed Erin was meant to be with him. If that were true, then it only stood to reason everything else would sort itself out.

  All Erin needed was time to adjust before she could accept that his love for her was true. Now they had the time. He’d convince her that lasting love did exist, and once she trusted him, surely she’d agree to stay if given a choice. He ran his knuckles over the delicate curve of her soft cheek, then tucked an errant strand of her honey-colored hair behind her ear.

  Her ferocious attempt to protect him from the faerie brought a bittersweet smile to his face. Tenderness and desire welled in his chest, and he drew her closer, cradling her cheek next to his heart. Mine. The thought brought a fresh sting to his eyes having naught to do with the horrific pepper spray. He had indeed found his braw, canny lass, and he had no intention of losing her.

  The sun neared the western horizon, casting the landscape in long shadows. “Wake up, babe.” He shook her gently. “Time to go.”

  She stretched, yawned and rubbed at her eyes. “More sleep.”

  “Later. A bed awaits. Up now.” Rising from the ground, he too stretched. “Come, love. We dinna want to spend the night out in the open where we are unprotected. I have no weapons to hand. Let us be off while there is still light enough to guide our way.”

  “All right,” she grumbled.

  He helped her to her feet. “We shan’t take the ferry across the loch. ’Twill draw too much attention. We’ll borrow a curach.”

  “A what?”

  “Hmm, a boat and paddles. I believe True refers to them as canoes.”

  “Steal one you mean?” She snorted. “I sure wish I’d known you were a thief before I invited you to stay with me.”

  “I am no’ a thief—more like an ill-informed page. I’ll send the boat back on the morrow. I’m the earl’s nephew, Erin, a noble, and one day I will be seneschal over all the MacKintosh holdings, as is my father. None would begrudge me the use of their curach.”

  His future prospects were assured, and he could well afford a wife and family. Did she no’ see? Huh. He’d seen his preordained path as a burden less than a month ago, and now he longed to take up that yoke. When had his thinking altered so? The prospect of dying surely played a part—that and the sweet lass standing beside him. He could be content to live out his days as Malcolm’s seneschal as long as he had Erin. If only his life would last beyond the thirty days given to him . . .

  Robley led Erin along the path he’d traversed most of his life. They came over the rise, and she gasped, tugging him to a standstill.

  “Oh, Rob.” She stared. “This is . . . this is where you live?”

  He surveyed the sight laid before them, trying to see it through her eyes. Their village lined the shore. Curls of smoke rose from the chimneys, sending the scent of burning wood, peat and roasting meat wafting toward them. Their island keep stood proud, with a number of smaller buildings on the outskirts of the bailey wall. Shaggy MacKintosh kine dotted the hills surrounding the village, along with flocks of sheep and horses. The sun threw streaks of bright orange, pink and indigo behind the island, and in the distance, the mountains cast their silhouettes like dark guardians over all the land.

  “Aye,” he said with pride. “This is our home, the ancestral seat of the MacKintosh clan and the center of a thriving earldom.”

  “Spectacular,” she whispered. “Wow.”

  “Come. A hot meal and a warm bed are but a short distance away.” He continued down the hill, hugging the shadows along the forest bordering the village. He knew where a number of small boats lined the shore, turned upside down with the oars tucked underneath. They hid behind the brush as the blacksmith crossed the road to enter the busy inn. Then they dashed for the shoreline.

  Crouching low, they crept to the boats resting on the sand near the water’s edge. Rob chose a sturdy skiff and turned it over. He pushed it into the water and fit the oars into place. “Climb in,” he whispered. “Sit in the front.” Waiting until she settled herself, he looked to the island. Best to head for the trail that ran to the kitchen in back. They could slip in through the servants’ entrance and take the back stairs to the living quarters. He hoped to avoid running into anyone but family.

  He took his time so as not to draw attention and rowed toward the island in the growing darkness. ’Twas no’ so unusual for a boat with one or two of their clansmen to travel between the mainland and the island at this hour—at any hour, for that matter. Two people posed no threat, and ’twas unlikely any of their guards would challenge them. By the time they reached the island, full dark was almost upon them.

  Erin hopped to shore and held the bow for him as he stepped out. He pulled the boat onto the shore and scanned the area. Once the borrowed skiff was secure, he turned to Erin. “Ready to meet my family?”

  “Not really.” Her shoulders slumped, and her voice quavered. “I’m not ready for any of this.”

  “They’ll love you, lass, and you’ll have more women seeking your help than you can imagine. We’ve no’ had a midwife or a healer for a number of years. No’ since Hunter’s granddam passed away.” He slipped his arm around her waist and ushered her toward the postern gate leading to the kitchen gardens.

  Her shoulders straightened. “I hadn’t thought of that.” She sent him a small smile. “I can open my own clinic, can’t I?”

  “That you can. I’ll help, and True has some knowledge of healing herbs. I’m certain that between the two of you, you’ll keep our clan strong and healthy. A midwife is quite a treasure to any clan, and you have the benefit of training beyond that available in our time. Just think of the good you could do.”

  “While I’m here, anyway.”

  His heart plummeted. She was right. Once the faerie caught up with them . . . He shook off the thought. He had thirty days to find a solution. Thirty days to woo and win Erin of clan Durie. He opened the postern gate and ushered her through, steering her along the path toward the back door into their keep. “Our cook will be in the kitchen with her helpers. We need to slip by as quietly as possible. I dinna want to try to explain to the servants where I’ve been or why I’m dressed as I am. ’Twas midsummer when I left home, and ’tis late autumn now. Best discuss things with my family first.”

  “OK. I’m right behind you.”

  They made it past the kitchen and up the stairs, just as Malcolm and Hunter reached the top of the front stairway. His cousin froze, his eyes narrowing at the sight of them in the dimly lit corridor.

  “Where the devil have you been?” He glared. “What were you thinking, Rob? Do you have any idea what you’ve put your parents through?” Malcolm strode toward them as if he hadn’t noticed Erin cowering behind him. “If it had no’ been for my wife
’s confession that she kent what you were about, we would still be scouring the countryside for your remains.”

  “I had intended to return to the same time I left. None were to ken I’d even left.” Tension banded his chest. He hated being spoken to as if he were a lad with no sense. It had always been thus with Malcom and his brother Liam. Mayhap because he was the youngest of the three of them, and the three had always been more like beloved brothers than cousins. “We encountered a bit of a complication and—”

  “We?” Malcolm scowled.

  Rob stepped aside and gently drew Erin forward, tucking her against his side. “Aye. We. This is Erin of clan Durie.”

  “Just Erin,” she stammered, shaking her head. “I really don’t have a clan.”

  His cousin’s brow rose as his glance moved over Erin and came back to him. He turned to Hunter. “Go fetch your ma and tell her to come at once to the lady’s solar. Dinna say anything about this to any but her, especially no’ to your shadow, Tieren.”

  “He’s going to find out, Da. Everyone is.” Hunter’s gaze fixed upon Erin, a look of intense concentration on his face. Erin sucked in a sudden breath as she returned the stare. Hunter glanced at Robley, his eyes filled with understanding. “She’s gifted—like me, Sky and Ma.”

  “Go now,” Malcolm commanded. Hunter took off like an arrow, and Malcolm turned back to them. “Come. To the solar. My mother and father are there with Sky. I was just on my way there to kiss my wee daughter goodnight. Come.”

  Rob’s heart pounded against his rib cage. His uncle would no’ be pleased with him for the worry he’d caused. Mayhap once they learned of the prize he’d brought home with him, all would be forgiven. They’d see his journey to the future was meant to be, like True’s coming to them in their hour of need. “Are my parents here?”

  Rob reached for Erin’s hand as they followed his cousin down the corridor. Hers was cold and shaking. A rush of anger shot through him at Malcolm’s harsh reception. Erin was frightened and exhausted as it was, and Malcolm had only made it worse.