CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Josephine was dreaming of Torridon and the days before her father and brother had died, when there was all the time in the world to pursue leisurely hobbies or do nothing at all. The birds sang, Torridon was in fine condition, and she could see her father’s face as plainly as if he were breathing again. She was happy.
She dreamed that she was standing in the foyer with her father when the massive entry door opened of its own accord, with the wind hissing in and lightning flashing. She turned to see Andrew standing in the doorway, larger than life, as the wind blew his hair wildly, his big body clad from head-to-toe with armor and leather.
She smiled at the sight of him as her father looked on cautiously. Just like Father, Josephine thought; always wary. Andrew smiled at her and began to walk towards her, with his big boots thumping deliberately on the stone. He extended a gauntleted hand to her.
“Josephine,” he said. His voice made her feel warm and tingly all over.
She placed her hand in his, her other hand going to his cheek. It was warm and scratchy with stubble.
“Josephine,” he said. His voice was so… real.
“Josephine!”
Josephine jolted from her sleep at the sound of her name. Someone was calling to her. Before she could see who it was, however, a huge hand clamped over her mouth and she felt hot breath in her ear.
“Joey, love, it is I,” Andrew whispered soothingly. “Keep quiet.”
Josephine sat up in bed, throwing her arms around him faster than he could rise to the bed from his knees. In fact, she’d thrown him off balance. As Josephine clung to his neck, Andrew sat on the bed and clutched her fiercely, feeling her warmth against him. It was better than he remembered, and all the risk that he had taken to find her was well worth the price. At this moment, it didn’t seem like any risk at all.
He had her.
Josephine was so happy to see Andrew that she couldn’t even speak. Half-asleep, she wondered if she was still dreaming, but he felt so firm and warm under her hands. Had she gone mad, then? Tears sprang to her eyes, tears of joy and relief. Her excitement overwhelmed her as she peppered his face with eager kisses.
“Is it really you?” she gasped.
“It is really me.”
Those words meant the world to her. She hadn’t gone mad, after all. “But how did you find me?” she whispered urgently.
Now, his kisses were overtaking her, leaving her breathless. “Foolish Joey,” he breathed. “Did I not tell you that I would always come to you? Not even death could keep me from you, sweet. And certainly not Alex the Weak. What happened? How did you get here?”
Josephine struggled to catch her breath. “Ridge de Reyne,” she said. “Do you know him? He is the king’s bodyguard. He abducted me at Torridon just as the battle was about to begin.”
It was confirmation of what Andrew had already heard. “But how did he get you out of the castle?”
She shook her head. “I do not know,” she said. “He knocked me unconscious. When I came to, we were on the road.”
Andrew sighed heavily. In the long run, it didn’t matter how Ridge removed her from Torridon. All that mattered now was how to get her back there. He kissed her and hugged her again, holding her tightly, feeling his mind clear now that she was in his arms. Now, he could think clearly. He had to have a plan.
“My fortress,” Josephine broke into his thoughts. “What happened to my fortress?”
He released her enough so that he could look her in the eye. “Have no fear, my little solider,” he assured her. “Torridon still stands.”
“Is it badly damaged?” she asked. “What of Colin Dalmellington and his army?”
“They suffered heavy casualties,” he said. “Now that they know The Red Fury’s army is protecting Torridon, I doubt they will attack again any time soon. Their losses were severe.
Josephine was greatly relieved to hear that. “But what of my men?”
He sobered. “We lost four knights, including Severn.”
Josephine’s expression washed with sorrow as she thought back to her last moments at Torridon. “I hesitate to tell you that it may have been Ridge who killed Severn,” she said. “Severn was with me the moment Ridge abducted me. There was a fight… at least, I think there was. I really do not know. All I know is that Severn and I were heading to the wall and, suddenly, someone hit me on the head. That is all I remember, but if Severn tried to defend me against Ridge, then it is possible that Ridge killed him.”
Andrew wasn’t sure how he felt about that. In a fair fight, men were often killed, and Ridge was carrying out the king’s orders. Severn more than likely got in the man’s way. It was brutal and it was regretful, but it explained a lot. Seeing the anxiety on Josephine’s face, he hastened to reassure her.
“Anything is possible,” he said. “Not to defend the man, but I hesitate to accuse him of murder without proof.”
“Nor I,” Josephine said. “It is sad, Andrew… Ridge seems like a decent man. He was not cruel to me in the least on our travels here. He was simply carrying out orders, orders that it was clear he did not agree with. The king ordered him to abduct me from Torridon, so he did. But I do not think he likes our king in the least. Nicholas told me that the king’s courtiers taunt Ridge because he is English. They are not kind to him at all.”
Andrew thought that was rather interesting. “I would not taunt Ridge de Reyne in any case,” he said. “He is a very big man with a very big sword. The king’s courtiers are fools.”
Josephine nodded, laying her head against his chest as the excitement of their reunion died down and reality settled in. She snuggled close, feeling his arms wrapped around her. But his presence, and his closeness, reminded her of one very important factor.
“Your brother will be here tomorrow,” she said.
“I know,” he said softly.
She lifted her head to look at him. “You do? How do you know?”
He smiled faintly. “I have been paying a good deal of money for information around here,” he said. “I was told my brother is expected shortly.”
She eyed him in the darkness, her hand going up to his rough cheek. “And you will fight him when he comes.”
“I will.”
She knew that. She’d known it all along, but it didn’t stop the tears of fright in her eyes. She’d heard terrible things about the earl and was rightfully terrified. Andrew caught the tearful glimmer.
“Do not fear,” he whispered softly. “I shall not lose. I cannot. Love conquers all.”
“But… everyone will be against you,” she said, struggling not to weep. “It will be you and me against the entire kingdom.”
“And Sully,” he put in.
She looked surprised. “Sully is here?”
He nodded, amused at her expression. “He is hiding down in the garden like a good little knight,” he said. “You did not think he would remain at Torridon while his mistress was in distress, did you?”
Josephine shook her head in wonder, a faint smile on her lips. “Nay,” she said. “And I am more at ease with the knowledge that Sully is here. But I am still frightened for you, Andrew. I do not know what I would do if I lost you.”
He kissed her gently. “Have I not told you this, Joey? Not even death can keep me from you. I will win this battle because I have the most to lose. Therefore, I cannot lose.”
He sounded confident but she was still frightened. But she thought not to tell him again because he already knew her fears. She was afraid it might damage his confidence if she continued to tell him how fearful she was.
They sat in silence for several moments after that, embracing tightly and feeling each other’s warmth. Josephine was completely overwhelmed by his presence, never wanting to be separated from him again. She could have remained as they were, forever.
Andrew, for his part, was deep in thought. He knew he might not get another chance to be alone with her like this, at least not for a while, and there was something he knew he must do. She was his, always and forever, and he had to taste her again. He needed to feel her warmth around him but, more than that, he had to demonstrate his love for her once more. With a battle on the horizon, he was afraid it might be for the last time.
Tipping her chin up, his lips claimed hers sweetly, tenderly. When Josephine put her arms around his neck, his kisses grew more passionate, more forceful, and he laid her back on the bed. Without words, Josephine seemed to know what was about to happen. Already, she was opening her legs for him, her body completely nude beneath the shift she wore.
Andrew didn’t keep her waiting.
Time was passing, and the chances of Andrew being discovered greatly increased. Quickly he stripped off everything, his tunic and breeches coming off, landing in a pile next to the bed. Josephine could see his magnificent body in the weak light and she ran a finger over his chest, his belly, watching him shudder at her touch.
She was discovering the feel of a man, acquainting herself with Andrew’s spectacular form, but Andrew couldn’t control himself. Reaching up, he grasped the linen gown and pulled it quickly over her head, exposing her nakedness.
His hands reached out to gently fondle her breasts, unbelievably soft in his callused hands. He dipped his head forward and caught her lips in his own, and gently caressed her breasts as he suckled her lips. It was sensual, maddening, and utterly arousing, and Josephine was being driven mad, she was sure. His touch electrified her and his mouth was doing devilishly wonderful things. When he settled himself between her pretty legs, she was without fear, and when he began to thrust, she welcomed it.
Andrew could only feel extreme satisfaction and arousal as he began to move inside her, slowly at first, but then increasing in power. The strokes were measured and strong, and Josephine moved with him, mimicking his actions, thrusting her pelvis forward to meet each stroke. A delicious, tingling warmth spread from her loins and filled her veins. It was as if this action alone consumed her entire being.
The movement between them became faster and harder, and a sheen formed on their bodies as their lovemaking continued. Andrew released her hands and groped her breasts again, squeezing in rhythm with his thrusts, but then he suddenly stopped.
Before Josephine could question him, he withdrew from her body and flipped her onto her stomach. Josephine was dazed with passion as Andrew brought her up onto her hands and knees. Pulling her legs apart slightly, he drove into her from behind and immediately began firm, hard thrusts.
It was a new level of passion never before felt as Josephine experienced their lovemaking from an entirely new angle. His hands moved to her breasts, using them as anchors to keep her from moving away from him. Josephine moaned and thrashed her head about, completely oblivious to anything but his attentions. But one of his hands moved to the damp curls between her legs and began manipulating her. Then, it was all over in seconds.
Josephine’s tremors consumed her, gasps of pleasure coming from her lips. Andrew followed shortly, thrusting into her one last time with a grunt of pleasure and holding Josephine to him with great ferocity as he spent himself in her sweet body. Bound to each other, they fell together on the bed.
It was a while before either one spoke. Josephine had never felt so alive, so wanted, or so loved. Her love for Andrew knew no limits as she felt the man around her, still embedded in her. It seemed that he had no intention of removing himself, which was fine by her. As she lay there and her breathing eased, Andrew kissed the back of her head.
“Are you well?” he murmured.
“Aye.”
He kissed her head again. “I love you, Joey,” he whispered. “For all time, I shall love you, more than my own life.”
She snuggled into his embrace, her arms over his arms as they held her. “And I love you,” she breathed. “If you should die tomorrow in your quest to kill your brother, wait for me at Heaven’s gate. I shall not be far behind you.”
Andrew’s smile faded as he thought on her words. Although he was deeply touched by her devotion and declaration, the thought of Josephine dead nearly drove him out of his mind. It had never occurred to him that she would not want to live without him but, more than that, knowledge of their betrothal, when it came to Alphonse, could prove deadly for her.
“Josephine,” he said after a moment. “Whatever happens, never mention to my brother that we are betrothed. I fear… I fear his hatred of me will drive him to do unspeakable things.”
Josephine pulled away from him. Then she turned in his arms so that she could look at him. Her eyes filled with fear.
“He will not hear it from me,” she said. “Although Ridge knows, as does Nicholas. But they will not tell him, I am sure.”
Andrew wasn’t pleased that two men loyal to the king knew of their betrothal, but he didn’t scold her. There was no point. He simply kissed her again and wrapped his arms around her, savoring the last few moments of this precious encounter. He knew it might be a long time before he would be able to hold her again.
Each minute was stolen and precious right now and he knew he couldn’t remain with her much longer. Already, he had been far longer than he’d anticipated. With one last kiss, he released her.
“I must go,” he whispered as he sat up. “Every moment I spend here is another moment I may be seen. I am assuming there are servants all over the place.”
Josephine nodded, sitting up in bed and watching the man as he hurriedly dressed. He was so beautiful to watch, his big muscles and sleek form. But she tore her eyes away and noticed a small, colored stain on the linens. She ran her hand across it.
“They will see this,” she murmured. “They will see this and wonder.”
Andrew was pulling on his leather gloves as he glanced down at the spot. It was a colored discharge from her body, which had probably not healed since the first time he’d taken her.
“Tell them your woman’s cycle has begun,” he said without hesitation. “That should keep the king and my brother at bay for a time.”
Josephine jerked her head up to him, shocked that he should mention such unspeakable things so casually. He saw her expression and laughed.
“Do not look so horrified, Joey,” he said. “It is a natural occurrence, like eating and pissing. Women are cursed with it and men are awed by it. They will stay away from you quick enough if you tell them your woman’s time is upon you.”
It was rather clever of him, she had to admit. But she was still slightly mortified at the suggestion. Yet, she was willing to do anything at this point to keep the king and the earl away from her.
When Andrew was finished dressing, he reached down to pull her to him, his warm mouth kissing every inch of her face. Josephine clung to him, with small whimpers escaping her lips as she realized he was saying goodbye. Perhaps even forever. Her fear claimed her and she began to cry.
“Do not leave me,” she sobbed quietly. “Please do not go.”
His heart was breaking as he kissed her again as he tried to pull away from her. “I shall be nearby, always,” he assured her. “Nothing will happen to you, Joey. I promise.”
He tried to remove her arms from him, but she was like a terrified child. “I am so afraid, Andrew,” she wept. “Please take me with you.”
He wasn’t getting anywhere trying to pull away from her so he paused, clasping her face between his two big hands. “Joey, listen to me,” he said steadily. “By tomorrow, this will all be over and you and I shall be traveling back to Torridon for our wedding. Sully and I are here; we will let nothing happen to you. Be brave, love, as I know you are. Make me proud.”
Make me proud. She very much wanted to. Josephine’s breathing calmed and she relaxed her death grip. She believed his words. She knew nothing would happen to her as long as he was near. Josephine was so frightened that she had to believe him. But in the back of her mind, she reminded herself that she was a de Carron, and Hugh did not raise weak children.
“Leave me your dirk,” she said after a moment. “At least give me the chance to protect myself.”
Andrew considered her request. He wasn’t so sure it was a good idea, but he knew she would never use it foolishly. He did not want to leave her without any personal protection. Taking his dirk from the belt at his waist, he placed the hilt of it in her palm with a deliberate motion.
“Only if necessary,” he whispered.
She nodded. “Only if necessary.”
With a lingering stroke to her silky check, Andrew departed, leaving Josephine sitting on her bed with the dagger in her hand. As she watched, he went out the way he came in – through the window overlooking the entry door to the structure. Long-legged, sure-gripped, Andrew moved like a spider as he climbed out and dropped to the earth several feet below. Josephine jumped out of the bed and ran to the window, only to see him stealing off into the darkness.
Her heart was beating rapidly as she climbed back into bed, her mind whirling with the events of the evening and with what was still to come. Clutching the dirk to her breast, she fell into a fitful sleep.