Chapter 4
I dont know, Flora. Are you sure he wont be angry?
I certainly hope he will be. Flora looked back and forth between the two girls. Shed caught the lairds young sisters lurking in the shadows and watching her with unabashed curiosity a few days ago and had pretended to ignore themwhich, of course, had the opposite effect of increasing their curiosity. Finally, theyd ventured out of the shadows to ask her what she was doing. When shed told them, theyd offered to help, thereby becoming her unwitting accomplices.
Which only served him right, since the poor darlings were bored to tears. Buried in this barren wilderness with nothing to do. And no female companionship to speak of.
Mary, the elder at seven and ten, was a feminine version of her brother, possessing the same striking coloringdark brown hair and light blue eyes. Her features were a tad too strong for true beauty, but her sweet disposition more than compensated. Gillian was two years younger and by far the more adventuresome of the two. She couldnt look more different from her elder siblings. Red-haired and green-eyed, with the palest pink skin, she would be a true beauty in a few years. Gillian was also a kindred spirit, as Flora had discovered within minutes of meeting her. Mary, on the other hand, tended to need a wee bit of encouragement. Like now.
Im simply keeping myself busy, just as your brother instructed, Flora answered. What else is there to do? Hes barred me from the kitchens and the aleroom.
With good reason, Mary said gently.
Flora shrugged. I was only trying to help.
Gilly wasnt fooled. Her eyes lit with mischief. By salting the food and sweetening the ale?
Flora smiled at the memory. Salting the food had been the first test. Despite her bold vow to torment him, shed been a little worriedhe was rather fierce and imposing and clearly not a man to be trifled with. So the day following their exchange, shed visited the kitchens. Heart pounding, shed watched nervously as hed raised his spoon and filled his mouth with her special gruel, and then smiled when hed nearly spat it right back out. His piercing eyes narrowed on her with understanding, and she could see him struggle to bite back the tongue-lashing hed clearly wanted to give her. He was controlling himself. Flora didnt know why, but it didnt matterhe was.
It didnt look to be too much going in, Flora protested. And in this case, it might even have been an improvement. I havent had much experience in the kitchens before. At least not since her cousin Argyll had run her out of the kitchens at Inveraray for doing the same thing.
And dont forget you are also barred from helping with the laundry and the mending, Mary said.
Flora pressed her lips together to keep from giggling. Its quite unfair. I thought his shirts smelled lovely.
Oh, they did, Gilly said, amusement bubbling in her voice. As lovely as any lass.
Fitting, since Flora had dipped them in rosewater. I thought it matched well with the embroidery, she explained. Shed sewn large pink flowers all over his best linen shirt.
Which might have been fine had you not sewed the arm closed, Gilly said.
And hemmed his trews too short, Mary added.
Not to mention the nettles that shed aired his plaid on. It had been worth every hour of drudgery removing the prickly leaves, simply to hear the bellow.
Ah yes, shed been busy. But he was being infuriatingly calm about everything. No matter what she did, he demonstrated extreme patience. And steely control. Almost as if he were humoring her. Which only made her more determined to rattle him.
She hadnt had this much fun in years. Though admittedly shed had lots of practice. Even as a girl, Flora had understood her place in life and rebelledwith her mothers encouragementagainst the future that seemed to be predetermined. But by the time shed arrived at court, what had started as a way to avoid her mothers sad fate, by discouraging suitors with harmless misdeeds, had escalated beyond her control. She didnt need to look for trouble, it seemed to find her easily enough. Unfortunately, her reputation for mischief didnt discourage her bevy of suitors one whit. With her fortune and connections, theyd want her even if she had horns on her head.
But Flora intended to make sure Lachlan Maclean had no such inclinations.
Mary shook her head. My brother is quite particular about his weapons.
Well then, wont he be pleased to see them so bright and shiny, Flora countered.
Hell be angry, Mary warned. And he has squires for that.
He hasnt been angry about anything before.
Mary frowned. Yes, hes been remarkably understanding.
Perhaps he feels guilty, Flora offered.
Gilly laughed. I doubt that. Lachlan knows exactly what hes doing. When he makes a decision, he never looks back. There was more than a touch of admiration in her voice.
You cant mean you think he was right to abduct me?
Gilly flushed, looking uncomfortable. No. Yes She twisted her hands. He has his reasons.
Flora decided not to press the matter. She did not want to put a wedge between the girls and their brother, even if she could. The girls idolized the laird, speaking of him in somewhat reverent tones. That he cared deeply for his two sisters was obvious, though it was equally obvious that he didnt know how to show it. As her own brothers had done with her, he seemed to be trying to fill the position of father rather than brother. Understandable when the girls were young, perhaps, but Flora could see how desperately they wanted the teasing affection of a brother. She swallowed hard, her throat suddenly tight. Just as shed wanted.
Hector shed never spent much time with, but Rory and Alex had fostered with their uncle, the Earl of Argyll, the present earls father, at Inveraray Castle, and returned often when she was a young girl. Rory and Alex, both so much older than she, had tried to stand in for the father shed never known. Looking back, Flora realized they were doing only what they thought best, but at the time shed resented their authority when shed wanted desperately to be one of them.
Like her, Mary and Gilly were bound to be disappointed. Wringing affection from Coll would be like trying to squeeze water from a stone. But oddly enough, in some ways Flora found his gruff male awkwardness around his sisters charming. Watching him interact with the young girls had shown her another side of him. He was attentive and understanding, if firm, listening to their excited girlish prattle with remarkable patience. He cared. He might not like to think so, but he did.
He was different from what shed first thought.
Shed often felt his gaze on her the past few days, watching her with an intensity that was both unnerving and exhilarating. Thrusting aside the odd sentiment, Flora took a minute to gather the necessary items from the storeroom, then turned back around to the two girls. Well, what will it be?
Ill go, Gilly said.
But Mary wasnt as easily convinced. Are you sure you are only going to oil his swords?
Yes, Flora assured her, neglecting to mention the kind of oil she would be using. But clearly Mary was still vacillating. You dont even need to come in, Flora said. All you need to do is watch for Odin.
A soft pink flush rose to Marys cheeks. You shouldnt call him that. His name is Allan.
Flora lifted her brows. So that was the way of it. Mary was harboring a tender for the captain of the castle. I know his name, Flora said. But you have to admit, hes got the look of the Norse god of war. She liked to make up nicknames. The laird was Thorthe Norse god of thunderdue to his expression.
Floras right, Mary, Gilly said. Hes always terrified me.
You dont know him, Mary defended staunchly. Hes really verysweet.
Flora let out a burst of laughter. Dont let your brother hear that. I dont think hed like to hear one of his fiercest warriors described as sweet.
Mary blanched. You wont tell him
Dont be silly, I was only jesting. But Mary looked so worried, Flora felt awful for teasing her. She took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Why dont you stay here? Gilly can watch for OdAllanand well be back before you know it.
Mary shook her head. Ill come.
Flora smiled. Good. To the armory, ladies.
Lachlan was itching for a fight. Even the hours spent in the yard training had barely taken the edge off. He felt like a caged lion, restless and agitated. The source of his discomfort wasnt hard to identify.
The wee hellion had been here less than a week and had already managed to turn his keep upside down. She was a born troublemaker. Or his personal tormentor, he wasnt sure yet. To think, hed actually been happy at first, believing her interest in his castle was a good sign that she was becoming involved. He grimaced. One look at the termagants face and he knew exactly what she was up to. But hed be damned if hed give her the satisfaction of losing his temper. Countless times over the past few days hed been forced to bite back his anger, although every instinct clamored to put her in her place. Too much depended on wooing the recalcitrant lass.
But her mischief was only half the problem. He couldnt seem to look at her without getting hard. And Lachlan was not a man used to keeping his passions in check. Although some of the tension could be relieved with a long visit to his leman, he told himself that he refrained for Floras sakenot wanting to flaunt the woman before her. But there was another explanation far more troubling: The lovely and talented widow Seonaid held little appeal.
Not when all he could think of was big blue eyes in a delicate elfin face. It was a case of wanting what he could not have. Not yet, anyway.
The years of constant fighting and fending off attack had taught him to be careful. To plan. To appraise the situation before rushing in. He was doing his best to give her time to adjust to her presence at his keep, but hed been patient long enough.
It was time to make his move.
As she hadnt been in her tower room or the hall, hed made his way to the barmkin. It was a fine day, and he thought she might have decided to take a walk around the courtyard. He looked across at the armory and noticed his sister Mary talking to Allan.
Lately, whenever he saw Mary or Gilly, Flora wasnt far away. His sisters were enthralled by Floras sophisticated grace and refinementwhich was obvious even without the fashionable wardrobe. He felt a twinge of regret. His sisters had suffered along with the rest of his clan. There hadnt been the time or money to see to their instruction. At least Floras tocher would help with that. Two thousand merks. It was a bloody kings ransom. Hed be a fool not to marry her for that alone.
He frowned, watching Mary converse with Allan. His captain washell, he was smiling. Marys eyes were sparkling, and her cheeks were pink. She was looking at Allan with
Damn. He strode across the courtyard, intending to put a stop to it immediately. He had other plans for Mary. What was Allan thinking? He should know better than to encourage the attentions of an impressionable young lass, barely out of the schoolroomor what would be the schoolroom, if there had been money for such luxuries. Allan might be his most trusted guardsman and his fiercest warrior, but he was not for Mary.
As he drew closer, his sister caught sight of him and froze. Her eyes widened, and he swore a look of guilt swept across her features.
What are you doing out here, Mary? And wheres Gilly? He ignored Allan. He would have a wee talk with his captain later.
UhI, Mary mumbled. Instinctively, shed taken a step toward the door. Almost as if she were hiding
The armory. Flora was in the armory. He let out an oath. Ill kill her.
After moving his sister gently out of the way, he opened the door. The smell almost made him keel over. Both women looked up.
Gilly jumped up and came rushing toward him. Brother, we were hoping to surprise you.
Lachlan looked right at Flora. Im sure you were. God help her, the wee banshee looked as if she were going to burst out laughing. Anger whipped around inside him like a tempest. The carefully constructed faade of patience hed built up over the past few days shattered.
The lass had oiled his swordsincluding his claymorein fulmar oil. The birds spat the fishy-smelling oil on anything that drew too close. The damn odor lingered and stank like hell. Hed imported the oil from St. Kilda for lampswhich was no doubt how shed known what it was. The remote isle of St. Kilda was part of her brother Rorys lands.
Lachlan looked at the pile of gleaming weapons scattered across the floor. She hadnt left a surface uncovered, including the horn hilt and leather grips.
Gilly wrinkled her nose. It certainly does have a strong smell. But Flora said this type of oil is the best. She sensed something wasnt right. Did we do wrong, brother?
He turned to his sister, trying to control his fury. Gilly, you and your sister go inside the keep and ready yourself for the evening meal. I would like to speak with Mistress MacLeod for a moment.
When the door had closed, he was on her in a second flat, pulling her from the bench and jerking her hard against his chest. Blood pounded through his body. No one had ever brought him so close to losing control.
She tried to push away. Let go of me.
Anger and lust converged as she squirmed against him, and his body thickened with the heavy rush of heat. He didnt know whether to shake her or drag her to his chamber and release the pent-up desire raging inside him. He couldnt think straight. She was the most stubborn, willful woman hed ever met. Yet when he held her in his arms, and she gazed up at him with those wide, defiant blue eyes, he was deeply conscious of her fragility. Of how easily he could hurt her.
She was just a lass. And from what hed surmised, a scared and lonely one at that.
He let go of her, struggling to cool his rage. Youve gone too far. You will wipe these swords until every last bit of that oil is removed.
Did I do something wrong? She gazed up at him from under her lashes. Lashes that curled thick and feathery against the ivory softness of her pale cheek. Despite its calculation, the sweetly feminine gesture was not without effect. But the twitch of that naughty little dimple near the corner of her mouth almost pushed him over the edge.
He leaned closer to her, inhaling the sweet fragrance of her hair. His body shook with restraint, and his erection throbbed hard against his stomach. Every instinct clamored to take her. To kiss the taunt from her lips, to sink his fingers through the long silk of her hair and devour her until she yielded to him. Do not play with me, Flora. Im not one of your pet courtiers. Poke me and Ill bite.
He saw the glint of satisfaction in her eyes. As if shed wanted him to lose control. Shed thought she was safe from him. God, he ached to prove her wrong.
I dont know what you are talking about. I was only trying to be helpful. Didnt you say that I should keep myself busy?
I know exactly what you are trying to do. Simply because I chose to tolerate your mischief doesnt mean I dont know why youre doing it. But mark this: If I decide to have you, a little salt or a few flowers would not stop me from doing so.
She sucked in her breath, her spine rigid. Your threats do not worry me. If you want your castle back, you will not lay a hand on me.
I never make threats, my sweet. Only promises. You will obey me.
Youre a tyrant.
No, Im chief. And while you are in this keep you will follow my rules. No more of your tricks, Flora. And do not think to involve my sisters again in your wee games.
Your sisters are bored. It was time they had some fun. This is no place for young women. Gilly should be getting some schooling, and Mary should be at court. They should be dancing, meeting others of their own age, wearing beautiful gowns.
He stiffened, hearing the judgment in her voice. She didnt know when to stop. When I want your advice, Ill ask for it. I would not see my sisters corrupted or turned into spoiled courtiers. They belong here, with me.
He was furious both that he was defending himself to her and that shed spoken aloud thoughts he didnt want to acknowledge. His sisters did deserve more.
He stepped back and raked a hand through his hair. How did she manage to do this? Hed come to find her with the best intentions of wooing her, yet here he was arguing with her. But he wasnt used to being disobeyed, and Flora was a beguiling termagant who defied him at every turn. Aye, and who confoundingly challenged and intrigued him in a way no woman ever had before.
Is that what you think? she asked. That court is corrupting? How would you know? Ive never seen you there.
Like every other Highland chief, I travel to Edinburgh yearly to present myself at court and account for my good behavior. Leaving as soon as he could.
In your case, it doesnt seem to have worked, she said dryly.
He chuckled. She froze, staring at him as if hed just parted the Red Sea. Their eyes locked, and he felt a strange jolta charged connection.
He knew by the way she held his gaze that she felt it, too, but not wanting to acknowledge it, she shifted her gaze, started to fumble nervously with the leather gloves she wore to protect her hands, and finally removed them. Did you want something? she asked. Has my brother responded?
He has not. But after you have cleaned up this mess, you will dine with me tonight.
Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. Why?
He fought to contain his irritation. I thought you might enjoy some company.
No. Im quite happy taking my meals in my room.
He bit back the angry retort. With what shed done to his swords, he was in no mood for her defiance, but he had a job to do. Hed never had to woo a woman beforewomen came to him. And wooing this one was like extracting a tooth. Ive arranged for some entertainment.
She crossed her arms, digging in. I dont wish to dine with you. The circumstances of my being here hardly make for friendly conversation.
Her mulish expression did it, sending his good intentions right out the window. He took a step closer. She stood tall before him, not giving an inch. He had to admire her fortitude, given that the top of her head barely reached his shoulders and he was at least twice her weight.
He lowered his voice. It wasnt a request.
You cant force me.
The hell I cant.
He could see the rigid, uncompromising set of her chin and recognized that hed made a mistake. Flora didnt like to be ordered or forced to do anything. It might be the wrong approach, but right now he didnt care. He was a man used to giving orders and to being obeyed. They might be destined to clash. But he would win.
You are a brute. A gentleman
That was it. He snapped. Hed heard enough of her opinions on Highlanders. Before she could get out the offending words, he pulled her into his arms. His body reacted with swift force, stirring hard against her. He savored the erotic sensations coursing through him as he looked deep into her eyes. Eyes that widened apprehensively as his arousal pressed firmly against her.
Good. He wanted her to feel him. To know what she did to him. To know just how far from civilized he really was.
How many times must I tell you that I am not one of your damn gentlemen?
Please
His mouth fell on hers, covering any objection with the force of his kiss. This was what hed wanted to do from the first. The relief was so intense, he nearly groaned. Heat welled up inside him, threatening to erupt. His mouth moved over hers hungrily, possessively. Tasting.
He felt her shock. And then, blissfully, her innocence.
God, she was sweet. Her lips were so incredibly soft and warm. Her skin smelled of roses, and her mouth tasted like heaven. He wanted to devour her. To slide in his tongue and delve into the honey recesses of her mouth. To unleash the maelstrom of his desire and force her to acknowledge the heat sizzling between them.
He was hard as a rock, every inch of his body taut and primed for passion. He should be ravishing her, kissing her hard and thoroughly. Giving way to the lust that had been straining inside him from the first moment hed seen her. Lust such as hed never felt before.
But something held him back. It wasnt just the knowledge that he couldnt force her. Never had he so wanted a lass to respond to himat a base level that not even she could deny. He wanted it with an intensity that should have troubled him. Enough to tame the fires of his own desire. All he could think about was the vulnerability of the innocent young woman in his arms.
He forced his blood to cool and ignored the aching pressure in his loins.
The kiss that was intended to punish turned soft and coaxing. His mouth brushed against hers, demanding a response with gentle persuasion, not force. He brought his hand to her face and stroked her cheek with his thumb, stunned by the velvety softness of her skin. His fingers cupped her chin, gently urging her lips apart.
She opened for him, making a tiny sound.
A primal roar of masculine satisfaction swelled inside him. She did want him. He swept his tongue inside her mouth, feeling her surprise and then her response. She stretched against him, wrapping her arms around his neck, and returned his kiss with an innocent fervor that nearly undid him.
An unexpected wave of tenderness gripped him. Hed never felt like this before. Protective. Possessive. Moved. By a simple kiss.
Floras heart hammered in her chest. He was kissing her. She wanted to pull away, should have pulled away, but God help her, she could not. She was awash in sensation, drowning in his seductive masculine heat. Nothing else mattered but the exquisite feel of his mouth on hers.
His lips teased and implored, coaxing her response with a gentle caress that was so achingly sweet, it almost hurt. His mouth was so soft, the dark spicy taste of him intoxicating. She melted against him, savoring the wicked sensation of her body molded against the hard wall of his broad chest and the strong muscular arms that held her so protectively.
How could he do this to her? It was all wrong. He should be savage, rough, forceful. But he was none of those. This powerful Highlander kissed her with more tenderness and finess than shed ever dreamed possible. And with a poignancy that frightened her. Men had stolen kisses from her, but no man had ever kissed her in a way that made her want to weep, her heart slam against her chest, and her knees go weak all at the same time.
He was everything shed ever dreamed of and nothing he was supposed to be.
And if it didnt feel so perfect she would stop him. But it did feel perfect.
His kiss grew more insistent. More demanding. When his tongue slid in her mouth, her heart seemed to stop beating. She was shocked but also deeply aroused by the long, languorous strokes of his tongue. Strokes that set off wicked sparks in her body and made her heart tug with longing.
She silenced the roar of questions in her head and allowed herself to feel. He tasted her deep and slow. Delving into the farthest reaches of her mouth. Her body flooded with heat, building with an urgency that she could not describe and a hunger that would not be denied. So she gave herself over to his kiss, to the raw sensuality. Responding the only way she knew how, with eagerness and enthusiasm.
She kissed him back. Entwining her tongue with his. Tasting him as deeply as he did her. Soon, the gentle touch of his mouth was not enough. She wanted it harder. Faster. Deeper. She wrapped her hands around his neck, wanting to get closer. Wanting to feel the hard strength of his body under her fingertips. Wanting to press her body against him. Wanting to dissolve into his heat.
He moved his arousal firmly against her. Big, bold, and threatening. A dangerous reminder that shattered the brief spell of insanity. She felt a flicker of excitement before the cold splash of reality. And fear.
Oh, my God, what am I doing? Hes my captor. She pushed him away in horror, as if she could push away her own treacherous desires. Stop!
They stood in silence, both breathing hard, staring at each other. It was all there between them in that one glance. Everything she was feeling in the look that stretched between them. For a moment his implacable expression shifted, revealing a flash of surprise.
She covered her mouth with her hand, feeling the heat and gentle throbbing of her lips.
When he finally spoke, his expression had again become unreadable. You will join me tonight.
Whether it was a request or an order, she was too overwhelmed to notice. Her entire body pulsed with a strange sensation. All she could manage was a nod.
He turned and left her without a backward glance, his stride as determined and powerful as the man himself. Leaving Flora to stare at the door, wondering what had just happened. And why she felt as though everything had just changed.