by L. L. Muir
“I know I only just met you,” Ethan said. “But I believe in going by my gut. When you marry Zoey, you’ll fit in here just fine.”
Aiden froze. “Oh, as to that…” He didn’t know what to say, but couldn’t let the man carry on with his delusion. “Zoey and I are not plannin’ to marry.”
“Oh, no? In our family we usually get married, but I guess there’s no rush. The two of you will figure it out.”
“Sir, ye dinnae ken the situation. I’d be honored to marry yer daughter—”
“Oh. Good.” Ethan patted Aiden on the back. “Well, you have my blessing, if that’s what you wanted. Come on, let’s go over to Main Street, and I’ll show you the hotel.”
“Sir.” Aiden tried again. “I’ll not be able to stay much longer. I need to know Zoey is safe here under yer care.”
“Of course she’s safe. We don’t have much crime here. A little shoplifting sometimes, but for the most part, it’s live and let live.”
Aiden resisted pulling his hair out. It didn’t feel safe to him. There were no defenses in place,no walls, no weapons, and these people were too easy-going, just like Zoey.
They worked hard, but in other ways, life had been too soft for them.
But mayhap he worried for nothing. They’d driven hours away from the big city. Surely no villain would be able to find Zoey here?
He was not the trusting sort, and knew it.
But mayhap he was the one who just needed to relax?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Later that day, Aiden, freshly showered, was in his bedroom putting on fresh clothes supplied by a man named Dorsey. He’d been assured the man’s large, college-aged son wouldn’t mind.
His room was next-door to Zoey’s. The fact she was now took a turn showering had his mind going where it shouldn’t.
He blew out a breath and headed to the window.
He half-expected the wee witch to be perched in the big elm tree. He had an antsy feeling, like mayhap she’d show up at any moment and snatch him away from all this.
He didn’t want to go. Would Soni believe he’d done enough to save Zoey? Because truth to tell, he didn’t feel that way. Zoey wouldn’t be safe with anyone but him. She belonged in his care.
If only he had more time.
He liked it here. He liked that Zoey was here where she belonged, surrounded by family, friends, nature. She was such a gentle, fairylike creature. The thought of her inhabiting the woods around this home felt exactly right.
She could do her illustrations anywhere, so it might as well be here.
It had been a fun day so far. Working with some other men, they’d repaired the roof of the gift shop. Aiden was fascinated by the tools he’d never had access to before, but that these men took for granted. The things he could build! He’d seen some of them before, when repair work was done at Culloden Moor, but more often than not, he missed the repairs, living his in-and-out existence.
And now, surrounded by Zoey, her two cats, and her family, he felt alive! Needed. Unwilling to leave.
Bitterness clenched tight in his chest. Why couldn’t he have her? He wasn’t usually a man given to self-pity, but he had to admit, he felt it now.
He didn’t want another man to have Zoey.
But he didn’t want her to be alone either.
Again, he wondered if leaving the location where the witch had deposited him would make it harder for her to find him.
He certainly hoped so.
Earlier, he’d eaten lunch with the men. There was a sandwich shop in town and they’d all piled in to sit behind a table in the corner. Reserved for townsfolk.
It made him feel accepted. As if he was part of the family.
Like when he’d been a boy in Scotland, surrounded by his brothers, sister, Mum and Da. Their entire clan.
River had certainly taken a liking to him. Zoey insisted the two of them take tourists horseback riding in the afternoon so she could cook with her mother.
The woods, the trails, and the views amazed. Aiden didn’t want Zoey to leave this place. He didn’t want to leave either.
He blew out a breath and shook off the maudlin thoughts.Rather than wait for Zoey and risk seeing her wrapped in a towel, wet from the shower—not good for his self-control—he headed outside to see if he could help with the barbecue.
Since the weather was good, Zoey’s mom and dad decided to throw a party, and everyone was invited. Pass the word, as Ethan said. The community gathering sounded fun. Aiden looked forward to it.
He dreaded the possibility of going back to a drifting existence. He probably wouldn’t. The witch said they’d move on and get a chance at Bonnie Prince Charlie on the way out the gate.
He didn’t care about that. Truth be told, he’d stopped caring about Bonnie Prince Charlie a good long while ago.
He cared about Zoey, with her copper hair, blue eyes, and vibrant spirit. She was more alive than anyone he’d ever met, and how that attracted him. For one such as he, she drew him like a moth to flame.
Outside, tables with pretty checkered tablecloths were set up. A black oven of some type heated near the barn, and neighbors came, bringing chairs that unfolded in a most ingenious way. He took a moment to fold and unfold one. They also brought food and laid it about the table. He didn’t recognize most of it, but the pies drew his attention and he realized he was starved.
“Aiden, come over here!”
Aiden moved to Ethan’s side at the oven, and the man introduced him to two others. “This is Aiden MacGregor, Zoey’s boyfriend.”
As he shook hands, Aiden’s throat tightened.
Boyfriend. He liked the sound of that very much. He’d like husband all the more.
He was introduced around, though he knew a lot of the men from their adventures in town this day.
Zoey’s aunt and uncle arrived. When Zoey’s uncle learned Aiden didn’t know how to barbecue, he was shocked and determined to teach him the skill.
A brew of some type was thrust into his hand, and Aiden happily went with the man, as two neighbors joined them, good-naturedly telling Aiden they had more skill so should do the teaching.
When he learned barbecuing consisted of grilling meat over a fire, Aiden had not the heart to tell them he’d done it a thousand times.
Zoey came outside, stopping to chat with some ladies, and everything seemed to settle within him.
He wandered over to stand beside her, and took her hand in his. When he heard the cats yowling, he glanced up to see them pacing behind a screen at Zoey’s bedroom window on the upper floor.
She finished her conversation and followed his gaze. “I’ll let them out later. They just need to get used to the place for a day or two.”
“Shall ye treat our children in such a fashion?” he teased.
Copper hair curling about her face, she smiled. “Our children shall dance in the rain. They shall eat cake at midnight and pound on drums. They shall have cats, dogs, gerbils, and ferrets. And will play in the mud like pigs. They will laugh and smile and know they are loved.”
His breath caught as her beautiful smile widened and, throwing her arms in the air, she twirled once, and laughed. With a cheeky grin over her shoulder, she headed to help her mother.
Wonder left him breathless. He could see those muddy little urchins so clearly. Wanted them, and their mother, so badly. If she didn’t give him those children, she might as well stick a knife in his heart and be done with it.
If he’d a choice in the matter, he would never willingly leave her, or this place.
~~~
Zoey took in the scene before her. Family, friends, and neighbors. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed everyone.
Aiden stood with her father and a group of men, laughing and having a good time. Everyone liked him, which didn’t surprise her. She’d only known him two days, and she was falling in love with him.
The thought of losing him brought on a wave of sadness.
They really needed to talk, b
ut she was afraid he’d insist he had to leave, again, so she never quite worked up the nerve.
Still, bringing him here had been an inspired idea. She loved that he was enjoying himself. He fit in so well with everyone. It was like it was meant to be.
She’d pussyfooted around long enough, and it was going to stop. She needed to have a talk with him. She knew he liked her. She could see it in his gaze and hear it in his voice.
They’d discuss the obstacles keeping them apart, and she’d assure him that if he had to return to Scotland, she was going with him. She’d heard Scotland was lovely this time of year.
Mom and Aunt Thea headed her way. Mom’s smile was pure mischief. “We have something for you.”
They both giggled, and Aunt Thea held up a familiar glass vial. “I made a fresh batch. It’s a new and improved formula.”
Mom lifted a drink.
Zoey rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry, Aunt Thea. You know I love you, but I have never actually seen one of your love potions work before. In fact, are people still demanding refunds?”
“All the time, sweetie. But just in case.” She lifted the vial and wiggled it back and forth.
Zoey shook her head, accepted the small drink her mother handed over, and poured the contents into the glass of what looked to be apple juice.
Mom waved her fingers. “Have fun.”
“Good luck.” Aunt Thea wiggled her brows. “And make sure he’s looking at you and not at chickens or something.”
Zoey wandered over to where Aiden stood with her brother. “I want to show you something.”
River’s lips quirked as he glanced at the drink in her hand. “Aunt Thea give you that?”
“Uh huh.”
River snorted and patted Aiden on the back. “Good luck, man.”
Zoey took Aiden’s hand. She loved his warmth and solid strength. So enticing. She led him around the side of the shed covered in ivy.
He glanced around. “What do you wish to show me?”
She handed him the drink. “I made this especially for you.”
He glanced at the small glass, then at her. “Thank ye, lass.” He took it and drank it quickly. “Tasty, what’s in it?”
“Apple juice, and a few herbs and spices.” Head tilted back, she watched him closely.
He watched her right back.
“I want you to kiss me.” she whispered.
He sucked in a breath, his gaze honing in on her lips. “I shouldnae.”
She couldn’t decide what appealed to her most in that moment. The way he looked—handsome, striking, powerful—or the way he looked at her—hungry, breathless, and full of yearning.
“You know you want to.” Her voice was husky. “You know you want to more than you’ve ever wanted anything in your entire life. You haven’t been able to get our first kiss out of your head. Admit it.”
He appeared agonized as he eased closer. “Lass.”
Awareness pricked her senses. She gazed up at his strong chin, broad cheekbones, and kissable lips. She wanted to feel those lips against her own again. “I’ll admit it. I haven’t been able to forget about that kiss. I think about it all the time. Every hour of the day. Every time—”
He grabbed hold of her, pulled her close, and kissed her. He slanted his mouth over hers, and kissed her with all the pent-up passion she could have wished for. Slow, fierce, devastating. Heat rolled off his body and burned her own with awareness.
He broke their kiss, his expression intense, wild. “Aye, I admit it. I’ve thought of little else.”
A flare of happiness engulfed her. She was in his arms, right where she wanted to be. “Me too.”
He kissed her again, his firm lips claiming hers as if he had all the time in the world. She loved every second of it.
He broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to hers. “We shouldnae be doin’ such.” Another kiss. “We should return aught we are missed.” Another.
Pulling away, he grabbed her hand, and led her back to the party. As they came around the corner she spotted her mother and aunt.
Two sets of brows raised.
She gave them a discreet thumbs-up as she trailed behind Aiden, her hand firmly engulfed in his.
New and improved, huh? She might have to write a testimonial.
~~~
After loading plates with food, Aiden followed Zoey to some chairs, and they sat, balancing their meals on their laps as they ate dinner together.
There was something different about her. She seemed more determined, more relaxed. No doubt she felt safer among family and friends. This place definitely agreed with her.
She glanced up to see him watching her and a shy smiled curved her lips.
Perhaps his kisses agreed with her as well.
Taking a breath he glanced away to focus on his meal. Safer that way. Thoughts of dragging Zoey behind the shed again…
“Do you like it?” Zoey indicated his food.
He nodded. “I’ve never seen such salads, but ’tis truly delicious.”
“We have a lot of good cooks around here.”
Others joined them, and as they chatted, teased and joked, saying nothing of import, Aiden couldn’t seem to tear his gaze from Zoey.
He had to remember everything, the way she looked, laughed, the curve of her smile, her voice.
Her kiss.
“Ready for dessert?”
“Certainly.” He glanced toward the pie.
Zoey set their dishes aside and dragged her chair toward the fire. “This way.”
He followed her example and dragged his chair. Zoey picked up a stick with a wooden end and a long, thin, metal shaft. She put a white blob on the end of it and handed it to him.
“What is it?”
“You’ve never roasted marshmallows?”
“Nae, I’ve not.”
“You’re kidding! You’ve never had a marshmallow? Is Scotland at the end of the earth?”
He chuckled. “I’m game to try one.”
She showed him how to hover the treat over the fire. “Make sure you don’t let it catch fire, or else you’ll have to throw it away.”
Others joined them, mostly children, and he conscientiously did as she asked, and turned marshmallows at the same time. When Zoey declared them finished, she pulled hers off the stick and gently took a bite. The thing stretched.
He bit into his and his eyes widened.
She chuckled. “Oh, he likes it, doesn’t he?” Her teasing made him smile.
He did indeed. As soon as they’d eaten the treat, they roasted another.
He could see Zoey’s cats up in the bedroom window, gazing down on everyone, the glow of a light at their back. Tiny lights attached to strings lit the area and cast the tall trees into shadow. The place looked magical, enchanting, a perfect foil for Zoey’s ethereal beauty.
Watching Zoey chatting with the others around the fire had him relaxing back in his seat, enjoying the food and company, storing memories for whatever came next.
As much as he disliked the thought of leaving, he did feel grateful he’d met her. If only for a short while. Mayhap, in the hereafter, they’d meet again.
With her husband, no doubt.
The thought soured his mood.
A few more people came over to welcome Zoey home and he noted a man, about her age, who seemed to like her very much.
He’d not be jealous of the man. Were he her fated one, she’d never have left.
The marshmallows soon disappeared. “I’ll go get some more.” Zoey headed toward the house.
“I can do it.” Aiden offered.
“You don’t know where they are. I’ve got this.” She headed to the back door, up the steps, and into the kitchen.
How would he live without her? Any place without her would feel as barren as the moor.
A while later a boy stumbled down the back stairs, holding his bleeding head.
Aiden, the only one to spot him, rose slowly. A chill ran through him, leaving him as cold a
s a Highland winter.
“Zoey’s been kidnapped!” he cried.
Everyone quieted and turned.
With an exclamation, a woman rushed toward the boy. “Derek, what happened?”
Aiden, his heart thundering, was already moving.
“A man with a face mask zapped Zoey with something and took her.”
The boy sobbed. “I followed him out front and tried to stop him, but he put her over his shoulder and slugged me in the head. I tried to—”
“Zoey!” Aiden heard no more as he rushed though the house and out the front door. “Zoey, love, where are ye?”
She was nowhere to be seen.
CHAPTER NINE
Preston drove like a madman, jerking the wheel, switching lanes frequently. He ranted all the while, until his words finally became coherent.
“What?”
“I said, this is all your fault, Zoey. I hope you realize that.”
Zoey felt odd. Her body wasn’t working right. Her back hurt, and memories started to return. Had he really stunned her with a Taser?
She lay slumped in the passenger seat of his car, still trying to comprehend. Ties bound her wrists. Her back throbbed on one side.
Preston jerked the steering wheel and sped along a grass lane. No mailbox, so nothing to recognize, and in the side mirror she could see a limited amount of dust trailing them, that would no doubt settle quickly.
She was in a white van. Just like the one her Seattle attacker tried to drag her into.
She wiggled, trying to straighten. “Preston, what is going on? Why are we here? Did you seriously use a Taser on me?”
He gave her a dark look, illuminated by the van’s instrument panel. “I would think that would be obvious. You belong to me. You’re mine.”
“What?” She finally managed to straighten all the way and glanced around. All she saw were trees on both sides of a half-grass, half-dirt road.
“We’re going to consummate our relationship. Once we do that, you’ll realize the truth.”
Consummate? What did that mean? Was he planning to violate her?
“Preston, I don’t understand why you’re doing this.” She’d never been scared of him before, but with ties on her wrists, and Taser marks aching on her back, she obviously didn’t know what he was capable of.
