“Aye, I’m just in disbelief. How could she have done such a thing? Sybil has always been so kind.”
“I don’t know. She’s known for a long time that Eddie was enamored with you. I thought she was moving past her own infatuation. But something about her just seemed different and desperate this trip.”
Ada threw back the covers and stood. “I’m feeling much better, but I think it will be good to get some fresh air and sun.”
“Are you certain you have the strength?”
“If I’m confined to this room for any longer, I’ll go mad. Especially if I think too hard about what Sybil has done.”
“I agree then, but if you tire, we will return straightaway.”
They made their way down to the fields and watched a couple rounds of jousting before heading back toward their chamber. Jennet had to admit that Ada’s coloring did look better after the walk. Upon returning to the castle, they stopped to enjoy a small midday meal in the great hall. She was happy to see Ada’s appetite had somewhat returned, and she was able to keep down some bread and sweet mead. Once they reached their chamber, they sat and talked while they worked on some mending and waited for the men to return.
But as they sewed, Jennet’s mind couldn’t stop processing the morning’s events. Sybil’s actions returned to the forefront of her mind. She felt as if she was missing something. Perhaps Eddie would have more details when he returned.
A little while later, her brother walked back in, thankfully without Lord Roger. His haggard appearance left no room for doubt that between dealing with Sybil and the lingering effects of the drug in his own body, he needed rest. She decided her questions could wait until he felt better, so she quickly excused herself and went hunting for her knight.
After thoroughly exploring the camp, Giric started back toward the fields to see if there was any sign of Edward Linton. He should have taken the opportunity to challenge him when he’d overheard the man with the earl, but the timing hadn’t felt right. Tonight, Giric might have to visit Edward’s room after the evening meal to issue the challenge. He worried that the man had been too injured by being unseated at the joust to participate in the melee.
Sun shone down on the jousting field, and the earth had dried from the rains of the previous day. He watched the tourney event with interest, studying the forms of all participating. Some performed well, but a few of the knights and noblemen appeared fatigued from participating for days on end. They were having a harder time hitting their marks today, but those that did were proving their skill to be superior.
By early afternoon, the sun blazed down with fiery intensity, and his patience was waning. Since there was still no sign of Edward Linton, he decided he could wait no longer. Giric couldn’t risk that he would neglect the melee tomorrow. He was going to the man’s room to find him now.
As he pivoted back toward the castle, his gaze caught on the lass who had headed his way. Jennet. She was breathtaking, smiling at the people she passed, offering greetings, but still moving straight toward the fields. She’d forgone a headpiece, and today her hair cascaded over her shoulders as a gentle breeze blew the silky strands and curved them into her body.
In a red gown, she lit the day with color that surely had everyone nearby watching her. When her gaze fell on him, she smiled—not just a slight grin that she’d given the guests as she passed, but one that brightened her eyes and filled her cheeks. It said to him that she’d missed him as he had her. Then she quickened her pace, and he knew that although he’d alluded to it with her before, he would not let the day pass without asking her to be his partner.
Striding toward her, he tamped the urge to pull her in his arms and swing her around. He would be able to do that soon enough. Perhaps they could wed tomorrow evening, after the fight. He would have his revenge, and then he would have the woman who had so quickly become everything he desired.
They came face-to-face, standing scant inches apart. Her cheeks were rosy, and her lips full, and his heartbeat accelerated with the thought of claiming her mouth again. He took her hand.
“I came as soon as I could. Have you missed me?” The amused teasing tone in her voice sounded like a chorus singing hymns in perfect tune.
“Aye, ’tis been too long since I’ve seen yer bonny face.” And he was surprised to realize his words weren’t a jest. Each moment without her had been filled with anticipation of when they would meet again.
“I have so much to tell you. Sybil has been taken to the local prison.” She squeezed his hand as she shook her head.
“Nae. Why?”
“She tried to kill Ada,” Jennet whispered, then shivered and glanced around to see if anyone heard her.
“Is she all right?” His insides tightened. Anger, concern, and disbelief warred in his head.
“Aye. She will be, but it’s been a shock for us all.”
“Why would she do such a thing?” He’d thought Sybil to be a kind person, but there were times she’d seemed abrupt and angry. Now he wanted even more to cocoon Jennet in his embrace, knowing she’d been so close to a viper. His grip tightened on her hand.
Her attention traveled around the crowds. “I don’t want to talk about it where others might hear. I’ll tell you in private.”
“Should we go to your chamber?” The thought of her in his reminded him of her in his tunic, her warm body beside his as she trailed her fingers across his chest.
“We can’t go to my room. Although Ada is doing better, I fear she and Eddie may both be resting.”
“We’ll go to my chamber, then.” And he would kiss her—he knew it—and his body tightened with the desire that surged through him stronger than the most potent Scottish spirits.
Once they breached the walls of the castle, he guided them through the great hall. “Have ye eaten?”
“Just a small meal with Ada a little while ago.”
He stopped one of the baron’s servers and requested that drink and refreshments be brought to his room. When they turned to go, she bumped into another server who carried a tray with a pitcher of ale on it. It splashed all over the front of her gown.
“I’m so sorry, my lady.” The blushing young man’s voice shook.
“No, it was my fault. It’s nothing,” she insisted.
When they reached his chamber, she walked right in, letting go of his hand and wrapping her arms around her chest. He turned and bolted the door.
“I’m glad I chose red today. Hopefully, this gown will not stain. It’s more than I thought.” She glanced down at the soaked fabric and shuddered.
“Would ye like a dry tunic to wear?” He hoped she did because he’d been sleeping with the one she’d worn. It smelled of her, exotic roses and sandalwood.
“Aye. Please. Perhaps this won’t take too long to dry if I lay it out.”
He reached into his trunk and took out the fresh garment. “Here. I’ll turn while you change.”
“Always gallant, Sir Giric.” She grinned. It was a playful smile that tested the limits of his chivalry. His chest tightened with need at the direction his thoughts had taken him in.
“Aye, I will always see to yer wishes, Lady Jennet.”
She blushed, and he swiveled to face the door before he was tempted to claim her lips. He’d not anticipated having her in his room again before they were wed, and now she’d be nearly naked. What had he been thinking?
His body ached with indecision and the hunger to claim her. Would that be moving too fast for her?
“I am done.” Her throaty voice was like a soothing balm. If he weren’t mistaken, he heard desire in its depths.
When he turned, his breathing stalled. This tunic fell just above her knees, leaving her calves, ankles, and feet exposed. He’d not had such a good view of her in the dark on the night she’d stayed in his bed. She’d removed her stockings, which he thought might not be necessary, but he was glad she’d chosen to do so. The sight of her bare skin had him wanting to rub his hands on the smooth flesh. Despi
te the shortness of the garment, it was too large and fell off one shoulder. He wanted to place kisses on that spot and work his way up to her mouth, draw her near, and feel her curves next to his body.
“Ye are going to undo me, lass.”
She smiled, and he thought perhaps she was trying to seduce him. Her head tilted in an invitation, and she took a step forward.
A knock sounded at the door. He turned around and opened the portal to see the server from downstairs with a pitcher of mead, two glasses, and a tray of meats, cheese, and bread. Giric held his hand out for the offering without letting the man breach the frame. “I can take it. Thank ye.”
The server handed it to him, pivoted, and was gone. Bolting the door, Giric turned and strode toward the table.
“Sit if ye wish.” He motioned to a chair at the small table.
“I will, thank you.”
He poured two glasses, then joined her. They ate as Jennet told him what had transpired with Sybil earlier in the day and how she’d also been responsible for the attack in the village.
“Will yer brother and friend have any lasting effects from the poison?”
“No. They are already much improved.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“This mead is delicious.” She licked her lips, and he wanted to groan, but she wasn’t even his yet.
He could wait no longer. Kneeling in front of her, he took her hand in his.
“I wanted to talk to yer brother first, but I haven’t had my chance.” He took in a deep breath as her gaze rested on him, eyes twinkling and bright.
“He will be well rested later, and I can take you to him.”
“I wish for ye to be my wife.” He held his breath, fear suddenly spiking in his chest. If she said no, he would survive, but he knew he’d be leaving a huge part of his heart in England when he returned home.
Her free hand stretched out and caressed his cheek. The gentle strokes sent waves of sensation spiraling down to his core. “I would like that.” She nodded.
“Will yer brother approve? He has no’ even met me yet.”
“He will let me choose. Ada already spoke to him, and he said yes.”
“Do ye choose me?”
“Aye, Giric. I choose you.”
He couldn’t contain the joy that burst from inside, and he was on his feet before he knew what he was doing. Wrapping Jennet in his arms, he drew her up and twirled her around, savoring the feel of her, her musky-sweet scent, and the way she giggled. Jennet held on as if she’d been waiting for him to ask her.
“I must meet yer brother because ’tis proper for me to secure his permission as well.”
“He’ll be pleased to meet you and know that I have chosen such an honorable knight.”
He eased down onto the chair and pulled her into his lap. Her bonny brown eyes landed on him, and he couldn’t help himself. “I’m going to kiss ye.”
“Please.” Her breathless reply wrapped around his chest and his pulse beat louder.
He took her mouth in his, and it was like no other kiss he’d had before. Jennet was going to be his wife. The raw sensation that gripped him had his groin tightening, begging the rest of his body to lay her out and claim her now. As her tongue swiped across his, he knew this was right, that they belonged together, and fate had found a way to see their paths had crossed. He forgot everything except this moment, the fulfillment and joy he felt holding her in his arms.
She drew back, her face inches from his. “Shall we marry tomorrow?”
“Aye. As soon as the melee is done.”
“Oh, and you’ll want to talk to my brother about my dowry first. When you meet him tonight, we can make the arrangements.”
“Nae, I want ye. If ye have a dowry, it would be helpful for us and the clan, but ’tis no’ necessary.”
Strands of music drifted under the doorway and through the air. He didn’t know where it came from, but it was just enough to lend an additional hint of magic to the moment.
“Dance with me.” She jumped up and drew him to his feet.
“Aye.”
And it was like that first night. They performed the same fluid movements, and when his hand met hers, the sizzle was still there, but this time magnified, as if they were the shore and the sea, neither able to exist without the other.
As they progressed through the steps, their bodies melded together, too close to be proper in public. This was the most intimate thing he’d ever done with a woman. It was as if their souls were connecting as their eyes remained locked, and heat built inside him.
When the strains of the music faded, she twined her fingers with his, and her dilated eyes studied him as she took in a deep breath. Her flushed cheeks turned pinker, her mouth fell open, and she inhaled before saying, “Make me your wife now.”
His core tightened, every muscle in his body taut like the bow she wielded with precision. In such a short time, she’d mastered him as well. Emotions flooded him: desire, ecstasy, but most of all, love. This was what her parents had possessed, and now he knew why they’d risked everything to keep it. He couldn’t imagine Jennet in another’s arms.
She was his, and he belonged to no other.
He nodded, not having the words to express the sensations swamping his senses. Instead, he scooped her into his embrace and held her there, cherished her, before covering her mouth with his.
Chapter 12
When the music started, Jennet had known this was the right time for them to make a commitment to each other. The need she felt was so thick and heavy that she was drowning in it, and only clinging to him would save her. Even before she’d gotten to know him, there was something familiar, like fate was bringing them together to complete the other.
Giric was everything she’d ever wanted in a husband. His honor was unshakable and real, he put family above all else, and he made her laugh. Not only that, he valued her opinions and wasn’t afraid to let her make choices. The freedom and bliss she felt in his arms were what she’d searched for since losing her independence all those years ago.
Her Scottish knight was her liberator, and now he would be her husband. She wanted this bond with him, wanted it so deeply that the emotions reached into her chest, and it threatened to bust.
His lips closed on hers, honey and mead filling her senses. She was lost in this moment, this man, and what her world was going to be. She’d be going to Scotland to live with Giric, and that didn’t terrify her as it would have only last week. It liberated her, knowing that she would be there with a man she could trust. They would make new memories and have their own family.
As she lay cradled in his arms, his tongue tangled with hers, she was vaguely aware of Giric moving. Anticipation surged as she held on to him. He lowered her to the bed, gently peeled his arms from her, and stood.
“Are ye sure ye are ready?” His husky Highland burr washed over her, and gooseflesh rose on her arms.
“Aye. I’ve never wanted anything more. I want this. I want us.”
She thought a rumble might have come from his throat, but her heart was beating so loudly she wasn’t certain. All she knew was that Giric was the man she’d been praying for her whole life, even before she’d known his face or his smooth voice. Her body had known as soon as they’d touched on that first night.
He licked his lips and watched her a moment. Seeming to weigh the consequences of what they were about to do. He reached for the bottom of his tunic and pulled it over his head. His bare chest boasted muscles that rippled with each movement. It was why she’d felt so secure in his arms.
As he tugged at his breeches, she shimmied the tunic she wore up around her hips, then sat up and drew it off. She experienced a shock of fear, thinking she might not be all he wanted, but one glance at his reaction told her she was wrong. She eased onto her back as his gaze fixed on her as if she were a glass of wine after going days without a drink.
He climbed onto the bed next to her, and his weight had her body shifting into his
. The awareness of his flesh next to hers heated her as new sensations flooded her senses. She breathed him in. Need enveloped her.
His fingers caressed her cheek, and he spoke. “I promise to put you above all else. You will be my family now, and I will care for you with everything I have in me.”
“And I will do the same.”
His hand trailed to her neck as his mouth once again melded with hers. His fingers traveled farther down and gently took hold of her breast. Need exploded in her, and she arched into his touch. This seemed to spur him on because his kiss became more fevered, and he caressed her flesh again before moving to her belly, where he traced circles on the flat surface.
She giggled into his mouth, and then his hand dipped again. His fingers reached the spot between her legs, and her laughter turned into a gasp, as they moved up and down in the slickness that had pooled there. A moan escaped as pleasure engulfed her. He continued the sweet torture until she was almost panting with something she couldn’t name, a precipice she’d never experienced, and she shifted her hips into his palm to increase the pressure.
Giric withdrew then, and she thought to protest, but he moved too swiftly. Drawing her legs apart, he rose up, then settled between them. When the warm, smooth tip of his manhood touched her core, she moaned at the sensation. He slid the length up and down her passage before stopping and looking directly into her eyes, her soul, her whole being.
Then he breached the opening and seated himself deep within her core. There was a brief moment of pain, but she didn’t care because everything else about it felt so right. He stilled and dipped so that his lips were on hers, and she kissed him with everything she had in her. Her heart was nearly bursting with love for this man.
As they kissed, his hips started to rotate slowly. He didn’t pull out as much as he rubbed back and forth, reaching the deepest part of her as his pelvis rocked back and forth on the nub at her center. Heat and desire surged in waves as she fought to catch her breath, but at the same time, she sensed her body tilting farther up toward his, asking for more.
The Highland Knight's Revenge Page 10