Once Upon a Star

by Nora Roberts

  Each tug of his mouth, each clever flick of his tongue, had her climbing higher, then higher still, until she wondered how she could possibly survive any more.

  She clung to him, weak and boneless, afraid that at any moment her legs would refuse to support her. Sensing her need, he lowered her to the blanket, then stretched out beside her.

  Despite the coolness of the night air, her flesh was hot and damp, and quivering beneath the clever ministrations of his big, calloused hands.

  He couldn’t get enough of this soft, soft skin. Never in his life had he felt so thoroughly aroused. He had to struggle against the raging desire to take her quickly. Needs pulsed and throbbed, threatening to explode. But still he held back, wanting more. Wanting all.

  “Rob, I…” She suddenly stiffened as, with just his tongue, he sent her soaring. It was the most incredible feeling in the world, and all she could do was fist her hands in the blanket beneath her, feeling the straw shift and move as she reached the first crest.

  This was how he’d wanted her. Writhing beneath him, her eyes huge, her heart hammering. And his name on her lips. Only his.

  “Rob, please. I need you to…”

  “Shhh.” With a hot, hungry kiss he stilled her words. “I know, love. I can’t wait any longer either.” He levered himself above her, fighting the urge to devour her.

  As he entered her, she wrapped herself around him and began to move with him, climbing higher, faster, than either of them could have ever imagined.

  Where had this strength come from? This intense energy? It nearly consumed them with its heat.

  They moved together, hearts hammering, lungs straining, as they climbed higher and higher until they reached the moon. And shattered in an explosion of stars.

  “You actually brought supper?” Rob lounged against the rough wooden boards of the empty stall while Estelle opened the basket and removed a chilled bottle of champagne, along with caviar and toast points, rare roast beef nestled in flaky rolls, and exquisite little fruit tarts.

  “I see my uncle thought of everything.” Rob couldn’t help laughing.

  “He said Alfred had prepared it for you. But there’s enough here to feed half the town.”

  “The old scoundrel had it all planned.”

  Estelle’s head came up sharply. “Are you saying he knew that I’d…that we’d…?”

  Rob kissed her before spreading caviar on a sliver of toast. “He couldn’t know for certain. But I’m sure he was hoping.”

  Seeing the flush on her cheeks, he fed her, then filled two fluted glasses with champagne and handed one to her before sipping. He crossed one bare foot over the other and studied her by the light of the lantern.

  She was wearing his shirt. Unbuttoned, it fell open, revealing pale, creamy breasts. Her hair tumbled about her face and shoulders in a riot of tangles.

  She laughed, then a moment later found to her embarrassment that her eyes were swimming.

  “What’s this?” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her close, kissing away her tears. “Regrets?”

  “Never.” She shook her head, struggling for composure. “It’s just that I’ve never experienced anything quite like this. Or experienced anyone quite like you.”

  “I could say the same about you.” He traced his index finger around the outline of her lips. “You’re the only bright spot in my life right now, Estelle.”

  She sighed. “I hate what’s being done to you. It’s so unfair. I feel so helpless.”

  “Helpless? You?” He nuzzled her cheek and lightly nipped at her earlobe. “There’s such strength in you. I sensed it the first time I saw you.”

  “Did you?” She turned to face him, her eyes shiny-bright in the light of the lantern. “I figured, the first time we met, you never even noticed me.”

  He chuckled, remembering. “I’d been meeting with the bankers. They’d refused to offer me any shred of hope. Then I came upstairs, in search of Fergus, and found you, looking all neat and buttoned up. For hours after the bankers were gone, I was still seeing you in my mind. And hearing your voice. And smelling your subtle perfume.”

  “Amazing. I’d have never guessed. Jamie told me you’re very good at hiding your feelings.”

  “What else did that little rascal tell you?”

  “That he’s lonely because there are no more children to play with. And that I remind him of his mother.”

  “You definitely do not remind me of my mother. Especially in that shirt. I’ve decided I like it better on you.” He brushed his lips over hers, then spread more caviar, handing a piece of toast to her, then tasting his own.

  She stared into her glass. “Something Jamie said keeps nagging at my mind.”

  “What’s that?”

  “When Castle Clough was under siege, he was told to fetch the Star of Scotland, in the hope that it could be exchanged for the lives of his parents. He was mortally wounded and doesn’t recall much after that.”

  “So?”

  “I know that the odds are very good that the Star was actually stolen during the siege. But, Rob, what if it wasn’t? What if it’s still hidden somewhere here in the castle?”

  “Impossible. This old place has gone through extensive remodeling throughout the centuries. Someone would have come across it.”

  “But what if no one did? What would such a thing be worth today?”

  “The Star of Scotland?” He shook his head, considering. “Absolutely priceless.”

  “If it were found here in Castle Clough, who would own it?”

  He shrugged. “I suppose it could legally be claimed by the Cameron clan. But something that historic, that special, should rightly be put on public display, so that it could be viewed by all the people.”

  “If you were to own such a treasure, and you offered it to the government, wouldn’t they, in turn, see that your father’s debt was paid in full?”

  He caught a strand of her hair and wrapped it around his finger. “That’s a lovely fantasy, Estelle Sinclair, but a fantasy all the same.” Then he drew her close for a long, slow kiss that heated his blood and started his heart racing again. “This, on the other hand, is real. And now that I’ve regained my strength, I’d like to go for seconds, if you don’t mind.”

  Her own heart was behaving like a runaway train. Against his lips, she whispered, “That’s a lovely, bonny thought, your lordship. I don’t mind in the least.”

  And then there was no need for words, as they lost themselves in a world of soft sighs and long, lingering kisses. A world reserved for lovers.

  8

  “AH, HERE’S OUR lass now.” Sir Charles looked up from his breakfast as Estelle rushed in.

  Fresh from the shower, she wore creamy wool slacks and a cream-colored turtleneck. Her hair was still damp and curling around a face that was flushed with embarrassment.

  She and Rob had sneaked into the castle like two errant children, their clothes in disarray, bits of straw stuck in their hair. The first person they’d run into had been Desmond. Though he spoke not a word, Estelle had seen the flicker of emotion in his eyes as he stiffened his spine, then continued on his way.

  By now, she was certain the entire castle knew that she and Rob had spent the night together in the barn. And she could tell, by the gleam in Sir Charles’s eye, that he was delighted with the part he’d played in all this.

  “Well, my dear. You look as rested as Rob. Come. Join us.”

  “I…really can’t stay.” She brushed a kiss over the old man’s cheek, then took the chair Rob held for her. As she sat, he pressed a hand to her shoulder, allowing it to linger a moment before returning to the head of the table.

  “Coffee, miss?” Desmond paused beside her.

  “Yes. Thank you.” She lifted her cup and sipped, aware that all three men were watching her.

  “Now, tell us why you can’t stay for breakfast.” Sir Charles broke open a scone and smothered it with jelly.

  “I’ve been checking my E-mail
. The offers are starting to pour in on the items we’ve offered for sale. There’s no time to waste. The deadline is almost upon us.”

  “Us.” Sir Charles smiled. “I like the sound of that.”

  “I just meant…” She glanced up to see Rob sharing a grin with his uncle.

  “Eggs, miss?” Alfred paused beside her and held out a steaming platter.

  When she started to refuse, he spooned some onto her plate, then moved to stand beside Rob, and then Sir Charles. Without a word he returned to the kitchen, with Desmond following.

  “Well.” Sir Charles glanced at Rob, then at Estelle. “I’d say you’ve just been paid the highest of compliments, my dear. Alfred has rarely, if ever, taken the liberty of serving someone’s plate. He must think you are special indeed.”

  She ducked her head, avoiding his eyes. “I can’t imagine why.”

  “I’d say it’s because he admires the way you’re fighting to save this old place. It’s something we all admire, my dear.”

  “I just wish I could do more.” She ate a few bites, then pushed away from the table. “I’m sorry. I’d love to stay. But I have to get to the workroom and check my computer.” She turned to Rob, and for a moment their eyes met and held. “I’ll inform you of the first offers as soon as they’re tallied.”

  He nodded, then surprised her by catching her hand and pressing it to his lips before releasing it. “I’ll come by your workroom later.”

  When she was gone, he turned to his uncle. “I see the grapevine has already begun buzzing about my nighttime activities.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.” The old man seemed particularly intent upon sprinkling salt and pepper on his eggs.

  “You old rascal. You’re worse than Jamie.”

  Sir Charles looked up. His face broke into a wide smile. “Am I really?”

  “Stop being so pleased with yourself.”

  “Have I reason to be?”

  Rob threw back his head and roared with laughter. “I should be the one who’s pleased. I can’t remember when I’ve spent a more fascinating night. Or beheld a more beautiful sunrise.”

  “Then I’m happy for you.” Sir Charles looked across the table at his nephew and smiled. “When you reach my age you realize what really matters most in this brief time on earth. Family. Honor. Love.” He put a hand over Rob’s and squeezed. “If a man should have all three, he is indeed blessed.”

  He beckoned to Fergus, who stood waiting in the doorway. “Come, lad. I think I’d like to take a turn around the gardens.”

  Rob waited until he was alone, then stood and walked to the windows, staring out at the stark, rugged Highlands. His uncle’s words played through his mind. Family. Honor. Love. It was all that had ever mattered to him. His father had denied him the first, though his uncle had more than made up for it. As for honor, though he’d had his share of setbacks, he’d tried to lead an honorable life. And now, because of his father’s weakness, even that might be sullied. As for the last, he’d feared it would forever elude him. Until Estelle. What a special gift she was.

  With a sigh he turned away and headed toward her workroom, to face the figures that would determine his future.

  “How are the numbers?” Rob paused in the doorway and watched as Estelle’s fingers flew over the keyboard of her computer.

  She looked up. “Not as high as I’d hoped. If only we had time for a bidding war.”

  He crossed the room and paused behind her. With his hands on her shoulders he pressed his lips to her temple. “I agree with what my uncle said. I like the sound of ‘we.’ I’m so glad you’re on my side.”

  She closed one hand over his, then pointed to the computer screen. “Here are the latest offers.”

  She scrolled slowly, so that he could read the numbers. A quick tally told him they were far short of the amount needed.

  “Add the paintings,” he said tiredly. “And anything else that can interest a buyer.”

  “I’ve had a request for personal items from an American collector. He…mentioned a particular interest in your ancestors’ sword and in the trunkful of clothes I found in the tower.”

  She saw the way his eyes darkened before he nodded. “All right. Have him make an offer.”

  “Oh, Rob.” She stood and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I hate that this is happening to you.”

  “So do I. But it can’t be avoided any longer.” He kissed her, lingering over her lips, taking comfort in her warmth. “I’ll be in the library, going over the papers. I expect that I’ll be hearing from Griff before the day is over.”

  “My, my.” At Griff’s deep voice from the doorway their heads came up sharply. “Now isn’t this a tender scene.”

  Rob stepped forward, placing himself in front of Estelle, as though to keep her out of harm’s way. Once again she was reminded of an ancient warrior. “Why didn’t you allow Desmond to announce you?”

  Griff’s tone sharpened with anger. “Don’t play lord of the manor with me, Rob, old boy. I don’t need to be announced like some mere visitor. Soon this will all be mine.” He stared beyond Rob to the woman who stood just behind him. “Tell me, Professor. Have you managed to lure enough fools into bidding on these pathetic relics?”

  She tucked her hand into Rob’s, sharing her strength, while drawing on his. “I don’t report to you, Mr. Mackenzie. I work for Rob.”

  “Work for him? Is that what they call it these days?” He gave a short laugh. “Too bad you’ve chosen the losing side in this battle, Professor. I could have made your life extremely comfortable.” His smile faded when he focused on Rob. “I’ll wait for you in the library. I have an offer that might interest you.”

  “You have nothing that would interest me, Griff. If you want to talk, call my lawyer.”

  Mackenzie’s eyes glittered with a dangerous light. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll listen to what I have to say.”

  He spun on his heel and stormed away.

  When they were alone, Estelle clutched Rob’s hand. “Don’t go. I don’t trust him. I truly believe he could become violent. I can see it in his eyes.”

  He squeezed her hand, then brushed a kiss over the worried frown that marred her forehead. “Relax, love. Talk is cheap. It won’t cost me anything to listen.”

  She watched as he exited the workroom. As she returned to the computer she couldn’t shake the feeling of impending doom.

  By late afternoon Estelle had tallied the final numbers, then printed them out. The thought of presenting them to Rob weighed heavily upon her heart. Even with the addition of the paintings and personal items, they were short of their goal. Which meant Rob would have to consider selling his herd.

  She knew, from all she’d heard and observed, that the herd was much more than just his livelihood. It was his pride. His passion. It would be the cruelest loss of all.

  “Bad news, Professor?” Griff stood in the doorway. On his face was a look of triumph.

  Estelle took the papers out of the printer and clutched them to her, determined that he wouldn’t see them.

  “What’s this? Secrets?” Griff was across the room in seconds. “So, Professor, what’s the verdict?”

  “You’ll have to ask Lord Cameron.”

  “I’m asking you.”

  She started past him, but his hand shot out, stopping her in midstride. “Maybe you don’t understand, Professor. I want that report.”

  She stared at his offending fingers, pressing painfully on her flesh. “You have no right to it.”

  “No right?” His voice was low with anger. “Don’t you talk to me about rights. Do you know what it’s like to have to claw and scratch your way out of the very bottom of a filthy hole, only to learn when you reach the top that there are others who will be allowed to push you aside? Not because they’re smarter, or more clever, but because they were born to wealth. Born to it. And that gives them the right to fancy titles and special privileges the rest of us will never have. While I was still scr
ambling for my first dollar, Rob Cameron was sailing on fancy yachts and partying with royalty. Then, when he tired of that life, he came home to play the part of a country gentleman, reaping honors from his country for his precious herd of cattle. Well, he’s about to get a taste of the cold, hard facts of reality. Now I’m the one with the money. And the power. And soon I’ll have what should have been mine in the first place, if only he hadn’t been born.”

  “So it’s true that you resent him for simply being born.”

  “I hate him with every fiber of my being. And when I’m through with him, he will wish he had never been born.” Griff tore the papers out of Estelle’s hand and read the figures, then threw back his head and laughed. “Here.” He shoved them at her, then turned away. “I’ve seen enough to know that by midnight tomorrow Castle Clough will be mine.”

  “Jamie.” With Rob watching from the doorway, Estelle walked slowly around the workroom, calling softly, “Jamie, please come out.”

  After several minutes Rob shook his head. “I’ve told you, love. It’s no use. No one has ever been able to entice Jamie to show himself. He only comes out when he wishes.”

  “Jamie.” Estelle lowered her voice. “I know you’re frightened of Griffin Mackenzie. I know he’s the reason you disappear. But he isn’t here now. There’s no one here who will harm you. And we need you. Please show yourself.”

  In the silence that followed, she closed her eyes, wishing with all her heart that she could coax the lad to come out. When the room remained empty, she turned away in defeat.

  Rob held out his hand, and she started toward him.

  “Did ye come to play, then?”

  At the sound of Jamie’s voice she spun around. A smile lit her eyes. “Oh, Jamie, I knew you’d come.”

  “Ye woke me, Estelle Sinclair. I was havin’ a lovely nap. Now are we goin’ to play?”

  She glanced at Rob, then nodded. “Yes, Jamie. I have a wonderful game planned.”