Chapter 21
Across the wide expanse of sea, his penetrating gaze found hers and closed the distance between them. If shed harbored any doubts of Lachlans feelings, his reaction told her all she needed to know. His entire body went still, and for an instant beneath the fading amber light of day, she could have sworn she saw him pale. He lookedhaunted. Shed seen that look before. It was the same expression hed worn when hed rescued her from drowning. If only shed remembered it sooner. Lachlan Maclean was the most fearsome man she knew, but for her, he was scared.
He did love her. Despite her circumstances, for a moment a surge of nearly incomparable pleasure filled her.
There was so much she wanted to say to him: to tell him she was sorry for running, to tell him she loved him, to beg for another chance. And though she knew he could not see all that, she felt that he understood.
He turned back to Hector with his hand on his sword. She tensed, knowing how badly he wanted to attack Hector. She breathed a sigh of relief when he spoke. As the conversation between the two men unfolded, though she could not hear exactly what they said, it became clear what Hector intendedto let her drown if Lachlan did not surrender.
You bastard! Lachlan roared.
Flora didnt have to strain to hear that. Lachlan lunged for Hector, but Rory held him back.
Get my sister off that damn rock right now, Rory said.
Stay out of this, MacLeod. Shes my sister as well, Hector said.
She couldnt hear Rorys reply, but she could tell he took umbrage at Hectors claim of kinship.
Flora will come to no harm, Hector swore. He gave Lachlan a meaningful look. Assuming Coll here cooperates.
What do you want? Lachlans voice was deadly calm.
Its simple. You surrender to me, and MacLeod here will be allowed to rescue Flora. Hector had planned it perfectly. A battle would eat away at valuable time. Lachlan might be able to break through and reach hermight. He seemed to have reached the same conclusion, because when he turned back to Hector, she could see the resignation in the set of his wide shoulders.
No! Flora didnt realize shed spoken aloud until the men turned to face her.
Their eyes met, and her heart squeezed. She shook her head. Dont, she whispered. She didnt want to die, but neither could she bear the thought of Lachlan giving his life for hers. Another wave hit, and she lost her footing but scrambled to hold on by sticking the tips of her slippers into a crevice.
Lachlan swore and then shouted to her, Hold on just a little longer! She couldnt hear what he said to Hector, but she knew what he was doing when he dropped his dirk and started to unfasten his baldric. He didnt hesitate, acting without thought. He was surrendering to his enemy, to the man hed fought his entire life, exchanging his life for hers. Once Hector had him, it would be too late.
God, how could she have doubted his love for her?
A Maclean life is given in love for a Campbell.
The words of Elizabeth Campbells curse came back to her. She couldnt let it happen. She wouldnt allow the curse to become a reality.
Flora knew what she had to do. Lachlan was right: She was strong. Shed allowed her own fears to be the weapon that had nearly killed her; she would not allow it to kill the man she loved.
No! she cried again. Wait!
And taking a deep breath, she jumped into the icy blue water.
Lachlan heard her cry and turned just in time to see the splash. His heart lurched. God, no! Flora! Panic gripped him. He knew what she was trying to do, but she wasnt a strong enough swimmer for these stiff currents. Shed never make it.
He glanced at Hector, who was even more surprised than he by what Flora had done. Obviously, hed assumed she still could not swim.
Lachlan realized that shed given him an opening. Taking advantage of Hectors shock, he pulled his claymore from his discarded baldric and attackedhis only thought to save the woman he loved.
Hector raised his own sword, but it was too late. Lachlan would not be denied. Not this time. Not with Floras life in the balance. He felt a surge swell through him of almost inhuman strength, and with one mighty swing of his claymore, he knocked the sword from Hectors hold. He spun sideways, rammed his elbow into Hectors nose, heard the satisfying sound of bone crunching, and had his sword at Hectors throat in a single move.
It all happened so fast, Hectors men hadnt had time to react. They did so now, but Rory and his men held them back.
Call them off, Lachlan warned. Or Ill stick this blade through your damn throat like you deserve.
Hectors face turned red with rage. He looked as though he wanted to argue, so Lachlan dug the tip of his blade a little deeper, drawing blood. Hed never wanted to kill a man so badly; bloodlust pulsed through him at a frenzied pace. It would be so easy to draw the blade across.
But something held him back.
He was Floras brother. And despite what hed done, he knew she would not want him killed. Not like this.
He glanced out to sea, relieved to see her still moving atop the water. Damn, he was proud of her. She was doing it; she was swimming. But even with the tide coming in and carrying her toward shore, she was struggling. The current was taking her east, and she was trying to swim directly toward the beach. Call them off, he repeated. Now.
Hectors eyes met his with such hatred, Lachlan thought he might refuse. He hoped he would. Then Lachlan could kill him with impunity.
Much to his regret, Hector lifted his hand and motioned for his men to stand down. It was over. Lachlans victory was definitive and swift, but strangely anticlimactic. Defeating Hector meant nothing if he lost the woman he loved.
Lachlan twisted Hectors arm behind his back and shoved him toward Rory. Without another glance he raced down the beach, tearing off his cotun and helmet along the wayknowing they would only drag him down. Hectors men parted like the Red Sea, and Lachlan dove headfirst into the waves.
Flora was exhausted, but she refused to give up. Realizing that if she continued to fight the current she would soon grow too tired, she rolled on her back and floated as Lachlan had taught herconserving her strength and allowing the water to carry her in.
It was growing dark, and she could no longer see what was happening on the beach, but she wouldnt give in to her fear, even when a big wave dragged her under for a moment. She had too much to live for. She wanted Lachlan to hold her in his arms again and tell her that he loved her. She wanted to call him husband. She wanted to make a life with him. Her throat squeezed. She wanted to hold their first child in her arms.
If only it werent so cold. Her teeth were chattering, and her limbs had gone stiff. All she wanted to do was close her eyes. Her lids fluttered.
Flora!
The mere sound of his voice jerked her fully awake. Here, she cried, tears of relief springing to her eyes. Im here.
Thank God.
Though it was only a few moments, it seemed to take an eternity before she caught sight of him. Her emotions, barely contained, shattered when the achingly familiar ruggedly handsome features came into viewthe hard angles of his face made more pronounced by the shadows of the beckoning night. A pillar of strength in a sea of danger. Hed found her; the nightmare was over. With a strangled cry, she swam toward him.
Seconds later, he had her. His steely arms wrapped around her and pulled her against the solid wall of his chest. She breathed him in, savoring his strength and vitality. He gripped her tight, his fingers raking through the tangle of her hair and pressing into her back as if he would never let her go. She clung to him, taking refuge in the security of his embrace.
His wet cheek pressed against hers, the scrape of his day-old beard against her chilled skin achingly familiar. He was breathing hard, and she could feel the heavy beat of his heart against hers. Even soaking wet in the freezing sea, a subtle warmth radiated from him.
Overwhelmed, she started to sob.
Ive got you, he murmured, smoothing her hair. Youre safe. Cupping her chin, he looked into her watery eyes. You nearly scared the life out of me. I thought His voice broke. I saw you floating like that, and I thought you were dead.
Flora shook her head. Im afraid you wont get rid of me that easily.
Get rid of you? He pulled her close and pressed a hard kiss on her freezing lips. She tasted of salt and sea, but nothing had ever tasted sweeter. Never, he said, looking deep into her eyes. And then he kissed her again, longer this time, with an aching tenderness that sent a tingle of warmth to her icy limbs. Now if we both dont want to freeze to death, I suggest we get back to the castle as soon as possible.
She nodded, and with Lachlans aid and instruction, they swam for shorenot directly, as shed attempted before, but diagonally with the current.
Soon she could see Rory and Lachlans men wading toward them and knew that shed done it. Shed fought her fear and won. And though she felt ready to collapse, the feeling of accomplishment gave her an unexpected swell of strength that carried her through the last few strokes.
As soon as the water was shallow enough, Lachlan stood and cradled her in his arms, carrying her the rest of the way. She pressed her face against the familiar hard planes of his chest, savoring the simple sensation of being held in his arms again.
Rory rushed toward them. Is she all right? he asked Lachlan.
Flora could hear the worry in his voice and immediately moved to reassure him. Im fine.
Thank God. He drew off his plaid, which was blissfully dry, and gave it to Lachlan to wrap her in, covering her near nakedness and providing much needed warmth.
Shes freezing, Lachlan said. I need to get her to the castle as soon as possible. Have my room prepared.
Look here, Coll, Rory said, blocking his path to the castle. I thought we agreed. Ill not have my sister forced into this marriage. Its best if you put her in another room.
Why, hes trying to protect me, Flora realized. Warmed by the show of brotherly affection, especially after what shed just been through, she gave Rory a grateful smile. One that Lachlan mistook.
His jaw flexed, and she could tell he wanted to argue, but instead he pushed past Rory and said through clenched teeth, Any damn room, then.
Flora hid a smile and thought about teasing him for a bit longer, but he was rightshe was freezing. I thank you for your concern, Rory, she said to her brother, whod kept pace with them. But the lairds bedchamber will be perfect.
Lachlan stopped midstep and gazed down at her, hope glistening in his eyes.
Are you sure, lass? Rory asked.
But Flora couldnt look away from Lachlan. The depth of his feeling for her had been splayed open to her gaze, revealing her hearts desire. She would remember this moment forever. Remember how it felt to know without a doubt that she was lovedtotally and completely. Despite what hed done in manipulating their marriage, hed been willing to give his life for hers.
Aye, she said softly. Ive never been more sure of anything in my life.
Lachlan squeezed her tight and, not giving Rory the time to respond, carried her through the crowds of cheering clansmen. The Maclean of Coll had come home.
The door closed behind his serving woman Mairi, but despite her assurances, Lachlan still could not relax. He checked the fire, adjusted her pillow, and tucked another plaid around Flora.
He heard a muffled giggle and whipped around to look at the source. Crossing his arms across his chest, he narrowed his gaze in warning.
A warning the wee harridan promptly ignored. You would make a horrible nursemaid with that forbidding frown. Stop fussing. You heard what Mairi said, Im perfectly fine. As soon as I got that wet sark off me, I warmed right up.
His gaze traveled down the length of her, heating at the thought of the naked body underneath. He frowned, realizing thats exactly what she intendedthe little minx. Stop trying to distract me. It wont work, you need your rest.
Her eyes were bright with laughter. She lowered the plaid a bit, revealing a flawless swell of ivory skin. Her brow arched in naughty invitation. It wont?
He sat beside her on the bed, pulled the blanket back up to her chin, and swept a stray lock of damp hair from her forehead. His palm lingered to cradle the baby soft skin of her cheek. God, Flora, when I saw you jump His voice broke, and he turned his head slightly, shielding his burning eyes from her view. After a minute, he looked back at her. I dont ever want to feel like that again. I thought I would lose you.
But Hector was going to kill you, she protested.
Aye, but it was a choice I would gladly make.
But not one I could live with. She hesitated. What of Hector?
Alive, but taken. Argyll will hold him until his punishment is decided by the king.
He could see the relief sweep her face and knew hed made the right decision in sparing Hectors foul life.
I know he doesnt deserve my compassion, but Im glad he was not killed. Defeat and imprisonment is a much better punishment, one for which the pain will endure.
He nodded. If hed delayed any longer, I would not have had a choice. I had to reach you. He would never forget the sight of Flora disappearing beneath the waves. That same sense of panic gripped him. If you ever do anything so foolish again, I will lock you in that tower. My heart stopped when you jumped into the water.
She covered his hand with hers. Then you know how I felt. I know what Hector intended. I couldnt let you die for me. She pressed a finger against his mouth to stave off his protest. I was scared, but you made me believe that I could do it. You taught me the skills; I just had to be brave enough to use them.
His gaze softened. Im proud of you, lass. But next time, save the swimming lessons for the loch.
Agreed. Suddenly, the smile fell from her face and all signs of teasing fled. I cannot believe my own brother could do something like that.
Hector has the moral compass of a snake. I should have warned you, but I didnt think you would believe me. He shook his head. I never thought that he would try to harm you.
His hatred for you was stronger than his feelings for a sister he didnt know. And I ran right into his trap. I never should have left like that.
Lachlans face turned serious. No, you shouldnt have. You cant run away every time you are scared or angry.
Flora nodded, chastened. I know. You accused me of having no concept of what it meant to be in charge and responsible. He started to stop her, but she held him off. There was more truth in that than I wanted to acknowledge. You were rightI couldnt see past my own hurt to realize the difficulty you faced. You had an obligation to your clan and to your brother. But to me, duty equaled misery. I dont have the family you do. I was raised not to blindly follow my duty. But I never understood that when you loved someone, you owed themsomething. At the very least, I owed you an attempt to listen.
He cupped her chin with his hand. I need to trust that you will not run like that again. He gave her a wry grin. I might not always make decisions that you agree with.
She smiled. No, you probably wont. I wont promise not to be angry, but I will promise not to look for the first boat.
He stroked the smooth curve of her cheek with his thumb. You had reason to be angry. I handled it badly. I should have given you time; instead, I forced myself on you. He met her gaze. I deserved to be called a barbarian.
She squeezed his hand. I didnt mean it, I wanted to hurt you. Actually, I was more frightened by my reaction. Her cheeks heated. I wanted to hate you, but my body wasnt listening. I know you would never hurt me.
But I did, he said quietly, referring not to the kiss, but to his bargain with Argyll. He knew it had struck at her most vulnerable place.
She lifted her gaze to his. But instead of anger, he saw the flicker of understanding beneath the hurt.
She sighed. When I first realized what you and my cousin had planned, it seemed that my worst fears had come true. My mothers life flashed before my eyes. All I could see was that I was being used as a pawn. I couldnt separate your duty and your feelings for me. I couldnt accept that you could love me and keep something from me at the same timenot that I dont wish youd confided in me. She studied his face. But I understand why you didnt.
And Im sorry for that, more sorry than you will ever know. I never meant to hurt you. At first, all I could think about was freeing my brother and getting my castle back, but it didnt take long for me to know that I wanted you for myself. As I grew to know you, and care for you, I realized how badly the truth would hurt you. If there had been another choice, I would have taken it.
You did what you had to do. Not that Im planning on thanking my cousin for interfering.
Stubborn lass, he thought with a grin. I didnt think you would. But marrying you I did for myself as much as for my brother.
What is important is that I love you and you love me. I cant escape who I am any more than you can. You are chief, and I realize there are times you will have to put duty first. Ill have to accept that I cant have all of you.
Yes, you can, he said softly. You have all of my heart and soul.
Her eyes glistened. For a man who claims not to have a courtiers silvery tongue, you seem to know precisely what to say.
He stroked her chin with his thumb. Then you forgive me?
Her mouth twitched, and the naughty glint in her eyes returned. I might be persuaded. But you will have to work extra hard to prove it to me.
He was more than equal to the task. I love you, Flora. If I have to spend the rest of my life proving it to you, Ill be a happy man.
And I love you.
She leaned over and reached for something on the table beside the bed. It took him a moment to realize what it was. She lifted it up and he bent his head, allowing the amulet to drop over his head.
It belongs to you now.
A lump lodged in his throat. Are you sure, lass?
She nodded, her eyes damp with tearsnot of sadness, but of happiness. You have given your life for mine, and now I willingly give this to youmy husband, my love.
He didnt know what to say, so instead he kissed her gently. Tasting the saltiness of her tears and the warm honey taste of her lips and tongue. Before the hard pull of possession dragged him in, slowly, reluctantly, he released her.
He started to pull away, intending to give her rest, but Flora had different intentions. Her hands slid down his chest, his shirt still damp from his unplanned swim. His blood stirred hot at her touch. She peeked up at him from under her long lashes. HmmI was thinking you might care to prove it right now. She feigned a shiver. Im feeling chilled. These blankets dont seem to be working. I was hoping you might be able to think of a way to warm me?
He stilled, wanting nothing more. But he also didnt want to risk overtiring her in her weakened state. Her hand skimmed the waistband of his trews, and he captured her wrist before she could touch him, knowing that once she did, he would be past the point of reason. His need for her was so strong, it would be like trying to harness a lightning bolt.
Are you sure, lass? His voice was tight with restraint. This time there will be no going back. The marriage has not been recorded. If you want out of it, Ive promised your brother I would not contest it.
Im done looking back. I only want to look to the future. With you.
He let go of her wrist, and when she covered him with her sweet little hand, he groaned into her mouth as he claimed the woman he loved.
Flora tasted his groan of pleasure as she slid her hand over his trews, molding him with her hand. Just touching him again made her flood with heat. He was so big and hard, and she couldnt wait to feel him inside herfilling her as he thrust hard and deep.
Her body pulsed with desire.
She wanted to hold on to every second and make this last forever. But the touch of his mouth on hers was like wildfire, and she knew there would be no containing the passion that burned between them. It was too hot, too intense, too out of control.
After nearly losing him, she needed him too badly.
Her hands skimmed over his back and shoulders, pressing him closer. God, he was amazing. So gorgeous and strong. His warriors body layered with solid, thick muscle that flexed under her fingertips.
He broke the kiss only long enough to pull off his shirt and trews and then slid into the bed beside her, pulling her against him as his mouth fell on hers again. She melted into the heat, wanting to feel every powerful inch of him pressed against her. His warm, smooth skin wreaked havoc on her senses, making her tingle where they touched.
His big hands took command of her body. He touched her everywhere, stroking, caressing, igniting. His fingers plunged through her hair, down her back, and over her bottom. His rough, callused palms were both gentle and possessive as he lifted her against him.
Her body was damp and throbbingdesperate for him. The craving ran from the deepest part of her, taking hold and demanding release.
And he wanted her, though he was struggling to contain it. He kissed her harder, his tongue sliding into her mouth with deep, demanding strokes. But it wasnt enough. She wanted him wildbeyond restraintthe way hed been in her room last night. The way she felt right now.
Dont, she murmured against his mouth.
He pulled back, and she could see his confusion. Whats wrong?
Dont hold back. I want all of you. You dont need to protect me. She lifted up to kiss him, sliding her tongue along the velvety crease of his mouth. I wont break.
His eyes searched her face.
You could never frighten me, she assured him. He was so beautiful, this wild, passionate man. She kissed him again, sliding her tongue in his mouth and circling her tongue with his in a deeply erotic, deeply carnal openmouthed kiss. Show me, she breathed. I want to feel your passionunchained. She circled him with her hand. His eyes flared, and the spark of danger urged her on.
Holding his gaze, she challenged him, stroking him, squeezing with long, hard strokes. She wouldnt let him go. He was hers. All of himeven that rough, untamed side of him that he sought to hide.
The flames rose higher and higher in his eyes.
Shed won. His control snapped. She was on her back, and he was kissing her, his mouth moving over her lips, her jaw, her neck. Dominating. Ravaging. Wild and free.
He licked and sucked, making her shudder as his warm breath blew across her damp skin. He cupped her breasts and buried his face between her, the stubble of his beard scraping the tender flesh. She arched against him, needing more. Needing his mouth.
He covered her throbbing nipple and sucked, pulling her between his teeth until she writhed against him. Until her body began to spasm.
He lifted his head and held her gaze as he entered her in one hard thrust. The pleasure made her cry out. So big and thick, he filled her so completely, the pleasure was so acute, she couldnt stand it.
And then he started to move, holding her gaze the entire time. The raw intensity of his expression took her breath away. It wasnt just lust, or even just love, but something far more elemental: a perfect union of two bodies and two souls into one. He was meant for her and she for him.
She could feel the emotion surging in him just under her fingertips, his entire body pulsating with the pressure of everything that had happened between them. How close theyd come to losing each other. He thrust deeper and deeper. Harder and harder. And she met him stroke for stroke.
This was it. He was out of control, utterly consumed. And so was she. Never had she felt so alive and free. She felt the pressure build, knew she was close, but she had to hold on. He sank in her deep, pushing higher, forcing her.
She couldnt breathe. It felt too good. She pulsed with heat, and sensation rippled through her in warm, wet waves.
She felt him stiffen, saw the pleasure transform his face, and heard the deep guttural cry that tore from him as his release gripped his body, and she let goweightless for a long heartbeat before breaking apart with a shattering intensity, her body contracting hard around him, the warm rush of his seed spilling deep inside her.
He was merciless, not even letting her catch her breath. Still warm and tingling, he rocked his hips against her, rubbing her hard against him until she cried out again. Slow and strong, wave after wave of sensation crashed over her. And when the last ebb of her release had faded, he nestled her against him tenderly, as if she might break.
She was moved beyond speech by the magnitude of what had just happened. Hed given her everything: his love, his body, his soul, and his trust.
Lachlan smoothed his hand over her warm, velvety skin, watching as the frantic rise and fall of her chest slowed. He didnt know what to say. Words seemed an imperfect substitute for what he was feeling right now. Happy, content, relievedall seemed utterly inadequate.
The misery of the past few days had been put behind them. The uncertainty of revealing his bargain with Argyll, the pain of their confrontation, arriving home with his brother to discover her gone, seeing her on that rock, realizing what Hector intended, and then watching her jump into the frigid, churning seas. It had all been expunged, released in a cataclysmic explosion of love and lust.
Shed stripped him to the core, seen behind the veil of civility, and given him only love and acceptance.
Hed made her his wife, bound her to him for eternity, but never had he felt so freeunchained, as shed called it.
My wife.
She sighed deeply.
Are you all right? he asked.
She turned to him and smiled. More than all right.
He tilted her chin, gazing deep into her eyes. I love you.
I know. Her mouth curved in a naughty little grin. You finally succeeded in proving it to me.
Thank God, he groaned. I dont think I could do that again.
But as they found out a few hours later, he was wrong.