Living in the village after being given to the old actuary as payment by her heartless father, she'd seen Ian McDougall upon his horse more than once from her perch atop the house where she'd spend most of her days. The second story window became her favorite escape from the home where her husband kept her locked in, for fear she'd run from him.
She'd watched for Ian McDougall constantly and when he'd come to the village, her eyes devoured the sight of the attractive man. Never had she seen a more handsome man in her life. Many a night she'd fallen asleep dreaming of him and making up different instances of where they'd meet and have delicious erotic romps.
"I'll call when the water can be drained," Ian told her, bringing her back to the present. "Have a good evening, Ailios." The entire time he spoke, his eyes roamed her body then lifted to hers with an open invitation.
It was the opportunity to make her dreams comes true.
To lay with him.
The man she'd loved from afar for so long.
"Goodnight, Laird," Ailios told him and practically flew from the room.
Chapter 31
The next day Ian pulled his horse to a still and looked down at the village. Both he and the steed breathed with difficulty from riding hard along the expanse of the clan's borders.
They'd spotted several Campbell scouts who didn't bother hiding when he and his men rode by. They did not move to attack nor did they retreat. The situation was becoming worrisome.
Once his clan joined with the McLeans he'd feel better about the threat against the people from the huge clan who's laird made no qualms at letting it be known he planned to take the McDougall lands.
His cousin Aiden pulled alongside and let out a loud puff of breath. "Should we call on the southern McDougalls?"
"Nay, the Campbells may view it as a sign that we are preparing to fight and attack," Ian replied. "I have sent a messenger, so Calum is aware, but I've asked them to wait."
"Yer Da? Should we go back and tell him what we've seen?"
Aiden looked as conflicted as he felt. No doubt his father would have wise advice on the matter, but the added worry could worsen his condition. Ian was not ready to lose his father. Not yet. "We will wait a few days, perhaps the scouts will retreat."
"Very well." Aiden didn't seem convinced, his eyes scanning the tree line. "I've never before seen them act with such boldness."
"Neither have I. Let us return to the keep. There isn't much left to do out here."
Unwilling to remain away from his father too long, Ian rode back to the keep with haste. Upon entering the walls, a young lad came to take his horse. He caught sight of one of his men heading directly toward the vegetable garden outside the kitchens. The male, Colin, stopped and began talking to a woman with a basket. When she straightened, he caught sight of her face. Ailios.
After speaking for a few more moments, she placed her basket down and walked away, the male following. Curiosity stirred, he went to see where they headed. The couple moved to a shack not too far from the kitchens where herbs were dried and entered. He debated to whether go closer, but then decided against it. It was clear what they did. There was no use in confirming it. Anger and disappointment swirled. Yet it was best to know her ways. It made it easier to consider bedding the wench prior to marrying.
Once inside the keep, he went to his father's chambers. He found his mother asleep in a chair beside the bed, her husband's hand in hers. Although the Laird slept soundly, he was feverish by the sheen of sweat on his brow. Ian motioned for a maid who stood at the doorway with a basin of cold water and cloths to enter.
"Take care not to wake him," he instructed and then watched the woman place the wet cloth on his father's brow. He looked over his parents for a few moments deciding it was best to let them be for the moment.
He made his way back to the great room and sat in a large chair near the fireplace. His mother would suffer greatly when his father died. They shared a strong bond, loved each other greatly.
A love like theirs was rare. It never occurred to Ian how rare since he grew up with parents who always showed deep affection for one another. A smile curved his lips. He'd been fortunate to live in a loving home as such. Would he and his betrothed come to have a relationship as rich? He sincerely hoped so.
He straightened when Colin entered the great room and sat at one of the tables, his clothing askew the man seemed more troubled than satisfied causing Ian to wonder if he and Ailios had fought. His mood darkening, he filled his tankard and drank deeply.
One of the serving women neared. "Laird, Cook would like to know if you'd like a repose."
"Nay, tell Cook I will eat later with everyone. Thank her for me." He stood to go outside, the air stifled him, the thought of his father's illness compounded with the threat of the Campbell's imminent attack, weighed heavily on his mind. It was all he could do to keep from rushing back upstairs to wake his father and beg him to get well.
The fresh air did little to settle him. It was not fair to lose a father who was still relatively young. No matter what front he put up for the clan's sake, Ian didn't feel prepared for the task of leading them, especially not to war.
Yes, he'd led many a battle against rival clans, but now he would be the leader of leaders. He was Laird of the Northern McDougalls. Something his father should be doing for at least another ten years.
Ian let out a growl and kicked a rock as hard as he could. It hit the side of a short wall and broke into pieces. A yelp caught his attention.
He stalked to the wall and peered over it to find Ailios on her hands and knees gathering the vegetables that spilled from her basket.
"Are you all right?" He neared and picked up a potato and placed it in the basket.
"A loud noise startled me," Ailios replied continuing her quest to gather the spillage. "Something crashed against the other side of the wall."
"I apologize. It was a rock. I didn't see you."
Her eyes took him in for a few moments. As if able to see deeper into what ailed him, they filled with concern before she lowered them. "I spend a great deal of time out here in the garden. It's a good place to think."
"You also spend some of your time in the herb shack with men. From what I saw, it's seems to be used for more than drying herbs."
Ailios stilled for a moment and then continued picking up the last of the items. He handed her another potato and she snatched it from him. Finally she straightened and lifted her eyes to his. "Is there something that ails you, Laird?"
"Why would you ask that?"
"Because you cried out as if in pain," Ailios replied. "If you would like assistance, perhaps I can help."
Ian gritted his teeth. "Is that the excuse the men use to get time alone with you in there?" He motioned to the shack. "If so, then yes, I do have an ailment and it requires that you lower my breeches."
Wide eyes met him for a split second before she caught him by surprise. Her mouth fell open and her eyes became shiny with tears. "You have every right over me, Laird, but that doesn't mean your words do not hurt. With your pardon, I must go." She pushed the basket into his arms and ran in the direction of the creek behind the keep.
"What a strange reaction." Ian shook his head and basket in hand, headed in the opposite direction back into the great room and straight to Colin whose brows lifted at the sight of him.
He'd test Ailios and see if what she said was true. "What ails you, Colin?" Ian asked the male. "I saw you go into the shed with Ailios."
"I haven't been able to keep food down for days, the lass is very good with herbage." Colin replied and then stared without interest at the piece of bread in front of him. "I've grown tired of only eating dry bread."
"Yet you went with me today to ride the lands? Why didn't you remain here? I'd not forced you to go if you'd told me you were not well." Ian watched the male's gaze move back to the basket and then back to meet his. "Ye have enough to worry about, Laird, I am not that unwell as to not do my duty."
Cook entered the room and scurried over to take the basket from his hand. "Where's Ailios? She should be carrying this in, not you, Laird." The burly woman looked up at him expectantly.
"Err... I sent her on an errand," Colin replied glad the woman accepted his comment without question.
The woman nodded. "She's a good helper to me and good with the herbage as well. Helps these lads with what ails them." The woman moved toward the kitchens.
The picture of hurt in Ailios's eyes and her words came to him. He'd insulted her greatly.
Ian pushed away the desire to go and soothe her. After all, she was but a kitchen maid. Yet something about her called to him.
He'd learned from his father not to insult or hurt those in service. The household ran smoothly because of his fairness. No, he'd not go in search of her. Next time she came around he'd ensure to make her feel at ease.
He continued the line of thinking as he made his way back out the door.
Chapter 32
The small pool of water fed by the nearby lock had become Ailios' favorite secluded place. Small minnows swam in the shallow water, the sun reflecting off their iridescent scales. Ailios, let out a breath, the soft gurgles of the water running past boulders soothed her. Her eyes closed, she lifted her face to the sky.
He thought her a whore. The lout. Even worse, he'd meant to take her. It requires lowering my breeches. It didn't matter that she'd dreamed of making love with him many a time. In her dreams he'd treated her with care and respect, not bedded her thinking she was a common whore.
What if upon her return to the keep he sent her away for rejecting him. It was within his rights as Laird to do with her as he saw fit.
What was she going to do? No family to turn to and no trade at which to earn a living she would end up a beggar. Other than knowledge of herbs, it was unlikely she could find a home within the village.
She'd have to figure out something, Ailios stood and stalked to a tree. That she'd been tempted to take the man up on his offer is what angered her more. God, how many times had she dreamt to finally have him? His skin touching hers, his hands on her body, his mouth... He had the most alluring lips, the bottom one thicker than the upper. She'd never grow tired of feasting on them.
Yes, that would be a dream come true, but at what price? Her heart was shattered beyond repair at knowing what he thought of her. As a villager, a common woman with nothing to her name, she could aspire to worse than the Laird's lover.
"What does it matter anyway?" Ailios mumbled. If he sent her away, she would never see him again. Just seeing Ian daily made her meager life worthwhile. But now, now with her options limited perhaps she should apologize and take whatever he decreed as punishment with grace. She took a breath.
If she offered herself to him and he accepted, then perhaps she could remain at the keep. It would be better than life alone in the village, unable to fend for herself.
Branches crunched and she turned to find Ian McDougall walking into the clearing, his chestnut hair glistening in the sunlight. Piercing blue eyes met hers and he moved closer toward her. "Ah, there you are, Ailios."
Astounded at the laird searching for her, she could only stare at him open-mouthed. He looked away toward the water. He sat upon a large fallen tree with rounded shoulders. "I hoped to find you."
"Why would you look for me laird?"
For a long moment he stared into the water, just as she'd done earlier. He then looked up to the sky and let out a breath. "My father is dying and I am at a loss as how to handle it. I am not thinking clearly of late. That being said, it is not an excuse for my treatment of you. I apologize for startling you earlier and for what I said after."
"Sire, you do not have to..."
"Yes, I believe everyone in my keep should be treated with respect and I did not do so earlier. I offended you. Forgive me."
She studied his face for a moment. Never having stood so close to him before, she memorized the slight crinkles at the corners of his eyes, the darkening of beard at his jawline and the lightness of the tips of his shoulder length hair.
"Your father is a good and fair leader to our people," Ailios told him. She started to reach to touch his arm and offer comfort, but pulled it back when his eyes landed on her outstretched hand.
"Come." Ian then took her hand and pulled her to the tree he sat upon and tugged her to sit beside him. Then holding her hand, he stared straight ahead at the horizon. "I could use company, right now."
Holding her hand in his, they remained sitting on the boulder without speaking.
Ian cleared his throat. "I remember as a young lad, father taught us to fish at this very spot. Lachlan always would ruin the chances of us catching anything. It was difficult for him to sit still for long. He'd jump into the water and begin to play." He chuckled and Ailios lost her breath at the rare sound.
"It is good that you will have the sweet memories of him always."
"Aye, you are correct."
The warmth of his large body seeped through her clothing where his arm touched her shoulder and Ailios wished she could lean against him. The man already mourned his father, and she wondered at such a thing. Her father's detached demeanor ensured she barely gave him a thought.
Ian turned to her and before she could stop herself, Ailios lifted her hand and cupped his jaw. He did not move away, instead, he closed his eyes and leaned into her hand. When the deep blue pools opened, she felt as if engulfed by their depth.
His eyes on hers, Ian cupped her nape and leaned forward pressing his lips onto hers, a kiss soft and slow, not demanding, but more of a request.
Ailios fell into him, her body responding to the call of emotions she'd held within far too long.
When his strong arms enveloped her, and the trees, the pool and sky ceased to exist, her world became the safety of his embrace.
His mouth moved across hers, the kiss became demanding and she clung to his shoulders not wanting it to end. The thumping of his heartbeat vibrated against her chest. When she threaded her fingers through his hair, she was astonished at its softness.
Although she'd dreamed many times of being kissed by the handsome man, the reality did not compare to it. His mouth was hot and sweet with a distinct flavor that could only be Ian. The feeling of her body tucked so closely with his, hands gliding down her sides made it hard to breathe. Ailios gave in fully to him.
When Ian's hand moved to cup her breast, Ailios moaned in response, her body arching to his touch. His thumb circled her hardened nipple prompting her to gasp. Taking advantage of her parted lips Ian's tongue moved into her mouth teasing hers into a sensual dance.
He prodded and she suckled at his tongue, loving the new but erotic intrusion.
From her mouth up the jawline to Ailios's ear, Ian traced a trail of kisses. She continued to cling to him, not wanting even an inch of separation from the delectable hard body.
Now panting, his warm breath brought a reaction of heat that pooled between her legs. She leaned into his mouth and he pressed his lips at the tender area just behind her ear. "Let me make love to you, Ailios."
Could she? Ailios traced his exposed neckline with her fingers, taking her time before responding. He would be married to another woman soon and she'd be forced to see him daily after he spent the night in another woman's arms.
Ian leaned back and cupped her face with both hands. "I will give you time to think about it. If you decide to allow it, come to my chambers tonight. It is your choice. If you do not come, I will not hold it against you."
Seeming to sense her reluctance to let him go, Ian once again took her into his arms. She laid her head against his chest enjoying the strong heartbeat beneath her ear.
A bird called above them and she pushed away from him, the spell broken. "I must return. I do not wish to anger Cook." Ailios stood on shaky legs, not daring to look at Ian. "Good day, Laird."
His quick actions startled her as he got to his feet and came to stand before her. With his fingers under her
face, he tilted it up to him. "Do not look away from me, Ailios, from now on always look at me when we speak. Understood?"
She nodded and smiled at him and was rewarded with a curve of his lips. "Aye." Her eyes closed when he kissed her again.
The soon to be Laird of Clan McDougall stepped back from her, his eyes were softer when meeting hers. "I will await you tonight."
He turned toward the creek once again seeming to fall into melancholy. It was understandable of course. The McDougalls were a close-knit and very demonstrative family. Ian needed time to sort his thoughts regarding his father and the large responsibility he'd soon bare on his shoulders. Ailios had no doubt he'd make a good laird, yet she did not envy him the task.
At the keep, a goat stood in the middle of the vegetable garden, his bored expression not changing when she ran toward it to shoo it away. After finally getting the beast to leave, Ailios inspected the ravaged plants. Cook would be quite mad, and since she'd accidentally left the small gate open, when running from Ian earlier, she was responsible for the damage.
Not surprisingly when Ailios told the robust woman of the destruction to the garden, the woman took her by the arm and dragged her out with her to see about the extent of the goat's work. "Yer lucky the young laird is not yet married, I am sure once he is, the wife will oversee the kitchens with an iron fist." Cook waddled to and fro tsking at the destruction while Ailios could only think on the woman's words. The laird's wife usually was very present in the kitchens. The only reason Ian's mother was not there as much of late was the current laird's health.
"Cook," Ailios got the woman's attention. "Would it be possible that I no longer work in the kitchens? Perhaps I can serve in another way."
The woman neared and placed fisted hands on her hips. "I just told the young laird how well you've served in the kitchen and of your knowledge of herbage. I prefer you remain with me. This..." she motioned to the garden, "can be repaired. Come along, Ailios, we must prepare for the evening meal."
Highlander's Kiss: The McDougalls, Books 1-3 Page 17
