Chapter 10
Lachlan didnt think about the symbolism or the propriety of having Flora in his bed. All he knew was that it was warmer in his chamber. The fire would still be burning. And he knew exactly what had to be done.
Marys eyes widened, but she didnt argue, though clearly it worried her. Not because she feared that he would do something untowardshe knew him better than thatbut because she knew what it said. Taking Flora to his room, rather than any other, amounted to a public declaration of his intentions. She was his, and he was saying as much.
Lachlan didnt give a damn what anyone thought, he wanted her with him. It was as simple as that.
Though in the back of his mind, he realized that when it came to Flora, nothing was simple. It hadnt been since the first day hed laid eyes on her.
Taking two steps at a time, he quickly reached the second floor. Since the moment hed entered the castle, hed been focused on one thing: getting her warm and dry as soon as possible. Moving from the stairwell into the corridor outside his chamber, he turned back to his sister. Bring me blankets, fresh clothes, anything to make her warm.
Mary nodded, keeping step with him. Oh, Lachlan, why did she do this? Was she so unhappy here?
He felt a sharp pang in his chest. Yes. But seeing the guilt on his sisters face, he said, I dont know, lass.
I thought she liked us.
She does. He glanced down at Floras face, cold realization shuddering through him. It has nothing to do with you or Gilly, he said firmly. She left because of me.
Mary gave him a long, tormented look before hurrying to do his bidding.
It seemed half the castle had followed him up the stairs, including Gilly and Morag. Shifting Floras weight to one arm, he opened the door with the other, immediately feeling the welcome blast of heat.
Until that moment, he hadnt realized how cold he was himself. So attuned was he to Floras needs, he hadnt noticed his own shivering. Dread engulfed him, knowing that he hadnt been in the frigid water nearly as long as Flora.
He had to move fast.
Forcing himself to relinquish her, if only momentarily, he carefully laid her down on his bed. And for the first time, he examined her in the light.
He felt a stab of fear so acute, it gave him a vicious jolt. If he hadnt just felt her heart beating against his hand, he would have thought she no longer lived. Not a touch of color warmed her pale skin. Her long, thick lashes lay in tiny icy spikes against her pallid cheeks, her normally red lips were a deathly shade of blue, and her golden hair seemed frozen, plastered in long sheets to her head.
He gazed at her with his heart in his throat. She looked so small and fragile. And so horribly still. Like a wax doll hed once seen.
To leave him, shed risked her life. That she would take such a risk to be rid of him hit like a lead ball in his chest.
He checked her still, damp cheek with his hand. God, she was cold. If he didnt do something drastic, she was going to die.
After unfastening the wool cloak from around her neck, he quickly started working the ties and hooks of her gown.
Hearing a noise behind him, he turned to see Morag adding another block of peat to the fire. But a roaring fire wouldnt be enough. He needed a way to bring her body temperature up fast. Very fast.
Lachlan exchanged a meaningful look with his old nursemaid. Morag moved to help him, but he shook her off. They both knew what had to be done, but he would do it himself.
Is there anything I can do? Gilly asked.
His gaze flicked to his sister standing hesitantly in the doorway, a few of his menincluding Alasdair and Allanbehind her.
He shook his head, forcing himself to stay calm, though panic welled in his chest. Not right now, lass.
Mary bustled in, setting down the extra plaids and clothing at the foot of the bed. Seeing what he was about to do, she blushed with understanding.
Come, Morag said to Gilly and Mary, there is nothing we can do for her now. The laird will do what needs to be done.
But what Gilly broke off as Morag shuffled her out of the room, her question and Morags response lost behind the firmly shut door. Though bold and adventuresome, in many ways his youngest sister was still an utter innocent.
Cursing his large, cumbersome fingers and the intricacy of even a simple gown, he started tearing off her clothes, doing his best to preserve her modesty. Though he knew there was no other choice, he also realized she would be embarrassed at best and furious at worst. Perhaps he should have let Morag help, but he couldnt stand aside. She was his.
He paused, catching sight of the amulet hidden under the layers of clothing. Though part of him wished it had fallen to the bottom of the seataking the curse with itthe other part of him was happy for Flora because he knew how much she treasured it. He removed it from her neck, attributing the tingling in his fingers to the cold. He made quick work of the rest of her wet garments, removing them piece by piece until she wore only her shift. And then he took that off, too.
He drew in his breath, unable to completely ignore the exquisite details of the naked beauty hed revealed. Details that would be stored for later. Her honor would be preserved this night, but he wasnt blind. Hed yearned to strip off her clothes and to see her naked in his bed for a long time. But not like this. Right now she needed his body not for pleasure, but for survival. And he would give it to her gladly. With no conditions.
But hell, she took his breath away.
The next time he took off her clothes, he swore he would savor every gorgeous inch of her.
With one last glance that warmed his blood more effectively than any fire, he forced his mind back on the task at hand. Realizing the damp had soaked through the bed linens, he slid one of the blankets Mary had brought underneath her. The rest he layered on top of her.
Standing up from beside the bed, he started to tear off his own wet clothing. First the plaid hed worn as a cloak, and then the linen shirt, and finally his trews and boots.
Then, before he could think about what he was about to do, he slid into the bed beside her and pulled her gently into his arms, immediately shivering, shocked by the touch of her icy skin against his. Damn, she was freezing. Dangerously so. Bracing himself, he snuggled her firmly against him and felt a fierce wave of tenderness swell hard against his ribs.
Tenderness that spoke of just how much she meant to him.
The thought that he could lose her tore a gash across his chest. Right now, hed give anything to have her fully clothed, eyes flashing, defying him as usual.
If only she would move. Though hed nestled her firmly against his body, she felt so rigid. And she was still so deathly cold.
The removal of his own wet clothing and the heat from the fire had rejuvenated him almost immediately, but even ensconced in the heated blanket of his body, shed barely warmed. The chill had penetrated bone deep.
Warm, damn you, he swore, as if he could command her temperature back to normal. He had enough determination for both of them, but Flora was a fighterhe knew she would not give up. It stunned him how long shed managed to stay afloat in the leaky skiff. Yet perhaps it shouldnt. Her tenacity and strength were two of the qualities he most admired about her.
Though right now she seemed anything but. She seemed fragile and vulnerableas if with one false touch, he might break her. He couldnt believe how small she was in his arms. Or how sweetly feminine. Hed lain with many womendone much more than lain, actuallybut none had ever felt so significant. Simply holding her moved him more than any previous sexual liaison.
With her nestled up against him, her bottom tucked against his groin, he was acutely aware of everything about her. From the blond tendrils of hair that were springing into soft waves as they started to dry, to her narrow shoulders and slim hips, to the tips of her tiny frozen feet. To every incredible inch of her flawless naked skin.
She smelled of seawater and salt, and nothing had ever smelled so wonderful. Because she lived.
He could no longer pretend that she was just a means to an end. Not once when hed discovered shed gone had he thought about his devils bargain with Argyll. Hed thought only about her safety.
Her attempted escape and near drowning had forced him to realize that he wanted her not just for his plan, but for himself. It didnt change what he had to do. If anything, his feelings only complicated matters. Damn it, his duty should be his only consideration. His brother needed him to be ruthless. But Flora had engaged his conscience. Doing what must be done was no longer a simple proposition. If it ever was.
He pulled her a little closer and held her a little tighter, reacting unconsciously to the sudden amorphous threat that seemed to have invaded the chamber.
For hours he lay like that. Holding her close, a ball of emotion lodged firmly in his throat as he waited for the danger to pass. Slowly, the harsh bite of cold faded as his body warmed her and she softened against him, breathing steady.
It was near dawn when she finally stirred. She turned to him in her sleep. Burrowing her head under his chin and placing her hand on his chest. A hand that was as searing as a brand. His chest hitched. Raw emotion surged inside him, ignited by the instinctive trusting movement. Trust that tore him apart. He wanted to deserve that trust.
But in doing his duty, he was manipulating her in a way that he knew would hurt her, yet he couldnt risk telling her the truth. It wasnt his life at stake, but his brothers.
Two months ago, hed gone to Argyll for help. Lachlan recalled standing inside the great hall of Inveraray Castle and staring with a mixture of admiration and loathing at one of the most powerfuland wilymen in Scotland, Archibald the Grim Campbell, Earl of Argyll.
Argyll sat on a raised dais near the fireplace in a gilded chair with a large scarlet velvet cushion. It looked remarkably like a throne, which probably wasnt a coincidence.
Argyll peered down the length of his long nose with dark eyes, the sharp angles of his features lending credence to the clans claim of Norman ancestry. So the king has seized your brother. What do you expect me to do about it?
Lachlan fought to control his temper. I thought our bond of manrent included protection in return for the calp duties Ive paid to you.
The earls eyes narrowed dangerously. I do not need to be reminded of our agreement, or my duty thereby. But what do you suggest I do? Storm the kings castle to free your brother?
You have influence with the king and the Privy Council. The kings actions were unjust. Hector has raided my lands and illegally stolen my castle, he has no legal claim to Coll.
Duart claims otherwise, since you refused your duty to him as chief.
Lachlan held his anger in check. He is not my chief. And Hector is hardly a friend to you, he reminded him. Argyll and Hector had been feuding since Hector married without the earls consent.
Argyll gave him a hard stare, surprised no doubt by Lachlans refusal to play toady to his despot. Lachlan pandered to no man, powerful or not.
Argyll turned his attention to a man who entered the hall and handed him a missive. Annoyed by the interruption, Lachlan attempted to wait patiently as Argyll scanned the letter. The earls face darkened with fury. He let out a long string of expletives, displaying a temper completely incongruous with the stoic unflappability that had earned him his epithetthe Grim. He stood up, crumpled the letter into his fist, and tossed it into the fire.
That chit will be the death of me.
My lord? Lachlan asked.
Argyll turned back to him as if hed forgotten he was still there. He studied him hard, giving him a long, calculating look. Some of the anger left him, and he sat back down on the chair. Lachlan thought he detected a hard glint in Argylls black eyes, so he was surprised when Argyll said, I believe I might be able to help you.
He nearly sighed with relief. He needed Argylls influence to get his brother freed, and he hadnt allowed himself to think about the possibility of failure.
But
Lachlan tensed, not liking the sound of that.
In return, I need you to handle a little problem for me, Argyll finished, reaching for a large crystal glass of claret. He took a long drink, sat back in his throne, and propped his fingers together in a triangle before him.
Lachlans instincts flared. What kind of problem?
My young cousin Flora MacLeod. It seems shes decided to run off with Lord Murray.
Lachlan arched his brow. Lord Murray, though young, was a fierce political rival of Argylls. No wonder hed been furious. Lachlan vaguely recalled Rory MacLeods youngest sister, Flora. She was a renowned heiress, he remembered that much.
You want me to stop her?
Argylls mouth curved in what was supposed to be a smile, but it actually looked more like a grimace. In a matter of speaking. He paused. I want you to marry her.
Lachlan froze. It was the last thing hed expected to hear. Having caught the gleam of calculation in Argylls eyes, he thought at first to refuse. But though he had no intention of taking a wife for some time, an alliance with Flora MacLeod could not be summarily dismissed. In marrying her, hed ally himself not just with Argyll, but also with Rory MacLeod. And with Hector, he supposed, though that weighed in the negative.
Lachlans expression gave no hint of his thoughts. Why? Whats wrong with the lass? Is she addled?
A bark escaped from Argyll, nearly causing him to spew his claret. The sound was so out of character, it took Lachlan a minute to realize it was laughter. No. Shes quite beautiful. And very rich. Her tocher is two thousand merksin addition to the lands she brings.
His heart stopped. It was a bloody fortune. Money like that could restore his clans fortunes in one fell swoop. She was a prize indeed. His gaze sharpened. Then why me? Lachlan might be an unmarried Highland chief, but with a tocher like that, Argyll could have his pick of Lowland toadies.
Argyll tapped his fingers together in his lap. Because you might have a chance. You seem to be the sort of man that would make an impression on a young girl.
Lachlan frowned. I dont understand. Why would her impression matter? It was her duty to marry where her guardian demanded. Dont you control her marriage?
He shrugged. Technically, the right belongs to her brotherthough he would not marry her to anyone without my approval. The MacLeod and Argyll also shared a bond of manrent. The MacLeod has refused to force the gel to marry, so he would not agree to a match if she is not willing. You and he are friends. He will not object to your suit. You must convince her to marry you. But be forewarned, it is not a simple matter. The lass is trouble. Her mother spoiled her and gave her some rather unusual notions of duty.
Trouble. Vague recollections of conversations with Rory suddenly came back to him. Of his headstrong young sister who was always getting into some sort of mischief or another. The last thing Lachlan wanted was a spoiled brat for a wife. But he also knew that this marriage was more than he could hope for. Not only was there the money to consider, but it would also cement the ties with both Argyll and Rory with blood. Hed made his decision, although with his brother and clan suffering, hed never really had one.
Convincing her wont be a problem.
You havent met her yet. Contrary doesnt begin to describe the gel.
Lachlan wasnt worried. He could handle one willful lass. But he also knew Argyll well enough to know that he would not be granted such largesse without something in return. What else? he asked, not bothering to hide his suspicion.
The earl smiled, not at all offended by Lachlans obvious distrust, especially since it was warranted. Your cooperation.
He didnt pretend to misunderstand. Argyll wanted to bring him in line with the king. He asked much, after what the king had done by imprisoning his brother. But Lachlan was pragmatic enough to realize that he was in better standing with Argyll than without. He would never trust King James again, but perhaps he shouldnt have in the first place.
My dispute was never with the king, only with Hector. It is the king who has broken faith with me. I will need your support not only for my brother, but also in my dispute with Hector over the return of my castle. If the king intercedes on my behalf, I will have no cause to disagree with him.
Argylls brows shot up. You bargain with your brothers life at stake?
As much as you do with your wee cousin racing to the altar with Lord Murray. Lachlan knew how to bluff. He would have married anyone to release his brother. But he would not bargain from a position of weakness.
The earl studied him thoughtfully. Lachlan held himself perfectly still, to all appearances calm despite the unrest churning inside him.
Finally, Argyll nodded. Done. But remember, dont think about forcing the lass. As she angers me, Flora is a bewitching little minx, and I would not see her harmed. Youll not get my support if you do.
And the release of my brother?
Once I am assured of Floras agreement, on your wedding day I will see to his release.
And thus the devils bargain had been struck.
Marrying Argylls cousin had seemed a small price to pay for the release of his brother and the return of his castle. He hadnt realized the heavy toll it would exact.
Unconsciously, he pulled her closer. A soft, contented sound escaped from between her lips. She opened her eyes. He stilled, heart pounding in his chest, looking into those fathomless blue depths. She was only half-conscious, but the look in her eyes was so soft and yieldingwithout pretense of warinessthat it cut him to the quick. It gave him a glimpse of a future that hed never dreamed of. Of a connection so powerful and strong, it didnt seem possible.
But it was nothing compared with the effect of the wide smile that turned her lips when she looked at him. His chest squeezed painfully with longing. Longing for something that wasnt his. But what would it be like to hold her in his arms like this for real? To make love to her and have her smile at him with such boundless happiness?
It would be perfect.
He watched confusion traverse her face.
I must be dreaming, she murmured, her voice cracking from the rawness of her throat. She closed her eyes, giving way to unconsciousness once again, and snuggled against him. Her fingers gripped him tightly, and her soft cheek rested over his aching heart.
He couldnt move. Every inch of his body was taut with desire. Desire for something that hed never wanted before, but that now hovered just out of his reach.
While she was deathly cold, it hadnt been hard to dissociate himself from the sensation of her naked body molded to his. But as she warmed, so had he. All that soft, pliant skin plastered against his became impossible to ignore. He slid his hand down her spine from her nape to the small of her back, savoring the velvet under his fingertips, and the soft curve of her bottom. Wanting desperately to bring her against him. To slide deep inside her with long, slow strokes and make her his.
All vestiges of her icy swim were gone. Unconsciously, she rubbed against him, her nipples hardening. Raking his chest and making him instantly hard.
He caressed her again, cupping her bottom, his entire body drumming with temptation.
God, he couldnt do this. He wanted to touch her all over. Run his hands over every inch of her nakedness and kiss her until she cried out.
But honor held him back. He wouldnt take advantage of her like this. Not when she was weak. Her body might want him, but she didnt.
Flora had run from him because she was scared. Scared by what had nearly happened in the lairds solar. But their bodies were made to come together. Just holding her against him, he could feel it. He knew how good it would be.
With a soft groan, he tore himself from her seductive grasp. Not wanting to be in bed with her when she woke, knowing that his presence would only upset her.
Hed done what he needed to do; the danger had passed. She no longer needed him.
He pulled on a clean shirt, wrapped a fresh plaid around himself, and secured it with his chieftains badge. Turning back to the bed one more time he took in every detail, his heart swelling hard in his chest. Unable to stop himself, he bent down and brushed a gentle kiss on her lips. Rest, my sweet, he whispered.
The pale light of dawn stirred her awake. A soft warmth surrounded her. Flora opened her eyes, feeling as if shed been wrapped in a blanket of sunshine. She felt safe. Protected. Burrowing her face into the pillow beside her, she savored the warm scent of myrtleand something else oddly familiar.
Indeed, she felt the strangest sensation of being somewhere that was both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time. Stretching her arms above her head, she noticed the twinge of aching muscles in her back and arms. She raised her head to look around, but it was so heavy. Everything was a little foggy, and it took her a moment to realize that she was not in her chamber.
The bed was bigger, for one. A large chair was positioned before the fireplace. She looked around, noticing the rough, stark furnishings, similar to those in her room. Unlike her room, however, there was an aumbry for storing clothing, in addition to a large, heavily carved wooden chest before the bed. The window was much narrower than hers, suggesting that she was perhaps on a lower floor of the keep.
Why wasnt she in her room, and why was she so thirsty? Her lips were cracked, her mouth dry. She ran her hand along her bare arm, her skin felt so gritty
All of a sudden, she realized three things at once. She hadnt drowned, she was in his bed, and she was completely naked. Each was shocking enough, but together they were enough to toss her into a panic.
The sound of the door creaking open didnt help matters. When she saw who it was, the riot of emotions swirling inside her grew much worse.
I see youre awake, the woman said. I brought you some broth.
Flora had the most appalling urge to hide under the covers. Instead, she forced herself to respond. But what did one say to the leman of the mans bed youd just woken up in? Thank you, was all she could think of.
Seeing the question in Floras eyes, the woman explained, The laird asked that I look in on you.
Youre a healer?
She shrugged. I have some skill with herbs.
Among other things, she thought uncharitably.
Bending over Flora, she started her examination. Putting a gentle hand on Floras forehead, feeling the pulse at her neck. All of which seemed very strange. Eventually, curiosity got the better of her. What is your name? the healer asked.
The woman gave her a long look. You know who I am?
Flora nodded.
Seonaid, she answered.
She started to lift the plaids covering her, but Flora held them tightly, her cheeks on fire. Im fine.
The woman lifted a perfectly arched brow. Your modesty is wasted on me. You dont have anything I havent seen before. It is your decision, but you nearly drowned, and then nearly froze to death.
Floras blush intensified. You dont understand. Her voice lowered. I dont have any clothes on.
Seonaid shook her head as if Flora were addled. You were freezing to death. At Floras obviously perplexed expression, she continued, You needed the heat of another against you to warm you quickly. Twas the only way.
Floras brows gathered together across her nose. I dont understand. Her voice fell off, and her eyes widened as comprehension dawned. The blush was nothing to the mortified heat that spread across her face as her embarrassment got much worse. Dear God. It was him. It hadnt been a dream. How could he take advantage of her like that?
Seonaid must have read her thoughts. Her face flooded with anger. He saved your life. You should be thanking him instead of worrying about your precious maidenly modesty.
Flora flinched at the venom in the womans voice. And at the knowledge that Seonaid was right. Floras moment of misplaced outrage subsided. Im sorry, you must think me very ungrateful. She bit her lip. Its just that I dont remember much of what happened.
Seonaid peered at her intently. Then apparently deciding that Flora was in earnest, she nodded. Im sure the laird will answer your questions when you are feeling better.
Flora swallowed. The laird. Dear God, what would she do when she saw him? How could she ever look at him again, knowing what hed done? What hed seen?
Faint recollections came back to her, making it worse. Images that seemed hazy like a dream, but which she now suspected were very real. Big, strong arms surrounding her. Her cheek pressed against a warm, hard, and very masculine chest.
This time, Flora didnt argue when the woman continued her examination. She even made Flora wiggle her toes and fingers, and Flora didnt say a word in protestthough it seemed very silly indeed.
Finally, Seonaid finished her ministrations, handed her a sark that had been left at the foot of the bed, and declared her surprisingly well.
Flora quickly pulled it over her head. The thin linen gave her no small measure of relief.
I will send up a posset for you to drink. And then you should rest.
Thank you, Flora said, and meant it. Given the circumstances, she was surprised by the womans kindness.
Seonaid turned and walked to the door, then hesitated and looked back at Flora. You have nothing to be ashamed of. The laird did nothing more than warm your body.
A point she seemed happy to make.
I know. And she did. Flora recognized that despite his determination to have her, Lachlan Maclean was too honorable to prey on the weak and helpless. And last night she had been both.
With her hand still on the door, Seonaid asked, So youll be marrying him now?
Flora drew back, shocked. No! She calmed. I have no intention of marrying anyone.
Again, Flora got the impression that the woman thought her a fool. As if no woman of sound mind would ever refuse Lachlan Maclean.
Even after what happened?
Flora shook her head emphatically. As you said, it was an emergency. It changes nothing.
Seonaid gave her an appraising look. He wants you.
Flora blushed. Well, I dont want him. But the womans sharp gaze read the lie. Flora lifted her chin. Even if I did, I still would not marry him.
I dont think its that simple, Seonaid said mysteriously.
Neither did Flora. Still, it was odd to have this woman echoing her own thoughts. There was something strange about the lairds wooing of her. From the beginning, shed sensed both a calculation and an urgency. What do you mean?
Ive never seen the laird pursue a woman with such intensity. Let alone one who claims not to want him. You are very beautiful, but he has had many beautiful women. I wonder if there is another reason, that is all.
Initially, she thought the woman felt sorry for her, but now Flora wondered whether Seonaid might have another motive for voicing her suspicions. Why are you telling me all this?
She shrugged. He wants you, but he will not wait forever. He is a very virile man. The authority in her voice made Floras chest ache. And when hes done chasing what he cannot have, Ill be waiting.
Long after the woman left, Flora heard her voice. And the warning that had twisted Floras heartstrings in knots.