"America couldn’t have been better timing," he smiled. "Poor Laird MacQueen, he tried ta keep us from harm. Instead we were thrown inta war with the British from the day we arrived."
Quiet for a few minutes, Alec stared across the meadow, then shook his head, "The English coward kept his word, and so it wasn’t over. He ran Jamie ta ground in the Colonies." He gazed into her eyes, "I’ve heard Jamie say those very words in his sleep. ‘It’s not over, never over’."
The meadow had become deadly silent, even the buzzing of the bees ceased. Nicolette could nearly see Jamie with the bloody sword tucked in his belt, and the anger and uncertainty on his face.
"He’s brave. I’ve seen it many times, yet, even now he carries those scars deep within his heart."
Nicolette wrapped her arms around her knees, and leaned her head against them. She rocked back and forth, deep in thought. When she looked up some time later she gazed directly into Alec’s light blue-gray eyes.
"Aye, it is a harsh story, but one that will give ye understanding."
"It certainly does!" Suddenly behind her, she heard a familiar voice.
"And what do we have here? Is the wood sprite on a picnic?"
Nicolette jumped, "Where did you come from? You have a way of appearing out of thin air."
"Laurent and I were riding when I noticed this intimate little gathering. He rode on home, but I am hoping for a scrape of food. Anything left?"
Jamie sat down beside Nicolette and began pillaging the picnic basket.
"Cousin, were you not satisfied with one woman, must you take my betrothed as well? After all, this pretty young thing is woman enough for any man." He winked at Marie.
Alec’s laugh rang out across the meadow, "Ever jealous of my prowess with beautiful women, eh?"
"Jealous?" Jamie smiled.
"Aye. Ye have ta fight for Mademoiselle Nicolette’s attention, but she gladly comes ta picnic with me."
Jamie laughed, "Aye, I am jealous. Jealous of every minute my Goddess spends with any other man."
Nicolette felt her cheeks flame, "Jamie!"
"Aye, and I’ll not be leaving you here with Alec. All the women at home are in love with the man, and I will not have you falling for him as well."
He rose and held out his hand to her. Nicolette hesitated only a moment then took his, the heat of his touch seemed to warm her entire body.
Jamie mounted his stallion, then reached down and picked her up effortlessly, placing her in front of him on his thighs.
Nicolette blushed at the intimate touch, yet his strength amazed and excited her.
He waived to Alec, "Have a nice time you two, and don’t get sunburned in tender places."
"What tender places?" she asked.
Jamie’s laughter burst across the meadow, and when Marie blushed Nicolette suddenly understood. She felt her cheeks warm again, and slapped Jamie on the thigh.
She leaned against him as they rode back to the chateau, reveling in the feel of him. For a few minutes, she allowed herself the luxury of enjoying his touch. She closed her eyes, wondering what it would be like to become one with a man, body and soul. The delicious thought was simply another part of a wonderful day.
"Where were you this morning, sweet Goddess?"
Jamie’s deep voice sent a thrill of pleasure down her arms. She turned and put her hand across his lips, as she gazed into the deep blue pools, "No questions, no fighting, not today."
When they arrived at the stable, she gazed up at him, "Thank you, kind sir, for the lovely ride. How I wish that all our moments were equally delightful," she kissed him on the cheek.
Jamie lowered her gently to the ground, baffled by her mood. He noted the fire sparkling in her emerald eyes as she looked up at him. Enchanted, he watched as she started to walk away. Her hips moved in a sensuous, seductive rhythm, beckoning him.
He quickly dismounted and in a few steps caught up with her. He took her hand and pulled her behind the chateau, through the gardens, then into the gazebo. Once inside he sat her on the bench, "We have something to discuss Goddess."
Nicolette smiled sweetly, "No Monsieur, we have not."
"I beg to differ. Why did you run from me last night?" When she did not reply, Jamie asked her again, "Why did you call me a liar? I wish to understand."
Nicolette lowered her eyes and reached for a strand of hair, then began to twist it into a tight curl. "I..." She cleared her voice, then gazed into his eyes. "It’s difficult to explain. I must go. Laurent will be angry if I’m late for dinner."
When she tried to rise, Jamie gently put his hands on her shoulders to keep her on the bench. His voice was quiet as he spoke, "We both know Laurent is never angry with you." He gazed into Nicolette’s eyes watching as they changed from a sparkling green, to a deep flashing emerald. "You decided not to ride this morning. Why?"
"I did not wish to," she tossed her hair over her shoulder, the red-gold sparkling like living copper in the late afternoon sunlight.
You ride every day. What made today different?"
Nicolette looked away, "I simply wanted to sleep late."
Jamie smiled, "To sleep late, something I understand you never do, but felt the need after last night? And what exactly was it that caused you to remain in bed so late? Could it have been thoughts of the moments we shared that kept you awake long into the night?"
"Monsieur!" Nicolette’s gaze snapped back to his. "Must you always remind me of…?"
"Of what, Goddess?" Jamie smiled. "Of your passionate surrender or of the way you respond to my touch."
Nicolette stood and pushed against his chest in an effort to get away from him, "Stop this at once! I will not listen to you. I will not fall in lo..." She stomped her foot.
Jamie laughed, "You will not what, Goddess?" He looked at her flaming face and knew the answer, "Aye, you stayed in bed and thought of my caress!"
Nicolette grabbed his shirt and attempted to shake him but failed. "You arrogant, insulting man! I did not think of you, and I never will!" seared by the truth she became furious. "You will not speak of last evening."
Jamie nearly laughed at her attempt to command him again, "The spitfire is back." The words left his lips before he realized he had said them aloud, and he immediately saw the anger flash in the emerald depths of her eyes.
"How dare you speak to me that way!"
Her hand flew before he could stop her, and the crack echoed across the gardens.
Jamie grabbed her around the waist, and she slammed against him, "You dare to strike me after I have warned you?"
Nicolette cringed when she heard his voice. He grabbed her hair with his other hand, tugging her head downward as his lips descended in an angry searing touch.
His arms coiled around her as she began to struggle. His strength conquered every ounce of resistance, terror raced through her veins, and her heart pounded violently. His kiss was like the first one at the lake, deliberately brutal, savagely shredding her pride. Nicolette struggled as despair washed over her. Only this morning she had not wanted his love. She had wanted to toss it away, and run to the one man, who offered her what she wanted most, life at her beloved chateau. Now the harsh, bitter reality of the possibility that she could have lost him made her realize how childish she had been. She only fooled herself, no one else. She wanted Jamie, his touch and his love. She wanted him, but she could not have both him and the chateau. He was punishing her for that. Her heart hammered against her ribs in anguishing thuds, until finally sick from exhaustion and fear, the struggles slowed, and she became limp in his arms no longer caring what happened.
At that moment the kiss changed, no longer harsh, but softly stirring. A tiny tremor raced across her lips, confirming the truth of his words, and she acknowledged her own response. She could not resist him.
Jamie pulled her away, "You drive me to the edge of destruction, siren." His voice a tortured whisper, "Do you not feel it too, the raging passion that ignites between us? Why did you run? Why do
you fight me? Why do you fight this?"
"Jamie, please hear me. Stay with me! Live here at the chateau. I cannot leave."
His eyes widened and his deep voice shook, "No, Goddess. It is impossible."
Nicolette turned and left.
He watched her walk up the path. The sun made her hair sparkle like golden flames as she walked. Jamie became even more aroused at the sight and whispered. "I wonder what dinner will bring, vixen, more fireworks?"
Seven
Neither the chill of the early morning breeze nor the beauty of the dawn with its deep violet streaks and rose-colored clouds, could cool the raging thoughts Nicolette had of Jamie as she walked to the stable. Her feelings for him were as wondrous as the glory of the morning, and she found it terrifying.
He captivated her senses. His appeal seemed irresistible and his allure so inviting she almost felt bewitched. Just as he had once said, she was drawn to him like a bee to honey. She could no longer restrain the desire she felt for the delicious sensation of his touch. She longed to know everything about him, about his past, about his hopes and dreams. She thought of him with every waking moment, and sweet dreams of them together haunted each night.
Realizing she would soon lose the emotional battle, she had written a letter to Philippe begging him to come home several days past, and now, finally, had decided to send it. Perhaps if he returned, the passion she felt would fade.
Fortune smiled on her today. Her horse Gigi, was saddled and Jamie was not waiting in the shadows. A sigh of relief flooded through as she rode up the hill. She would be able to deliver the letter after all.
Suddenly, a stallion moved into her path and Gigi pranced about nervously. "What are you doing here?" She gazed into the blue fire in Jamie’s eyes, and her heart began to beat wildly. She took a deep breath.
"Laird MacQueen, I had thought you still asleep," her chin tilted upward as her resolve to ride alone hardened.
"So Lass, we’re back to Laird MacQueen. Why am I no longer Jamie?"
"I trust you are waiting for Laurent?"
He shook his head, "No. I am waiting for you."
Nicolette could barely keep her voice from shaking, "I have errands and I prefer to do them alone. You may not ride with me today. I am sorry to disappoint you."
"Are you attempting to avoid me, lass? You did not ride yesterday, nor did you come to dinner. Be that as it may, today is a new day," he smiled. "I can not allow you to ride alone, and well you know it. You may encounter a scoundrel."
"Quite true, yet I already faced the worst of those times and survived," Nicolette noted the sparkle in the deep blue depths. "Voyeur."
Jamie’s laughter erupted loudly, "No, sweet Goddess. There are far worse rogues, I can assure you. Quite possibly the next time you may not escape so easily."
Sparks of anger flashed through her, "You are insolent, Sir! I do not care for your company. I will ride alone." Nicolette attempted to maneuver Gigi around him, but Jamie moved his stallion directly into her path.
"Perhaps you do not understand, I will be joining you."
Nicolette noticed his eyes darken with the fury she had seen at the lake. She shivered, but refused to allow him this victory. Today he would do as she wished, instead of as he commanded, "No, you will not ride with me. I do not care to have your company!"
Jamie sounded as though he were speaking to a child, his voice quiet and calm, "Nicolette, I will not force my attentions on you, but I do protect what is mine."
"I do not belong to you." she carefully guided her mare past him on the path, but it did little to deter him. He simply followed. "What do you think you are doing?"
He did not reply. She led him into the woods then down a small path. She turned and glanced behind her. Jamie followed at some distance and seemed inattentive.
"This may be my only chance to break away," she whispered to Gigi, gently patting her neck. She slipped onto a narrow path. When the trail widened she urged the mare into a gallop. She loved the feel of the wind in her face, and laughed when she realized he no longer followed. "I have escaped the mighty Laird," her delight was short lived as she heard Jamie approaching. She screeched, panicking when she realized escape would be impossible. Frantically, she looked around then remembered the forest beyond the nearby meadow, a perfect place to hide.
In order to get there, Gigi would first have to vault a small stream, and Gigi had never jumped. Yet, she must try! Nicolette leaned down and whispered encouraging words. Then patted her lovingly on the neck and urged Gigi forward, but the mare began to slow. Nicolette used the whip, something she had never done before, Gigi flew over the stream and for a moment, Nicolette’s heart soared, only to have her hopes dashed when her mare suddenly stopped short, crashing into the embankment. She screamed as she fell to earth.
Nicolette struggled to wake from a place deep inside. Her eyes fluttered open then closed as the blinding pain of the bright light flashed. She lay still for a moment longer then opened her eyes. Jamie’s handsome profile loomed above her. She felt his strong arms as he lay her gently beneath a tree. She opened her eyes to see the blue sky above. The breeze gently rustled through the green leaves of the trees, causing the sunlight to sparkle like diamonds on the morning dew. The sounds of the babbling brook soothed her, and her eyes fluttered closed. Her head ached and her ankle throbbed, but otherwise she felt no pain. A shiver rushed down her arms. She felt cold and miserable, then she realized her skirt was damp.
When she opened her eyes again, Jamie was on one knee, looking down with concern. He walked to the stream, found a large leaf then filled it with water. Returning he knelt, and lifted her so she could drink.
He wore no jacket or cravat, only a large white flowing shirt, which he unlaced and pulled over his head as he returned to the stream. He dipped the linen edge into the water then returned and bathed her cheeks and forehead. The cool damp cloth seemed to help the dizziness. Her hand moved to shield her eyes, while Jamie gently massaged her temples. Her senses began to careen, not because of the fall, but because of his tenderness. She took a deep breath and looked into his mesmerizing gaze.
"Why did you run from me?" Jamie asked as he lay down next to her, holding his head in his hand. "Your eyes are framed with such dark lashes, and emerald, the most enchanting color I have ever seen," he murmured. Then his gaze traveled to her mouth and back again, "Your lips are the delicate color of a pink rose, a perfect full bud, ready to open at the warmth of the sun." He smiled again then traced her lip with the tip of his finger, "And I am the sun." His head descended and his lips brushed hers in a touch so fleeting she wondered if she had imagined it.
Nicolette felt chills race along her arms. Fascinated she could not force her gaze from his, as the deep blue seemed to burn from deep within his soul.
Jamie’s voice was harsh and tinged with fury when he spoke next, "And just what did you think you were doing lass, racing away like that? You could have been badly injured! By now, you should realize that you couldn’t flee, for wherever you go I shall follow."
Nicolette shook her head, the pain increased, and she moaned. "I cannot marry you."
She watched the deep blue eyes sparkle again.
"You will for there is no alternative, no escape," his low voice, soft and gentle seemed like a caress. "Can you not see you are mine? Not because of a betrothal agreement but because we belong together?"
His finger traced the outline of her jaw, as his gaze moved to her lips, and she found herself unable to reply.
"Laurent did not make this decision lightly. He did naught to hurt you, nor would I. You will come to accept the decision, give way!"
Tears were brimming in her eyes, yet she refused to yield, "I cannot leave my home! I promised father that I would not, and I intend to keep that vow. It is more important now than ever before that I stay. Do you not know of the turmoil in France? Laurent believes I do not understand, but he is wrong! These are dangerous times. The people here need me!"
"Your brother takes good care of them and the estate. He has for many years."
"No!" Nicolette’s voice grew loud. "He goes to Paris much too often and I cannot leave him here to face the future alone."
"Nicolette, Laurent wishes you to marry because it is the best way to shield you from what is to come." His placed his finger beneath her chin to tilt her face upward, "I have already given my word. You will be mine."
NEVER! Nicolette formed the word, but when she looked into his gaze, she could not speak. What was wrong with her? Why did she have such bewildering feelings from his touch?
Jamie smiled lazily. "Tell me, why do you hide from me? Why did you not come to dinner last evening, and why did you run when we were in the music room? What happened? I wish to understand."
She shrugged, "I do not know." Disturbing sensations began at his first touch, as if a thousand tiny butterflies lived deep within her.
Jamie pulled his hand away then traced her cheek again with the back of his finger. "Oh, but I think you do know. Tell me."
"I cannot, I have no explanation."
"Indeed, you do. You have but to admit it to yourself, lass. How can I persuade you to tell me?" Jamie brushed her lips in the merest touch, "I do have ways to coax the answer from you. Shall I try?"
She held her breath, gazing into the blue orbs, and found herself lost in the depths of his soul. "This is not fair."
Jamie laughed as Nicolette pushed against his chest trying to force him away, then jerked her hands backward as if branded by fire when she realized she touched bare flesh. Her gaze moved over his body, and again her hands went unbidden to touch him. Deep auburn hair covered his bronzed chest.
"Like Adonis," she whispered. His hair tickled her palms, tempting her to touch him again. The tiny caress had sent liquid fire flowing though her veins. Wicked thoughts of his bare body pressed against hers forced her back to reality and again she tried to push him away.
"Adonis," he laughed. "I like that."
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