Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders)

by Jennifer Siddoway

  They fell into an easy conversation and she told him about her remaining family back in Sunderland. Her brother Fionn was married with a child, and their brother Matthew joined the church and was an abbot on the mainland. She told him about the village of Tongue on the northern coast, but left out the details of growing up in the castle and the issue of her nobility.

  Valan listened rapt with attention and asked questions when they seemed appropriate. In return he told her about Ewan, and stories from when they were younger. He described them playing in the road with wooden swords as children, and how that lead him to discovering his passion for sword play. She listened to him explain how Graeme had taken Valan under his wing and taught him everything he knew. It was a conversation that went on for hours, and they were completely enraptured with each other, until quite without warning, the sun began to rise.

  As the first rays of sun came streaming through the window, Bridget turned to it and sighed. The golden rays of sun rose up over the bay and in the distance she could make out the shape of Kisimul.

  Valan followed her gaze to the window and the sky beyond, looking perfectly serene. His lips curved up into a grin and he said, “I’ve watched the sun rise many times, often from this very spot. Yet, I cannae remember a single one of them when ’twas this pleasant.”

  She smiled. “Me either.”

  They stared at one another quietly, enjoying the peaceful moment while it lasted. She pursed her lips to keep from smiling, and he gazed back at her with dark brown eyes.

  “Why are ye looking at me like that?”

  “Because ye’re fair,” he responded honestly. “And I think ye’re beautiful. I want tae soak up every moment with ye that I can.”

  Her heart fluttered, and she looked over at him saying, “Ye should nae say such things.”

  “I will speak the truth when asked,” he responded simply.

  Bridget felt her chest grow tight as she stared back at him. She knew it was wrong, that she was promised to another, but everything inside her ached to be with him. Her skin tingled with anticipation, yearning to be touched. She swallowed hard, but her tongue felt heavy and dry.

  Valan braced his hand against the table and was about to stand, when a wave of urgency and passion overtook her.

  “Valan,” she blurted suddenly.

  He paused to look at her. “Aye?”

  “I-I believe, I still owe ye a kiss.”

  Valan’s eyes grew dark, and he exhaled slowly while fixing her in his gaze. “Bridget, I told ye ’twas a game. I dinnae want a kiss unless it’s real.”

  Her heartbeat quickened, and before she could stop herself the words came tumbling out. “What if it is? What if I wanted tae so badly that it hurts? What if it felt like I was dying of thirst, and yer lips were the only thing that could revive me? Would ye deny me then?”

  His lips were on hers before she finished speaking. It felt as though her entire body could finally rest, and she would melt into his embrace. He was soft, and warm, and his mouth found hers again and again. She kissed him back, wanting more with every passing second. Every touch was feather soft, barely a brush of his skin against hers, and that’s what made her want him even more.

  Valan pulled away first, and then pressed his forehead against hers while breathing heavily.

  She released him slowly and then took a moment to calm the frantic beating of her heart. While she caught her breath, Bridget sat back to look him in the eye. There were a thousand things she wanted to say, but none of them could form the words inside her mouth. There were no words to describe it. Valan let out a tired sigh and cast his gaze toward the kitchen.

  “Ailsa will be getting up soon. Mayhap we should prepare some food, I’m getting hungry.”

  Bridget nodded. “Aye. Though I have little experience in the kitchen.”

  They rose to their feet and walked to the pantry to start some pottage. Her heart fluttered as she went about the process, collecting spices and grain. Her heart felt like it was singing.

  Yet, in the back of her mind was a tinge of sadness because she knew it couldn’t last.

  Oh no, she thought. What have I done?

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  T wo days later, the skies had finally cleared, and rain was barely present.

  When Bridget realized this, she felt a pang of sadness. She hadn’t been able to look at Valan without blushing since they kissed. The feelings were too raw, too real for her to ignore.

  As she gazed out the window, Valan walked up beside her and said, “Would ye like tae come with me tae Bess’ tavern? I have practice with Graeme this afternoon, it’s the first time we’ve been able tae in weeks.”

  Bridget tilted her head and asked, “Practice fer what?”

  She noticed a subtle grin when he responded. “Fencing. I told ye it was a hobby of mine. Graeme’s been teaching me fer the last few years. He learned it while living in Spain with his Uncle Jamie.”

  “Oh…that’s right. Niall mentioned that when we were playing cards the other night.”

  “If the sky remains clear, our ships will be able tae sail again. It’s been five weeks since we’ve been at sea. My arm needs tae reacquaint itself with how tae wield a sword if we’re tae take ye tae the mainland.”

  Her heart sank slightly with the understanding her time on the island would soon be finished. A moment of awkward silence passed between them and Bridget’s chest felt tight.

  “If that be the case, I’ll gladly go with ye,” Bridget told him. “I’ve ne’er had occasion tae see ye fight.”

  Valan smiled as she smoothed out the front of her gown, then fetched his sword and gloves. A hundred things went through her mind, and they all revolved around what would happen over the next few days. She kept thinking about their kiss, how Valan’s company had healed her pain. Her heart pounded furiously as she stared blindly out into the distance.

  Valan walked up beside her and said, “Shall we be off?”

  Bridget nodded and dropped her hands along her side as they stepped out into the road. Valan didn’t speak, and they walked the path to Bess’s tavern silently.

  Graeme was waiting for them in the field when they arrived. He waved to them beneath a tree and beckoned them to join him. “Valan, ye finally made it. Bridget as well, I see.”

  Valan grinned, “Aye. I’m afraid time got away from me. Sorry, I’m late.”

  Graeme chuckled, glancing over to Bridget suspiciously before pulling out his rapier from its scabbard. “Nae excuses. Retrieve ye’re blade and let’s begin.”

  Bridget watched them curiously as the men squared off against each other and made her way over to a bench in the shade of a tree. Elspeth sat there watching, and beckoned Bridget to come and join her. There was a wooden door at the back of the kitchens that remained open to let out residual heat from the hearth. A window had been built into the wall beside it and gave ample view to the field beyond for Bess while she cooked.

  Bridget made her way over to where Elspeth waited and sat down on the bench beside her.

  “Hello, Bridget!” the woman greeted. “Ye’re looking well.”

  “Thank ye.”

  Elspeth nodded through a wince as she placed a hand over her belly.

  Bridget frowned and eyed her cautiously, asking, “Are ye well?”

  “Aye. It’s just the bairn likes tae move around these days. I hardly get any rest.”

  Bridget laughed. “I can imagine! Ye must be excited.”

  “We are,” Elspeth told her with a grin. “The wee lad, or lassie, is already loved beyond anything I could have ever hoped fer.”

  She smiled at her, then cast her gaze back toward the field. “I was nae aware that Valan knew how tae fence,” Bridget informed her quietly. “Dae he and Graeme practice together often?”

  Elspeth chuckled dryly. “Aye. Every week, unless one of them is on a raid, or the weather dinnae agree. They’re always looking tae improve their skill. They’re some of the most accomplished swordsmen in th
e Isles.”

  Bridget looked back at them in wonder, saying, “Really? Why am I only now hearing this?”

  She grinned. “Mayhap Valan dinnae think ye would believe him, unless ye saw it fer yerself. He would nae have become a captain of the Barra without being skilled at swordplay—it simply would nae happen. Valan is particularly masterful, I’m convinced that’s one of the reasons Laird MacNeil chose him.”

  Bridget gazed back to where her pirate was sparring with his teacher. His movements were so lithe, so nimble, that it was like a dance. She could see it. Once the men got into it, their skill truly began to shine. Valan was a master of his craft, wielding the blade with expert precision. The back and forth exchange with Graeme was mesmerizing, enrapturing her completely until Elspeth cried out in pain. “Ahhh!”

  Bridget and the others whipped their heads around toward her. Elspeth’s face twisted in discomfort as she clutched her belly.

  Graeme sheathed his weapon and rushed over to her in a fit of panic. “Ellie? Love, are ye well?”

  She shook her head with a groan and looked down toward her belly. “Nae, I think the bairn is coming.”

  His eyes grew wide with fear as he knelt in front of her. “Breathe. Just breathe.” Looking up at Valan he said, “Go find Bess.”

  Valan nodded and stormed off toward the kitchen. “Right away.”

  Elspeth cried out again and gripped Graeme’s hand for support. “Ahhh!”

  Bridget stood up from the bench in alarm and backed away to give Graeme better access to her. Graeme slipped his arms around Elspeth and carefully picked her up, carrying the woman gently back inside. Just as he reached the door, Valan met him from inside with Bess in tow.

  “My apologies, Valan. I’m afraid I’ll have tae cut our lesson short,” Graeme told him, turning away to carry his wife inside.

  Valan nodded. “Aye, of course. Go, and see that Elspeth gets the help she needs.”

  Graeme and Elspeth disappeared inside with a panicked Bess beside them. Bridget watched them leave, wringing her hands with worry and unsure of what to do until Valan returned beside her.

  Valan glanced back into the tavern as well, saying, “Well, it appears there’ll nae be any more fencing anytime soon.”

  Bridget nodded. “Aye. Poor Graeme must be frantic.”

  Valan chuckled, picking up his rapier from against the wall. “He’ll make do.”

  “I suppose we should be heading back then.”

  He led her along the way they’d come and then over to the road. Her heart still raced after everything she’d seen, and she cast Valan a sideways glance. “I’m sorry ye did nae get tae practice more.”

  He shrugged. “’Tis life.”

  “Ye dinnae tell me that ye were so skilled.”

  Valan raised an eyebrow. “I told ye I was fond of sword play, and that Graeme was teaching me.”

  “Enjoyment is nae the same thing as skill,” she argued. “I may enjoy needlework, that dinnae mean anything I make is pleasing tae the eye.”

  He laughed. “Well, then I apologize. I was nae trying tae keep a secret from ye. It’s just that here in our community it’s general knowledge. I dinnae think it warranted discussion beyond what we already had.”

  Bridget chuckled while picking up her skirts as they made it up the hill to Ailsa’s cottage.

  Valan paused with her outside, taking shelter in the tiny awning outside the door. His gaze drifted to the open sky and then back to her, saying, “Should we perhaps enjoy the weather while we can?”

  She glanced up at him and smiled. “Aye, ’twould be lovely.”

  Valan set down his rapier and gloves just inside the door and ventured back out onto the path, motioning for her to follow. Bridget’s heartbeat quickened as she went with him beyond the village outskirts to unfamiliar territory.

  They walked slowly, soaking up the warmth of the autumn sun and gazing out to see the distant shore. “’Tis a charming island,” she told him idly.

  “It is,” he agreed.

  “Well, now that we are here, what would ye like tae do?”

  Valan glanced over toward her thoughtfully and reached up to run his fingers through her brunette hair. “Well, the first thing that comes tae mind is how much I want tae kiss ye.”

  Her breathing hitched as he came toward her, placing his hand against her waist. She had no desire to stop him, and when Valan leaned down to press his lips to hers Bridget sighed contentedly.

  It was gentle, barely more than a touch, yet it made her heart flutter.

  Rodrick.

  She pulled away from him sadly, casting her gaze toward the rocky shoreline.

  “Is something wrong? I thought…”

  Bridget shook her head. “Nae, ye were right. But I should nae have done this.”

  He tucked a flyaway strand of hair behind her ear and said, “What are ye so worried about?”

  “There’s something ye need tae ken.”

  “I already ken that yer betrothed,” he reminded her.

  “It’s nae that…”

  His browline puckered with confusion. “Then what is it?”

  She swallowed hard before turning to look at him. “I’m nae who ye think I am. All this time, I’ve gone by Bridget, which is my name, but that isn’t my full title. My name is Bridget MacKay—Lady Bridget MacKay of Sunderland. My father was the late Laird James MacKay, who was recently murdered on our journey.”

  Valan’s eyes grew wide as she continued her explanation.

  “I grew up in Castle Varrich, which does overlook the village of Tongue. My father arranged fer me tae marry so he could secure an alliance with Clan MacDonnell. That’s where I was going when my ship was attacked, that’s why all of this happened—those men were after my dowry.”

  Once he processed what she way saying, Valan grasped her by the arms. “Dae anyone else ken about this?”

  Alarmed by his reaction, Bridget shook her head. “Nae. I thought it best tae keep a secret.”

  “Ye thought correctly. If any of the others found out—”

  “They would try tae ransom me,” Bridget finished for him. “That’s what I assumed. But now ye understand why I have tae get tae Castle Strome. It’s nae about me, it’s about fulfilling my duty tae the clan.”

  Valan pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “But, they all think ye’re dead. Dinnae ye understand? This could be an opportunity tae start a new life fer yerself.”

  “But I dinnae die,” Bridget stated flatly. “And I’m a woman of honor. I’ve given my word tae marry, so that’s what I must dae.”

  He sighed. “Ye’re making a mistake.”

  “Then it’s my mistake tae make,” she responded. “I have tae do the right thing.”

  Valan hung his head in disbelief. “I’m nae sure I even want tae ken the answer tae this, but who is yer betrothed?”

  “Laird Rodrick MacDonnell.”

  “I’m nae familiar with him,” he admitted. “But I have heard stories. Are ye sure this is what ye want?”

  “Nae, but as I said before, it’s nae about me. It dinnae matter what I want.”

  Valan hung his head and sighed. “I cannae believe ye dinnae tell me this.”

  “I wanted tae,” she muttered. “But I was afraid of what would happen once ye learned the truth. I knew it would change things.”

  “Ye’re right, it changes everything.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  T hat night, Bridget dreamt about Valan.

  Long after she closed her eyes, Bridget’s mind began to wander, and her thought’s drifted down a forbidden path. The bed was cold and lonesome by herself, so she imagined him laying next to her. She imagined the feel of his arms around her waist, holding her close in the autumn chill.

  Her lips curved up into a smile as she embraced the fantasy, imagining the warmth of his breath against her skin as he nuzzled the back of her neck. She pictured his hands caressing her skin and hitching up the fabric of her gown. His lips found the
side of her neck and kissed it.

  “Valan…”

  She wanted that feeling, the sensation of being touched and held by the man she loved. The Valan she imagined kissed her neck again, the same way he did the night before. This time, however, she let the passion go farther. He tugged at the laces of her gown to release her from the confines of her bodice. Bridget gasped as the fabric fell away and his hands roamed across her body. There was a shift in his breathing as Valan’s kisses became more urgent, and his hands began to wander across her body.

  “I love ye,” Valan whispered huskily. “I could nae bear it if ye leave.”

  He did not give her time to respond, before kissing her once again. Valan’s lips found her, soft and warm, capturing her own in blissful agony.

  Stay? she thought.

  That was the real fantasy.

  Bridget’s lips parted slightly as their connection escalated, and soon their tongues danced together in delightful fight for power.

  Her body responded to him eagerly, wanting him more than anything before. She wanted to feel him deep within her and know what it was like to be with a man who loved her—if only once.

  “Please…dinnae stop,” she pleaded. “I want ye so badly.”

  Valan moaned, repositioning them so he laid on top of her. He kissed her deeply on the lips, and said, “Then stay with me. Stay in Castlebay forever, and I would take ye as my wife. I love ye.”

  Bridget lifted her head and told him, “I love ye too.”

  Valan sighed, trailing a line of kisses down her neck and igniting her skin with delightful tingles. The next thing she felt was his hand slipping underneath the fabric of her skirts. His fingers caressed her inner thigh and she gasped with pleasure.

  “Valan…”

  He gently edged her knees apart, and whispered, “Stay with me. Rodrick will nae love ye the way I do. Everything ye need is already here.” His lips moved down to the side of her neck. “Everything ye desire. Tae leave it behind would ruin both of us.”

  She wet her lips with her tongue and sighed, delirious with pleasure, and when Bridget thought she could take no make, he entered a finger inside her.