Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy)

by Griffin, Kara

  “Faigh muin, Brendan, you never stop by. What do ye want?” Robin pulled out a chair from the table, turned it, and sat astride.

  “Can’t a brother stop by to have ale with you?”

  “All right, Brendan, here.” Robin handed him a tankard of ale, and poured one for himself.

  Brendan watched his brother warily. Robin knew him well enough to realize something bothered him. He hesitated. They drank and he became agitated, which wasn’t foreign. He didn’t know how to broach the subject that he wanted Robin’s view on.

  “I’m glad Bonnie was returned safely. She seems none the worse for it. We’re fortunate Kate happened upon her.”

  Brendan nodded. “Aye, I uh … I …”

  “You’re stammering, Brendan. Why don’t ye spit it out? You’ll feel better.” Robin laughed.

  “I’m wooing Kate. Colin thinks it’s because I’m trying to gain the bastard’s name, but—”

  “The Kate, our Kate?”

  “Aye, she’s giving me a hard time, though. I thought you might be able to help me. You were able to convince Tess to have you, and she was so hostile toward you.” He couldn’t look his brother in the eye. Instead, he studied his cup, swirling the ale.

  Robin sobered. “Aye, Brendan, but it took me a long while. Wasn’t easy, either. Women are peculiar.”

  “A while for what?”

  “To realize that I loved her, and that I didn’t want to live without her.”

  “Katie’s bonny, and no other woman has made me want her this much.” Brendan spoke in a gruff manner, and he hoped his face didn’t display the discomfort he felt.

  It must have, because Robin smiled broadly. “I’ve never seen you so forlorn, Brendan. If I were you, I’d give up now, man, while you’re still of sound mind.” He laughed. “Are ye wanting to marry her?”

  “I thought about it,” Brendan admitted.

  “You have?” Robin’s voice cracked.

  “Aye, she’s not going to respond well to my proposal.”

  “Why the hell not?”

  “She wants to return to England, to the king, and have her betrothed fetched. She said the king had arranged an acceptable betrothal.”

  “I don’t understand. Who is she betrothed to?” Robin cocked his head questioningly.

  “The Barclay, damn it. She’s said the betrothal is acceptable and wants to secure her father’s holding. She must know who the betrothed is, but she hasn’t said anything. How can I convince her to accept me when she finds me so objectionable?”

  Robin laughed derisively. “You objectionable? That is a problem, Brendan.”

  “I haven’t spoken to her yet about my intention, but I will convince her. I thought you’d be able to tell me how you went about it.”

  “I wish I could help you. I only know that when I tried to woo Tess, she was angry because I didn’t talk to her. I just wanted her in my bed. After I realized that, I talked to her and made her accept me.”

  “Nay, that’s not what I’m going to do.”

  “Well, don’t leave me in the dark.”

  Brendan placed his cup on the table and looked up. “I’ll compromise her then she’ll have no choice but to wed me.”

  “That’s low, Brendan, even for you. She’ll be angry, and it will likely set you back.”

  “I’ll deal with that.” He stood abruptly, clapping Robin’s hand and left.

  Brendan walked to his favorite place, where he often pondered his problems. The view from atop the cliff was endless. He formulated his plan to win her acceptance. As he sat and stared at the landscape, his mind settled on an idea and it made him smile.

  Chapter Twelve

  The day of the celebration finally arrived. Brendan stood inside the hall next to Colin and Julianna, waiting for Katie’s arrival. Like a skittish lad, he paced the hall, anxious to get it over with. It, was the plan he’d come up with—the scheme that would settle the matter of his and Katie’s betrothal. The hall began filling with the clan, but he ignored everyone around him, and kept his eyes focused on the doorway.

  Julianna was excited because her family gathered for the event, and she all but shouted with joy when Sara, her best friend, and Sara’s husband, Steven KirkConnell, a neighboring clan, arrived with their children. Brendan watched her run through the hall to greet her longtime friend. His brother grinned at her joyous greeting and gave Steven a nod. Brendan pulled away from the wall to greet Steven.

  Colin stilled him when he passed, by sticking his arm out. “Is she still angry?”

  Brendan stopped and frowned. “Aye, she called me Bryan again.”

  His brother slapped him on the back. “I’m sorry Bonnie told her about the wooing. She’s just a little mite and didn’t understand. You should be thankful she didn’t mention the betrothal, but that won’t matter after tonight. Let’s celebrate. I didn’t think I’d ever want to again.” He poured a cup of ale for Brendan, then one for himself. “I couldn’t believe what Kate told Julianna. Then I learned they beat my lass.”

  “Katie went through hell. I cannot wait to repay that swine.”

  “It’s about time someone took care of her and made her happy.” Colin used that commanding tone, the one he’d used when they were in battle.

  “Mayhap.”

  “Are you really going to go through with it, Brendan?”

  “Aye, Colin. I’m thinking about giving my sword arm a rest and concentrating on my other sword for a while.”

  Colin shook with laughter. “You remember me saying that?”

  “Aye.” Brendan recalled his teasing on that long ago night, when they’d sat beside the fire on their way back from the border. His brother, Robin, had tried to start a fracas between them, and Colin teased him about being so surly. He’d never forgotten it. Brendan took a long drink of ale to abate his skittishness. That trait wasn’t familiar to him and he didn’t like it at all.

  He pulled away when he noticed Kate had come into the hall, but Colin stopped him.

  “You do know that this is going to cause a war, don’t you?”

  “Aye, I can handle the Barclay and King Henry. A war it shall be, but Katie’s worth it.”

  “I agree, Brendan, she is. You’ll have our full support.”

  He kept his eyes on Kate, watching her move into the room. “I tell you, she would flee if she knew what I was up to. Hell, she wants Henry to have her betrothal fetched upon her arrival, which is why she won’t be going to England. Nay, it’s better this way, I’ll marry her tonight. She won’t have a chance to run, nor speak to Henry about her absurd idea. I will be her husband, not a damned Barclay. You know what else I’m thinking?”

  Colin smiled at her, when she waved. “What?”

  “She should be wearing my plaid.”

  “Aye, Brendan, she should. Why don’t you take care of it? I’ll tell Father Tomas to come inside and join the celebration.”

  Brendan nodded, giving him a solemn look then walked to her. He wanted to laugh when she moved through the clan members to avoid him, but he cut her off near the buttery. She gasped when he took her hand, and pulled her through the hall to the outside courtyard.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I need to talk to you, Katie.” Brendan was in a hurry, and walked as fast as he could. He led her down the path to her cottage, and when he reached it, he yanked her inside and slammed the door closed.

  “What do you want, Barton?”

  Brendan’s jaw ground and he pierced her with his eyes. This night, he would demand she stop her game with the names. “You know my name. In fact, now that I think on it, you say it outright when you’re angry. Say it.” He lifted her chin and forewarned her with his most stern look, not to test him.

  “Uh … it’s …”

  He leaned closer, moving his face inches from hers, and used intimidation tactics to gain her obedience, because he wasn’t in the mood for her antics.

  “B-Brendan.”

  “Aye, don’t forget it agai
n. You may fool others, Katie, but I know you’re sharp-witted. Your game won’t work with me.” He kissed her, but she shoved him away, which made him grin.

  “Is that all you wanted to talk about? I want to rejoin the celebration.”

  Brendan pulled his plaid from his chest and held it out to her. “I want you to wear this.”

  Kate’s mouth dropped open when he stood before her bare-chested. It wasn’t as if he was naked, but it was darned close. He wore a tartan on his lower body and boots on his feet, but he might as well have been naked by the way she surveyed him. He continued to hold the plaid out to her, while she gawked at his chest. Immediately, his body responded to the caress of her eyes. Her eyes moved to his battle scars, his abdomen, his waist, and back to his face. Awed by his power, her breath ceased. As did his when she reached out and slid her hand over his muscles.

  Brendan dropped the plaid. He picked her up, covered her mouth with his, and carried her to the adjoining room. They fell upon the bedding, and his kisses became possessive. He couldn’t get enough of her. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. Unable to think clearly, he pressed his body against hers, reveling at her touches. The warmth of her kisses consumed him.

  Briefly, he pulled his mouth away. “Katie, you’re killing me.” He quickly returned his mouth, never giving her a chance to respond. Her hands petted his chest, and danced over his rippled muscles. He groaned at the agony of wanting her, of feeling her touching him.

  Heedlessly, his hands roamed the material of her gown until they reached her breasts. He cupped his hands, giving them a light squeeze, as he continued to kiss her hotly. Her back came up off the bed, and she bumped her head against his. He chuckled, but pressed her back. Her eyes widened, watching him lower the fabric of her gown. Once he revealed her beautiful breasts, he lowered his mouth to a light-pink nipple. His lips surrounded the hardened tip, and his tongue skirted the texture in sweet abandon.

  He never wanted to stop. As he continued to mesmerize her with his mouth, he tugged at his tartan and threw it aside. His breath blew a hot trail from one breast to the other. He used his skill to keep her unknowing of his actions, but when his naked body pressed against hers, she heaved and tried to move him. Her attempt was paltry, which indicated she didn’t really want him to move away.

  Brendan pressed against her, his erection throbbing with need. Never had a woman so completely affected him. His mouth continued to nibble on her breasts, and he used his hands to excite her body by moving them over her curves. As his hand trailed along her leg, he pulled her skirts up, his palm moving over the softness of her thighs. He looked into her eyes. Passion clouded them, making them even more beautiful. His mouth moved over hers in a fierce kiss that she responded to spiritedly.

  Her enticing whimpers drove him onward, and he rubbed her innocence. Brendan was lost in a battle of sure will. His plan reverberated in his mind. He used his fingers, readying her, and blissfully stroking the very heat of her. Kate’s hands gripped his arms. He watched her passion take hold, when she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. Brendan knew he had to do it, he must continue in order to secure his right, but something kept him from pressing onward—mayhap his conscious.

  “Katie, I want to make you mine.” He stopped when his arousal reached her entrance. As he leaned over her, he caressed her with deliberate strokes.

  She whimpered, and when her body reacted on its own accord, pressing against him, willing him to proceed, she opened her eyes.

  “Tell me that you want me to make you mine.” He searched her eyes for acceptance, but all he could see was ambiguity shadowed there.

  A knock sounded on the door.

  “Kate, Brendan, you’re missing the celebration.”

  Brendan leaned his head against hers, fighting the battle going on inside his body. She looked frightened now, which made him tense. He spoke in a terse voice. “Damn Gil to hell. Katie, do you want me to stop?”

  “Aye, aye, stop.”

  He rasped, knowing it wasn’t going to happen. His plan to corner her into accepting him spiraled in a winless battle.

  “I don’t know what you thought you were doing …”

  “Katie, have pity, will ye? I can’t breathe right now, let alone go.” His grating breath forced his chest to contract.

  She shoved him away. “Please … leave.”

  Brendan wanted to hold her, and he wanted to explain what she’d felt was natural. Most of all, he wanted to explain that what they’d just experienced was a sure sign that they belonged together. But he knew she was mortified, and nothing he could say would change that.

  He rose and his nakedness caused her to exclaim her abashment. She pulled the covers over her head, her voice muffled. “Get out, now!”

  “All right, but don’t return to the keep without that plaid on.” After he slipped the tartan around his waist and belted it, he left.

  Gil leaned against a tree near Kate’s cottage, smiling, with his arms folded across his chest, looking damned proud of his accomplishment. Just what Brendan needed—a way to defuse his anger. He strode purposely to him, using his fist, striking him in his left eye.

  “Cosh, Brendan. What did ye do that for?”

  “Because I felt like it. Why did you come and interrupt—” Brendan couldn’t continue, because Gil’s laughter made him want to kill him.

  “If you wanted to be alone, why didn’t ye just say so?”

  “Go to hell, Gil.” He marched away, before his hands moved to Gil’s neck. Aye, a good strangling would make the lad see reason.

  Brendan had almost made love to her, and would be inside her right now, if it wasn’t for Gil’s intrusion. When he reached the loch, he jumped in with his tartan on. The frigid water cooled his ardor within seconds. Aye, the fire dissipated and he could think reasonably again. He climbed onto the bank, lay back, focusing his eyes on the sky. Twilight canvassed the infinite stars that twinkled in the abyss.

  She wanted him, he conceded. How could he get her to agree? The answer evaded him. He should just do what he had planned then she couldn’t say nay. It was low of him, but that didn’t bother him. This night, she would become his, and he smiled at that. He recalled her beautiful body, ready for loving. A deep sigh attested his resolve. The lass had him running around like a lost sheep. Brendan scowled at that. But damn it, if he didn’t take her soon, he thought he’d become addled.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kate redressed and jeered at the plaid. She decided that she wouldn’t wear it, nor would she do his bidding. She picked it up, holding it to her face and smelled his wonderful scent, which lingered. Just to show him that he couldn’t tell her what to do, she folded it and placed it on the table. Dejectedly, she sat there and wondered what had come over her. How could she allow him to touch her, kiss her, and do those marvelously wicked things? But at the time, all she could do was melt in his arms.

  She didn’t know why he affected her. She’d thought him to be crass and obstinate, which he was, but he was also sweet in his own way. What scared her was that her attraction to him couldn’t be dismissed. He’d never make a good husband. She had to find a way to avoid him, and a way to return to England and to her betrothed. Until she reached the king, she would have to deal with Brendan herself. “Goddess, please help me to stay away from him.”

  Upon that resolve, she fixed her hair and went back to the celebration. A mass of people had gathered, and she entered the hall, noticing the noise level had risen. There had to be close to one hundred people inside. All the tables had been moved aside, and people danced in the center of the room. Gaiety abounded, and many toasted Bonnie. Kate skirted the dancers and saw her hostess standing among the guests.

  “Kate, there you are. Where have you been? I’ve been looking for ye.” Julianna smiled, her eyes shined with merriment as she watched the dancers.

  “I um … was uh …” Her face brightened.

  “I want you to meet Sara KirkConnell. Sara and I have
been friends since childhood. Sara, this is Kate, the lady who saved Bonnie.”

  Sara hugged Kate affectionately. “I’m so glad you rescued Bonnie. Julianna told me about your adventure. We’re indebted to ye.”

  “Oh, nay, I had to make sure she reached her home.”

  Gil sauntered toward them, grinning in his charming way. Julianna and Sara gasped at the sight of his swollen eye. He bowed slightly, and stood near Kate.

  “Gil, what happened to your eye? It was fine an hour ago?” Julianna asked.

  “Oh, Gil, you could use a little sympathy. Not that the ladies won’t give it to you as soon as they see your bruised eye,” Sara said.

  He laughed garishly. “I ran into a … uh … a beast, aye, a great, big, hulking beast.”

  Everyone shared a laugh at that.

  “Milady, Kate, would you take pity on me and dance with me?”

  “I’d like to dance, Gelford.” Kate curtseyed to him, and he took her hand. She noticed that he shook his head and raised his eyes heavenward. She kept herself from laughing.

  Sara turned, eying Julianna. “Why did she just call Gil, Gelford, Julianna?”

  “Don’t ask.”

  “Kate is very beautiful. I’m surprised that the men haven’t barraged her.”

  Julianna laughed. “I’m not surprised at all, there’s the very reason now.”

  *****

  Brendan entered the hall and saw Gil holding Kate’s hand. He held it too fondly; they skipped to the tune and turned. Gil bowed, Kate curtseyed, and they continued dancing. Brendan’s first thought was, I’m going to kill him, and his second was, I need a drink. He walked to the table, picked up a cup of ale, and chugged the contents.

  “Thirsty, Brendan?” Colin chuckled, leaning his shoulder against a wooden beam.

  “Aye.”

  “I saw Gil’s eye, nice shot.”

  “He deserved more than I gave him.” Brendan glared across the room. Gil held Kate too close—it didn’t sit well. Hell, he thought, he’d better calm down. “Is Father Tomas here yet?”