Thankfully, the question worked as the man began to tell Ruari about his horse’s lineage.
“If there is nothing pressing, I must change. I have challenged Ruari’s wife to an archery competition,” Ewan said, standing.
The constable grinned. “No, my laird, I came only to introduce my brother. He wishes to ask for a position here as a guard, if one is available.”
“He should be here speaking to me instead of there,” Ewan said in a flat tone, looking to the table where the man spoke to Catriona.
This time, both men looked at him as if he’d grown a second head. “The constable asked if his brother could remain to speak to ye and ye said no,” Ruari said. He followed with, “Are ye unwell?”
“I was distracted. There is something I must take care of. I apologize,” he said to the constable. “Please remain for the night so that we can discuss more tonight.”
The constable beamed. “My wife will be most pleased.”
By the time he’d changed and hurried back down the stairs, everyone was already outside. He stalked to where the targets had been set up, annoyed that Catriona had not waited for him.
Being they had little to no communication, he couldn’t blame her for not knowing what he wished. However, in his estimation, she should have considered that it would look good for them to walk out together.
Esme stood with Ruari. Whatever was said between them must have been private because he nuzzled her neck and she pretended to be annoyed. By the flush of her cheeks and her smile, she was anything but.
With a critical eye, he studied the targets, and then looked to where some benches had been set up for the spectators.
There were more people than he’d expected. Not only had a small crowd of villagers gathered, but also the servants and most of the guardsmen. He frowned at noting what looked to be bets taking place and wondered if most bet against him. If Esme’s reputation had reached their ears, then most would probably side with the female archer.
At first, he could not find Catriona. But finally, he caught sight of her. She sat with the constable’s family. To her right was the man’s wife and on her left was the irritating brother. At the moment, she had her head bent toward the woman listening to something.
Meanwhile, the constable’s brother hovered like a damned predator. A vulture would be a more apt description.
“I will go first,” Esme announced, holding her bow up. The small crowd cheered. “Best out of five.”
Ewan scowled. “We have not yet discussed the rules of the game or the prize.”
“True,” Esme said, her eyes scanning the surroundings until landing on his wife. “If I win, I wish ye to spend the night with Catriona outdoors, no shelter, only bedding.”
“That is a stupid prize to ask for,” he growled.
“Fine,” Esme then said. “If I win, I wish for ye to remove all yer clothing and run around the entire keep with nothing but a hat on yer head. Hat of my choice, of course.”
Ewan looked to where Catriona sat. They could not hear what was being said, but she watched them with ill-concealed curiosity. Just then, the damned vulture leaned into her ear and she smiled at whatever the idiot spewed. “I will sleep outside if I lose.”
“With yer wife?” Esme asked.
“She will be angry with ye. But very well.”
“What do ye wish for a prize if ye happen to win?” Esme asked, daring in her gaze.
“That ye ride on a horse facing backward the length of the field.” He pointed over to a wide field.
“I would fall,” Esme said with an astounded expression. “I am an able rider, but I must admit that I’ve never attempted to ride backward.”
He waited until she finally met his gaze. “No matter. I do not intend to lose.”
When they stepped up to the marks, the crowd silenced. Esme looked to him and gave him a narrowed look. She then turned to the target and shot. The arrow hit almost center, but just to the right.
Ewan grinned. It wasn’t like the woman to ever miss. Perhaps she was a bit distracted.
Letting out an exhale, he stared straight then took his shot. He also missed, hitting to the left of the center.
There was a hush in the crowd as two guards who’d been appointed to be impartial went and inspected the target.
They held up Ewan’s arrow and the crowd cheered.
Esme huffed loudly and walked up to the mark. “I am not toying with ye any longer.”
She pulled back, stood utterly still, then loosed the arrow. This time, she hit the target dead center, and then to everyone’s glee, performed a happy little dance. Those gathered clapped.
Ensuring to keep his breathing even, Ewan stepped up to the mark. He let out a long breath, pulled back and released his arrow. It hit the target at almost the precise place as before.
The two guards inspected the target and held up Esme’s arrow.
It was a tie.
They shot twice more. Ewan edged a win first, barely, and then Esme beat him. It finally came down to the last shot. Whoever hit closer to the center would win.
There was a hush, followed by murmurs as Esme went to stand at the mark. Ewan saw it then, a strange stillness about her. She didn’t move, her feet planted perfectly, back straight. When she let the arrow fly, he didn’t have to look to know she had hit the target perfectly. Dead center.
There were loud gasps from the crowd followed by claps. Then when he went to the mark, everyone once again silenced.
It wasn’t that losing would be so awful. He would, of course, not mind spending time outdoors with Catriona. It was the consequences he feared. For days on end after making love with her, he could think of nothing else.
Every waking moment, he saw her face, heard the sounds she’d made when they’d made love. If he were to be alone with her, could he keep from taking her again?
He was close to losing control of his emotions. His heart ached for her, his body demanded her.
Ewan could not lose the match.
His booted foot on the mark, he stepped back with his right and pulled the bow taut. Concentrating on his breathing, he focused on the target, his vision directly on Esme’s arrow.
On his exhale, he released the arrow.
There were exclamations, cheering and laughter. When he looked to the target, his arrow was not there.
“Ye lost on purpose,” Esme challenged. “Ye missed the target altogether.”
“Impossible,” he said, stomping to the target. “Where did my arrow go?”
When he got close to the target, several of his guards ran out and began slapping him on the back. One laughed. “I would lose, too, if I was forced to spend the night outdoors with a beauty.”
He looked over to Catriona, who’d paled. The constable’s wife was obviously telling her about the bet he and Esme had made.
When she met his gaze, she quickly turned away, but not before he caught the look of something like disappointment.
Then she turned to the constable’s brother and said something.
Perhaps they’d planned to steal away and now his win had dashed the plans. No. Catriona would never do that. Ewan instantly felt horrible for allowing his jealousy free rein.
Jealousy? Yes, that was exactly what he felt. It ravaged through him, especially when Ruari rushed to Esme, picked her up and turned in a circle. The couple was laughing wildly as if they were alone in the world.
“I am sorry ye lost.” Catriona had come up to stand beside him. “Ye did well until the last one,” she continued and lifted to her toes to place a chaste kiss on his cheek.
The people in the stands began to stomp their feet, calling out for a full kiss.
Ewan pulled Catriona into his arms, leaned her back and as he lowered to take her mouth, looked to where the constable’s brother watched them.
The man smiled. Obviously, he’d not expected to spend time alone with Catriona.
He kissed her fully as those around them began to cheer loudly. When
they straightened, Catriona was flushed. She smiled shyly toward the where the people were, but never looked at him.
She walked alongside him as he went to greet the people. Since it seemed he’d lost on purpose, they could not gossip about his lack of ability. In a way, this was the best conclusion.
“Outdoors. In the courtyard? Or out in the field?” Her expression was sullen.
He shrugged. “Esme didn’t specify. I suppose we can sleep in the garden.”
“Very well.” Catriona remained for a few moments, chatting with people that were visiting. Most were invited to remain for last meal. She then went toward their home. Probably to prepare for the meal, and for their night out.
It could also be his wife was about to give Esme an earful. Although, Ewan doubted she’d find the couple since they’d suddenly disappeared.
Chapter Twenty-One
Catriona stopped short of knocking on the door of the bedchamber Esme and Ruari were currently using. And using it they were. For a moment, she stood still listening to the sounds of their lovemaking.
If only she and Ewan had the same passion. There was no mistaking the attraction between Esme and her husband. They seemed to fight for privacy every moment they were together. As happy as she was that her childhood friend had found the perfect match, her heart ached each time she witnessed their devotion.
Turning away, she decided it was best to prepare for last meal. Once that was done, she’d have to be ready to sleep outdoors.
Only Esme would try to do something that would force her and Ewan to spend time alone. Then again, without the distraction of others, perhaps they could finally talk.
Catriona was not a fool. She was fully aware her husband did not love her. As a matter of fact, he acted as if he didn’t particularly care for her in the least.
Most days, she was lucky to catch a glimpse of him any time other than at last meal. True, there was much to do and his duties as laird were many but, to her, it seemed as if he invited more work.
Just two days earlier, there had been a large group of farmers who he’d invited to come and share about their crops. The group, along with wives and children, had filled the great room to capacity.
Next was the archery tournament. The house would be filled with villagers. Afterward, Ewan was to leave with Esme and her husband to spend time with Ruari learning about warhorse breeding. Although Catriona had been invited to come along, she was forced to remain behind as the wife of a McLeod was scheduled to come for a visit.
In truth, she was excited to meet Paige McLeod, who’d married Alec, the laird’s first-born son. According to Elspeth, she and Paige had much in common. Paige had been a village girl who’d stood up to both the McLeod and the Ross to defend men she loved.
When Catriona changed to look more presentable for last meal, she entered the great room and, as expected, Ewan was surrounded by men who seemed to be picking on him good-naturedly about losing to Esme.
“It was obvious he lost on purpose,” Esme said, coming up behind her and weaving an arm through Catriona’s. “Yer husband could not help it. Spending the night outdoors in the fresh air with his beautiful wife is not a consolation, but a prize.”
“Ye are incorrigible,” Catriona replied. “I cannot say I look forward to sleeping outdoors.”
“Where are ye to make yer bed?” Esme asked with a smile. “The woods, the creek or perhaps atop a tree?”
“In the garden,” Catriona said and had to smirk at Esme’s crestfallen expression.
Her friend frowned. “Right outside the kitchen?”
“I suppose it is.” Catriona had not thought about all the people coming and going, passing by while they tried to sleep. “No, I think the other side garden would suit best.”
“I should have specified outside the keep,” Esme said, but didn’t seem overly disappointed.
The meal was long until, finally, Catriona leaned closer to speak into her husband’s ear. “I am not sure exactly how to prepare for tonight,” she admitted.
Already, bedding had been set up for them in the back of the house, between a wall and what was to be a garden once Catriona had time for it.
“I would wear something warm,” Ewan said, giving her a side glance. “Perhaps one of those heavy shawls ye prefer in the winter.”
A shawl and a heavy dressing gown. Perfect, she’d barely be able to move. With a soft huff, she stood and walked to the stairs. If her being bundled up is what he wanted, she would do the opposite. She was growing tired of whatever the game was that he played.
He pretended that she barely existed.
Two could do the same.
“Where are we going?” Maisie asked, running after Catriona, who hurried through the home to a door that opened to the back garden. Servants were still there making what looked to be a love nest. Thick blankets had been spread along with decorative pillows and even some sort of posts on each corner with fabric spread laterally. They followed the instructions for there not to be a cover over them and had gotten creative to ensure them privacy and a bit of protection from the breeze.
“Very nice,” she said primly. “Now, put another, smaller bed over there.” She pointed to a space next to the wall.
The maids looked to one another. One finally spoke up. “We do not have any more bedding, my lady.”
“Take this.” Catriona pulled one of the blankets from the fancy bed. “Use that and a pair of these pillows.” She stood still as they placed a thick layer of hay down and added the blanket she’d given them.
Maisie shifted from one foot to the other. “Am I to sleep here?”
“What?” Catriona turned to her. “Do not be silly. Ye will sleep over there with me,” she said, pointing to the larger bed. “The laird will sleep here.”
“Oh.” All three maids froze and turned to her with wide eyes.
“I cannot possibly,” Maisie said. “The laird will not be pleased.”
“He cannot say much if we are already asleep. Now, come hurry. Take off yer shoes. Let us rest.”
Thinking it a great game, the maids laughed.
***
Ewan was a bit in his cups by the time he staggered out the back door to find his bed. Although Esme had been creative in her request, she’d not given enough specifics. He figured Catriona would be asleep and there would be no need to talk to her, or worse, compelled to kiss her.
Once outside, he stopped at seeing what looked to be a proper bed. The servants had certainly gotten creative.
He lifted the torch to get a better view, which he really didn’t need as there was a full moon and enough light.
There, in what he assumed was to be where he’d lay his head, were two women, fast asleep.
Catriona on her side facing him and the maid, Maisie, rolled into a ball with her back to where he stood.
“Where in the devil am I to sleep?” Ewan muttered and then he saw it. A slim bedroll.
His wife, it seemed, was just as anxious not to spend time with him.
He’d show her. Ewan crept to the opposite side of where Catriona slept and not-so-gently scooped up the sleeping maid, who barely stirred.
He then placed her on the slender bedroll and pulled a blanket over her.
After, he lowered to the ground, removing his boots and breeches. Doing his best not to wake Catriona, he slid between the blankets and was immediately surprised at how comfortable the bed actually was.
He lay on his back for a while, looking up at the starlit sky. It certainly was stunning. He’d have to remember to thank Esme for giving him the opportunity to see the beauty of a night sky.
Catriona stirred and rolled to her back. In slumber, she was a masterpiece of beauty. Her long lashes fanning down over her cheeks, pink lips pursed demanding to be tasted.
His loins stirred and Ewan took a deep breath, forcing his gaze back up to the sky. But then she let out a soft sigh and he turned to her again.
Whatever she was dreaming of brought a slight curve to
her lips. Probably thoughts of besting him that night.
His own mouth softened, and he chuckled. In truth, he missed their friendship. He missed the many many days they’d spent talking about inconsequential things while he tried to bring her out of the shell caused by the attack of Mackenzie guards.
She rolled back to her left side, her back to him.
Perhaps, it was time to begin again, to rekindle the friendship. Avoiding her and acting like an idiot was hurting the marriage.
Ewan rolled to his side and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. Then when she didn’t wake, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. He nuzzled the back of her neck and pressed his erection between the orbs of her bottom.
What happened next was something he’d never seen before. Catriona let out a low guttural sound. It was animalistic, like a painful groan.
Her entire body shook so hard, he let her go. Then she began to kick and scratch her own skin. Sobs racked through her and she dragged herself away. The entire time, her eyes were squeezed shut. “No. No.”
She gasped for air, almost as if it were impossible to get enough.
In the next moment, she was on the dirt, crawling to the corner where the short walls of the garden met. Once there, she began to mewl, her arms wrapped around her bloody legs.
He wasn’t sure how much the maid had seen, but now Maisie sat up, her wide eyes taking in what was happening.
“Do not approach her,” Ewan said. “Go inside and find Esme Ross. Do not alert anyone else. Hurry.”
The maid scrambled away, and he went just a bit closer to Catriona, leaving enough distance between them not to scare her more.
“Catriona,” he whispered. “It is me. Ewan.”
She cried out and wildly batted the air between them with both arms. “No, no, no, no.”
Her face was a mixture of blood, mud and tears and she looked so pitiful, he wanted to cry himself.
What had he done?
“What happened?” Esme and Ruari burst out of the side door. At once, Esme hurried to Catriona, lowering next to her and whispering in his wife’s ears. Immediately, Catriona dissolved into heart-wrenching sobs and clung to Esme.
A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) Page 19