Highland Devotion (The Band of Cousins Book 7)

by Keira Montclair

  She reminded herself that she’d seen the good in this man, time and again. He could not be more different than her brother. “Aye,” she whispered, “I would like that.”

  He moved closer to her and wrapped one arm around her shoulder and tucked her in close under his chin, his other arm wrapping around her also. His embrace was gentle, not constricting, and she knew she could pull away if she wanted or needed to—it was part of the reason she wanted to stay right where she was.

  “Linet, I want you to listen to me. You need not say a word. What your brother did to you was wrong. It is not expected behavior between a brother and sister, but between a married couple. The physical part of marriage is to be enjoyed by both the husband and the wife. ’Tis not something imposed or forced at all. True, I’ve heard many women do not like relations with their husband, but my sire and my brother taught me ’tis a husband’s job to be certain his wife enjoys it—and that she must always be willing. Now I can’t explain any more than that because I’m far from an expert, but what you speak of is wrong in every way.”

  She turned to stare at him because she wished to see confirmation of his words in his gaze. “Truly? You’re not saying that just to make me feel better?”

  “When I return to Clan Ramsay, I will banish Mal from Ramsay land.”

  “You would? Because of me? But he’ll come after me, he’ll blame me… My sire…”

  “Hush,” Gregor said, lifting her chin so his gaze locked on hers. “He is wrong. You are not. I’ll speak with your sire, but my guess would be he has no knowledge of what transpired. I don’t know any sire who would want that for their daughter. And if he feels differently, he will be banished, too. You have suffered enough.”

  She did the only thing she could think of to do. She wrapped her arms around Gregor and squeezed. He’d given her something she’d always treasure. He’d listened without passing judgment on her—something no amount of coin could repay.

  Her conscience was clear, and she’d fallen a bit more in love with Gregor Ramsay.

  ***

  Gregor hugged her, taking in her sweet scent, and bit his lip to keep from bursting into a rage. Oh, how he’d like to kill Mal for the way he’d treated her. He’d have to be satisfied with banishing the bastard from Ramsay land—if he killed him, he suspected it would weigh heavily on Linet’s conscience, something he didn’t want for her.

  “My thanks, Gregor, for listening.” She pulled back to gaze into his eyes. “If you think I’m daft, say so, but I wish you’d kiss me.”

  Gregor didn’t have to be asked twice, though he tamped down his desire to make sure he didn’t overwhelm her. His lips touched hers hesitantly, and when she didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss, savoring her sweetness. She opened to him and he touched his tongue to hers, ever fearful she would change her mind and push him away.

  Instead, a small moan came from the back of her throat and her hands reached up to the back of his neck, tugging him closer. He slanted his mouth over hers, delving deeper, and she met his pace, their tongues dueling until they were both panting. He kissed her throat, her neck, and then the small pulse just beneath her chin.

  “Will you lie next to me tonight?” he asked. “I promise not to ravish you, but I’d like to hold you, know that you are hale through the night. Kissing and holding you is more than enough for me. I’m not…”

  “Not what?” Her fingers ran through the thick dark strands at the base of his neck.

  He took a deep breath and sighed. “I’m not as experienced as the others. My cousins have…” he paused, searching for words. How could he tell her he’d never lain with a woman? Although the opportunity had presented itself before, he’d always been too shy, and the truth was, he’d never been interested in a casual relationship.

  And no lass had ever interested him as much as the one he now held in his arms.

  “I don’t have much experience when it comes to lasses, but I would like naught more than to hold you close while we sleep, if you’ll allow it.”

  “I would like that. ’Struth is I’m suddenly verra tired. I thought I’d never be able to sleep, but I think I will now.”

  He stood and helped her to her feet, cupping her cheeks and kissing her. When he finally summoned the will to step away from her, he settled the furs in a spot against the back wall. “I’ll be right back. I wish to check on our horse while I remember where I left him.”

  Gregor stepped outside of the cave, listening for sounds of any activity. The sun had dropped and the air had cooled considerably, but there was no indication of anything unusual going on. He rounded the side of the cave, surprised to find his horse lying flat on the ground, something he rarely did. He usually slept standing, but who was he to deny the beast a good night’s sleep? Not wanting to disturb him, he returned to the cave and settled next to Linet.

  “’Tis only me. All is quiet out there, so I think we can safely close our eyes.” He lay down, undid his plaid though his tunic was underneath, and said, “Tuck up with your back against me, and I’ll keep you warm, lass.”

  She smiled and leaned back against him, surprising him by putting her back flush against his chest. The soft curves of her bottom called to him briefly, but he forced those thoughts away and eased her back, her lovely scent surrounding him.

  He fell asleep almost as quickly as she did.

  Chapter Fifteen

  When Linet awakened, she nearly shoved Gregor’s hands away, but the memories of the previous eve flooded back to her.

  She burst into a smile, savoring the feel of the man behind her, his arm wrapped tightly around her. He’d kept his word and not ravished her or done anything without telling her and asking permission.

  “You slept well, lass?” His hand rubbed her arm and the sound of his voice struck a warm chord inside her. The cracks in her heart felt as if they were scabbing over.

  “Aye,” she murmured, not wishing to move away from Gregor’s heat just yet.

  “The sun is up, so I’d say we both slept well. I don’t often sleep this late.”

  He kissed the back of her neck, his warm breath sending tingles down her neck.

  “Before I do something I may regret, allow me to step outside and make sure we are safe.”

  She pushed forward, giving him the room he needed to stand, and handed him his plaid. He took it and wrapped it around himself deftly, then held his hand down to help her up.

  She took his hand and whispered, “I need to…”

  “Say no more. I do also but allow me to check the area first.”

  Gregor left, then returned and held his hand out to her. “I know a spot around the side where you’ll be safe. It’s back near the burn so you can refresh yourself. I’m not sure what we ought to do next—wait for Will and Maggie or start our own search for them.” He grinned. “Once I relieve myself, I may be able to think a bit better, and I’d also like to hear your thoughts about our plans.”

  Linet took Gregor’s hand, and he led her to an area to the side of the cave. “I’ll head in that direction. You’ll have your privacy, but I’ll be able to hear you. Yell if you need me.” And off he went, still grinning.

  Oh, how she was falling for this man. Whenever he smiled, she did.

  She saw to her needs as quickly as possible, then knelt next to the burn, allowing the cold water to collect in her fingers, then splashed her cheeks and washed her face. She rinsed her mouth the best she could, then found a rock nearby, settling on it to listen to the sounds of the forest.

  Even in winter the Highlands were beautiful. Bird calls still filled the air and an occasional small animal stirred the bare branches of the bushes behind her, the leaves crackling in the morning silence. The chill in the air was deep, enough that if she gave a huff, she could see her breath. Off to her left, she could see Gregor had made his way over to the part of the burn where the fresh water fell freely over a few rocks. She giggled as he tipped his face underneath the flow of water, then shook the water from his
face much as a dog freed its fur of raindrops.

  She’d thought him handsome before, as had nearly every other lass on Ramsay land, but her regard for him had deepened. It felt unassailable. The lad she’d admired had turned into a fine man, one who respected her and had given her hope for the future.

  Where once she’d feared she’d be ridiculed and judged if anyone discovered her secret, she now felt accepted. Cherished. Safe.

  Mal had been wrong to take advantage of her innocence. As sure as she sat on the rock in the middle of a Highland forest, she promised herself she would never allow him to touch her again. She’d fight. From watching Sela, she’d learned how to stand up for herself, to stand tall.

  Sela was a difficult woman, but she was also an inspiration.

  Linet Baird no longer did as she was told.

  Gregor turned and headed toward her with a smile on his face, but then he froze.

  And the lovely world they’d formed together fell apart in an instant.

  “Linet, get back to the cave!” he hollered. He ran to his horse, who snorted, not a good sign.

  The sound of horses’ hooves echoed across the land, and although she knew better—Gregor wouldn’t fear their arrival—she still prayed it was Will and Maggie. Gregor reached for the sword sheathed on his horse, his bow already in hand. He raced toward her, his expression determined, but he was too late. An arm came out of nowhere and snaked around her waist, hoisting her into the air and onto the back of a galloping horse.

  Linet fought hard. Kicking, biting, scratching, she knew she’d connected when her captor screamed, “Ow, you wee bitch!”

  Earc’s voice. He’d found her. He slapped her hard, but she barely even noticed—her gaze was fixed on the horses riding up behind him. Over a dozen if she were to guess. There were so many! Would they hurt Gregor? Maybe even kill him?

  Gregor used his bow and took three of the men out, but the others reached him, four of them jumping down after him at the same time. He pulled his sword out and fought bravely, slicing two across the belly. They fell to the ground, but more of them jumped down to join the battle.

  He fought valiantly, but he was no match for another seven men, if she counted right. Four held him and tied him up, beating him as they finished their task.

  “You bastards,” she screamed at Earc. “Leave us be. Have you no conscience? You’re a Ramsay guard.”

  “I was a Ramsay guard. Now I’m paid well for my skills. I’ve no need to serve anyone.” He whistled and two men left Gregor’s group to attend to Earc. “Tie her up. I don’t need to be kicked and scratched all the way back. She rides with me, but I want her tightly secured.”

  He left her with the two guards who did as he’d instructed. Earc strode over to Gregor and punched him in the face. Gregor spat blood out of the corner of his mouth. Linet kicked her legs and threw out her arms, anxious to get to him, but she couldn’t break free. “I have to be tied up for you to have the courage to hit me, Earc? Why not let me go, see if you can handle me on your own? Or are you afraid of me?”

  Earc’s hands settled on his hips. “’Here’s the truth for you. Your sister and her group have caused the Channel enough trouble. We have a huge shipment and we’ll see it done. This one shipment will ensure I’ll never have to work as a guard again. We’re taking Linet with us. Right now, it would be too much trouble to kill you—the last thing we want is for a legion of Ramsays to come down on us—but you could quickly convince me otherwise. If you don’t stop interfering, we’ll do what we can to ensure your body is never found.”

  He moved back to his horse and mounted. “Hand her to me,” he said to his friends who’d tied her. Once she was settled, too tightly bound to move much, Earc whistled for his friends to follow.

  The last thing she heard was Gregor yelling, “Linet, I will follow you. This is not done, Earc. You’re a dead man.”

  And despite the condition he was in—trussed hands and feet—she believed him.

  They traveled in silence for a short time, at which point she could stand it no longer. “Why? Why can you not leave me be?”

  “Because we have need of your services in the Borderlands. Quit fighting and accept your fate. Once the shipment leaves, we won’t need you any longer.”

  “So what then. You’ll kill me?”

  “Not my concern. I was instructed to get you back to Edinburgh, then you’ll be taken to the Borderlands.”

  Linet sighed. She knew what that meant. She would be killed or sent out to sea. Bought and sold like a commodity. But she had one small hope. If she was going to be taken to the Borderlands, she might see Sela. If she could manage to get under her protection until Gregor came for her, perhaps she would survive this ordeal.

  Without a doubt, she knew Gregor would come for her. She wasn’t worried about him because he was so clever and strong. And his cousins would find him.

  Just the same, she said a little prayer for him.

  ***

  Gregor cursed himself for his weakness. Why the hell had he fooled himself into thinking he could protect Linet by himself?

  He’d failed her miserably.

  How he prayed his cousins would be along soon, though he hated that they’d find him in such a condition. Struggling with his ties, he did what he could, but he only succeeding in wearing his wrists raw.

  He had to do something.

  Hellfire, Ramsay! Think of something! You’ve always believed your sire and mother have the quickest minds in all the clan, so use the gift they gave you.

  He glanced over at his horse, who nickered at him, his normal morning greeting.

  “Could you not help me out, Silver?” he hollered at the animal. “I thought you were my friend.” The animal took a step forward, giving him a light blow with his muzzle as if cursing him for his words.

  Then he noticed something. His sword lay on the ground next to his horse. The fools hadn’t thought to steal his weapon. He should be able to roll over close enough to maneuver the blade between his wrists.

  He rolled twice, only for Silver to take two steps closer and nuzzle him. “Shite, back up, you big beast. You’re blocking my way to my sword.” He had to chuckle at the animal’s antics, if only to keep himself from losing his mind. “Aye, I see you feel badly for me, but no’ enough to help me, aye?” He rolled again, directly at the horse’s foreleg, though he did it lightly because he knew Silver’s legs were delicate. “Move, would you not?”

  The horse finally took a step back with a whinny, giving Gregor just enough room to do what was needed. He rolled one more time and came close enough to his blade to slip the rope binding his hands over the sharp edge, careful not to cut himself.

  It took him a while, but he managed to free himself from the restraints on his wrists. That done, it was a simple matter to slice the restraints on his legs. The last of the rope snapped moments before the sounds of horses’ hooves reached his ears again.

  His horse stepped away, lifted his nose, and then neighed—a soft, sweet sound that made Gregor sigh in relief. Silver recognized this person by smell. A friend approached him, not a foe.

  Gavin rounded the cave moments later, his eyebrows arched. “What the hell happened to you, Gregor?”

  His horse neighed again, this time almost in relief. When Gregor finally made it to his feet, Silver came closer and he patted the big animal’s withers. “I know. ’Twas not your fault. My thanks for staying.”

  “What happened?” Gavin repeated. “I passed five dead men to get to you. Did you do that alone?”

  “Aye.” He nodded at Will and Maggie, who’d come up behind Gavin, along with Owen and a few other guards. “But I couldn’t stop the other seven from stealing Linet and tying me up.”

  “Linet was with you?” Maggie asked.

  “Aye. After Connor, Braden, and Roddy left for the Borderlands, I went to the whorehouse to see if I could catch a glimpse of Linet. They’d set up a whole new area for the lasses to fight. When they attempted to put Li
net up against two women at once, she ran straight at me and begged me to help her. So I sent Nari after you and we took off. We spent the night in the cave, hoping you’d find us this morn, but Earc and his men got here first.” His throat tightened as he said those last words. Oh, he hated the memory of her on Earc’s horse.

  “Earc?” Owen asked. “Did you just say Earc and his men? What the hell did he want with Linet?”

  Gregor explained, “Linet said Earc is one of the bosses of the Channel here in Edinburgh.”

  Owen growled, “I knew I didn’t like that bastard.”

  Maggie kneaded her hands. “It must have been Earc who had Linet kidnapped. Could he be the one who arranged the attack on Will and me in Inverness?” Her gaze searched Gavin’s face. “Did he send men after Papa?”

  Gregor sighed and said, “Probably. One of his comments to me was that the Ramsays had caused too much trouble for the Channel. He also said the only reason he left me alive was to keep the Ramsay guards from coming down on them now. They have a huge shipment going out, and he indicated he’d earn plenty of coin from it. I’m sure he didn’t expect me to be found so quickly.”

  “You must have surprised him. Well done if you killed five of the bastards and survived,” Will said. “We’ll find the lass.”

  Gregor nodded in acknowledgement. “Where’s Merewen?” he asked Gavin.

  “We left her with Nari at the inn. I promised to return once we found you two.”

  A sinking sensation filled his gut. “I’m sorry I’ll have to disappoint her and tell her I lost her sister.”

  Maggie said, “Gregor, you’ll not disappoint her. You’ve convinced her to leave a bad situation. That will please Merewen immensely. Will’s right—we’ll find her.”

  Gregor mounted his horse, wiping some of the blood off his face with his tunic sleeve. “Aye, we will. I promised her.”

  The powerful need he felt to keep his promise, and soon, gave him fresh insight into why so many of his cousins had chosen to marry.