The Warrior

by Kinley MacGregor

  All his life, he’d lived for other people, never asking anyone for anything. He’d never before taken something for himself.

  But by all that was holy, he was going to take her. She was what he needed. What he craved and there was no denying the madness he felt every time she drew near.

  Unable to resist her, he slowly moved against her. He half expected her to tense again, but she didn’t.

  Instead, she lifted her legs, pulling him even deeper inside her.

  He shivered at the welcoming heat of her body. At the slick feel of her as he thrust against her.

  Cat groaned as Lochlan rose up on his arms so that he could look down at her while he slid himself even deeper into her. The sight of his pleasure made her smile as she reached up to cup his face in her hand.

  He dipped his head down to kiss the inside of her wrist as he quickened his strokes. This time there was no pain. All she could feel was his thickness pressing into her body and she wanted more of it. Biting her lip, she lifted her hips to help him.

  He let out a sharp gasp before he lowered himself back down on top of her and cradled her against him.

  And when he came, he cried out her name.

  Cat held him close as she felt his heart hammering against her breasts. “Are you all right?”

  He laughed softly. “I should be asking you that, lass.”

  “Aye, but I’ve never seen you so relaxed. ’Tis enough to frighten me.”

  He kissed her cheek before he rolled over and pulled her across him. “You are a treasure, Catarina. Forget whatever I said about restraint. I much prefer your wildness.”

  She frowned at him. “Have you bumped your head?”

  He brushed the hair back from her face. “Nay. More like my eyes have been opened and for the first time I see things a bit more clearly.”

  “Such as?”

  “You. I thought they were going to kill you.”

  It was strange how she’d gone from utter terror to the peace she felt now. “That thought occurred to me, too. But I knew you’d find me.”

  “Did you now?”

  “Aye.”

  His pale eyes teased her. “And you had no doubt?”

  She wrinkled her nose playfully. “Perhaps a little.”

  “Just a little?”

  Cat nodded. “It was quickly sliding into a lot, but just as it was veering over the cliff you came and saved me. Again. Thank you, Lochlan.”

  He nibbled her chin. “There’s nothing to thank me for. Especially not after the gift you’ve given me tonight.”

  “I’m not sure which of us received the better gift.” Sighing, she laid her head against his chest. “I don’t ever want to get up from here.”

  “Neither do I, but unfortunately we must. Once Stryder returns with the MacKaids, Reginald will know I ran off with you. It won’t take him long to figure out where we’re heading. We needs beat his men to the harbor and be gone before they stop us again.”

  Cat ground her teeth in frustration. “Can’t we ever have a moment to ourselves?”

  He toyed with her hair between his fingers. “You’re a princess on the run from your father. Unfortunately, lass, such a thing will never allow you rest.”

  It was true. But that didn’t mean she had to like it. “Very well.” Sighing, she pushed herself up and began righting her clothes.

  Lochlan watched as she tucked herself back into her gown. He hated that they lacked the leisure of spending the night together completely naked. She’d deserved more than a quick tumble for her first time.

  And as he fastened his pants, a fear raked him. “If there should be a babe—”

  She placed her hand over his lips to silence his words. “I know, Lochlan. But let’s not taint this moment with that fear. If it should come to pass, we will deal with it together. There are far worse things in life than being bastard born.”

  And she would know, having been such herself. Even so, her strength amazed him. There weren’t many women who felt that way. “I will keep you safe, Catarina. Always.”

  “I know and I shall endeavor to keep myself from harm so as not to cause you damage.”

  Laughing, he pulled her against him so that he could kiss her. He kept her lips between his tongue and his teeth as he pulled back.

  Cat trembled as she realized a hard truth about their relationship.

  She loved him.

  Part of her wanted to blurt it out, but the other was afraid of what he’d say. Not to mention the fact that they had no hope of a relationship. She couldn’t marry without her father’s approval and he would never allow an alliance between her and a simple Scottish laird.

  He’d kill Lochlan in an instant and the Lord only knew what he’d do to Lochlan’s people and family.

  Nay. Tonight was all they would ever have and she would have to content herself with it.

  Her heart heavy, she watched as he pulled his tunic over his head and laced it. As she started to mount her horse, Lochlan stopped her.

  “Ride with me and you can sleep while we journey.”

  And he would be holding her. That alone made her nod as she moved toward him. He swung her up on his horse before he took the reins of her mare and tied them to his saddle.

  She let out a shaky breath as he swung himself up behind her. His arms surrounded her body. Smiling, she leaned back against his chest so that she could stare up at him.

  For once his stern features were relaxed and it made her smile all the more. There was nothing more incredible than the feel of him against her. Impulsively, she lifted her head so that she could nip at the stubble on his chin.

  He hissed at her actions. “You keep doing that, lass, and we’ll never make it to the port before Reginald’s men overtake us.”

  Laughing, she wrapped her arm around his neck. “It might be worth it.”

  His eyes seared her. “You would be worth a beating or two I think.”

  Her heart warm, Cat closed her eyes and just enjoyed the sensation of being in his arms. All her life she’d wondered what it would be like to feel this way about a man. Now she knew. It was frightening and wonderful.

  If only it could last. She wanted to ask him to run away with her, but she knew the answer.

  He had a clan and a family. People who relied on him. He’d never give those up for anything. Not even her.

  But here in the night, she let her imagination free so that she could see them together in her mind. See their children playing while they watched.

  Lochlan leaned his cheek against the top of her head as her breath stirred against his chest. How he wished they could stay together. If only Catarina wasn’t a princess whose father was bent on using her for political advantage. While his clan was large and strong, it wouldn’t hold any type of appeal for a French king. Too much land separated their borders.

  And he wasn’t one of his brothers who could leave the MacAllister lands to settle here in France. His people and family all depended on him. No doubt there would be crisis aplenty for him to deal with on his return.

  But here for a moment he could pretend that he was just a man and Catarina only a woman. That the two of them could have a future together. Tonight there was no one else on this earth, save the two of them.

  She was his and he was hers.

  Yet how he dreaded the morrow. Most of all he dreaded the day he was going to have to watch her walk out of his life.

  God help me be strong. Because he knew the truth. He would crawl on his knees to keep her.

  Terrified of that knowledge, he cupped her head in his hand and placed a tender kiss to her hair. He felt her lips curl into a smile as she relaxed even more.

  In no time at all, she was asleep. Strangely, it seemed as if he’d known her forever. It was hard to believe just how much she’d come to mean to him in such a short time.

  Yet there was no denying what he felt in his heart. She’d touched him in a way no one ever had. He would never be the same again.

  For that h
e could almost hate her. But there was no hate inside him now. Only a quiet peace. He didn’t understand how she could simultaneously excite and calm him.

  Doing his best not to think about that and what it signified, he guided his horse through the darkness for the next few hours.

  Dawn was just about to break as they entered Honfleur. He was surprised to see a few people actually about…most of them winding their way home after a night of carousing. Though to be fair, there were a few shopkeepers at work as well. One of them gave him a friendly nod as he came outside to sweep the area before his store.

  His eyes heavy, Lochlan had to force himself not to sleep. There had to be an inn around here where they could rest for a bit.

  That was the thought foremost on his mind as he turned down a small side street that led to the docks. As they neared one particularly large ship, he realized that it must have just come into port. The crew was shouting as they lowered anchors and secured it.

  He didn’t think anything about it until he looked up to see its colors.

  His heart stopped beating as he recognized them.

  ’Twas the personal banner for Philip Capet, King of France, father of Catarina.

  And said man was looking right at him.

  Chapter 13

  The sanest move would most likely be to spur the horse around and run as swiftly as possible away from the man who would demand his head if he recognized Catarina. But Lochlan didn’t. For one thing, he wasn’t sure if the king could recognize the woman in his arms while she slept with her face turned into his chest or not.

  And if Lochlan were to run, it would definitely alert them that he was afraid of being seen. No doubt they’d pursue out of curiosity and discover Catarina.

  That would certainly be his death.

  Therefore, the safest course of action was to continue his slow journey to the inn at the end of the street and pray that wasn’t the king’s destination as well. Otherwise, it was going to be a most miserable, if not short, night.

  Act nonchalant. Act uninterested. For God’s sake, don’t get twitchy.

  Well, it would help if he didn’t feel as if every man on that ship was watching him with intent.

  They’re not. Stay focused.

  That was a hard thing to do when the outcome of this could very well be a painful death for him. His heart pounding, Lochlan inclined his head to a sailor who was mooring the ship. He kept his gaze straight, forcing himself not to look up at the king, who was now speaking to a man by his side.

  “Halt!”

  Lochlan had to force himself to rein his horse and not kick it forward. He glanced down to make sure Catarina’s face was covered by the sleeve of his tunic before he turned around in the saddle to see one of the king’s men approaching him. “Aye?”

  “Are you local?”

  Lochlan hesitated as he wondered why the man would ask him that. “Afraid not.”

  The nobleman cursed. “Is there any chance you’ll know where we might find a Lord Mortimer?”

  Grateful he wasn’t seeking a Lord Lochlan or an executioner, Lochlan shook his head. “Nay, my lord. I’ve no idea.”

  The man’s gaze dropped down to Catarina before he apologized. “Forgive me. I didn’t realize you had your wife with you.”

  Lochlan smiled to cover his relief that the knight couldn’t see more of her. “’Tis nothing to worry over. She sleeps very soundly.”

  Thank the Lord and all His saints for that. Otherwise, she’d be waking and exposing them both to the executioner’s noose.

  The nobleman inclined his head. “Good morning to you, my lord.”

  “And to you.”

  Lochlan nudged his horse forward even though his stomach was tight enough to form a diamond. Every step of the hoof made him anticipate another cry from the king or his men.

  It wasn’t until he reached the inn that he was able to draw a real breath again. From here they should be safe. He glanced back to the ship to see them unloading horses.

  Whispering a prayer of gratitude, he held Catarina tight against him and slid to the ground. He kept her carefully shielded while he knocked on the door and waited for the keeper to admit them.

  A small, wiry old man opened the door to peer up at him. “Aye?”

  “Have you a room to let, good sir?”

  Scratching his cheek, he nodded and opened the door wider. “There’s a room for you, my lord. Do you be needing a hand with your horses?”

  “Aye, please.”

  “I’ll see to them as soon as you and your lady are settled.”

  Lochlan entered and noted that the place was small, but clean and well kept. “My thanks.”

  The man inclined his head before he closed the door and led Lochlan to a room on the first floor, about midway down a long, narrow hallway.

  The inn was completely silent, which was good. Only the innkeeper had seen them, so no one could mention his appearance to one of the king’s men should they happen upon them or the king. The fewer who knew about Catarina’s presence, the better.

  “My name is Reynard.” He opened the door to the room and stood back so that Lochlan could carry Catarina to the bed and lay her down. “If you be needing anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be at my post by the door until my brother, Rolfe, awakens. He’ll be just as happy to help you, my lord. I’ll be putting your horses in our stable in back. There’s good oats for them and fresh water.”

  “Thank you, Reynard.” Lochlan handed him a coin and made sure to tip him well.

  His face lightened instantly. “My pleasure to serve you, my lord. Remember, anything you need…anything at all.”

  It wasn’t until Reynard was gone that Lochlan realized that the innkeeper hadn’t asked for his name. Then again, this close to the docks, he was probably used to men who used aliases anyway. It was probably better for him not to know the identity of who he housed here.

  Grateful for that, Lochlan pulled his sword off and balanced it on the table by the bed. It wasn’t until he went to remove his boots that it dawned on him he’d had them on the entire time he’d made love to Catarina.

  For that alone, he felt terrible. They’d been so incredibly rushed, and she hadn’t even complained. She deserved so much better than what he’d given her.

  Jerking his boots off, he tossed them to the floor before he turned around to remove her small, delicate shoes. The sight of the rope burns around her ankles angered him even more. He should have killed Graham for what he’d done to her. Bastard.

  But at least she was safe now and he had no intention of letting her out of his sight–

  Until she demanded it. Lochlan cursed at the knowledge. He’d promised to free her as soon as they found her uncle. And he would abide by that even if it killed him.

  You’ve suffered worse.

  He flinched as he saw the memory of his father in bed with Maire in his mind.

  The bastard hadn’t even had the decency to apologize for it. She’s just another whore. What care you who crawls inside her? If not me, ’twould have been one of your brothers.

  But Catarina would never do something like that. She wouldn’t crawl into another man’s bed.

  Grateful for that fact, he gathered her in his arms and held her close as he allowed his exhaustion to overtake him.

  Cat sighed as she came awake to the sensation of a warm body pressing up against her. Even without looking, she knew the feel of those steely arms. She smiled as she realized Lochlan must have found them a safe, comfortable place to sleep.

  Opening her eyes, she saw a small, slightly parted window. The sound of the sea and of people talking and moving about filled her ears. They must have made it to town and Lochlan had once again brought her inside and tucked her into bed without waking her.

  He was so thoughtful that way.

  “I hope to heaven she runs before we get there.”

  Cat froze at the Romanian words. More than that, she knew the voice speaking them.

  Viktor!r />
  Her heart thrumming in excitement, she launched herself from the bed to draw closer to the window. Had she misheard? Was it even possible…

  “Aye, it’ll be bad for her if she’s there when we arrive.”

  And Bavel, too! Tears pricked her eyes as she heard their voices. Carefully, she cracked open the window to make sure no one else was with them. Once she was certain it was clear, she gave a low whistle.

  Viktor was the first to turn in her direction. Tall and dark, he was as handsome as any man could be. And the instant his black gaze focused on her location, his entire face lit up. He popped Bavel in the chest before he rushed to her window. “Wild Catarina, thank the Lord that you’re all right.”

  She put her hand outside the window so that she could touch him. It was so good to feel his touch again. “Oh Viktor, Bavel, I’ve missed you two more than I can even begin to relay. I can’t believe you’re here.”

  Bavel pushed her back inside and closed the window to nothing more than a bare crack. “We’re not alone, kitten. Your father’s with us.”

  Her joy ended instantly. “What?”

  Bavel glanced about nervously before he answered. “He knew you’d be looking for us, so we’re in his custody. He hopes you’ll find us and he can snatch you away again. Any moment now one of his men is sure to come seeking us. We’re not to stray far from them.”

  “A pox on that man!” she snarled.

  Ignoring her outburst, Viktor stepped closer. “We had word you were in Rouen and that’s where we’re headed.”

  “I was until last night.” She glanced over her shoulder to where Lochlan continued to sleep. “I’m very safe at present. I’m traveling with Lochlan MacAllister.”

  Viktor gaped.

  “The stiff Scot prig?”

  She blushed at Bavel’s indignant question.

  Viktor scoffed. “Be grateful for that. At least we know he won’t harm or touch her.”

  Bavel nodded. “Aye, that’s true. He’s much preferable to some of those brothers of his.”

  “Listen,” she said quickly as she caught sight of men nearing them. “I’m traveling with Lochlan to England to meet his brother. Can you get free of my father’s men?”