The Angel and the Highlander

by Donna Fletcher

  Her eyes widened and Septimus eased his horse closer to hers.

  “Neither I nor my leader are fools. He advises caution with this game you play, for he has no doubt it will bring retribution.”

  Terese groaned as he rode away, his men following. Septimus intimated that he knew that she and the other women weren’t nuns, but did he? She had no time to think on this new worry. Gratefully, all four of the Gillians were fine and William, the oldest son, offered to help return the horses to the Timmins farm. And the women needed to return to the abbey with all haste, while hopefully avoiding Lachlan and his men in the process.

  “Piper,” she called and the wiry young girl appeared in a flash. “Can you misdirect them?”

  “Yes,” she answered without hesitation. “I know how they picked up our trail.”

  “How?” Terese asked, the other women, just as curious, having joined in.

  Hester answered. “It was me. I had forgotten the extra cache of arrows and backtracked to retrieve them, not covering my tracks good enough.”

  “What’s done is done,” Terese said. “What matters is what we do now.” She ordered with the confidence of a true leader and in minutes the women set to work.

  When it was only she and Rowena, Terese asked, “How bad is the wound?”

  “The arrow went clean through the fleshy part of your arm,” Rowena explained. “It’s going to hurt like hell removing it, and it may require a few stitches if the flesh tears. Then we have to be careful of poison setting in and of course fever—”

  “No more,” Terese protested, her head spinning and her arm already unbearably painful. “Let’s be done with it.

  “I’d prefer if we waited until we return to Everagis,” Rowena said. “Piper will have Lachlan and his men running in circles, which will delay their return, giving us time to properly mend you.”

  “It’s quite a chance we take sneaking back to Everagis with an arrow through my arm.”

  “A necessary chance,” Rowena said firmly. “I have all I need there.”

  Terese nodded and while Piper saw to her chore, Megan and Hester, with William’s help, saw to the care of the horses and stowing the weapons.

  Just after sunrise, she and Rowena managed to sneak in through the secret entrance the women had installed in the back end of the common house. It was a good thing too since Terese collapsed in a chair unable to bear much more pain.

  Rowena opened the wood shutters just enough to peek outside to see a few warriors prowling about. “You were right,” she said, returning to Terese’s side. “Lachlan did leave some men behind.”

  “A seasoned warrior would,” Terese said. “That’s why I worry he will return sooner than expected, so we must hurry and remove this arrow and mend me.”

  Rowena nodded and hurried to gather everything she needed, and just before she was ready to begin…

  The door crashed open, slamming against the wall, and in strode an enraged Lachlan. Megan, Hester, and Piper were forced in behind him by Andrew, Boyd, and Evan.

  “I want the tru—” Lachlan’s shout ended abruptly. “What happened?” He was quick to go to Terese’s side.

  “What does it look like?” Terese said snappishly and Rowena nudged Terese’s foot with her own.

  The warning came too late. Lachlan slammed his fist on the table, causing not only the items there to jump, but everyone in the room. “You will tell me the truth…all of it.”

  Terese was in no mood to play nice, especially since he was being so forceful and besides her arm hurt like hell. “And I shall do that now while my arm is turning poisonous?”

  After a deep breath he calmed and asked, “How can I help?”

  Before Terese could tell him his help wasn’t necessary, Rowena spoke.

  “Your strength could be an advantage in removing the arrow. The men must leave and the sisters need to see to their chores.” The three women nodded and hurried to their rooms to change into their own garments.

  Terese was about to protest Lachlan’s help when he leaned down and pressed his nose to hers. “Not a word.”

  His command hadn’t stifled her objection; it was the suffering in his dark eyes. It was as if he shared her pain and the realization stole her breath, making her gasp.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked with an anxious yet gentle hand to her shoulder.

  “Nothing,” she said, still feeling breathless.

  Lachlan hunched down in front of her. “I am so very sorry that you suffer this pain and that I will cause you more pain removing it.”

  Terese didn’t think; perhaps it was the pain, or maybe she just needed to touch him, for that’s what she did. She placed her hand upon his cheek and his warm flesh was the tonic she needed to soothe her soul. And with caution gone, she rested her forehead to his and said, “I need you.”

  She felt him ease away from her and say, “She’s delirious from the pain.”

  Terese raised her head, shaking it. “No, I’m not.” She then looked to Rowena. “We can’t hide the truth any longer. They are bound to discover it sooner or later and we’ve burdened ourselves long enough with it.”

  “What are you talking about?” Lachlan asked.

  “First, the arrow,” Rowena advised. “And the others should be here when…”

  Terese nodded her agreement. “You are right.” She looked to Lachlan. “Take the arrow out and then I will tell you the truth.” Though she would not reveal her true identity. Never would she tell him her true identity.

  Rowena twisted Terese’s long hair up and secured it with two combs. She then ripped the sleeve off and away from around the wound and handed her a piece of wood. “To bite down on for the pain.”

  Terese took it with a smile, though she felt anything but brave.

  Lachlan spoke quietly with Rowena for a few moments and then it was time. Terese closed her eyes and clamped down on the thick stick with her teeth. She didn’t have to worry, with the first onslaught of intensely burning pain she passed out.

  She was stretched out on something hard and her eyes fluttered open; through hazy vision she could make out Rowena standing over her.

  “Good timing, I’m all done,” Rowena said.

  Lachlan popped into view. “It was better you fainted. The arrow was stubborn and didn’t want to let go of you.”

  Terese went to move and a searing pain shot through her arm. She groaned and grimaced.

  “It will be painful for a while, then merely sore and finally heal as long as—”

  Terese shook her head. “I don’t want to hear all that could go wrong. Just tell me what I need to do to keep it right.”

  Rowena went into a list of things, finishing with, “But I don’t expect you to listen.”

  “I’ll see that she does,” Lachlan said.

  “That might work,” Rowena said with a chuckle.

  “Help me up,” Terese ordered.

  “See, already she doesn’t listen,” Rowena said but did as Terese asked, though Lachlan took over and assisted Terese, his arm going around her.

  Terese kept her arm wrapped around Lachlan’s after he had helped her to sit up. It was a good thing too, since she felt dizzy. She rested her head to his shoulder. “The room spins.”

  “Take your time,” Lachlan said, holding her firm.

  She wished she could stay there resting against him. That he was muscled, his body taut, was obvious, but it was the warm comforting feel of him she liked the best.

  Her vision cleared completely, the dizziness passed and she was able to sit without help, so she had no choice but to let him go. But she didn’t. She held on to him for a few more moments until common sense warned her to release him.

  When she finally did, he seemed reluctant to let her go. “Are you sure you feel well enough?”

  “I’m fine, though you could help me to a chair,” she said and was surprised when he carefully scooped her up into his arms and placed her gently on a chair. It felt even better resting against his c
hest, the woodsy scent of him teasing her nostrils and her senses.

  It was over too soon and too soon she would have to tell him the truth.

  “The others wait outside,” Rowena said.

  Terese had forgotten Rowena was there. For a moment she only had thoughts of herself and Lachlan. Could that be why she wanted the truth revealed? Did she want Lachlan to know her a woman free to do as she chose?

  “Bring them in,” Terese said before her thoughts turned too crazy.

  Megan, Hester, and Piper entered and joined Rowena and her at the table. Lachlan chose to stand, arms folded across his chest.

  “Before you start I’d like to have a say,” he said.

  Terese nodded.

  “I thought more was going on here than met the eye. I must admit I never expected that the five of you had taken on the persona of mercenaries. I’m sure you had a reasonable explanation, and I can assure you that neither I nor my men will reveal your secret to the church. Of course,” Lachlan said with the hint of a smile, “there is the stipulation that you never again do such a foolish thing.”

  Terese knew the other women felt as she did, that they would allow no one to dictate to them. They had survived on their own this long and they would continue to do so.

  “What you tell to the church doesn’t matter to us,” Terese said.

  The other women nodded in agreement.

  Suspicion dawned in Lachlan’s eyes. “And why is that?”

  “It’s simple,” Terese said. “Not one of us is a nun.”

  Chapter 10

  Lachlan shook his head.

  “You heard me right,” Terese confirmed.

  He thought he had, but it was too crazy too think it was the truth. “None of you are nuns?” he asked, looking yet again for validation.

  Terese glared at him. “Not a blessed one of us.”

  “Explain,” he said tersely, not certain if he was feeling angry or foolish over the revelation.

  “We are women—”

  “Misfits to most,” Megan threw in and all the women nodded.

  Terese continued. “The sisters picked us up one by one along the way and offered us shelter and a home if we wished to take vows. But before anything could be decided the nuns took ill. We looked after them, tended them and then buried them. Everagis was our only home, and so we took on the identity of nuns.”

  “That’s two guises so far, nuns and mercenaries,” Lachlan said. “Are there any more I should know of?”

  “Not a one,” Terese said, knowing she lied again, yet knowing it was necessary.

  “What of your names?” Lachlan asked. “Are they your own?”

  “They belong to us,” Terese said.

  “Is there any more you need to tell me?” he asked.

  “There is nothing more,” Terese said.

  Lachlan looked at the lot of them then settled his eyes on Terese. “You lead them?”

  “I do, and proudly.”

  He nodded slowly and after a moment of silence he said, “Rest your wound, I will speak with you later about this.” And with that he marched out of the room, shutting the door none too gently behind him.

  His men moved out of his way, his intent steps and the rare look of anger in his eyes warning them to stay clear. He grew more angry when he found himself at the spot where he and Sis—He stopped himself; Terese was no Sister. She was a woman like any other woman and…again he stopped and realized what this revelation meant.

  She was a free woman and he had had an itch for her since he had first seen her. How he had suffered over what he had thought sinful musings. With this news, he would no longer have to worry about eternal damnation.

  He could kiss Terese, and that prospect set his loins to aching.

  I need you.

  That’s what she had said to him and at the time, he wished he could have told her he felt the same. He needed her. He needed to ease her pain, keep her safe, kiss her, touch her and damn…he wanted to make love to her.

  He had believed that all out of his reach, but now…now things were different.

  Very different. He rubbed his head and near groaned. Once his men discovered the truth they’d be sniffing after the women like animals in heat, especially Andrew. He was already smitten with Megan and once he learned that she was not a nun…

  Lachlan groaned again and shook his head. He would have to gather his men together and set down some rules. They might not like it, but they’d obey. Or else they would face dire consequences from Cavan, their laird, and not a one of them would want that.

  He needed to address this matter immediately and later he would have a talk with Sis—He shook his head. Terese. She was now plain and simply Terese. Not that, by any means, Terese was plain and simple. No, she was a beautiful woman he planned on getting to know more personally and he was confident that she wanted to get to know him just as much.

  Feeling lighter in his step, he walked away to deliver the news to his men.

  Andrew got Lachlan alone, as Lachlan had suspected he would, after the men dispersed smiling and mumbling among themselves. Lachlan had made it clear that they were to behave. He didn’t ban them from talking with the women, but he did warn that if the women showed no interest, not even in a conversation, then the men were to leave them alone.

  “I think Megan’s just skittish around men,” Andrew said as he and Lachlan walked away to talk on their own. “If I could just get her to know me better, I think she’d like me.”

  “I can’t make an exception,” Lachlan said. “I’ll have a revolt on my hands if I grant you special privileges.”

  Andrew moaned with frustration.

  “Use your wits and find a way for her to talk with you,” Lachlan suggested.

  “How?” Andrew bemoaned. “I’ve tried and she just gives me a cold stare and walks away. Even when I offer help, she turns me down. What else can I do?”

  “What do you like about her?”

  Andrew grinned. “Her tenacity.”

  “Then show her your own,” Lachlan said and gave him an encouraging slap on the back before walking away.

  Lachlan made a point of talking with each of the women and informing them that his men knew the truth, and also the strict orders his men had been given regarding the women. Each of them was appreciative and thanked him profusely. He saw no worry in any of their eyes, except for Megan. She actually paled.

  “None will bother you,” he assured her.

  “They better not,” she said and stormed off.

  The news changed nothing for the others at the convent, Frances summoning it up the best. “Nuns or not, they are good, kind, generous women.”

  It was four days before Lachlan got to talk with Terese, not that he hadn’t tried before that. Rowena had told him that she slept and was in too much pain to be disturbed. He wasn’t sure if he believed her, but when she walked him down the hall and eased the door open to Terese’s room, he saw for himself.

  She lay pale and sleeping, and tucked under a mound of blankets.

  “The chills,” Rowena had whispered, but had assured him not to worry.

  He continued to inquire about her progress and on the morning of the fourth day he woke before sunrise and saw her. Her long blond hair was free and fell slightly unkempt around her face, and she hugged, with a degree of difficulty, a green wool shawl around her as she walked to her favorite spot on the hill.

  He caught up with her and slipped an arm around her to help her sit.

  “You are a gentlemen,” she said.

  He turned his charming smile on her. “At times.”

  “And other times?”

  “That would depend on the women you asked.”

  Terese smiled and shook her head.

  “I am glad to see that you’re feeling better.”

  “Rowena told me that you frequently inquired as to how I was doing.”

  “I was concerned,” he said. “Not all wounds heal as they should.”

  “No�
��No, they don’t,” she agreed slowly, making him wonder what wound she was recalling that hadn’t healed.

  “I’d like to know who you really are.”

  “Nobody,” she said softly.

  He felt the pain of her response. It was like a stab to his heart and he wanted to beat the person who had hurt her.

  “That’s not true,” he said adamantly. “You are a courageous and beautiful woman.”

  “You stand alone in that opinion.”

  “Mine is the only opinion that matters.” He smiled, but in his eyes there was a fire.

  “A champion,” Terese said as if giving it thought. “I’ve never had one.”

  “You do now,” Lachlan assured her.

  “Why?” she asked on a soft breath.

  He leaned closer. “You deserve one.”

  “I do no—”

  He pressed his finger to her lips. “You deserve much more, like the kiss I’ve wanted to steal from you ever since I met you.”

  “You don’t have to steal it,” she encouraged.

  “I’m glad to hear that,” he said and leaned in close to brush his lips across hers as if first familiarizing himself with her and letting her do the same with him. She eagerly returned the favor and soon their lips were seeking more. She was confident in her kiss, with a firm certainty that sparked his passion. She wanted him and she wasn’t afraid to show it.

  Their kiss deepened and his arm slipped around her, carefully so as not to cause her injured arm pain. Her little moans and groans excited him and damn if he didn’t want to make love to her here and now. But it wasn’t the time or place, and there was her wound to consider.

  “You taste good,” she said with candor when he eased their kiss to an end.

  “And you are intoxicating.” He pressed his cheek to hers and lingered in the cool softness.

  “We have a situation here, Lachlan.”

  His name rolled so comfortably from her lips, as if she were familiar with it and liked the taste.

  “We certainly do,” he agreed.

  “What do we do?” she asked, though he thought she already knew the answer just as he did.

  “We let it happen,” he whispered and kissed her cheek.