by Reece Butler
He pulled his dirk. She stared at it, stunned, until he leaned toward her carefully set threads.
“Nay!” She reached for the knife, uncaring of the blade. He swore, flicking the dirk away.
“Ye fool woman!” he roared. “I almost cut ye, and for what? A bit of cloth?”
“A bit of cloth?” She stepped forward, slamming her palms against his chest. He took a half step back. “I turned those flax plants into thread with my drop spindle. It took a very long time. I dyed that thread with onion skins for days to get that saffron color. It took me more than a day just to set up my loom with the dyed thread.” She glared, her hands in fists at her side, chest heaving in fury. “I will not let you destroy all my work for an arrogant whim!”
His eyes trailed down to her chest. She swallowed, crossing her arms to cover her rising nipples.
He pointed toward her loom with the tip of his dirk. “What is it ye are making?”
As he spoke reasonably politely, especially after the tirade she’d hit him with, she replied with what she considered restraint.
“‘Tis linen cloth. When it is done I shall sew Duff a new shirt, so when he wears it he will feel my arms around him, hugging him as the cloth does his body.”
He stared down at her, assessing. “Ye didna start this for him.”
“Nay, ‘twas for Colin. He has enough shirts. Duff will treasure this as it will be made by his wife.”
He tilted his head in censure. “By our wife.” He looked at the cloth, considering. “Will ye vow ye willna touch it without my leave?”
Kiera looked at the weeks of work that had gone into it, and what was left to do.
“I need to finish the cloth afore we leave this place. If you willna allow me to work—”
“Who said ye are leaving?”
Her eyes flashed to his. Her heart pounded. “But… When we marry you will be Laird of Kinrowan. Will you not go there?”
He leaned close. She refused to move away. “I will go there. Ye need not.”
“What? That’s the only reason I’m marrying you!”
She shut her mouth, too late. His eyes blazed.
“I gave my oath to Laird Somerled MacDougal of Duncladach. Because of that I will wed ye, and bed ye. As ye are already with child that duty is done. I dinna ken what is at Kinrowan Tower. Ye'll be safer here for now.”
“Nay,” she yelled in anguish. “You canna be that cruel as to leave me here!”
He sighed. “‘Tis not me ye should be angry with, Kiera, but the one who caused this. Yer father sent a marriage contract to my laird, months ago. A contract with yer name on it, and mine.”
“What?”
“Aye. The first I heard of it was three days after I got to Castle Leod.” He raised an eyebrow and lowered his voice. “Three days after Duff first bedded ye.”
Heat rose to her hairline. “You didna ken that.”
“Aye, I did.” He said it wryly, more to himself. “Duff and I can feel the other when we’re hurt, or in fear, or…” He cleared his throat, avoiding her horrified gaze.
This man had known each time she and Duff shared passion? She shook her head in horror.
“Aye, lass. ‘Twas most inconvenient when I was battling with yer father’s guardsmen. ‘Tis a wee bit distracting, ye ken?” He winced, rubbing the side of his head. It was the same place the guard captain hit with the pommel of his sword to knock sense into the men who were not paying attention during training. “That first time was mid-afternoon the day we arrived. I couldna believe Duff had already found a lass, and was bedding her in the light. And then again, as I was going into the hall.” He raised an eyebrow at her. “Every day, morning, noon, and night, ye went at it like rabbits. Nay wonder ye are already carryin’ Duff’s babe.”
Mortified, face flaming, she staggered backward. The backs of her legs hit her stool. She slumped onto it. He’d known what they were doing?
“I kenned yer father had given Duff a task but would never have thought of this.” He shook his head. “He set Duff up to handfast with a simple lass, get her with child, then have his daughter marry me. Duff didna ken who ye were. Nor did I, until three days after ye met.”
She should be horrified. Yet her breasts filled, her pussy swelling between her tightly clenched thighs.
It was too incredible to believe that Malcolm had known what they did, and how often. Or was it? Her brother Roderick had known when his twin Dugald was hurt. He’d been in the kitchen and had suddenly grabbed his arm in pain. Shortly after Dugald was carried in, needing stitches in the same spot.
She cleared her throat. “Does that mean Duff, wherever he is, kens your anger?”
“I’m nay angry at ye, Kiera.”
“Aye, you are. I can feel it. You didna wish to marry a bitter old shrew, no matter what her dowry.”
“My anger is for yer father. He told me he had a task for Duff. Not until ye were well bedded was I told about it, and the part I must play.”
She tried not to ask. She didn’t want to give Malcolm a shred of herself. But she had to know. Dougal Chisholm had only wanted her for her dowry. Malcolm didn’t want her even with it. Duff seemed to care, but…
“What task did my father give Duff?”
Malcolm leaned a shoulder against the wall. It was no doubt intended to seem relaxed, but she saw the tension in his jaw, and in the way the muscles in his tightly crossed arms bulged.
“The laird told Duff he was responsible for marrying off a lonely widow due to a deathbed promise to her mother. Duff was told ye had a wee croft and land in the village, which he would gain when he married ye. Duff kenned, as did yer father, what I’d been wanting all my life. The laird said it had to be the MacKenzie widow’s decision but that he wished Duff to marry her. As we were both bound by our own laird to do as yer father asked, Duff had little choice.”
It all made sense now. Why and how Duff had found her and why he’d played with her. She’d sensed nothing false about him. She desperately needed to know if that was true.
“Did Duff ken who I was?”
Malcolm shook his head, watching her too carefully for comfort.
“What he was told made him think ye kin to the laird, but not too close.”
“What of you?” she demanded.
“As I said, I kenned none of this until yer father showed me the signed wedding contract with our names on it.”
She pursed her lips. “Nay doubt you were eager for my land.”
“I wished for a small cottage to share with my brother, a kind wife, and wee ones to cherish.” His jaw tightened. “Instead, I get a tower and a hag.”
She flinched at the word. She’d been called that, and worse, before. It hurt far more now.
“‘Tis not yer face I speak of, Kiera. Ye are a beautiful woman. ‘Tis yer voice and yer words, and the anger behind them, that is ugly.”
She should not want this man to think well of her. She’d married Duff, and he was all she wanted! No, she wanted more. She wanted both of them. The wanting, which must be wrong, made her furious. She stood.
“Get. Out.” She pointed at the door.
He straightened, seeming to draw a mantle of power and control around him. Her pussy and breasts throbbed at his quiet confidence. She should not want him to chase, catch, and take her, as she had with Duff!
“Nay. I willna be married to a hag. Ye will change that habit afore we wed.”
She tossed her head. “I am no hag with Duff! We laughed as we worked, and…and more.”
His ears were tipped with pink again but his determination won out.
“I ken that. Ye’ll be that way with me, as well.”
She turned away from his direct, knowing eyes. The men were gone, having left her chamber cluttered. A new table held a chess set, the pieces jumbled about. Another held food and ale.
“What is all this?” she demanded. “I asked for none of this to be brought.”
“Ah, but I did.”
“Why?” she
demanded. Her nipples itched, but she refused to let him see her scratch them.
“I am moving in with ye and wished for a few things to pass the time.”
Her jaw dropped. She stared at him, unable to comprehend his words.
“What?” she finally croaked.
His tension eased. He smiled, one that showed he was far too pleased with himself. “I said I wouldna marry a hag. After ye’ve spent a wee bit of time with me ye will ken who I am. Yer voice will be sweet when we marry.”
Spend time with him? In her chamber? Her eyes flicked to the bed and back. Her cheeks and ears burned. She’d heard some women who’d made a babe felt a sudden need to demand more of the same. She’d gone without peaking since Duff left. Surely that was the only reason she felt such a powerful draw to Malcolm. He looked so much like Duff, yet with more power and control.
Oh Lord, she could not stay here with him! Her body craved his touch so much she might throw herself at him in desperation. Surely that would be wrong! She curled her fingers into fists, and her toes into the carpet to hold herself still.
“I canna see how spending time with a man I detest will make me enjoy his presence.” She’d tried to sound indifferent, but the words had come out all breathless and needy.
One corner of his mouth tipped up in a smirk. He stepped closer. “Ye enjoyed Duff’s touch,” he said, deep and slow. “Mine will be nay different.”
She took a step back. “I enjoyed the touch of a man who cared for me. One who wanted me, not my land!”
“My twin was lucky as ye met as strangers. I dinna like starting a life with a lie but yer father set his plans, and I could do naught about them. We have these days to learn of each other. I willna have it said my wife was forced to say aye at our wedding.”
“You care what others think?” she demanded with a forced disgust.
He suddenly loomed over her. “I care what Kiera Mackenzie thinks. Like Duff, all I have to offer is myself. I canna force ye, nor do I wish to.”
His scent, familiar yet slightly different, stole into her. His towering body, made of muscle that could lift her so easily, overwhelmed her. She fought for control.
“Then why are you here in my chamber?”
“Because when the priest asks, I wish it to be yer choice to say aye.”
“And how do you think to do that?”
“Are ye ready?” The demanding question came from her door.
“Aye,” called Malcolm. His deep voice carried across the room. It had the ring of command, making her shiver.
“Ready? For what?”
“For us to get to know each other.”
The door slammed shut. Something banged against it.
“What are they doing?”
“Locking us in.”
“What?” She tried to push past him but couldn’t make him move an inch.
Malcolm sighed. “Ye say that word far too much.”
Loud banging proved the bar had fallen.
“Nay,” she whispered.
“Aye,” he replied.
It would only be for a few days. She would ignore him and work on her weaving. Day and night. She turned toward it, needing the security.
“Halt!”
Startled, she turned back.
“I said ye’d not touch yer loom without my permission. Do I get out my dirk?”
She clasped her hands together behind her back so he didn’t see them shake. “I need it,” she whispered. It was as loud as she could speak.
“Why?”
“It soothes me.”
“Why?” He stepped closer, crowding her. “Why?” he demanded again.
Her panic rose. She panted, unable to inhale deep enough.
“Tell me, Kiera!” he demanded. “Why do ye need the loom to comfort ye?”
“Because I am a failure at all else!” Her words rang in the room. She waited for his laugh. For his scorn. Or worse, for his pity.
“Failure? Are ye daft, woman?”
She blinked at him, numb.
“Did ye not take over as chatelaine of this castle when yer mother died?”
“Aye,” she replied, confused.
“Did ye not take plants growing in a field and turn them into something to cover my twin’s hairy arse?” He pointed at her loom. “Can ye not use that pile of wool to make a plaid to keep a man warm on a winter’s night when he canna be with his wife?”
“What…” She started again. “What are you saying?” She was too confused to move when he set his hands on her waist. She looked up.
“Ye are no failure, Kiera MacKenzie. Ye are what many men fear.”
“Fear?” That broke her numbness. “They hate me.”
“Aye, because they fear a woman of higher rank with more education, wealth, and strength of purpose.” One lip turned up in a sarcastic touch of a smile. “Ye’ll bring so much to this marriage, Kiera. Duff and I bring ourselves and our strength. We’ve not kenned what life could be with a woman such as yerself at our side.” He squeezed her hands, reminding her of his possession. “MacDougals ken the value of a woman as we’ve gone without. Mary, the last woman to live at Duncladach, died twenty years past. We all miss her laugh, her fury, and how she made us a family. A man who values his wife has a far better life. Ye are a woman who should be valued, for all of ye. Head, heart, and body.” He gave an exaggerated sigh. “Even yer words, though I dinna wish to hear much screeching.”
Where was the furious toad who’d pushed his way into her chamber? Malcolm gazed down at her with tenderness, looking so much like Duff it was uncanny. She found her finger drifting along his chin. There was no scar to add character to this face.
“I would be yer husband, Kiera. And if ye vow to obey me, and do so, I would have ye at my side to advise me.”
“Who are you, and what have you done with the horrid toad who called me a hag?”
“You act the hag to defend yerself, and in anger. I saw ye in the hall when ye met Colin. That is the wife I want. Only, I wish her to smile at me the way she did at Colin.”
His hands slowly slid behind her waist. One went down to cup her bottom, the other came up toward her shoulders. His male heat and scent, a mix of musk and spice, enveloped her. As he pulled her against him he exhaled, his breath shuddering past her ear.
“May we start over?” he whispered. “I am Malcolm MacDougall of Duncladach. I heard ye are a talented lass, able to feed and clothe yer family with yer own hands. I also heard ye ken much of husbanding the land. And that ye care much for my brother.”
He rested his chin on her head the way Duff did. He inhaled, and this time when he released it, there was no shudder.
“I also heard ye have a wee dog with a terrible habit of yapping.” His heart pounded against her. “And that ye carry our babe,” he whispered.
“‘Tis Duff’s babe,” she blurted. “Duff’s and mine.”
“My twin may have started that life in ye, but the three of us, God willing, will care for our son and raise him together.”
She pushed back, tilting her head to one side. “I could be carrying a daughter. What say you to that?”
“Dinna fuss about us thinking less of ye for giving us a wee lassie. We want them. Some say Clan MacDougal is cursed, that they willna be touched with good luck until lassies are once more born to the clan. We would be happy with a dozen of ’em.”
“As long as you have sons as well.”
“Sons are what ye laird father wants, and ‘tis likely what he’ll get.” His lip twitched. “‘Tis mayhaps one more reason why he chose us for ye.”
Chapter Fifteen
Heart thudding with eagerness, Duff strode toward the stair to Kiera’s tower. One of the servants had told him the way, thinking he was Malcolm. He was three days early, but he couldn’t wait to see Kiera. When he’d felt Malcolm’s anger he’d raced toward Castle Leod with his two-man escort. Was his brother furious with MacKenzie, or had Kiera said something?
He had no idea how Lair
d MacKenzie had told Kiera she was to marry Malcolm, but he had a good idea the man would not be sensitive about it. No doubt she was furious at Malcolm as well as her father. Duff wasn’t too pleased with the laird either. His wife was feeling the effects of their babe and did not know when, or if, her husband would return. She needed comfort but, from what his escort described as the widow they knew, she would not receive it.
He couldn’t believe the laughing, wonderful woman he knew was known by his escort as a bitter shrew who attacked with words that bit deep. Kiera had wit, and they’d enjoyed their word battles. Learning she was so different with him, away from the castle, made him believe her behavior was a reaction to how she was treated, not her natural personality.
Duff pelted up the stairs, eager to see his woman. An arrow-slot window showed her door at the end. It opened outward. A thick board blocked it from opening. MacKenzie had locked Kiera in her chamber? Furious, he tossed the board aside and hauled the door open. His eyes went to a well-dressed woman with her back to the door. She was being held by Malcolm. She turned.
“Kiera!”
She burst into tears and ran toward him. He hauled her into his arms, savoring the scent and touch of her. He squeezed his eyes shut to hold back everything he’d felt from the moment he turned his horse away from her sheiling.
“Shh, ‘tis all better now.” He glared at Malcolm. “What have ye done to make the lass weep?”
“‘Tis simple. I am not ye.” Malcolm grimaced. “I wished Kiera and I to learn of each other afore ye returned. Since ye are back, I’ll leave.”
Duff felt his regret as well as an underlying desire. “Why leave? We should all learn of one another, together.”
That startled Malcolm. “Ye wish me to stay?”
“I do not!” Kiera pushed back. He released her, just enough to see her face. “Tell your brother the toad I wish him to leave.”
She turned her head to curl her lip at Malcolm. Though the two had been in an embrace his entry had done something to Kiera.
“Wife, the man ye just called a toad will soon be yer laird husband.” He touched her on the nose with his finger as a warning. “Ye should be sweet to him, making him pleased to marry ye.”
