Chapter Six
Ahna rushed to break her fast after Bertha had told her Heather had finished what little she had eaten, then fled to the nursery to start painting. She had no’ seen Heather last night, as she had been so tired she had eaten in her room before retiring. This pregnancy was taking its toll.
Since Heather had never been one to hurry in the early morning, Ahna was more than curious as she entered the room. Heather was standing on the short ladder, brush in hand as she feverishly stroked blue across the high skyline, as if to attack the rock wall.
“You be as busy as a bee this morning, me friend. What has ye racing so?” she teased as she set the bundle of linens on the small chest.
Heather spun around, scowled at Ahna, and whipped around to face the wall. She dabbed the brush in the crock of paint and slathered it across the wall.
“He called me foolish,” she said to the wall. “When it be he who be foolish. No, stupid. Annoyingly stupid.”
Ahna stifled a laugh, but could no’ hide her grin. “I see,” she said empathetically. “Can ye be a wee bit more specific?” she asked as she sorted the linens into piles.
Heather swiveled around and almost lost her balance. “And he be the bee. The man be as insensitive as a bee, stubborn as a mule, and thick-headed as a thousand-year-old oak, I tell ye.”
Ahna’s eyebrows arched. “Do tell. What did he say?” She gave Heather her full attention.
“He did no’ say anything. He…he kissed me. The…the insensitive oaf.” She spun around to face the wall.
Ahna really did try to hold back her chortle. “And what did ye do…when he kissed ye?”
“I kissed him back,” she said to the wall, with hands on hips.
Ahna thought maybe she should tell her friend she had just smeared blue paint down the side of her brown bliaut. Maybe not. She sat down on the chair and roared with laughter. “Oh, dear.”
“Do no’, ‘oh dear’ me! If a mon kisses me, why should I no’ return it? If I want to, mind ye. But I will no’ ever do it again. Not if he becomes so angry. No I will no’ ever do such a thing.”
“Ye say he was angry?”
“Aye, the bloody rascal! He kisses me, then acts like he hates himself for it and shoves me face into his chest and rides like the devil bit his arse until we get back to the stables. Most likely he now truly does believe me foolish.”
After Ahna stopped laughing, she looked at her friend. “Oh, honey, let us talk.”
• ♥ •
If Ahna was right and he truly regretted the kiss because he thought himself too forward, or he liked it and didn’t want to like it, now what was she to do? Act like it never happened as Ahna suggested? She was so confused. She would try Ahna’s way, but she was no’ happy with it.
For if she was honest with herself, his kiss had singed her toes. A lightning bolt had speared from his fingers and across her back. Her awareness of him and her roaring emotions had nearly crackled in the air. And her desire for him…it had swept through her like a gale force. She could have stayed like they were at that moment forever. But she dare not admit that!
• ♥ •
The next morning after breaking her fast, Heather intended to take a few apple slices to Darktonian. She was no’ sure she should, in case she met Geoffrey, but she would take the chance. She had to face him sometime, as Ahna pointed out. As she scurried across the courtyard, she saw Toby with a trotting Lucky beside him as they were heading the opposite direction.
“Wait up, Toby,” Heather yelled. He stopped, and the dog immediately sat down by his master’s side. Oh, how pleased she felt that the two were such buddies and the dog obeyed so well!
“Why, if Lucky had no’ been with ye, I would have never realized it be him. He has already grown and filled out.” She reached down and petted the dog’s head.
“Aye, and he be a good dog, too. Me mum and da love him as much as I do.”
“’Tis good to see both of ye. Ye take care now, ye hear?” she said as she waved farewell.
She turned to continue to the stables when Geoffrey stepped to her side. “Good-looking dog. Are you going to see my horse?”
She swallowed and plastered what she hoped was a smile on her lips. “Aye, if ’tis all right with ye.”
He nodded. “I was on my way there. I will walk with you, if you do not mind.”
“I do no’ mind,” she said with relief that the ice had been broken.
• ♥ •
Every evening after she finished with the children, chores, or adding more to the mural, she would go up to the battlements for a few moments to enjoy the beautiful sunset. Tonight was no different, other than she was running a bit later than usual and it would be time soon to go to the hall for the evening meal. She carried her three paint brushes up the stairs and would just have time to wash them out in her room, change her clothes and be downstairs for the meal. She hoped Geoffrey would stop by her table tonight as he did occasionally when Ahna and Royce usually joined her for a few moments.
When she reached the top, she smiled at the varied oranges streaking across the soft blue sky. It did no’ matter whether the sunset glowed pink, red, or orange, they were all beautiful beyond words. She enjoyed each one in their own right.
Gazing down, she noticed Geoffrey and his friend, Alan, leaving the stables and heading toward the keep to appease their hunger. She thought to wave and call out as she often did, but at the sound of crunching by the doorway, she spun around.
“Well, sweet thing, waiting for me—just as I had hoped. I have longed to join you for some time you know—and now, I am more than eager to sample your wares. I will make it very good for you.” The man’s beady eyes and lecherous smile looked no less threatening than a salivating tiger.
A chill, no’ due to the fact winter be finally starting to make itself a wee bit known, ran up her spine.
The man was twice her size, and there be no way she could out run him with her limp. She had left her shoes below as she always painted in bare feet. ’Twould make escape even more difficult. She nearly panicked, then reminded herself to use her head while cautioning herself to remain in control. She had two men just approaching the keep.
She took a step back against the wall, bent her right arm behind her and flung the three bushes through the crenels. She could only pray Geoffrey would realize she would never abuse her brushes, and know something was terribly wrong.
“Ye do no’ want to do this. Yur captain will have yur head for this.”
He took two steps toward her, as if daring her to run. He, the cat—and she, the mouse. “Well, now, my sweet treat, we do not have to tell him, do we?” He sneered, and his grin sent shivers down her spine. She dared a step to the left. He took two more toward her.
“It would be much easier if you just stayed put and let me come to you. You’ll enjoy what I have for you.”
She noted his knife in its scabbard at his waist. He could slice her up, as well. She shook so that she nearly tripped as she took two more steps to the left. She heard rapid thuds through the archway to the stairs and prayed. He, too, heard the footfalls. Before she could even take a step, he vaulted across the expanse, grabbed her and hauled her against him. His beefy arms wrapped around her in such an excruciating hold she could no’ breathe. He slammed her against the wall, and her head knocked against the stone wall. Her arms felt as if they would snap.
The next moment, a thunderous roar like that of a wounded bear rent the air. She felt suspended in air one instant; the next, her legs gave out. She slithered down into a sitting position. She gasped as the man flew through the air, hit the far wall, and crumpled into a heap. Alan appeared from the other direction to stand, feet braced apart in front of the attacker, his knife at the ready.
Geoffrey bent at the waist and splayed his palms against the wall. He took a deep breath, released it, then turned his head to peer down at her. Her breath hitched. His expression was something she never wanted to witness again. He inhaled long and slow, exhaled, stood to flex his fists twice, then faced her.
“You surprise me. I would have thought you would take diligent care of your brushes.” His smile brought tears to her eyes while she started to laugh. Was it any wonder she was falling in love with this mon? What was she to do? She prayed he had no idea of her growing feelings.
“I hope you have them. They still need cleaning,” she said shakily.
He reached out a hand, and she took it as he helped her stand. Once her feet were secure under her, he wrapped his arms around and simply held her tight against his chest. “Just let me hold you until I know you feel safe.”
She felt him quiver, and realized the extent of his fury. Her palms flat against his chest felt his heart beat like a drum. And then, he kissed her neck just below her ear. She nearly swooned.
He pulled back, kept his hands at her waist and looked down at her. Their gazes met and held. “Are you all right?” he asked.
“Aye, I be fine now. I…”
“Shh, just let me hold you so I know you are all right and safe.” He again drew her back into his arms as if he never wanted to let her go. She had thought she be the one who needed consoling, but maybe he shook from his own fear. Was that possible? They stood still for another few moments before he released her.
“Ye be here, now, so all be well. I thank ye. I have me own knight in shining armor to protect me.”
“I was a bit late in protecting you, so I think my armor is a might tarnished.”
”Never. I have complete faith in you.” The big bold warrior blushed. Lord have mercy! She forced back a giggle. If possible, he looked ten times more appealing. Her heart was indeed doomed for trouble.
He stepped back and turned to look at the assailant. The man lay on his back, now conscious and was being detained by Alan who had his boot imbedded in the man’s chest, his knife in hand and sporting a wide grin.
“Take your foot off Simon, Alan. Get up, you scum. How dare you force yourself upon any woman?”
“I did not think you would mind sharing what she is giving you. I…” The man had the good sense to halt his next word when Geoffrey tightened his fists at his sides, braced his feet in a wide stance and glowered.
“Listen closely, Simon, for I will not repeat myself. Alan, here, will escort you to gather your things. Be out of the keep and the entire area within the hour. While you pack, Alan will see you get your last two days’ pay, and you may take your horse. I never want to see your disgusting, ugly face again. But…if I do, I would advise you to go the other way, because if I do see you again, I will finish what we started here today. My advice—go back to England. Have I made myself clear?
The man nodded. “I did not hear you.” Geoffrey’s voice rang deeper than a tolling bell.
“Yes.”
“Alan, have David give Simon his pay as I want nothing to come back to haunt me. Then join us for our meal. We will have a seat waiting and a tankard of ale, besides. ”
Alan nodded and turned toward Heather. “Are you all right?”
“Aye, I thank ye for asking. And for coming to me rescue.”
He gave her a courtly bow. “Any time.” He nodded and turned to escort his captive away.
• ♥ •
Geoffrey accompanied Heather to her room to change before going into the hall. Her room was down a long corridor from Ahna and Royce’s chamber since she was not family, but Ahna had insisted her best friend stay within the keep since her arrival.
“I will go gather your brushes and bring them back. Then, I will accompany you to the evening meal.” He peered at her face. “You have a bruise starting on your left cheek. Did he hit you?” His scowl was enough to scare the devil himself. With the back of his hand he caressed the bruised area. His touch was heaven.
“Nae. When he grabbed me I turned me head and hit me face against the wall. ’Tis nothing that will no’ go away soon.” She would no’ tell him she had a goose egg on the back of her head.
Once she had cleaned the brushes, they strolled into the hall as if nothing had been out of the ordinary.
• ♥ •
As they were enjoying their fruit tarts after their meal, Ahna and Royce stepped down from their table to join them. They both voiced their concerns over the horrible ordeal Heather had endured. She had to assure them she be fine.
After Ahna had said she should have been there to help fight off the attack, Royce hooted. “I can see it now, you with your pregnant belly swaying to and fro while you swing a mace for all you are worth. Or get your bow and arrows out. Since you have been carrying my child, you have not ventured to get your arrows out. What say you, my pretty lady?” Royce wiggled his brows.
“Just think of the story we could tell our son or daughter later on.” He chuckled and they all joined in. Ahna hmmphed.
Ahna punched his shoulder. “Ye laugh, but ye know I could do it. And do no’ try to butter me up with pretty words, ye big moron.”
Royce fairly beamed. “Yes, I do know you could pay him back well. And I do think you are a very pretty lady.”
Ahna glanced at Heather and grinned. “Be happy ye do no’ have to put up with the likes of a flattery-tongued knight who thinks he be a jokester half the time. ’Tis hard work putting up with such an imbecile. Our children will be doomed.” They all laughed, enjoying the banter and the love that stood so strong between the two.
“Ye truly be all right? I can no’ believe he singled ye out.” Ahna frowned at such an insult.
“Aye, I be fine. I never thought he would do such a thing. He approached me before and I told him I be busy and no’ interested in sharing time with him.”
“Sharing time?” Geoffrey scoffed. “Now that is an innocent way to say what Simon sought from you.” Geoff forced himself to remain as calm as he did when instructing and trying to make an emphatic point to his men. “You should have come to me.”
Heather eyes widened, she leaned back and crossed her arms. “’Twas me own problem, not yurs and I really did believe I had made meself clear. I am no’ a child to depend on others to solve my problems.”
“Yes, but you are a beautiful woman, and you need protection from a rotter like him. And that is where I come in.”
“I do no’ want to ever become a burden or a bother.”
He looked down at her and smiled as he touched her cheek with the back of his hand. It was like a butterfly had flitted across her skin. “You are not, and never would be, a burden. I want to protect you.” Their gazes met and held.
Ahna looked at Royce and smiled at the two who seemed to forget they were sitting across the table. Ahna nodded. Royce winked. The two never remembered they were being observed.
Ahna gave a loud yawn, then stood with Royce’s assistance. “I do no’ mean to run off, but if ye two will excuse me, I am going to fall asleep right here if I do no’ go to me room. This bairn drains me more than I ever expected.” They all said their good nights.
Royce turned toward Geoffrey. “Once I see Ahna to our room, I need to discuss the campaign. Meet me in the study.” Geoff nodded, and they all said good night.
Geoff walked Heather back to her room. At the doorway, he looked down at her and noted she looked as exhausted as Ahna had. The harrowing experience seemed to be finally taking its toll. She was always so vivacious and energetic. He had never seen her so fatigued.
“Are you sure you are feeling well?”
She smiled up at him. “I be fine. I think the commotion and scare has merely done me in. I will be better on the morrow.”
His thumb traced her lower lip and a warm glow fanned out throughout her entire body. She had to resist leaning into him. She longed for his arms around her, and knew she should not.
He tipped his head down and captured her lips in a long, feather-like kiss. She did lean into his solid chest then, wrapped her arms around his waist, and relished the sensations that had her blood singing. Those muscled arms held her gently as if he held a newborn. God’s truth, she never wanted this moment to end.
Royce’s chuckle barely registered through her dreamy daze. “If you can drag your lips from the woman for a moment, I would like to discuss that campaign. No rush, however.”
Geoff gave her waist a light squeeze as he withdrew his hands. Their gazes held, and she nearly drowned in that sensuous smirk before it vanished. Holding her gaze a bit longer, he replied. “Your timing is unbelievable.”
Royce roared all the more as he strolled down the hall. “I will see you downstairs, do not be long.”
“You are blushing,” Geoff stared at her as if he just realized he had kissed her senseless. Again.
“Really? And why would I be blushing? Of course I be blushing! I am so embarrassed. And of all people to see me…us.”
He scowled. She felt like smacking him. “Do not be embarrassed. Royce understands the lay of the land. It was a mere kiss. Nothing more. ”
He was doing it again. Regretting—or disregarding—their kiss. Odious, obstinate mon!