Their guards who’d been patrolling the lands had been attacked and one had died. The fatally injured man had managed to tell them it was Ethan who’d set a trap and attacked.
Just like his father, the men hadn’t had a chance to defend themselves as he’d attacked them without provocation. Why were his brothers or clan members not as enraged? For him, the need for revenge was renewed, fueled to a level of wanting to see the man responsible for his father’s death killed.
“When do the others arrive?” he asked in a bored tone.
“Mid-morning tomorrow.” Naill motioned for the other archers to go forth. One, a younger man too naïve to notice the animosity between the men, rode up to Kieran. “I hear ye beat the Munro’s son at the last games.”
Kieran nodded. “They are preparing for a tournament now. He will compete again.”
The young man’s grin stretched wide. “I hope to be allowed to as well.” He gave him an expectant look. Kieran shrugged. “Ye can if ye wish.”
“He is not ready to represent our clan,” Naill said, coming alongside. “I will choose the team.” There was a challenge in the man’s stare. “Tis my duty.”
The man was right, but as the late laird’s son and now brother to the new laird, Kieran could order Naill to do his bidding. He never would. Mainly because, although Naill and he didn’t see eye-to-eye, Kieran wasn’t interested enough to care about trivial things like a tournament. He’d given up being the leader of the archers since his father’s death and the burden now fell on Naill.
Upon returning to Munro Keep, Kieran searched out the laird to inform him the archers had arrived. Caylen stood just inside the entry with another guard and stopped speaking at noticing his entrance.
“Ye must feel confident by yer absence at the practice yesterday.” The smug man looked him up and down.
“I practiced,” Kieran replied, but did not elaborate. “I seek yer father.”
Caylen’s eyes narrowed and he motioned to the stairwell. “He will come down shortly.”
“I will request lodging for the archers who’ve arrived just now.”
At this, Caylen straightened, taking notice. “I do not understand how yer clan’s style of travel works. Shouldn’t the archers remain out to ensure yer sister’s party is safe?”
If not for decorum, Kieran would walk away from the man. The soft insult did not annoy him as much as the idiot’s pure presence did. “What is to say some are not?”
Just then, Gisela’s mother hurried down the stairs and straight to them. Her eyes wide, she stopped and looked from Caylen to him. “Have ye seen my daughter? She is gone.”
“Gone?” Caylen took the woman’s hand. “I am sure she is about. I will help ye search her out.”
The woman’s cheeks reddened at the attention and she batted her eyelashes. Kieran fought not to groan out loud.
“That would be lovely, but I am certain that she went out to that dreadful cabin of hers in the forest.” Mrs. Munro then looked to Kieran. “Perhaps ye could go see about her? Would ye be a dear and send someone to fetch her?”
“Nay,” Caylen said a bit too loudly. “I will see about the mischievous lass.” His lips curved as he met Kieran’s gaze. “Kieran is much too busy with his clan matters.”
“Oh,” the flustered woman said. “I beg yer pardon, I did not mean to imply ye had time to spare.”
Kieran slid a look to Caylen. The man seemed anxious to go and he had an idea why. Gisela was alone.
“I saw her this morning. She headed to the village,” he lied. “I was out for a ride. She assured me that she’d return later today.”
Mrs. Munro brightened. “I feel silly. I forget her affinity for herbs that she loves to acquire for her concoctions.”
“I will fetch her nonetheless,” Caylen insisted, a slight curve to his lips. “A lass so lovely should not be out and about alone.”
“Ye are kind,” the woman said, tugging him toward the door.
As much as Kieran doubted Caylen’s true intentions, he needn’t worry about the willful lass. He’d already tried to talk her out of remaining in her cottage. At the same time, the idea of Caylen alone with her didn’t sit well. The man was not above attempting to seduce Gisela. Whether cousins or not, Kieran was sure he would take full advantage if he found her alone.
Hopefully, Caylen had believed him when saying she’d gone to the village.
Letting out a breath at spotting Laird Munro, Kieran approached. “Laird, my archers have arrived. Would ye like to see them?”
It was customary for the host laird to meet all people who came and Laird Munro nodded. “Aye, of course. Let us go with haste. I would like to welcome yer men and then see about a meal. I find myself quite hungry.”
They went to the courtyard where his archers stood in two rows of five. Except for Naill, who was built like a warrior, the men were almost identical in size and build. Slender, but with bodies honed from hours of horseback riding and archery. Their proud stances and hard expressions were impressive and it was clear the laird found it to be so.
“Welcome men. My staff will see to yer accommodations and the stable master will ensure yer horses are fed and watered. Ye are welcome to come into the great room to break yer fast and also for last meal tonight.”
Laird Munro looked to Kieran. “When does yer family arrive?”
“Tomorrow late morning.”
“Very well. I will ensure Lady Munro is informed.”
Kieran walked with the archers in search of the stable master.
It was a rash decision, but he found Laith, saddled him and headed back out the front gates toward the forest.
Chapter Four
Gisela finished sweeping the cottage and sat down at the table. As much as she wished to remain there, it was best to return to the keep and see about what was happening. It had been childish to slip away and come there, but a part of her wanted to deny what would soon happen.
Once she married, it was probable that she would never return to her cottage, to the home where she found peace. Although small, the cottage provided everything she needed. It smelled of herbs and flowers from her soap making and light filtered in just right both at sunrise and sunset.
Letting out a long sigh, she was about to stand when the sound of a horse approaching made her hesitate. If someone peered in the windows, she’d be visible where she was, so she darted up and hid by standing against a corner.
There were two loud knocks. “Gisela, are ye there? Yer mother requested I come for ye.” It was her cousin, Caylen.
Gisela narrowed her eyes. Caylen’s voice grated on her nerves. The man had always been overly flirtatious and never hesitated to touch her.
“Gisela!” he called out louder.
When she returned to the keep, it would certainly not be with Caylen. The man made her uncomfortable. Gisela pressed herself tighter into the corner and held her breath.
Finally, a few moments later, the sounds of departure allowed her to take a deep breath. She hurried to where she’d prepared a bundle of items to take back to the keep with her and then doused a candle on the small table where she’d been sitting earlier. Once enough time had passed that Caylen wouldn’t see her, she’d hurry back to the keep.
If only she’d been able to get her horse, it wouldn’t take so long to get back and she’d not be exposed as much. However, fetching the animal from the stables would have roused suspicion.
Minutes later, as she reached the front door, a noise outside startled her. Had she been wrong in assuming Caylen had left? She looked to the window and gasped at hazel eyes meeting hers.
Kieran.
What was he doing there? Had he and Caylen run in to each other?
“What do ye want?” Gisela snapped. This man, she wished to avoid for entirely different reasons. It took a great amount of willpower not to touch him, push the locks away from his brow, or run a hand down his arm.
Kieran had an effect on her, one that brought out not just
the wanton in her, but also the need to stay in his presence. Just the night before, she’d dreamed of him kissing her. It had been wonderful and also horrible, because she shouldn’t have such thoughts of the man.
She went to the front door, removed the latch and opened it. “I require ye to leave. I do not feel like company at the moment.”
“Is that why Caylen returned to the keep alone?” He lifted a brow, making him look even more devilishly handsome.
Gisela hitched her chin. “I did not speak to him.”
“I should consider myself privileged then?”
Why had she said that? “I plan to return to the keep today, but will do so when I wish, not when it is demanded of me.”
He studied her for a long moment, making her wonder what he was thinking. “What will happen when ye marry? Yer husband will have the last say in what ye do.”
The statement was true, causing her shoulders to fall. “I do not know.” Gisela met his gaze. “Do ye think it fair that a woman must be dominated entirely by her husband?”
“A man must protect and ensure the best for his wife.”
“But is it fair?”
When he let out a sigh and looked up to the sky, Gisela expected he’d not reply with a good answer. But then he surprised her. “Nay, tis not fair. I would hate for yer spirit to be crushed. I hope the man ye marry will see the value in yer independence.”
Gisela blinked. Without thought, she threw her arms around his neck, pulled him down and planted a hard kiss on his parted lips.
“Thank ye for saying that,” she exclaimed. Then not stopping to ponder her actions, because it would make her head spin, that she’d had the gall to do such a thing, Gisela swung away. “I will fetch my satchel and return to the keep with ye then.” She kept her tone light.
Bag slung across her body, she hurried around him to the waiting silver-hued horse. It was best to ignore what she’d just done because if she thought about it, she’d have to admit how strongly she wished for more.
Kieran neared, his hands circling her waist, gaze on hers. Without expression, he lifted her to the horse and then mounted. He urged his mount to a fast pace, his body rigid behind hers.
“Do not ever do that again,” he spoke into her ear in a harsh, tense tone.
Gisela attempted to turn and look at him, but he pulled her against his chest. It was impossible to do more than sit straight and keep her eyes forward. It also proved as useless to ignore the hardness of his chest against her back. Gisela took shallow breaths the entire time, praying that they’d arrive so she could flee from him.
What had possessed her to kiss him? His reaction, the statement had to be the most humiliating thing that had ever happened to her. Now, as she fought tears of regret, Gisela became angrier.
“I should have gone with Caylen,” she said in an attempt to annoy Kieran. “He would not force me to sit so uncomfortably.”
Kieran didn’t reply, but loosened his hold and she leaned as far forward as possible.
The keep came into view. Along with it, there were several cartloads of people arriving. No doubt, they traveled for the festivities to take place. Eldest son to the laird, Patrick Munro, was to marry Laird Ross’ only daughter, which meant much fanfare.
From what she’d overheard, there would be music, feasting and competitions between both clans’ archers and guards. If Kieran competed, she would most definitely not cheer for him.
Suddenly, the horse stopped. Kieran dismounted and pulled her not-so-gently from the horse.
“Wh-what are ye doing?” Gisela stared up at him, her heart pounding. The sack she held slipped from her grasp and hit the ground with a loud cracking sound. Although she’d ensured to wrap her favorite cup carefully with several cloths, now it was broken.
“Ye broke my cup!” She tried to smack his arm, but he caught her wrist.
He stared down at her for a long moment until her eyes widened. Something flickered across his face. At first, he scowled, then his nostrils flared. Finally, his jaw clenched and Kieran visibly swallowed.
Perhaps he was attempting to keep his temper in check. But she’d done nothing to make him angry. If anything, it was she who was due an apology at the moment.
“I did not mean to say what I did,” he finally stated. “Do not be mistaken, Gisela. The reason I do not wish ye to kiss me is because I have a hard time resisting ye.”
His hands cupped her face and, in an instant, his mouth crashed over hers with the intensity of a roaring fire. Like embers fanned by a strong wind urging them to burst into flames. Intense passion consumed Gisela and she leaned into him, unable to remain standing without support.
The strength of his arms around her was like a shelter from a storm. She reciprocated by circling his waist and, in that moment, her world was perfect. The kiss continued, his mouth traveling over hers, tongue delving past her lips and into her mouth.
It was like nothing she’d ever experience, so very personal. Gisela had never considered that kissing was such an intimate experience of tasting, nipping and suckling. A learning of what affected the other and intensifying the longer it went.
A low growl, or maybe a moan erupted from deep within his chest as he pulled her closer, his hands sliding up her back, cupping the back of her head as he tilted her so that he could continue to kiss her. Kieran trailed his lips from her mouth to her throat.
As if standing close to a fire, heat rushed from every extremity to pool in the center of her body.
Gisela raked her fingers through his hair, enjoying the feel of the silken tresses against her hands. Needing to touch more of him, she slid her hand down his back. His body was so strong, hard, sheltering her from the whirlwinds that brewed around them. He tasted so good, his lips warm and supple against hers. When his hands traveled down her body to pull her harder against him, a sound erupted from deep in her throat.
“Mmmm.” The sound she made was like a hum, but it was loud enough that it penetrated and then the spell was broken.
They jerked apart as if doused with cold water.
Kieran’s chest lifted and lowered, his eyes just wide enough that she realized he was as shocked by what had just occurred as she was.
“I…” he started and Gisela held up a hand to quiet him.
“This never happened and it will never happen again.” She cursed her breathlessness and inability to keep from gulping for air as she yanked her satchel from the ground, the pottery clanking inside, and she raced toward the keep. Although she knew he would not follow and try to stop her, Gisela had to get away.
Why had he done that? Why had she wanted more?
It was the worst mistake to give a man like Kieran any rights over her body. He would never be for her and she preferred it so. Because a man like him was like flowing water; one could hold it in a vessel but, slowly over time, it disappeared.
Cheeks flushed and breathing hard, she crossed the courtyard intent on finding her mother.
“I tried to find ye.” Caylen blocked her path into the keep. “Where have ye been?” His eyes narrowed on her mouth and she realized it must be swollen from Kieran’s kisses.
She let out a long breath and held up her sack. “I went to fetch some items…” Gisela stopped abruptly as there was no reason to explain herself to Caylen.
“I went to yer cottage,” he replied, a slight sneer to his upper lip. “Were ye there with someone?”
“Up until a few moments ago, I was alone.” She hoped he’d figure out she intimated to being with a man and would leave her alone. However, her reply had the opposite effect.
“I would like to be alone with ye,” Caylen said as he reached for her face, his fingers a bit too rough as he cupped her jaw. “When can it be, sweet one?”
The words made her swallow the bile taste that rose in her throat. “Tis best we do not, Cousin,” she replied, emphasizing their relationship. For some odd reason, by the way his lips curved, the idea of them being related seemed to arouse him.
Her stomach curdled and she looked over her shoulder toward the entrance. Perhaps it had been rash of her to spend the day away and not in search of a husband. The idea of marrying Caylen was enough to make her want to run away forever.
Just as they entered the main room, Gisela pulled back, not allowing him to tug her to a darkened hallway. “Mother is looking for me. I need to find her. Will ye help me?”
Caylen loosened his grip enough to allow her to get free. She didn’t attempt to move away, fearing he’d become angry and lash out. “I believe she is in the sitting room upstairs at this time.”
“It will not take long to speak to my father,” He said stubbornly. Then he placed his arm around her shoulder, his fingers digging into her shoulder. When her mother appeared from the direction of the kitchens, Gisela yanked away and hurried to her.
“Where have ye been?” Her mother frowned at Gisela but her features smoothed at noticing Caylen. “Thank ye for finding her.”
“He did not…” Gisela began, but he interrupted her.
“I plan to speak to Father about marrying Gisela,” Caylen said, his chin lifted in challenge, his hand tightening on her shoulder.
For the first time in a long time, her mother was speechless, her eyes widening just enough. “Ye are cousins?” The words came out like a question.
Caylen waved her mother’s sentence aside. “That is not a problem. Cousins marry all the time”
“Yes it is,” Gisela gritted out. “I’d rather die than marry ye.”
Both her mother and Caylen gave Gisela incredulous looks for speaking so boldly, but she didn’t care. Best that he saw whom he’d be tied to. “I will choose the man I marry. Try me on this and I will run away.”
Caylen took her by both shoulders in a grip that made her wince. Gisela narrowed her eyes. She would not allow anyone to force her into something she didn’t wish to do. Whether it was her mother or the idiot cousin of hers.
A Hellish Highlander (Clan Ross Book 3) Page 4
