Highlander’s Secret

by Adams, Alisa

  Presently she felt his body jerk and shudder against her for a moment or two, then they were lying entwined, breathing the scent of each other’s bodies.

  "Now we are husband and wife," he whispered, gazing into her eyes, which were shining with joyful tears.

  "Is it always like that?" she asked, and he loved her even more because of her innocence.

  "If we are unselfish and try to please each other," he replied, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "We will learn more ways to do that as we go along."

  "Will you teach me?" she pleaded.

  Gregor laughed softly. "With the greatest of pleasure, my darling Iona!" He drew the blanket over them.

  "Do you snore?" Iona asked, giggling.

  "If I do I give you my permission to put a pillow over my face," he answered, "by the way, how am I going to get out of here in the morning?"

  "The same way you got in," she answered, giggling. "Gregor?"

  "Hmm?" He asked lazily.

  "Thank you," she whispered, "for making me feel so wonderful. I had not expected anything like that."

  "Neither had I," he confessed, "now go to sleep, sweetheart. We have much to do tomorrow, and we need to get out of here very soon." She snuggled into the warmth of his body, and both were soon asleep.

  In the morning it took Gregor a few minutes to remember where he was, then he realized that he was curled around Iona's soft warm body, and memories of the previous night began crowding into his mind. He pushed his hands into the thick mass of her hair and began to massage her head, smiling. She gave a little moan of pleasure then opened her eyes. She started at the unexpected feel of the animal warmth pressed against her, then she turned around and looked straight into Gregor's dark green eyes.

  "Look at your face," he said with a laugh, "so shocked!"

  "I'm sorry," she smiled and rubbed her cheek against his, "your skin is so rough." Then she touched his lips, "but your lips are so soft," and then she kissed him because she simply could not stop herself responding to his nearness.

  The effect was immediate. He wrapped his arms around her so tightly she could hardly breathe, then he strained her against him, kissing her hungrily. He caught both of her hands in one of his and held them tightly above her head while he nibbled and kissed her breasts and shoulders.

  "I forgot to say 'good morning,'" he whispered, "will you forgive me?"

  "Always," she smiled.

  Then he rolled over, taking her with him so that she was lying on top of him. She straddled his hips and then it was all beginning again, the hot kisses, intimate caresses and finally the almost unbearable ecstasy. However, there was one difference - this time there was no pain. As she was descending from the peak of her pleasure, she wondered if it would really always be this way, or if Gregor was cushioning her for disappointment later. They lay on their backs together for a while gazing at each other, holding hands, then Gregor sighed and groaned.

  "We must get up," he said with a great deal of reluctance.

  Iona stroked his jet-black hair back from his brow. "I know." She looked at him sadly. "We cannot do this again; tomorrow night is my last night of freedom and I have asked to spend it with my mother. I hope that I can escape. if not…" she trailed off and shook her head.

  He put a fingertip to her lips. "You will escape. I have no doubt of it, and I will do everything I can to make it happen. You will escape, Iona. Hold on to that. Trust me."

  She nodded, kissed and embraced him one more time, then watched as he covered up the beautiful body that had given her so much pleasure the night before. The monk's habit was unbecoming to any man, but especially to one as handsome as Gregor. When she got up, he stopped her from dressing so that he could look at her too, every inch of her. He took in her tumbling brown hair, blue eyes, full lips, high breasts and tiny waist. Then his gaze traveled to her long, shapely legs and ankles right down to her toes. There was not an inch of her that was not perfect.

  "Do you think we made a baby?" she asked shyly.

  "Would you like to?"

  "Oh, yes!" She sighed happily. "I have never wanted anything more.”

  "Neither have I," he said, smiling at her. Then he added briskly, "But now I must go."

  She sneaked him out the same way she had got him in, by diverting the guard's attention. She knew that she should be dreading the day and the one after it, but memories of the previous night and the early morning kept her mind off her wedding day. She was also frantically busy, supervising the cleaning of those parts of the castle which the guests would see, and the supervising the preparation of the food that could be done in advance. And she found that she had no fear. Her father, the Baron and all his henchmen were against her, but she had seven people - eight if she counted Gavin - with her. But those people were enough.

  27

  From Friend to Friend

  Andie was eating when the letter came but she jumped up and ran out to meet the messenger as soon as sister Susanna gave her the news of its arrival. One of the nuns had given Gavin two bannocks, a large portion of haggis and a mug of ale, which he was enjoying with great contentment while he waited for Andie. She had wrapped herself in a shawl against the cold October weather, but she was still chilled as she waited for him to finish the huge mouthful of bread he was chewing. When he had finished, he stood up and bowed.

  "Mistress," he greeted her, "I hope ye're well."

  "Quite well and I hope you are too." Andie smiled at him. "I see the nuns have given you a good lunch."

  "Aye, cannae complain," he said and laughed. "But tae tell ye the truth, Mistress, I'm worn oot. I had tae go on anither errand fer the Lady Donalda, an' nae sooner wis I back in the castle than I was oot on anither ane!"

  Andie was not listening. She slit open the letter and read it quickly, then gave a slight gasp. It was from Iona and gave the details of the plan that she, Augustine, Cameron, Donalda, Gregor, and Columba had worked out between them.

  Then Iona told her of her experience of the night before. "Oh, Andie, to be made love to was heavenly," she wrote, "I have never before felt so close to someone else, and we were truly joined together in the best way possible. Gregor's skin was so warm, and his kisses were so arousing but so tender; I can only say that it was glorious! And he is so different to us! Hairy where we are smooth, rough where we are soft. He is hard and muscular just as I imagined a man to be. How can a big strong man like that be so gentle? Andie, I love him with all my heart. Did I tell you that we conducted our own little wedding ceremony?

  I cannot remember the exact words of the vows now, but they were so loving and sweet that all we needed to be really married was Father Columba there to bless us. As far as I am concerned we are already married, and my name is now Iona Carmichael. I have no wish to be a Baroness, especially not a Baroness Laughlin.

  I hope that we made a baby last night. Both of us want it more than anything else in the whole world, and I know that Gregor will make a fine father. He or she will look just like him, of course.

  I know what you are going to ask me—if I am no longer a virgin surely the Baron will not want me? I cannot be sure of that. Anyway, I would be ruined for any other man after that and my father will have no chance of marrying me off. He would probably kill me and my mother, so you see why I have to be very careful.

  I know that you are going to ask me about Cameron. I spoke to him this morning and he told me to tell you that he thinks of you constantly and loves you more than ever. I know that he wants to marry you, Andie. When we escape we will be riding past the convent and Cameron wants to come and get you.

  Hopefully, it will be tomorrow afternoon or evening, so be ready - we have to time to tarry. You can ride with Cameron if there are no other horses. I hope to see you tomorrow, and I love and miss you more than I can say, your dearest friend, Iona.”

  Andie read the letter twice before fetching a quill and parchment and penning a reply.

  My Dear Iona,

  I am so glad to hear from
you. You have been very much on my mind since you left, and I cannot wait to hear the rest of your news. I hope you did not suffer too much during your imprisonment.

  From what you say, making love with the man of your dreams seems like heaven on earth to me - I would like to know how you got him into your room!

  I am hoping against hope that everything works out. I should hate to see you trapped in a loveless marriage with a man you detest. If such a thing happens we will rescue you, never fear, but it will not because by this time tomorrow you will be riding to freedom. I am certain of it.

  I am having an unexpectedly good time here. The nuns are very kind and I have found to my surprise that I love children, and they love me! So, if Cameron and I are ever married I will have no hesitation in becoming a mother. I think about him all the time because he is a good man and I know he will look after me, but I am not yet sure if I love him.

  I know I should not have written such a lengthy letter, but I have been longing to talk to you. I will be hoping and praying that I see you tomorrow.

  With much love,

  Andie.

  She passed the letter to Gavin and gave him a few shillings as well. He looked at the money and then at her, his eyes wide with wonder.

  "Thank ye, mistress, but this is too much!"

  Andie closed the man's hand over the money. "You saved Elisha's life," she smiled, "this is only a fraction of what you are owed. Take it."

  Gavin smiled back and bowed to her. "Ye're a true lady, mistress," he said. "Thank ye an' goodbye."

  "Goodbye, Gavin," Andie watched him wheel his horse around, then canter away until he was out of sight. She went back inside to play with the children again, but she was distracted, and they noticed. When she sat down many of the younger ones sat in a close circle around her, and on her lap. They usually did this at story time, when she made up fantastic tales for them and told them with sound effects and gestures to liven them up. Today she was just too anxious.

  "Mistress," Mary, a little six-year-old with bright blue eyes, and one of her favorites, came up to take her hand, "can we tell you a story the day?"

  "That's a good idea!" Andie laughed and gave the little girl a playful tickle. "See if you can all think of one together." So, they did, and despite her worries, Andie was drawn back into the world of dragons and fairies again. She decided that she would enjoy it while she could.

  When Gregor, Columba, Iona, Auguste and Cameron were gathered together in the small parlor just off the great hall they wanted to talk about their plans for sabotaging the wedding the next day. However, either the Laird sat with them or a hefty guard stood at the door listening to every word they said. Sometimes both were there together. Iona was weary and irritable, and could not hide it. A young woman who was about to be married should have been excited in the best possible way, but Iona could not act well enough to pretend.

  Craig knew why his daughter looked so miserable, but he was not perceptive enough to pick up the signals between her and Gregor. Columba was. There was very little that made its way past Columba's fearsome brain without being noticed, which was why he was such a good friend and such a bad enemy.

  Presently, the Laird was called away, and the guard, with his back, turned to them, did not see Gregor clasping Iona's hand, or the two of them smiling at each other. Columba raised an inquiring eyebrow.

  "The answer to your silent question is 'yes,'" she said, laughing.

  Columba looked at Gregor, who sighed. "I'm sorry," he said softly.

  "No need to be," Columba replied, then dropped his voice to a whisper. "Ego te absolvo, I absolve you." He made a sign of the cross over them and they crossed themselves, now washed clean of their sins.

  "Are you looking forward to the wedding tomorrow, Iona?" Auguste asked loudly for the guard's benefit.

  "I am very nervous!" She laughed. "I think I will survive. They say that every bride goes through the same thing."

  Gregor stood up and poured wine into glasses then handed each of them a goblet. Cameron had been silent up until that moment, but now he drank a silent toast to his sister and Gregor, smiling at both of them. He patted Gregor on the shoulder and kissed Iona on the cheek.

  "Do not worry," he whispered in her ear, "you will be together soon."

  Iona patted his cheek. "And I am quite sure you will be married soon too," she smiled. "Look at my handsome brother! What woman could resist him?"

  "To Cameron!" Gregor smiled, raising his glass, "perhaps you will meet someone tomorrow."

  "From your lips to God's ears!" He laughed, knowing exactly who his 'someone' was already.

  28

  The Night before the Wedding

  Iona had told the Laird she wanted to spend the night before the wedding with her mother. "It is either that, Father," she said grimly, "or you put me back in the dungeons. Your wife is my mother and I love her, no matter what you think of her. I also want Father Columba and Brother Gregor to come and say Mass for us and hear our confessions so that we are in a state of grace tomorrow."

  "Father John will be here tomorrow," Craig pointed out. "You can be shriven then."

  "Begging your pardon, Father," Iona was trying to keep her voice even, although she felt like screaming at him. "I have developed a friendship with these men, especially Father Columba. He has a wonderful intellect and I love to hear him talk. I know that he will have some good advice for me. He has married hundreds of couples and can perhaps help me to know how to be - submissive." Her voice had descended to a hopeless whisper on the last word. Craig was completely taken in.

  "Then I suppose I must grant your wish," he said and sighed, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Nothing is going to spoil this wedding, Iona. You will be marrying a good man and a wealthy one. Be grateful. With a mother like yours, it is incredible that I could find someone to marry you at all."

  "But no-one has ever seen her," Iona frowned, puzzled.

  "We were married in private of course, but there are rumors and servants’ gossip," he replied, "however, we should achieve our goal as long as she stays in her own room. I will make sure that she does."

  Iona fought down her rage and said nothing, but she stamped up the stairs as she went to her mother's rooms. As she entered, she saw Donalda looking up at her, an anxious expression in her eyes.

  Am I forgiven? they asked. Iona smiled and nodded. Donalda smiled back. Her heart was thudding with relief. Columba and Gregor were already there. When Iona saw the man she loved, she threw her arms around him. He closed his eyes and held her as tightly as he could without crushing her.

  "At last!" Iona said, breathing a sigh of relief. "I thought we would never be together!"

  Donalda got up and embraced them both. "So, this is the man you love, my dear?" She smiled at her daughter.

  "He is," Iona replied, not taking her eyes off Gregor.

  They were able to speak a little more loudly since the door was stout and the guard knew about Donalda's visitors.

  "Milady, do you mind if I kiss your daughter?" Gregor pleaded, "I am starved for one of her kisses."

  "I was just going to show Father Columba my chapel," Donalda replied and smiled, eyes twinkling.

  As soon as the door closed behind them, Gregor fell on her, almost devouring her with the hunger of his lips. Iona responded eagerly, making little involuntary moans and running her hands over his muscular torso and back. He skimmed his hands over her breasts but went no further in case he lost control. Iona was the only woman he had ever known who could make him burn both with love and desire. When the kiss ended they gazed at each other for a long moment.

  "I wish—"

  "I do too," he replied, knowing exactly what she meant, "but this time tomorrow we will be free, Iona. You must believe that."

  "I can believe that now," she said, "but when I see that horrible man with his fat stomach and little piggy eyes…" She shook her head and screwed her face up in disgust.

  He could say nothing more, but
he kissed her again, more tenderly this time. After a moment they heard the chapel door opening and a woman's discreet cough. Hastily they put a yard of distance between themselves then sat down just as Columba and Donalda came back.

  "Couldn't you just marry us now?" Iona pleaded.

  Columba shook his head firmly. "I know that you are deeply in love," he said, "but you will have to wait just a little while till all this is settled. If your father found out he is not above imprisoning you again - or worse."

  Iona sighed. She and Gregor sat down on Donalda's bed and she leaned her head on his shoulder, then smiled. "Last night when we married each other," Iona said, her voice dreamy, “we knew that we were husband and wife in here.” She laid her hand on her heart.

  "We did," Gregor kissed her lightly on the lips and caressed her cheek. I can't keep my hands off this lovely woman, he thought, as his rebellious body began to respond to her again.

  Donalda smiled, then her face grew sober again. "Before you do anything else, however, I wish to tell you that this can occur sometimes in our family. " She pointed to her birthmark. "Not frequently and mostly it is small, but I was unlucky and I thought it only right to tell you."

  "Thank you, Mother," Iona said sadly. Gregor would not marry her now. But Gregor tilted her chin up and looked down into her eyes.

  "It makes no difference," he whispered, "I am not like your father. If our child is scarred we will love him or her anyway, and I still want to marry you more than anything in the world."

  Iona's eyes filled with tears of joy. For a moment she had thought that her dreams had been shattered. She wanted Gregor to hold her again but knew that it was not going to happen that night.