A servant brought Maddie a bowl of porridge covered in honey. “Do not apologize,” she said softly. “I know my stepbrother’s harsh ways.”
What could be done with her stepbrother? He should not be laird. Now his maliciousness was spreading outside his own keep. He did need to be stopped. But how?
It was dark before the men returned. Alex strode into the keep with his brothers at his side, followed by many of his guardsmen. Maddie marveled at what an impressive sight he made, so massive with all his chainmail and gear, his dark hair curled slightly at his collar, his finely chiseled jaw darkened with the day’s stubble. When he was focused, his gray eyes turned dark and deadly. According to Mac, he had a reputation for making men cringe just from the serious way he looked at them.
Maddie’s breath caught at the sight of this fierce, proud man. She could not take her gaze off him as he advanced toward her.
Alex and his brothers bowed slightly to her before sitting and then Alex said, “My lady, you are a vision of loveliness this evening.”
“A true vision!” Brodie added with a smile.
“A pleasure never known to me before!” cried Robbie, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Madeline beamed at the brothers. “Why, thank you, you are too kind.”
Suddenly she felt Alex’s scrutiny—his gaze was so powerful, she sensed it down to her toes. For a moment, she daydreamed what it would be like to have Alex come home to her every day. How would it feel to be held in his arms at night, to hold his bairns on her lap? Could she hope for such happiness? She caught Alice’s gaze from across the room. Her maid was smiling at her and nodding in encouragement. She turned back to look at Alex again. Was it possible?
Then she reminded herself that she was no longer a maiden. Alice had insisted he would understand, but what if he didn’t? She wasn’t sure she could stand to tell him. It would be better to focus on the threat posed by her stepbrother.
“Laird Grant, were you able to find evidence of my stepbrother today?” she forced herself to ask.
***
Alex was vexed at what this one slight woman did to him. With one glance, her innocence and trust undid all his training as laird, forcing him to soften everything he said, everything he did, and all for one golden-haired lass. No wonder his brothers teased him. Alex thought carefully before responding. He did not want to worry Maddie needlessly, but they found evidence of horses in the area. They knew they had been watched at some point, but the invaders could have been Kenneth or Comming. It was impossible to know for sure.
“We found nothing substantial, though we plan to continue tomorrow.”
Alex stared at her. What he wouldn’t give to see that warm smile bestowed on him alone. He let himself savor the memory of holding her in his arms. Maddie belonged with him. She had been so passionate, but he had made the mistake of going too far. He reminded himself that he would need to move slowly with her after all she had been through, but even though he reminded himself of this repeatedly, whenever she was near, he forgot everything.
He caught a whiff of her lavender scent and sighed like a laddie. Curse it, the woman drives me over the edge! How long would he have to wait to get her in his arms again?
Her skin was absolute perfection. He wanted the privilege of being able to stroke her tenderly whenever and wherever he wanted. The thought of anyone else doing so burned his insides.
He held his hand out for her and escorted her to the dais, then signaled for the servants to bring food for his men.
“How is your maid faring today?” Alex asked as he sat by her.
Maddie pointed to the hearth where Alice sat with her husband, Mac, and wee Jennie. “As you can see, my laird, she is doing much better. Thank you for helping her. She has a heart of gold and is very special to me.”
The sound of little feet pounding up to them interrupted their conversation. Alex turned to see Jennie flying toward him. He pushed his chair back just in time to catch her in midair before she landed in his lap. She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Alex, I like our new friends. Mac tells the best stories.”
“Is that so?” Alex retorted. “I have been replaced that easily, my wee one?”
Jennie wrinkled her face. “Nay, Alex, but sometimes you are very busy.”
“Never too busy for you, little squirrel,” he said, brushing a kiss on her nose.
Alex caught Maddie watching him. The sadness in her eyes broke his heart. How would it feel to have no family to love?
If only he could make it right for her.
RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The relentless activity in Maddie’s mind kept her awake for much of the night. Intent on getting some air, she climbed out of bed, slipped on her robe, and tiptoed out of the room. When she reached the end of the passageway, she opened the heavy door. The rush of fresh, cool night air blew across her face, making her smile.
She carefully wound her way up the stairs. After stepping out onto the battlements, she glanced around, hoping she was alone. Once she was satisfied that she had no unanticipated company, she gazed out at Alex’s lands. What a magnificent sight. From this vantage point, she could see the treetops in the forest and the fields filled with row after row of neat crops yet to be harvested. Wrapping her robe tighter around her body, she made her way down the walkway to find a place to sit. Soon she found the perfect spot—a flat stone encased in the wall.
Maddie sat and pulled her knees up to her chin, carefully tucking her robe around her. The chaotic thoughts all rushed back to her. Time was what she needed to decide what her next step should be, but she did not have it. Who knew when Kenneth would arrive? She’d escaped from him for the time being, but he wouldn’t give up easily.
She shuddered as she thought back on the beatings and injustices she’d endured at her stepbrother’s hands. She would never go back, she just could not. Kenneth had destroyed her home, and it was time for her to move on with her life.
Marrying Niles Comming was certainly not the answer. Maddie’s eyes closed as the painful memories assailed her. She had tried fighting him, but her struggles had only excited him more. He’d eventually tied her to the bed and taken her over and over.
She had been bruised for a sennight afterwards, but she had tried to be strong around her servants and her maid, always aware of the pitying looks they gave her.
Maddie rested her chin on her knees and thought of how different Alex was from Niles and Kenneth. He was so powerful and strong, yet when he touched her, she sensed only gentleness. Firm but fair, he commanded the respect of his people, and he often put their welfare ahead of his own. Kenneth would never do that. His needs had always come first.
Her thoughts turned to the marriage bed. She believed that it would be different with Alex. But even so, the marriage act was the same for everyone, was it not? How could she bear that pain again?
Alice had said that the act should be done between two people in love. Was she in love with Alex? Nay, it couldn’t be love she felt for him. He still made her anxious at times. He was so quick to anger. But then she thought of the many good things she knew about Alex. He was a wonderful brother to wee Jennie. He always had a smile for the lassie—a smile that made Maddie’s knees go weak. And then there was the way he had comforted his sister by buying her new puppies. Kenneth liked to beat animals.
Maddie felt a smile stretch across her face as she thought of the quick, decisive way Alex had picked up Alice. She had been filthy, but that hadn’t stopped him. And then there was the way he’d called Alice ‘my lady’ and Maddie as ‘my Madeline.’ Did he really think of her that way?
She remembered how good it had felt to be in his arms last night. And his kiss…she had never imagined it could feel so wonderful.
The distant sound of footsteps registered in her ears, making her flinch. She hoped it was only a guard, but cold fear crept down her spine. A booming, “What say you?�
� caused her to jump up from her spot. Alex’s dark eyes locked with hers. He towered over her, his hand on his sword.
“Maddie?” he asked. “What the devil are you doing up here?” He studied her slowly and then tugged at the robe around her. “Especially at this time of night?”
“I could not sleep. I thought fresh air might help. Alex, do you have a moment for us to talk?” she asked as she gazed into his steel gray eyes. She needed to apologize for hitting him, and besides, they needed to talk about Kenneth. His eyes almost looked silver in the moonlight. She shivered as his stare raked over her.
“Aye, but you need to keep yourself warm. The nights are cool.” He sat on the stone, pulled her onto his lap, and wrapped his plaid around her. “Now what has you so upset this eve?”
Maddie sighed, relaxing into his warm embrace. She forced herself to focus on her words. “I do not know what to do to stop Kenneth from hurting people. I fear I have endangered your family and your clan, and that is not right. You know I would not do anything to hurt any of you. If he attacks, lives may be lost, and it will be completely my fault. What can I do to stop this from happening?”
He rested his chin in the hollow of her neck. She loved the feeling of his warm breath fanning across her skin. “Maddie, ‘tis not your fault. Your stepbrother is a danger to us all. If we do not stop him now, he will continue on his rampage. Our king wants peace, and I gave my word to keep it. I’ll not allow Kenneth to threaten my people or anyone else. ‘Tis my job to stop him.”
“Maybe it would be better for everyone if I go back.” Maddie twisted her hands back and forth in her lap repeatedly. It was unthinkable, but she would do it if it was the only way to protect Alex and his family.
Alex’s voice turned gravelly. “He will never touch you again. I gave you my word that I would protect you, and so help me, I will.” Alex’s jaw clenched. “Nay, Maddie, you will never go back to him.”
Maddie feared she had made him angry again. “Then maybe it would be better for everyone concerned if I were to join a convent. Neither my brother nor the Comming would be able to reach me.” She turned to Alex with pleading eyes.
“Maddie, do you no’ trust me to keep you safe? I train my warriors every day to protect my people—and you are one of us now. Why would you want to go to a convent?”
“Alex, you do not understand. Things are sometimes not what they seem.” Maddie cringed at the thought of revealing her past to Alex, but Alice was right. She could not deceive him. It probably would make him hate her, but it would be best for him to know the truth.
“I understand what I need to understand.” As he spoke, he brought his thumb up and grazed it lightly across her cheek, then brought it down to rub her bottom lip. Her heart pounded against her chest. “You are mine. You belong with me. I know you are no’ ready for it yet, but I can wait. I will wait as long as you need me to wait.”
He brought his lips down to hers and kissed her lightly. He increased the pressure slightly and ran his tongue across her lips to get her to open to him. She whimpered and leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him. He ran his hand up and down her arm and lightly brushed her breast. She thought it must have been by accident, and to her surprise, she did not want to pull away.
She moved closer to him, wanting more, though not knowing exactly what it was she wanted. But was it right to satisfy her needs when his feelings would certainly change after he learned her secret?
She slowly withdrew from him and whispered, “Alex, you don’t understand. Niles…”
“What is it, Maddie? Whatever it is, it does not matter to me.”
She gazed into his eyes and realized that she did love this man. The feeling had crept up on her, unexpectedly, over her time at the Grant keep. He was looking at her with such care and concern that the thought of leaving his arms made her want to weep. But she had to be honest.
She placed her hand in his and mumbled, her head down, “I am sorry I hit you when you kissed me, Alex. But when a man touches me, I jump, I cringe.”
She couldn’t bring herself to look him in his eyes. She did not want to see the revulsion in them.
“Niles raped me, Alex. Kenneth gave me to him when we were betrothed.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I tried to fight him, but I was not strong enough. I am not a maiden anymore. No one will want me. You especially deserve better.”
And she prepared for him to push away from her.
***
Alex pulled her closer, caressing her back. He was so angry he could not speak. Sighing softly into her hair, he noticed the tears dotting her eyelashes. She was clinging to him and crying softly into his neck. Neither of them spoke. Everything made sense to him now. How had this mere slip of a lass survived so much pain? No wonder she was timid around him. He now understood so much more about her. He kissed her hair, her forehead, and pulled her tightly to him. She belonged with him—they belonged together. Forever. He was surprised at how strong his feelings of protectiveness were toward her. But first he had something else to attend to.
Kenneth MacDonald and Niles Comming were both dead men.
RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Maddie stretched to ease the kinks in her back from a restless sleep and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Late morning light filtered in through a slit in the closed shutter. She bit her lip, dreading the day ahead.
Alex had quietly walked her back to her door last night, kissed her briefly, and bade her good night. She’d lain awake for another couple of hours, worrying about the effect her confession would have on him.
He had said very little, but he had held her tight through her deluge of tears, softly caressing her hair. Still, she had felt the rigidity of his body. Did he think it was her fault? Or maybe he was angry with Niles? Or Kenneth? She was uncertain. How she wished she could talk to her mother. Deciphering Alex was a challenge at times. The man gave no clues as to his thoughts or emotions.
Hopefully, she would have the opportunity to talk to him today. Of course, now that he knew the truth about her, he might choose to avoid her. Maybe he thought her wanton, especially after the way she had acted in his arms last night. He probably would not want her influencing wee Jennie. She closed her eyes, remembering how wonderful it had felt to be held by him. How safe and special and warm. He had told her she belonged with him, but he probably felt differently now that he knew she was not a maiden.
Fiona had left hot water for her, still warm enough to use. She washed and donned a clean gown before heading to the hall to break her fast. When she arrived, the hall was empty. She made her way to the kitchen, where Brenna was busy planning meals with Cook. Not wanting to disrupt their work, she filled a bowl with porridge and headed back into the hall. Where was everyone?
Brenna followed her after a few minutes. “Good day to you, Maddie. May I sit with you?”
“Of course. You know I cherish your company. Where is everyone this morn?” Maddie glanced around the quiet hall again.
“Alice is still recovering, so she returned to her chamber to rest. Old Hugh was very busy this morning, so Mac has gone to the stables to help him.”
“Why was Old Hugh so busy?” Maddie asked, trying to pay attention to Brenna. What she really wanted to know was how to find Alex.
“Alex came into the hall this morning in a fierce mood. He gathered near to two hundred of his guard and left straightaway. He barked at everyone he encountered.” Brenna raised her eyebrows as she stared at Madeline.
Madeline chewed her lip with worry. “Where were they going?”
“He said he was going after Niles and your stepbrother. He told the men they would not return until they were found.”
Madeline gasped and stared at Brenna. “Oh, nay!”
“I don’t know what rankled my brother so. I haven’t seen him like this in a long time. Most of us know not to cross him when he is in such a bleak mood, so only a couple of lads had to find out the hard way. Mayhap you mi
ght have an idea about what put my brother into this mood?”
Maddie cringed under her friend’s gaze. “What do you mean?”
“Those who were foolish enough to question their laird are presently cleaning out the garderobes. They were not allowed to join the jaunt. My brother does not tolerate anyone questioning his decisions. Alex, of course, had to leave some men behind to protect the keep.”
Maddie’s belly collapsed. She stopped eating and fought to keep her porridge down.
“What’s wrong?” Brenna asked quietly.
“Oh, Brenna, I told Alex about the rape. He seemed very upset when I told him, but I thought he was upset with me.”
Brenna rubbed Maddie’s arm. “That explains much about his mood this morning. But you must know that Alex would not be upset with you. He has a strong sense of honor, and my brothers were taught to respect women. He is probably furious that Kenneth allowed such a thing to happen. I know my brother—when he says something, he means it. They will not return before they find Kenneth and Niles. I have faith in my brother to do the right thing. You must, too.” Brenna gave a fierce nod and left the room.
For the rest of the day, Maddie forced herself to stay busy to avoid focusing on her anxiety, but the worried thoughts did not leave her. The men could be back in a day or in a month. Who knew how long it would take them to find Niles or Kenneth? What if Alex lost and was taken captive? What if they killed him? She could not bear to think about losing him now.
Medieval Ever After Page 49
