“Wet clothing does no’ bother me.” Daily training involved long ocean swims, conditioning him against the elements. He was more often wet than not. “Come bathe with me.”
“This’ll be fun. I’ve never bathed with a man before.” She scrambled off the rock and into the water. It wasn’t deep where she stood closer to the beach, the water only rising to her waist, but she slid under the surface and then emerged, her blond hair streaming over her shoulders and hiding her perfect breasts.
He slogged toward her, flicked her hair away and stroked one nipple through the almost transparent satin bra until the tip puckered into a tight ball. “I fear I’ll never get my fill of you.”
“Take what you wish, John. While we’re here in this cavern, I’m all yours.” She clasped his face. “Please, kiss me. I don’t want you to hold back, not here.”
Hell, she held such a potent enchantment he couldn’t resist. Holding her close, he brushed his lips across hers and memories surged from the night before, of their shared passion and joining. One kiss would never be enough, but ’twas all he had time to take for now. Aye, he’d break down her defenses, wooing her as she deserved until she gave in to what he already knew to be the truth. They would be together, forever, and not only for one single night. He just had to convince her of that.
“You make me feel too hot.” She rubbed her chest against his, her nipples, so incredibly hard, scraping across his flesh. “I want to stay.”
“I wish we could, but ’tis best we dinnae cause an uproar and we’ve been gone from Dunyvaig long enough.” He released her and waded into shore. After swiping his trews, he shook the sand out, jammed them on and collected his tunic and boots.
Katherine joined him. She tipped her head to the side, wrung the water from her hair then tugged her teal gown over her head. The crinkled velvet skimmed her hips and fell in a whoosh to her ankles. “So, what’s the plan for today?”
“For you to remain safe at Dunyvaig while I continue searching for the MacLean warrior. If he’s on Islay, I’ll find him.” He strapped on his sword belt and wrist daggers.
“I can’t live my life trapped behind Dunyvaig’s stone walls. That’s not a life at all.” She laced her gown’s front stays to the top of the square-cut neckline trimmed with a white ribbon, slid her matching slippers on and wandered across to the tunnel. Using the rock wedged half under it, she clambered up and into the darkened shaft.
He grabbed her damp sark from the sand and followed her along the tunnel carved of stone until the crashing sounds of the waterfall and life beyond their secret haven echoed toward him. The passageway thinned and ahead, Katherine wedged herself sideways to fit through the thin slit in the rocks. After wriggling through, he joined her on the slick rock ledge where a clear sheet of water arched over them and pounded into the pool below.
“This place is so magical.” She pressed herself against the wall as spray misted lightly. Morning sunshine glimmered through the water and sent a kaleidoscope of beautiful yellows, pinks and blues dancing over her sweet face.
“We’ll return as often as my duties permit. I give you my word on that.” He stroked a finger under her chin and dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose.
“You shouldn’t be making promises like that to me, not that I don’t appreciate your offer.”
“You’re still insistent you willnae change my future?”
“Absolutely.”
Except she already had, not that he was prepared to tell her and do battle over it right now. She’d learn soon enough of his intentions to woo her in the coming days. With his hand on her lower back, he guided her to the end of the ledge. Below, white water tumbled over wide gray boulders, the river flowing fuller and swifter from the recent rains.
“It’s like an art form in motion, nature at its most chaotic and singing of life.”
“Aye, and we shall respect its life.” He took a step back and leaped onto the grassy bank.
“Wait for me.” She followed his lead and grinning, jumped.
He caught her with a chuckle and swung her down beside him. “You need to give me more warning afore you do that.”
“Nope, I prefer to keep you on your toes.” She twirled, her damp blond locks streaming behind her and her flushed cheeks and skin glowing. Her blue eyes captivated him, the color like precious sapphires with their deep glittering hue. An ethereal glow encircled her, as one had after her mother’s visit. Aye, she was part fae, and she’d certainly cast a heavenly spell over him.
“I fear your mischievous ways will be difficult to tame.”
“That’s right. No taming for you.” She patted his chest, right over his heart. “Why the wistfulness?”
“I’ve been entrusted with a piece of your soul and I never intend to relinquish it. Come, or I shall drag you back inside.” He led the way through the forest alive with the twittering of birds and the rustling of small creatures hurrying through the undergrowth. As they neared the hunting trail, horses’ hooves pounded toward them.
Archie galloped around the corner, his padded leather war coat donned and claymore strapped to his back. Half a dozen men rode behind him, all prepared for battle. Damn. His brother’s scowl couldn’t hide his worry. He should’ve returned last night.
Pulling his horse to stop in a cloud of whirling autumn leaves, Archie eyed him. “Were you forced to find shelter from the storm?”
“Aye. We found somewhere safe to spend the night.”
Archie’s destrier snorted foggy air and he patted his mount’s neck and calmed the beast. “The party of men you sent out into the forest yesterday returned afore the storm with word they’d found tracks. We ride, no’ only to find you, but to continue the search for our enemy.” He extended his hand to Katherine. “We didnae bring a spare horse. You’ll need to ride with me. Marie awaits your return.”
Katherine glanced at him and he nodded. “Go with Archie. I’ll be right behind you.” He boosted her into the saddle in front of his brother then doubled up with another warrior. After they returned to Dunyvaig, he intended to ride out with the party in search of Finlay MacLean. Aye, the sooner he removed the threat against Katherine, the sooner he could return to her.
They pounded down the trail, branches brushing his arms as the path thinned before they burst out of the forest and galloped across the moors toward the castle with its ever-watchful guardsmen patrolling the barbican.
Katherine peeked at him over Archie’s arm and rubbed her reddened nose.
“Are you cold?” he called out.
“Only a little.”
They rode under the arched entrance and into the inner courtyard. He jumped to the ground, strode to Archie and swung Katherine down beside him.
Archie dismounted and whistled to a stable lad. “Saddle John’s destrier and ensure he has adequate supplies.”
“My thanks. I willnae be long.” He clapped Archie on the back then steered Katherine inside. He bypassed the great hall where his clan had gathered to break their fast and led her up the winding side stairs. At his chamber on the third-floor, he ushered her in and shut the door.
“I want to come with you.” She squeezed her hands, making tiny fists, her knuckles white with the strain.
“Nay, you’ll remain here.” He shucked his tunic, swiped his coal black shirt from his trunk and hauled it on. With clean trews and his padded leather cotun donned, he strapped his weapons on and gathered his bow and satchel of arrows from behind his chunky corner desk.
Katherine watched him as she edged from foot to foot. “You look like you’re readying for war. I don’t like it. It feels wrong.”
“One must take every precaution when there are MacLeans about.”
“I only saw one MacLean, and now I wish I’d never told you about him. I’ve no desire to escalate this war, and with you on the hunt for him, that’s exactly what I’ve done.”
“You must never think that. ’Tis my right and duty to protect you.” He grabbed his traveling bag, flipped the
top leather flap and stuffed a change of clothes inside.
“How long will you be gone?”
“As long as it takes.” He crossed to her, slid a hand under her hair and around her nape. “The guardsmen will be under orders to ensure you dinnae leave these walls. You’ve yet to give me your word you’ll remain.”
“You can’t bully me into submission, John.” Clearly frustrated, she jerked away.
“If you followed my orders when given, I wouldnae have to demand your submission.” He detested having to leave her this way, but Archie waited. He strode to the door with his gear. With one last look over his shoulder, he gritted out, “Be here when I return, and that’s an order.”
“You’re also not allowed to order me about.” She crossed her arms. “You need to worry more about yourself. My life depends on your survival, so if you get hurt, so do I.”
“Aye, I’ll take all care.” He desperately wished to wrap his arms around her and offer what comfort he could, but now was not the time. “Stay safe, my love.”
“I’m not your love.” She straightened her spine. “We’ve had nothing more than one night, and it’ll probably have to remain that way.”
“Trust me. We’ll have plenty more. I must go.” He marched out of his chamber, his gut gnawing in the most vicious way with each step he took away from her. Leaving her was pure agony.
“Captain.” George joined him as he strode outside and into the bailey. “Any orders while you’re gone?”
“Aye, watch Katherine for me, like a hawk.” He strapped his bag onto his steed and checked the cinch. “She acts without thought for herself and you’ll need to keep a vigilant eye on her.”
“Will do, Captain.”
“Inform the sentry to bar the postern gate and be alert to all who come and go through the main entrance. When she retires for the night, remain on guard outside her door.” He slid into the saddle. “Be assured, if aught happens to her while I’m gone, your head will roll.”
“I’ll see to your orders. All will be as you’ve asked.” George dipped his head and stepped back.
He trusted his man. George wouldn’t fail him.
Archie brought his stallion in beside him. “What worries you, John?”
“My woman intends to travel to Mull. She visited the circle and one of the fae spoke to her, instructing her to complete what Marie has set in motion. She’s certain she must bring peace between the clans.”
He snorted. “’Tis an impossible task, and Marie has already told me there will be no peace between the clans for some years to come. Katherine must have misheard.”
“She does no’ believe so.” Although he’d discuss it with her further, the moment he returned. For now, he had an enemy warrior to find. He nudged his horse and with Archie at his side, galloped out the gates, their men riding in file behind them. He’d never allow Katherine to journey beyond Islay’s shores. Losing her to her MacLean kin would never happen, not on his watch.
* * * *
Two days John had been gone and without any word on how his hunt for Finlay MacLean fared, Katherine’s nerves were frayed. She gripped the stone windowsill of the ladies’ solar window as Marie and Mary sat behind her in padded forest-green chairs either side of the roaring fire.
“Are you all right, Katherine?” Marie pinned cream satin cups into place on the bra she’d made.
“I will be, when John gets back.” She needed a distraction from her frustrating thoughts.
“I worry too when the men are away.” Mary sighed. “’Tis difficult to always be the one waiting.” She continued repairing a rip in the sleeve of an embroidered tunic.
“It’s at times like these, I miss cell phones.” Marie glanced at Katherine. “Do you still have yours on you? You took a snap of us that day I traveled. Did you keep it in your pocket?”
“I did. I fell through the veil with it, but John took it away from me the other day when I showed him. He buried it somewhere in the forest. Said he didn’t wish for anyone to find it and question me.” Arms crossed, she huffed and pressed her bottom against the windowsill. “Can you believe he did that? I was still paying my iphone off on a twenty-four month plan. An iphone. No one in their right mind buries an iphone.”
“What’s an iphone, Katherine?” Mary’s eyes lit with interest as she asked her. Whenever they mentioned something from the future, she always asked about it, and she adored Mary’s excitement.
“It’s a device that fits in the palm of your hand. You hold it, either to your ear, or press the speaker button, and it picks up your voice. You can use it to talk to anyone in the world, provided they’ve got the same kind of device at their end.”
“Anyone in the world?” Her mouth dropped open. “Surely you jest?”
“Nope. They’re a relatively new device. Cell phones have only been around for twenty-five years or so.”
“How incredible.” Mary tilted her head toward Marie as she sewed. “And that bra you’re making looks so intriguing. When did that item of underwear first become available?”
“I’m not sure, but the French first called this a brassiere. The corsest the ladies of this time wear, lift the breasts quite well and taper the waist in, but the bra molds only the breasts and allows a greater freedom of movement around the midsection. I can’t be without one.”
“The fabric is so soft.” She reached across and fingered the satin. “And so pretty.”
“If you’d like, I’ll make you one next. Perhaps a nursing bra first.” Marie picked up a swathe of padded white linen from Mary’s fabric basket. “I’ll include this padding in front of the satin so it captures any leakage.”
“Oh, wonderful.” Mary beamed.
Katherine let out a long breath, pushed off the windowsill and paced the solar, from tapestry covered wall to wall. “I hate the way John and I parted.”
“You can’t change what’s happened.” Marie’s gaze softened. “He’s worried about you, and I’m not surprised considering the fae’s request. Even I know it’s only a matter of time before you find a way to escape George.”
“You sound like you agree with the fact John’s all but made me housebound.”
“No, but”—she scratched her head—“I still don’t understand why the fae asked you to bring about peace, not when peace doesn’t come for some years.”
“You think I should ignore their request?”
“Honestly, no. It’s best you don’t, although you’ll need to take great care when you travel to Mull. I feel as if there’s more to this mission than what you’ve been told.”
“Same, but I can’t do a thing about it while I’m stuck here on Islay. Somehow I have to escape my guard, then figure out the rest when I get to Duart.” She scrubbed her face. “I miss him, badly. I never thought my feelings for him would grow so strong, or so quickly.”
“Then use this time to give yourself some breathing space.”
“He’s done that with his leaving.” Didn’t her sister understand? “He holds a piece of my soul, Marie. Our bond goes far deeper than I ever thought possible. Being with him is so soothing, like I’ve come home.” She stopped at the window and rubbed her achy chest. The forest beckoned, because somewhere out there, John roamed. “It hurts to know he’s meant for another.” The pain worsened as it sliced through her.
“Do you mean Madison MacDonald?” Mary cleared her throat.
“Pardon?” She spun about. “Who’s Madison MacDonald?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I presumed you knew. You said it hurts to know he’s meant for another.”
“Yes, but I didn’t actually know there was already another? Who on earth is Madison?”
“Allow me to tell you about her. Three years past, Angus spoke to John and Archie about his desire to have one of his captains wed his second cousin from Skye and strengthen the bonds between the two MacDonald clans. Madison is Evan MacDonald’s eldest daughter and she lives at Dunscaith, although the lass was only three and ten at the time. Archie gav
e Angus an adamant no and said he would never take a wife, so John stepped forward and agreed to the match.”
“Why didn’t he say anything?” He’d never mentioned a word to her.
“Mayhap he’s forgotten.” Mary set her mending down. “With the feud and Angus’s capture, all talks were laid aside.”
“Are such talks binding?”
“Naught has been formally contracted, but aye, John’s verbal agreement to a marriage could be considered binding in itself.”
Goodness, and now three years had passed. The girl would be sixteen, old enough to wed in this day and age.
“Katherine?” Deep compassion swam in Marie’s gaze. “Are you all right?”
Numb, she nodded. “At least I now know who he’s meant for.” She knelt at Mary’s feet, her burgundy skirts billowing around her. “Tell me more about Madison.”
“I’ve no’ seen her in three years, but at the time I thought her a spritely lass with her wide smile and auburn hair. Being the eldest, she aids her mother with her younger siblings. She’ll make him a fine wife.”
Mary’s words roared in her ears. “I—I want him to have a fine wife,” she whispered.
“Katherine, you’re crying.” Marie wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “Everything will be all right.”
“John is promised to another.” She wiped her wet cheeks. “He’ll never be mine.” Although maybe this was exactly what she’d needed to hear. The fae had given her a mission and she had to leave, and preferably before John returned.
“I know what you’re thinking.” Marie hugged her. “You want to leave, except you’re supposed to keep him close. The fae told you so.”
“Yes, but he’s made it abundantly clear he hates all things MacLean. I’ve no choice but to leave, and I’ll need your help. I can’t sneak out of here without aid.”
“You’ll always have my aid.” She breathed a long sigh. “I can’t believe I’m going to help send you away.”
Highlander's Faerie (Highlander Heat Book 5) Page 8
