She looked just as he remembered. They both possessed the same chestnut hair, only she had their late mother's dark eyes, not their father's blue. Beneath his nervousness, a sense of pride bloomed. His wee Liosa was a grown woman now, a lady of her own manor.
Liosa's face had gone white at the sight of him, and he thought he saw her sway a little on her feet. He stepped forward, forcing a wide smile.
“Liosa.”
Liosa stepped out the front door, her focus only on Artair and not sparing Diana a glance. She reached him, her shocked expression giving way to a fiery anger. She lifted her hand—and slapped Artair hard.
Artair clutched his face, reeling. Liosa clutched her hand, her breath heaving, angry tears filling her eyes.
“Seven years and no word! Seven years and ye show up here out of nowhere!”
Liosa’s voice broke and she began to weep, her shoulders shaking, and Artair's heart cracked with guilt and regret. He wanted to pull her into his arms, to apologize a thousand times, but he suspected that would earn him another slap. A well-deserved one.
Keagan hurried forward, pulling Liosa into his arms as she wept.
“I’m Keagan, yer sister’s husband," he said, his expression cold and unfriendly. "I’ve heard a great deal about ye.”
He suspected his sister had not told Keagan good things about him. He took a step back, swallowing hard. It was a mistake coming here.
"I—I'm sorry tae have caused ye such grief, Liosa," he muttered. "I'll take my leave."
He gestured for Diana to come with him. But Diana subtly shook her head, giving him a look of disapproval. She moved close to him, lowering her voice.
“Artair, you shouldn’t just leave her like this.”
“She’s right tae be angry. It was foolish of me tae come here.”
He turned to make his way to their horse, but a voice stopped him.
“Artair Dalaigh,” Liosa's voice still quavered with anger, but it was firmer now. “Ye donnae get tae walk away from me—not again. Ye're going tae stay—and ye’ve got some explaining tae do.”
* * *
Liosa stared into the flames of the fireplace, her shoulders tense. Keagan had left them alone, and a maid had escorted Diana to a chamber to wash and change her clothes.
He'd told Liosa the same tale he'd told Tamhas and his men, that he'd been traveling north from England when the shared coach he’d taken with Diana was robbed by bandits. Together they were making their way to the Highlands: Diana to visit family, Artair back to his manor. He opted not to share the frightening hostage situation they'd found themselves in with the border men; he didn't want to needlessly worry his sister. Not after they hadn't seen each other for so long.
As he’d spoken, Liosa's expression didn’t change, and she kept her gaze trained on the flames.
"Ye ken . . . I would be less angry if ye just told me the truth," she said finally.
He frowned. "The truth? I did. I told ye—"
"About ye and the Sassenach."
"Diana?"
"Aye," she said, with a trace of impatience. "Ye two are more than just wayward travelers. Is she yer mistress? Are ye bedding her?"
He was shocked to hear his wee sister speaking so plainly. She’s not wee anymore, he reminded himself. She was a married woman. He lowered his eyes, surprised—and irritated—that his desire for Diana was so plain.
"I am telling ye the truth," he lied. "Diana's a lovely lass, aye, but I barely ken her. I'm escorting her tae the Highlands as 'tis not safe for a lass tae travel on her own."
"What business does a Sassenach have in the Highlands?" Liosa asked.
His sister had always been perceptive, even when she was a bairn. He recalled a time when he'd tried to slip from the castle to join his friends to go riding instead of doing his lessons with the castle tutor. Liosa had caught him and questioned him until he’d had no choice but to confess—a confession which she’d promptly told their parents and the annoyed tutor. At the time, he’d been furious with his sister, but now an amused smile touched his lips at the memory. Liosa misconstrued the smile and glowered.
"I'm glad ye find this so amusing," she bit out.
"I wasnae laughing at ye," he said, his smile vanishing. "Liosa, I ken I deserve yer anger. It was wrong of me tae not contact ye for so long. We just need supplies and we'll be on our way."
"Ah," Liosa said, hurt flashing across her face. "Ye just need something from me, and ye—"
"I was ashamed, Liosa,” Artair interrupted.
Liosa stilled, falling silent.
"I—I was ashamed that I let my pride and stubbornness send ye away," he continued, his chest tightening. "I feared I'd driven ye away forever. I—I was going tae be content with marrying a clan chieftain’s daughter, Caitria MacGreghor. The MacGreghors were going tae be my family. I thought it would at least help with my solitude; I donnae need love the way ye do. I thought yer life would be better without having tae concern yerself with yer stubborn brother.”
"Then ye're a coward. Ye never turn yer back on family—never," she said firmly.
She expelled a breath, looking back down at the flames.
"Ye and yer Sassenach can stay the night for supper and supplies. Then ye should go on yer way."
Chapter 9
“Ye’re about the same size as the lady of the manor. I’ll fetch a gown of hers for ye tae wear,” said Bernasa, a young maid, as she ushered Diana inside a large guest chamber.
Diana dutifully followed her into the chamber. She and Keagan had left Artair and his sister alone, and Keagan had directed Bernasa to find her a guest chamber and some clothes, for which she was grateful—the gown she'd traveled in from the twenty-first century was now dirty and torn from all the nonstop travel.
“Thank you,” Diana said, taking in the chamber with quiet awe.
It was elegant and too large for just one person in her opinion, with wood-paneled floors, massive windows that looked out to the front grounds, and a bed opposite a brick fireplace that roared with a fire.
Bernasa left her with a polite bow and Diana sank down onto the bed with a shuddering breath, her thoughts turning to Artair. Though she knew Artair and his sister were estranged, she'd not expected that scene between the two of them. Even through Liosa's fury, Diana could tell that she loved her brother fiercely. In the dark days after her parents' deaths, Diana had longed for a sibling, someone who'd understand and share in her grief. She knew Artair and his sister had lost their father—shouldn't that have brought them closer? What had happened to separate the two of them?
It’s none of your business, she scolded herself, as Bernasa reentered the chamber with a fine green gown and a wash basin.
"Let me help ye, my lady," Bernasa began, stepping forward, but Diana shook her head.
"I'm fine, thank you," she said hastily. "You can leave me."
A flicker of hurt surprise entered Bernasa's eyes, but she obliged with another polite bow. People have servants who help them bathe and dress in this time, Diana reminded herself. She would have to keep that in mind the longer she stayed in this time.
Once she was alone, she thoroughly washed her skin, shivering at the feel of the cool water. When she was clean, she changed into her new gown, which fit perfectly. Artair entered just moments after Bernasa took away her wash basin.
He’d washed up as well and now wore a white tunic and long belted kilt; it was the first time she'd seen him in one, and it fit him like a glove. He looked breathtakingly handsome. Her heart picked up its pace, and she had to fight to keep her expression neutral, not wanting him to see the effect he had on her.
"I take it you've spoken with your sister?" she asked.
"Aye," he said, his eyes a storm of conflict. “I’m sorry ye had tae witness that. I thought she would turn us away, but she’s agreed to give us shelter for the night and provisions so we can continue on our way. 'Tis my pride that's kept us apart for so long; we'll never have the relationship we once did."
"Too much time has passed," he said, shaking his head.
"If I had a sibling—the only family I had left in the world—I would do everything I could to make things right," Diana said, holding his gaze.
"I thought ye craved yer solitude," Artair returned, quirking an eyebrow.
"That's because I've only known solitude," she said without thinking, and realized this was true.
Her Aunt Maggie had raised her after her parents' deaths, and she had Kensa. She loved them both, but neither relationship came close to the one she'd had with her parents. The few romantic relationships she'd had over the years had come and gone, and she had no close friends. She'd come to accept that she could—and would—rely only on herself.
Artair's expression changed to one of sympathy, before something unreadable flickered in his eyes.
"I donnae think ye'll always be alone, lass," he said. He reached out to touch the side of her face, and a spiral of warmth twisted inside her belly. "Ye're tae lovely of a lass tae be alone for long."
Diana's breath caught in her throat; she realized how close they stood together. The memory of his lips on hers in the stables seared itself onto her mind. His blue eyes bore into hers, and as he leaned forward, an ache filled her—an ache that could only be satisfied by Artair.
"The laird and lady want ye tae ken that supper will be served shortly," Bernasa's voice interrupted them from outside the door, shattering the heated moment.
Artair stepped back from her, blinking and clearing his throat.
"I'll see ye downstairs."
Diana closed her eyes as her racing heart eased its thunderous pace, wishing she knew a magical spell that could extinguish desire for a man she could never truly have.
* * *
Diana had never been to a tenser meal in her life. She and Artair sat across a silent Keagan and Liosa, while Bernasa scurried back and forth to refill their cups.
Artair was focused on his plate, just as silent as Keagan and Liosa, while Diana tried to enjoy her meal. While the food at the inn had been sufficient, this meal was downright succulent—spiced venison and roasted carrots with ale. But it was hard to enjoy her meal when she felt as if she were amid a silent war between Artair and Liosa.
“This is a lovely meal,” Diana said finally, desperate to break the tension. “Thank you.”
“Ye’re most welcome,” Liosa replied, though her tone was unfriendly. She leaned back in her chair, giving her an appraising look. “What part of England are ye from?”
“The south,” Diana replied, trying to keep her tone light, despite the hammering of her heart.
“Yer accent is odd,” Liosa said, narrowing her eyes. "Being so close tae the border, we've seen a good deal of English folk pass through. What is the name of yer village of birth?"
“Enough, Liosa. Donnae take yer anger at me out on Diana,” Artair snapped.
“I just find it odd that a Sassenach travels with ye. One who is no doubt pleased tae have caught herself a Highland laird.”
Diana looked at Liosa in disbelief. Of all the accusations she’d expected to come her way, this wasn’t one of them.
“Liosa,” Artair hissed, glaring at his sister.
“I may be furious with my brother, and we may not have spoken in a long while, but he’s the only family I have, and I'll still look out for him. I can tell ye’re lying about something and I donnae trust ye. I’ll not let him get taken in by a Sassenach whore who—"
“Enough!” Artair bellowed, getting to his feet. He reached down and helped a shaking Diana to her feet. “We may be guests in yer home, but I’ll not sit here and let ye insult Diana. We’re happy tae return when ye apologize.”
Liosa had the good sense to look regretful, but Diana still shot her a glare as she and Artair left the room. He led her upstairs to her guest chamber, giving her a look of apology.
“I’m sorry, Diana,” he muttered. “I didnae expect her tae take her anger out on ye.”
“You don’t have to apologize,” Diana said, lowering her voice. “But Artair, may I suggest telling her the truth? Or at least part of it? You trust your sister, don’t you?”
While Liosa's words still annoyed Diana, she knew her anger must have stemmed from her hurt over Artair's estrangement. And she obviously hadn't bought their story. Perhaps some part of the truth would assuage Liosa's hostility.
“With my life,” he replied. “But ’tis not that simple, Diana. We donnae have the same relationship we once did. And I cannae tell her we've traveled through time—I have no doubt she'd send us away if—”
“Then tell her about those men at the border who took us hostage. We’re here for one more night, Artair. Maybe you can use it to bridge the gap between the two of you.”
Chapter 10
Though he tried to heed Diana's words as he walked back to the dining room, his anger at his sister hadn't dissipated. As soon as he entered the room, he glared at Liosa. He noticed that Keagan wasn't there; he wondered if his absence was purposeful.
“How dare ye—" he began.
But Liosa stood, holding up her hands in a gesture of supplication.
“Ye’re right,” she interrupted. “I regretted the words as soon as they slipped from my lips.”
He fell silent, studying his sister with surprise. With her stubborn streak, he’d never known Liosa to apologize so readily. As if reading his thoughts, she gave him a small smile.
“I’m not the stubborn wee lass ye once kent, brother,” she said.
He couldn’t help but smile back, his anger fading. Perhaps Diana was right, and she did deserve some part of the truth.
“I should apologize as well,” he said. “Ye were right. I havenae been fully truthful with ye.”
Liosa's eyes widened, filling not with anger—but triumph.
“I could tell as soon as I saw you two there was something more. What is it? Is she yer mistress? Is she with child? Are ye secretly wed because she's a Sassenach and the northern clans willnae accept her? Is that why ye were in England? Is—"
"Liosa," he interrupted, chuckling at Liosa's creative assumptions, though her words did put the tempting image of Diana, swollen with his child, in his mind. "None of those are true. What is true is that we were taken hostage by a group of border men. They were suspicious of a Highlander and a Sassenach traveling through their lands—but we managed tae get away from them."
Liosa paled at his words.
"Border men?" she asked. "What did they look like?"
"There were at least a dozen of them. But their leader's name is Tamhas. Do . . . ye ken them?" he asked, alarm prickling along his spine.
"No," Liosa said quickly, though the word seemed forced. “I thank ye for telling me the truth, brother. I'm glad ye managed tae get away from them.” She cocked her head to the side, giving him a long look. "And there’s nothing between ye and Diana?”
He swallowed hard; damn his sister's keen perception. But if he wanted her to forgive him, to open up to him, he needed to be more truthful with her.
"I've kissed her," he admitted, lowering his gaze. It was odd to discuss such matters with his sister. "But nothing more will happen. I'm accompanying her with me tae the Highlands, nothing more."
Liosa quirked an eyebrow.
"Ye were never a good liar," she said with a light laugh. "Especially when ye try tae lie tae yerself."
* * *
His sister was right—he was lying to himself. He craved Diana more than he had any other lass. That night, images of Diana filled his dreams. Diana holding his hand as she led him into a dark, swirling abyss, urging him to trust her. His lips pressed to hers and then trailing down the smooth expanse of her skin. Her laughing brown eyes as she looked up at him.
He awoke with a swollen cock and had to grit his teeth against the swell of pure need that arose within hi
m. Not only was Diana a witch, she was a damned temptress. He just needed to get her back to Tairseach, and with time, she would fade from his mind.
He got out of bed, halting in his tracks when he noticed that the world outside his windows was filled with nothing but pure white. Unease coiled around him as he moved closer to the windows.
A thick snow blanketed the grounds, and even more snow fell. He closed his eyes. There would be no traveling in this weather.
"Artair?"
He heard Diana's hesitant voice outside his door. Striding over to it, he found Diana standing there, clad only in her underdress and a wool cloak. She moved past him, crossing over to the window.
"We're not going anywhere soon, are we?" she asked, heaving a sigh. "It seems like I'm going to be trapped in this time forever."
Genuine dismay shaped her words; a sharp reminder to him that she didn't want to be here in this time. Even as he told himself this, his cock stirred at the sight of her: she wore her golden locks loose over her shoulders, and the outline of her breasts beneath her underdress was downright distracting. He forced himself to avert his gaze.
“Ye will. Ye have my word, lass. We'll get ye tae Tairseach."
She turned to him with a wry smile.
"I'm supposed to be the one getting you home, remember?"
"Ye got us to this time, Diana," he reminded her. "I can get us north. We should get dressed and see my sister," he added, trying not to stare at the tempting curve of her breasts. He needed to get her out of his chamber.
Diana looked a little hurt at his dismissal, but she nodded her agreement and left. Once she'd left, he briefly closed his eyes and moved over to the window. It seemed as if fate were mocking him by forcing him to remain in such proximity with the tempting lass he desired.
Artair's Temptress: Highlander Fate Book Five Page 6
