Chapter 14
Floras resistance was crumbling. Lachlan Maclean was nothing if not true to his word. Over the past few days since their return from the Faerie Pool, he seemed to have made it his mission to drive her mad with longing.
He took every opportunity to touch her, to stand too close, to whisper in her earhis mouth achingly close, but never close enough.
And never far from her consciousness was the memory of what hed done to her. The passion that, once unleashed, wanted to run free. Hed kissed her mouth, her breasts, herHeat crept up her cheeks just thinking about it. She couldnt believe hed kissed her there, but neither could she forget the shattering sensation that followed. Never had she felt such pleasure, until hed thrust deep inside herfilling herand started to move.
He held his experience over her, teasing her with the promise of what he could do to her. Hinting at pleasure she could only imagine, but which she wantedbadly. On edge didnt begin to describe her state. She felt as if she were walking around ready to explode at any moment.
Her only salvation was the mornings she spent with Mary and Gilly at their lessons. Only then did he offer her a brief respite from his seductive attentions.
She sighed, knowing her temporary peace of mind was coming to an end. Mary and Gilly had just left their makeshift schoolroom to dress for the midday meal, leaving Flora to finish tidying up. The girls had readily accepted her apology for leaving without saying good-bye and seemed to have understood her attempt to leave without demanding the specifics.
Shed just slid one of the folios theyd been usingSongs and Sonnets, a collection that included works by the former Earl of Surrey and Sir Thomas Wyattback onto the shelf when a tanned muscular arm wrapped around her waist from behind. She felt the subtle press of his hard body, the heat, and the impossible strength. His fingers gripped her hips, pulling her closermolding her body to his.
When he pressed behind her like this and nudged his hips, it made her wonderwas it possible? She shook off the image. What had he done to her?
Like a powerful magnet, he drew her in. His touch, his scent, the warmth of his breath on her neck. The force of his presence shattered her resolve. Awash in heat, she melted against him. Her body, which had been in constant deprivation for the past few days, felt aroused to the point of burstingreveling in any opportunity for contact, no matter how brief.
He dug his face in her hair, nuzzling along her neck, his lips as soft as a feather along her skin until she shivered, but never giving her the friction she craved.
Miss me? he whispered near her ear.
The warmth of his breath tickled, and the tiny hairs on the back of her neck stood up. The dark, rich brogue was like molten lava that had seeped into her bones. But she heard the mockery and wanted to curse him, almost as much as she wanted to sink against him and beg him to take her again.
N-no, she answered, her voice shaking.
Liar. He let go of her, backing away. It took a few moments to compose herself and for her pulse to return to normal before she turned around to look at him.
What are you doing here? she asked. I thought you said you would be away this afternoon. To give me time to recover from this mornings teasing.
He quirked his brow, amused, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. I am. Im leaving right now. I just came by to remind you of our lesson tomorrow.
How could she forget another swimming lesson? She smiled sweetly. Im looking forward to it.
So am I.
She didnt miss the naughty innuendo and bit back a giggle; she could well imagine what he had planned. But his plans would come to naught. Oh, by the way, she said offhandedly, Ive invited your sisters to come along.
One corner of his mouth lifted. Afraid of being alone with me, Flora?
She straightened her back. Of course not. Dont be ridiculous.
He chuckled, knowing the lie for what it was. She was scared of being alone with him. Of what she might agree to if pushed. And hed been pushing hard, very hard.
She lifted her gaze to his. I just thought the girls might like a day away from the monotony of the castle. It will be fun. She paused. Perhaps Allan could go as well. His eyes narrowed, guessing what she was up to. You did promise to reconsider your decision about Mary.
He gave her a long look. I have.
And?
He shook his head. Im sorry, lass, but my decision stands. The alliance with Ian MacDonald of Glengarry is too important.
Flora didnt bother to hide her disappointment. I see. But she didnt. He still didnt understand. Still didnt see that his sister should have a choice. He saw only duty.
And what about you, Flora? Have you reconsidered?
How can you speak of our marriage when your sister is so unhappy? You would force her to a marriage she doesnt want. She let the implication fall. She could never marry a man who had so little regard for his sisters wishes. It was too similar to what had happened to her mother.
His gaze hardened almost imperceptibly, but she recognized the small changes in his expression that weeks ago would have seemed nothing.
I am not forcing her. Mary understands that we all must make sacrifices for the good of the clan, why cant you?
But marriage shouldnt be a sacrifice she should be asked to make. Flora knew he was right: Mary would go through with it out of some warped sense of duty. In that they were very different. I would never marry a man in that situation.
He tensed. But this isnt about you. Its about Mary. This isnt your fight, yet youve turned it into your personal crusade.
Flora bristled. Youre wrong. I only want to give Mary a chance at happiness. I thought you would understand.
I do understand, Flora. But my sisters feelings are not the only issue.
But you said
I did not promise to change my mind, only to reconsider. I did so.
But
Do not try to manipulate me to your bidding, Flora.
Are you sure it is not the other way around? she asked, referring to his seduction.
A strange expression crossed his face, and not for the first time she wondered if there was something else behind that look. She studied his face, wishing she could see through stone. Why did you really bring me here?
He hesitated. To get my castle back from your brother.
And to marry me?
His gaze flickered over her face. It seemed a good idea.
Her instincts flared. He was clearly choosing his words with care. Why?
He shrugged. Many reasons.
Such as?
Her persistence was getting to him, and his annoyance was evident in the flex of his jaw and the white lines around his mouth. What would you like me to say, Flora? I know how you feel about your situation as a marriage prize.
She lifted her chin. The truth. I can take it. I hope.
He held her gaze. You are beautiful, rich, powerfully connected, andhe gestured to the amuleta symbol to my people as an end to an eighty-year curse. Id be a fool not to want to marry you.
She flinched. Shed asked for the truth, and hed given it to her. But why did it have to sting so much?
He must have sensed the pain his frank words caused, because in the next instant she was in his arms. Just because I recognize your value as a potential bride doesnt mean I cant want you for myself.
She heard it in his voice: He was telling the truth. Her eyes flickered across his face, looking for signs, anything that would point her in the right direction. And there is no other reason?
Why did she always have to push him? Couldnt she just leave well enough alone?
It was the question Lachlan didnt want to answer. If there was ever a time to tell her the truth, this was it.
He felt as if he were being torn in opposite directions, forced to choose between two undesirable ends. He could tell Flora about his bargain with Argyll and risk his brother and clan if she refused him, or lie and tell her there was no other reason he wanted to marry her in the hope that it would impress her enough to accept his suit.
He knew she was waveringwarring with desire and her fear of being used like her mother. If he told her, it would only confirm those fears. He could guess how she would react. He was using herfor honorable endsbut using her nonetheless. And now that he knew her, he understood what that would do to her. She cared for him, of that he was certain; but would it be enough to forgive his manipulation? For that was how she would see it.
Who was he fooling? Any choice he had was illusory. He needed Argylls help, and he must do what was necessary to get it. He might be able to retake his castle by siege or subterfuge, but at what cost? Hed lost too many men already, and the fighting would only further infuriate a king who wanted an end to feuding. But then there was his brother, imprisoned at Blackness Castlethe kings impenetrable stronghold. Hed never be able to secure his brothers release from Blackness without Argylls influence, and attempting to break him out by force would be a suicide mission.
If only there were another way. Any attempt to free John would have to be undertaken with cunning and trickery, and thus far, Lachlan had been unable to think of a suitable planone that would not unduly risk more men.
He also realized that if he told her about his bargain with her cousin, he could very well lose her. And that was something he couldnt risk. Once his brother was safe, he swore he would explain everything.
It was an untenable situation, one that he wanted to end.
He felt her scrutiny as she waited for his response. Scrutiny that only increased his frustration with the entire situation. Why must you persist in denying what is between us? he said almost angrily. Are you so worried about ending up like your mother that you would rather end up alone?
Flora recoiled as if hed struck her. Of course not. You dont know what you are talking about.
She started to spin away, but he grabbed her arm and swung her back toward him. Close enough to feel the flutter of her heart and inhale the intoxicating floral scent that surrounded hertaunting him. His body grew taut with anger and desire. You know what I think, Flora? I think you are scared. Scared to take a chance. So scared youll make the wrong decision that you reject everyone who comes too close. Your brothers. Your sisters. Me. Your life has been as much a reaction against your mothers life as it has been your own. You are too busy fighting everyone to recognize those who only want the best for you.
Her cheeks flushed an angry red. How dare you! You have no right
I have every right, he growled. He heard the fury in his voice, but damn it, she pushed him, prodding parts of him that had never before been exposed. The moment you gave yourself to me, I earned that right. What does it matter other than I care for you and you care for me? Does it matter how it came to be? Or why I want you, other than the fact that I do? He knew he was trying to convince himself, almost as much as he was trying to convince her, skating precariously close to the truth.
It matters to me, she said softly, her eyes bright.
She looked so proud and vulnerable at that moment, he wished he could take her in his arms and wipe away her fears with his mouth. It shouldnt. I would never hurt you, lass. Not intentionally. I want to protect you. Cherish you. Take care of you. Surely you know that? It was the truth. Hed never wanted a woman the way he wanted hercompletely. Body and heart.
I dont know what to think.
He buried his face in the warmth of her silky hair, nuzzling the baby soft skin of her neck, aroused to the breaking point by the erotic sensation of her responsive body pressed against his. Maybe you are thinking too much.
He felt her softening, melting against himwanting him.
Blood surged through his veins. I should go, he said, pulling back forcibly. Unless there is a reason for me to stay?
Eyes wide, she shook her head. Y-you never said where you are going.
He stiffened at the reminder. He thought about telling her exactly where he was going and the reports of abuse against his people by her brother Hector on Coll, but without proof he wasnt sure she would believe him. He didnt need any more barriers between them. To attend to some of my lands. I will return later tonight. I should be going. He started to pull away, but she stopped him with a hand on his arm.
Lachlan.
He looked down at her, surprisedand pleasedto hear the intimacy of his given name on her tongue. For a moment, he actually thought she might have changed her mind.
You never answered my question.
No, he hadnt. Nor would he. He cupped her chin in his fingers and lowered his face, keeping his gaze locked on hers, wanting nothing more than to cover her mouth and taste her. To feel her tongue slide in his mouth, entwining with his. I said all that was important. Now its for you to decide. Take a chance or live in the past, its up to you. Unable to resist, he dropped a soft kiss on her lips, lingering as his mouth moved over hers in a possessive caress. The urge to deepen the kiss was primal, but he couldnt. Not yet. He lifted his head, seeing desire mirrored on her face. Let me know what you decide.
And without another word, he left her to ponder their future.
Hector stormed through the gates of Breacachadh on his destrier, more furious than hed been in some timesince the last time the Laird of Coll had gotten the best of him.
He dismounted and tossed his reins to the waiting stable lad. Sweat poured off his forehead from behind the metal helmet, and his body shook with rage.
Lachlan Maclean had been right under his nose and had escaped. And not alone. Hed absconded with half a dozen men and a few market-ready head of cattle as well.
Men and cattle that belonged to Hector.
When word had come of Colls presence on the isle, Hector couldnt believe his luck. Hed raced to reach him, but by the time hed arrived, the skirmish was over.
A score of his warriors had been bested by a mere handful of Colls. His fists clenched with the urge to thrash someone.
Damn Coll! He would pay. Not only for the loss of men and source of silverboth of which he needed in his war with MacDonaldbut for daring to abduct his valuable sister.
He pushed through the entrance into the great hall, paying no mind to the mud and muck he tracked across the rugs strewn over the wooden floors.
Where was that bloody woman? Mairi! he bellowed, in no mood for recalcitrant servants. The dour old maidservant finally appeared in the doorway, moving with the speed of an aged tortoise.
Get me my claret and be quick about it.
Yes, my laird.
There was nothing outwardly mocking about the response, but Hector heard it nonetheless. Blood pounded in his ears. He was fed up with morose and belligerent servants. These people would learn respect. They would learn who was laird.
He tossed his claymore to the squire whod followed him in. Clean this. And if its not sharp this time, Ill cut off your incompetent hand.
The fear he saw on the lads face was a soothing balm to his anger. That was better. If they didnt listen to reason, they would listen to his iron fist. But they would listen.
Mairi returned with his drink. God, he was thirsty. His mouth was as dry and parched as a desert. He took a long drink and nearly choked, spewing the dark liquid across the floor. His eyes narrowed at the stubborn old biddy. How dare you serve me this swill. Bring me another flagon. He met the womans defiant glare. His fingers tightened around the goblet. And while youre at it, find your daughter. The womans eyes widened with horror. He smiled. What was her name? Janet? Id like totalk to her.
Hed finally gotten her attention. The womans hands fluttered anxiously like the wings of a bird. Im afraid my daughter is gone, my laird.
Youll find her and bring her to me, he said with deadly calm. Or if youd rather, you can bring me your other daughter.
The defiance sagged right out of her, but the broken expression on her face failed to move him one inch.
But my laird, shes just three and ten.
He shrugged. It makes no difference to me. He gave her a hard look. You choose. But Ill have one of them. If you defy me, Ill have them both.
The old womans eyes took on an unnatural brightness. It was the devil that brought you here. A curse you are. But our laird will return
Hold your tongue, woman, or Ill cut it out. She shot him an evil glance before she moved to do his bidding. Fools. He didnt want to hear any more about damn curses. He was tired of the crazed superstitions of these people. He knew they blamed him for the failure of the crops this year, which was ridiculous considering the wind and rain that had pummeled the small isle.
The wrath of the lady, they claimed. Hector had forgotten about the curse until the old witch Beathag, Colls healer, had mentioned it. And with his mother dead, he realized who now wore the amuletFlora.
Why hadnt he thought of that before?
Rumors of Colls courtship of his sister worried him more than he wanted to admit. His sister wouldnt betray him by marrying his enemy. But how well did he know her?
If Coll married Flora, Hector knew that the end of the curse would be a powerful symbol against him, silly superstition or not. But it was the alliance with Argyll that worried him. Under no circumstances could a marriage between them be allowed to happen.
Just one more reason to want Coll dead. He sat in a chair set before the fire and began to plan. His enemys daring foray had given him an idea.