A Rogue at the Highland Court: An Arranged Marriage Highlander Romance

by Barclay, Celeste

  Allyson tucked her chin and looked at her lap, then nodded. “I fear you will spin this tale and convince me all will be well, then you’ll abandon me to people I don’t know. I’ll have to make friends all over again and hope people will like me, though once this story makes its way to your clan, I don’t see how that’s possible. And I’ll have to do it all on my own, just like when I arrived at court. Do you think I always want to be charming and engaging at court? Don’t you realize it’s fake most of the time? We’re all fake. We’re all pretending for the sake of appearances.”

  Ewan’s heart broke as he listened to the pain that resonated in Allyson’s voice. He held her closer as he stroked her hair.

  “I’m tired, Ewan. I’m tired of pretending the rumors here don’t hurt. I’m tired of being forced to smile and chatter and dance when much of the time I want to be left alone. There are only a few people at court, a few who visit, where what you see is genuine. Part of why I balked at marrying you is because you’re one of those people who I was genuine with. It felt wasted, knowing you would disappoint me in the future. I’m not under any false impressions about your past, and it didn’t matter when it had nothing to do with my future. But who you are beyond being my dance partner scares me.”

  “Aingeal, I never want to scare you. That was never my intention, but I seem to have done it far too many times for you to trust me, and that’s crushing.”

  “Why do you call me that? What’s angelic besides my blonde hair and blue eyes?”

  Ewan’s face took on a sheepish expression as he glanced away. “I’m fairly certain you won’t appreciate the truth.”

  “How bad could it be?” Allyson shifted with unease.

  “You remind me of two of the archangels,” Ewan chuckled at Allyson’s expression. She didn’t appear to appreciate the comparison. “I realize they’re all male, but the Archangel Raphael is supposedly a healing force, and I’m certain God sent you to heal me of my selfishness and gluttony. The Archangel Uriel is God’s messenger of destiny, and I think, be it God or King Robert, one of them decided you are my future.”

  Allyson sat in stunned silence. The depth of significance in Ewan’s explanation shocked her. He surprised her by being so introspective after always coming across as carefree. She didn’t sense he would lie about something so serious as God and faith, so she resolved that he was telling the truth. She raised her head and pressed a soft kiss against his mouth. His reaction was slow, as though he gave her a chance to pull away, but when she didn’t, he deepened the kiss, pressing his open mouth to hers, inviting her in. She swept her tongue across his as she released the tension that kept distance between their bodies. She gave in to the kiss and gave in to him. When they finally broke apart, she ran her fingers over the stubble on his jaw, enjoying the bristles while he stroked the hair that hung down her back.

  “Ally, I want to get to know more about you. I’ve seen the two extremes, but who are you really?”

  “I don’t even know. There’s never been anyone but the extremes.” She gestured to what lay around them. “I suppose this is me. This is who I am when I’m not trying to please my family, and this is who I am when I’m not trying to please the queen.”

  “I want to discover that with you. What’s your saint’s day? What’s your favorite color? What’s your favorite dance? There’s naught I don’t want to know aboot you.” Ewan’s earnestness made Allyson smile.

  “My favorite color is violet, and my favorite dance is the Strathprey.”

  “You like the lively dances. I’ve witnessed as much. You always look to be enjoying yourself. But you still haven’t told me your saint’s day.”

  Allyson’s smile dropped, and she turned her head away. “I don’t have one. Or rather I share mine with Alice, but since my name isn’t Alice, just a close version, they didn’t include me in the celebration.”

  “What? I mean, I realize your name is similar to your sister’s, but the saint’s name was Aleydis. Alice and Allyson are our versions.”

  Allyson shrugged. It was impossible for her to change the past, no matter what she might want. “June fifteenth.”

  “That’s your saint’s day? We will be away from here, and I will be certain we celebrate.”

  “Ewan, that’s three months from now. You’ll be at Huntley, and I’ll be—wherever.”

  “You’re that opposed to marrying me?”

  “No, but I’m being realistic.”

  “Would you allow me to court you? There’s still more than a moon before the end of Lent. We can’t marry until after Easter, so will you give me that time? If, at the end, you don’t wish to marry me, then I will insist the king release you. If you need more time, then I will convince our fathers and the king. If you do want to marry me, then we’ll go to Huntley and be wed there.”

  Allyson mulled over what Ewan said. She desperately wanted to believe him. If he forgave her what she’d done, it was a step in the right direction, but she was scared to trust him. She accepted she didn’t want him to leave Redheugh as long as she had to remain, and she’d rather he court her away from Stirling Castle. With some hesitation, she nodded.

  “I’d like us to court, Ewan. I can’t make any promises yet, but I’m willing to discover if we suit. If you’re willing to continue to get to know me after you’ve seen me at my worst, then I’m willing to continue to get to know you, too.”

  Ewan pressed a soft kiss to Allyson’s lips. He wanted to lay her on the tapestry and make love to her, but it was hardly the right time to do that when she’d just consented to consider marrying him despite her fears that he only lusted after her. He accepted the short kiss as a pledge to at least try to move forward.

  “Are you tired, aingeal? I’ll escort you to your chamber.”

  “I’m tired, but I won’t sleep. Not after earlier. You should find your bed and rest, but I’m going to stay and read.”

  “Alone? All night?” Ewan looked about the attic, and while Allyson had added a shawl over her kirtle, it was hardly warm enough to remain there without a blanket since there was no fireplace. “You’ll freeze.”

  “I’ll be all right. I’ve spent many nights up here, and I’m yet to turn into an icicle.”

  Ewan shook his head as he unpinned the extra length of plaid from his shoulder. “Choose the book, Ally and sit next to me.” He maneuvered himself to lean against a wall, and when Allyson settled next to him, he wrapped her in the extra length, then wrapped his arm around her. She leaned against his chest and stifled a yawn. Perhaps she was more tired than she realized, but she was reluctant to give up the warmth and comfort Ewan offered. The sensations were unlike anything she’d experienced before. Neither of her parents offered her comfort, and the embraces she received at court were either perfunctory or from men attempting to kiss her. Ewan rested his head against the wall with his eyes closed.

  “You don’t have to sleep sitting here. Ewan, really I’m quite content to be on my own.”

  “Is that what you’d prefer?” He opened his eyes and peered down at her. She shook her head slowly, so he pulled her closer and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Read, Ally.”

  Allyson settled once more and opened her favorite book. Ewan opened one eye a crack and glanced at what Allyson chose. It surprised him when she’d picked a book on Greek astronomers. He supposed he expected her to read something like Tristan and Isolde, or another tale of courtly love.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Ewan came awake to the feel of a woman curled beside him. He’d woken that way many times over the years, but he was often disoriented and had to jog his memory to recall where he was and who he was with. He was certain the instant his mind came back to the land of the living that he lay with Allyson pressed against him. Nothing had ever felt righter than the feel of her as she slumbered next to him. Sometime in the middle of the night, he must have moved them once they were both asleep. He didn’t recall it happening, but his back was still against the wall except he was horizontal
, and Allyson’s behind was rubbing against his groin. His cock woke before he did, and his bollocks ached for him to be inside her. He trailed his hand over her ribs and hip to her backside and closed his eyes once more.

  Allyson stirred when she felt a hand rest on her bottom. She froze as she tried to remember where she was and how someone much larger than her was asleep behind her. The memory of bringing Ewan to the attic and settling next to him to read flooded her mind. She kept her eyes closed as she absorbed the heat Ewan produced as she lay with his arm under her head and his body cocooned around hers. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so protected and comfortable as she did in that moment. She chided herself for enjoying a man’s body next to her when she wasn’t married to him, but she wouldn’t deny that she didn’t want to move.

  As long as I remain still, perhaps he won’t notice that I’m awake, and we can stay like this forever.

  Allyson relaxed against Ewan’s body but was unprepared for the hand that rested on her backside to slide around her waist and pull her tighter. She gasped before rolling to face him.

  “Good morn, Ally. Did you sleep well?” Ewan’s voice was deeper and raspier than normal, telling Allyson he hadn’t been awake long either. “I’m sure I’ve never slept better.”

  Allyson tried to draw away, but the effort was halfhearted. Ewan brushed away hair tangled around her neck and pressed a kiss to her cheek. She sucked in a shallow breath before nodding. Ewan’s smile melted her heart. It wasn’t the roguish one she’d seen so many times at court, nor was it the condescending one she’d received while they argued in the Privy Council chamber. This one was warm, as though it was just for her, but a thought invaded her mind and had her scrambling to back away. Her senses, including suspicions, returned now that she wasn’t overwrought like the night before.

  “What’s the matter? I promise I haven’t been untoward. I didn’t even realize you’d fallen asleep until just a moment ago.” Ewan raised the hand that had held Allyson against him to show he didn’t intend to trap her.

  “You needn’t offer me that charming smile. Save it for your other women. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” Allyson rolled away before sitting up.

  “What charming smile?” Allyson’s comments baffled Ewan.

  “That one.” She waved her hand toward his face. “I’m not your mistress, and you’re not my lover. You don’t need to do that.”

  “I never considered taking you as my mistress, but I wouldn’t be opposed to being your lover. And your husband. But I don’t know what smile you’re talking about. Honest.”

  “Stay there. Don’t move. Don’t change your expression.” Allyson scrambled to her feet and moved between several large pieces of furniture before struggling to carry one back to Ewan. She ripped off the sheet that covered the looking glass before pointing to his reflection. “That one. The one that’s meant to make women take off their clothes.”

  Ewan sat up, allowing his plaid to show his bare knee as he bent it and rested his arm on it. “Is that what it does to you?”

  “I said women, not me.”

  “You are a woman.”

  “Aye, that’s why I understand your intentions.”

  Ewan stood and lifted the looking glass from Allyson’s hands and set it aside. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest. “Allyson, I don’t look at myself that often, but I can tell you, this smile is not one I’ve offered any other woman. I’ve never woken up to a woman beside me who I just wanted to hold. I’ve never woken up and wished to fall asleep just to do it all over again, so I might enjoy that moment I realized you were beside me.”

  “Who did you assume was there?” Allyson pushed her arms between them and crossed them.

  “I didn’t think of anyone else. I knew it was you. I knew that it can only ever be you from now on.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “And why should you? I wouldn’t if I was you and knew my reputation. But I still want to prove to you I’m earnest about my intention to court you.”

  “You’re going to have to figure out how to do that without trying to seduce me. You won’t be sleeping near me again.”

  “Ally, I wasn’t trying to seduce you.” Ewan’s hands cupped Allyson’s elbows. “I enjoyed talking to you last night, and I’ve never slept as well as I did last night, despite being on the floor. It’s because you were here. That’s the only explanation.”

  Allyson dropped her arms and sighed. She wasn’t in the mood to argue with Ewan, and she wouldn’t lie to either of them about enjoying their time together. “I did sleep well, but I got jealous when I imagined every other woman who’s been on the receiving end of that groggy voice and handsome smile.”

  “Handsome smile?” Ewan chuckled.

  “You and modesty are not likely friends. Don’t bother trying.”

  “Others may have called me that before, but I find it only matters coming from you.”

  “Aye, because there’s no one else here to do it.” Allyson’s was a rueful frown, but she lifted onto her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I hope I’m the only one from now on calling you handsome when you awake.”

  “You can be sure of that.” Ewan brushed his lips against Allyson’s, and she opened to him. It was a slow kiss as they built trust and tenderness between them. Allyson arched her back, pressing her breasts against Ewan’s broad chest as he cupped her backside. His sporran kept him from feeling the full length of her, so he pushed it aside. Allyson gasped when his sword rubbed against her sheath, but it soon turned into a moan as Ewan’s grip on her bottom tightened. She inched her hips closer until there was no space between them.

  “I want to be the only woman,” Allyson murmured.

  “I promise you, Ally, you are.”

  Allyson wasn’t inclined to question him about that pledge when she’d rather enjoy the last few minutes they would share alone before returning to her family and the real world. When their kisses ended, she rested her head against his chest, the rhythmic thud of his heart giving her strength to face another day at Redheugh.

  “We have to go. If we stay much longer, people will notice we’re both missing. They’ll assume the worst of me.”

  “Aye, and I need to find Eoin. I still haven’t forgiven him for his stunt last night.”

  “Let it go. I’m not angry anymore, and I realize he intended well. The fault lays primarily at Mary’s feet, even if he didn’t stop her.”

  “I need to learn whether Mary said aught else after we left and what Eoin intends to tell your father.” Ewan glanced toward the stairs. Allyson sighed and shook a weary head, but she wasn’t in the mood to argue with either twin about talking to her father. She could predict how it would go, and if Eoin wasn’t careful, he’d end up married to Mary before Ewan could get Allyson down the aisle. “You go first, and I’ll follow you down when I’m certain no one will realize I was up here with you. I’ll meet you belowstairs. Would you like to go for a walk?”

  “Aye, I’d like that. I’d like to show you the river if the weather is fair.” Allyson turned toward the stairs but stopped. She spun around and went onto her toes to give Ewan a hard kiss, but when she went to pull away, Ewan backed her against the wall. Their kiss combusted into a roaring inferno as their hands sought every inch they could reach. Ewan cupped her breast, and Allyson’s moan signaled she appreciated the sensation. She covered his hand with hers and increased the pressure as he kneaded the mound. His fingers trailed along the neckline before dipping beneath. His fingers brushed her pebbled nipple as Allyson’s head fell back. Ewan nuzzled her neck with soft kisses and swept his tongue along her collarbone until Allyson’s hands found the firm contours of his backside. The sensation of her hands on him unleashed a beast that wanted to consume her.

  “What’re you doing to me, Ally? Why can’t I stop?” Ewan muttered as her hands gathered the length of plaid that hung to the back of his knees. Her cool, smooth hands against his skin made Ewan groan as he pin
ned her against the wall. “Tell me to stop. You’re not my wife yet. I can’t take you.”

  “You’ve never married before, and that hasn’t stopped you in the past.” Allyson panted as Ewan continued his onslaught at her neck and the exposed portion of her chest above her kirtle.

  “You’re not a woman to tup and walk away from, Ally. Once you’re mine, I won’t ever let go. I won’t share you with another mon, and I won’t allow another mon to take you from me.”

  “I never imagined you to be the possessive type, Ewan. Easy come, easy go.”

  “There is naught easy about how I feel. It’s not easy for me to understand, and it’s not easy for me to describe. But I can promise you that when, not if, you marry me, you will never doubt where I spend my nights because I will spend every one of them with you. Don’t doubt where I spend my days because I won’t be out of your reach.”

  Allyson tried to laugh, but the press of Ewan’s lips against her pulse point made her breath catch. “Will you quit going to the lists, or will you expect me to come with you?”

  Ewan growled as his mouth sought hers once more. The kiss was equally passionate and possessive for them both. While they both wanted to dominate, both wanted to submit. It created an urgency neither could ignore.

  “Tell them you overslept.” Ewan grunted as he guided Allyson to the floor. He settled beside her, but she rolled onto her side to continue kissing him. He drew up her skirts before lifting her leg over his hip. His fingers found their way to the crevice of her bottom before sliding along the slick seam that begged for him to enter. He ran his fingertips over the plump nether lips until Allyson’s hips rocked unbidden. He drew his hand away to her whimpers of complaint, only to return it once his hand slid between them. “Has any man every touched you like this, Allyson?”

  She struggled to understand what he asked through the fog of passion and need. “No. Only you.”

  “No mon has kissed your quim like I’m going to?”