Templeton, Julia

by The Bargain

  "How many men were with him?"

  "Alexander said there are fresh tracks in the forest."

  "Then we will take at least twice that and leave the others here."

  They rode hard for hours, at a full gallop, following the path the Scots had left.

  Renaud let his anger fuel him, and as they ate up the miles and approached the borderlands, he knew they were at a disadvantage. The terrain grew more treacherous with every mile, the weather worse. He could easily be falling into a trap. Two men were sent ahead, hoping they would not encounter danger.

  Now those scouts came galloping toward him, a third man with them.

  "Adelstan?" he said under his breath, recognizing the young man's blond hair and broad shoulders.

  "Aye, it is." Galeran followed Renaud as they approached the trio. "What the devil is he doing here?"

  "De Wulf," Adelstan said with a nod. "MacMillan passed this way just an hour ago. I followed them to a small valley where a cathedral sits. From what I could hear, I believe he intends to marry Aleysia this evening. We have little time to waste."

  Renaud's blood ran cold. "The bastard certainly wasted no time."

  "Aye, he wants to make sure that Aleysia is his."

  "By God he will not!" Renaud replied.

  "How many men are there?"

  "I counted thirty."

  "We will follow you then," Renaud said, motioning for his men. "Did you see your sister?"

  "Aye, she is well. But scared. We just need to make it in time."

  Adelstan pulled his mount up alongside Renaud. "I pray that we will not be too late."

  "If we are, then Aleysia will be a widow by tonight. She belongs to me and no other."

  The river was as cold as ice, but Aleysia clamped her teeth together and took another step out into the slow-moving water.

  She wore just an under tunic, insisting on it due to her modesty. Audrey had shook her head while muttering under her breath. Aleysia wanted to make sure she had something covering her when she made her escape.

  Duncan's sister stood on the riverbank, watching her closely. The two men who had followed them stood just out of sight, close enough that she could hear them conversing. The sun was slipping beyond the hills, which would work in her favor.

  She must hurry though and take advantage of time. Taking another step, she waded out until she was in waist deep.

  "Careful," Audrey yelled, as she tossed her the soap.

  Aleysia made quick work of washing her body, then spent a little longer soaping her hair, looking toward the horizon where the sun was making its descent.

  If luck was on her side, she could hide in the forests tonight, and then, God willing, make for Braemere in the morning. One thing that worked to her advantage was that she knew about soldiers and how to make do with very little. She also knew how to find shelter and how to hide and stay hidden from an enemy.

  Problem was, the night was growing bitterly cold, and she would be on the run with soaked hair and wearing nothing but an under tunic, and a wet one at that. God willing she would find a hollowed-out tree, or some type of shelter that would keep her safe from the elements.

  And the Scots who would be looking for her.

  "Hurry, Aleysia."

  She looked over her shoulder at the older woman, while her fingers curled around a good-size rock on the river's floor. It would have to do.

  She hated to hurt Audrey, but she had no choice.

  "I am finished." Aleysia stepped from the water, hiding the rock behind her back.

  Audrey opened the drying cloth and came toward her. She put the cloth about Aleysia's shoulders and pulled her hair out from beneath it. She turned to grab Aleysia's shoes and that's when Aleysia brought the rock up and hit the woman square on the back of the head.

  Audrey slumped to the ground soundlessly. Aleysia winced, hoping she had not hit her so hard as to kill her.

  Aleysia hurriedly removed the other woman's shoes and put them on. Wrapping the drying cloth about her shoulders, she raced toward the south, far away from the camp, and crossed over a small bridge she had seen earlier.

  She ran for miles, not looking back, ignoring the sounds of night all about her. She had always had Adelstan with her to calm her fears, but now in this unfamiliar terrain, she had never felt so alone. Worse still, she would be hunted shortly.

  Tripping over a fallen log, Aleysia stifled a cry, wincing as a short branch cut her calf. Blood seeped down between her toes. Ripping a piece from her soaked under tunic, she wrapped it about her injured leg and stood. The wound was deep, making walking exceedingly hard.

  Tears burned the back of her eyes, but she blinked them away, praying for the strength to continue.

  An owl hooted overhead, and she stopped short, hearing something else.

  She closed her eyes, concentrating, and realized with a start it was horses' hooves. Several in fact. Fear paralyzed her.

  No doubt Duncan had discovered Audrey on the riverbank. Looking for cover, she rolled up into a ball, her back to the trunk of a giant oak.

  Her chest constricted, her heart rate accelerating the closer they came.

  It did not help that both the tunic and linen sheet were white, and would no doubt stick out in the dark woods like a beacon. She gasped when out of the darkness came a large black horse... and riding it was Duncan.

  Dear God, no!

  He saw her.

  She scrambled to her feet and ran, darting through the brush, hoping that the low-hanging branches would stop him.

  But it didn't. The next thing she knew Duncan was off his horse, and he grabbed her none too gently by the neck, and threw her up against a tree trunk, so hard the breath left her lungs.

  His men had stopped, not ten feet from them. There was nowhere to run. No way to escape them.

  Two of Duncan's men dismounted, while the others stayed astride, watching her with wicked smiles.

  "You think to escape me? You nearly kill my sister, and then disappear into the night. Do you return to him? To the Norman? What a little whore! Think ye I know nothing? Your father would turn over in his grave if he knew his daughter fucked his enemy." He shook his head while he untied his cloak.

  Though it was dark, she could see the murderous gleam in his eyes. Cruel eyes.

  If only Renaud were here with her now.

  Duncan's dark gaze shifted from hers, to the neckline of her gown. She had thought for a moment he would give her his cloak, but now she realized with horror, that he had something else in mind.

  Something that made her blood run cold.

  He ran a finger along her jaw, down her throat, to the erratic pulse at the base of her neck, to where his hand covered her breast. "I have waited far too long for this moment."

  His men snickered behind him. It would not help to cry out. There would be no one to hear her. Plus, he wanted her to cry. To hurt her.

  "What are you doing, Duncan?" she asked, her tone surprisingly calm.

  His lips curved into a sinister smile. "What I should have done years ago. What I have been waiting to do from the first moment I saw you."

  Bile rose in her throat as with his free hand he untied his braies. A second later his erection pressed against her belly.

  One of the men behind Duncan shifted on his feet. One looked away, while the men still astride their horses watched.

  No one would help her.

  She tried to wrench away, using every last bit of strength, but he held her firm.

  Bringing her knee up, she caught him in the ballocks, but still he did not let go. However, he did take a moment to slap her, so hard she again tasted blood.

  His rough fingers pulled on a nipple, tweaking it hard, sending pain coursing throughout her.

  "Why do you do this here, in front of others? My father would kill you if he were alive. He trusted you."

  He flinched as though struck. "Your father is dead, and soon you will join him."

  She felt the blood drain from her fa
ce.

  He ignored her, and she closed her eyes, unable to watch the men witness her rape.

  Duncan kicked her feet apart, and his sex probed her women's flesh.

  Her heart beat so loudly she could hear nothing above it. One minute Duncan's lips were against her forehead, the next a primitive cry sounded throughout the forest.

  Renaud hit Duncan so hard, Duncan's front teeth flew from his mouth.

  Before the older man could stand, Renaud struck him again, this time on the jaw. Duncan's head snapped back hard.

  From the corner of his eye he saw Adelstan covering Aleysia with his cloak, holding her tightly to him, while his men made quick work of the Scots, including the two who had taken off on horseback.

  Renaud trembled with hatred, the image of Duncan as he'd nearly raped Aleysia while his men watched replaying in his mind.

  He had seen the fear in her eyes before she closed them.

  Thank God he had not been too late.

  Duncan tried to fight back, but only managed a right punch to Renaud's stomach. The only thing Renaud could feel was the blood coursing through his body while he hit the Scot over and over... until the man's face was a bloody mess, and his breathing labored.

  Let the man die like the animal he was.

  Here in the forest.

  "Kill him!" one of Renaud's men shouted.

  Duncan fought to get on his feet, and when finally he stood Adelstan approached him. Silver flashed—the blade long. The Scot went to swing, but Adelstan was faster, his blade sinking into the man's barrel chest.

  Shock showed on the highlander's face, a moment before he sank to the ground in a heap.

  Aleysia went into Renaud's arms, holding him tight, like she wanted to step inside him. He embraced her in return, kissing the top of her head. "Thank God you are well."

  She looked up at him, her lashes spiked with tears. How delicate she appeared. Her face bruised from the abuse she had endured. So frail.

  "Adelstan is right. The others will return. We had best make haste for Braemere, but we will get you into some warm clothes first." Renaud glanced at Duncan one last time. The man's eyes were frozen open, staring skyward.

  "How did you come to be here?" Aleysia asked her brother, who was already mounting his horse.

  "I had been staying in a village near the border when I heard Duncan and his men pass. I followed you to the chapel, and when I realized what Duncan was about, I rode for Braemere. Thank God I did not have to travel far before I discovered Renaud and his men."

  "Will you travel to Braemere with us?" she asked, needing him.

  Adelstan looked past her to Renaud. "I do not know if it is safe."

  "You will be safe, Adelstan," Renaud said. "I will see to it."

  "First Aleysia must change out of the wet clothes." His men looked away while Renaud helped her out of the clinging, wet under tunic, and wrapped her in his fur-lined cloak.

  Within seconds she was astride Renaud's mount. He settled behind her, and she snuggled up against his hard chest, finally relaxing. Her teeth chattered and he ran his hands up and down her arms, hoping to warm her.

  "We're going home."

  She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. "Yes, let's go home."

  CHAPTER 21

  Aleysia had fallen fast asleep in Renaud's arms, and when she woke the next morning, she could scarcely remember the journey at all.

  Renaud was not in the chamber, but he had called for a bath; the steam rose off the water, enticing her to step in.

  She was disappointed that she had not talked to Adelstan last night. In their urgency to reach Braemere there had not been time for idle chatter. They had ridden as hard as their mounts could carry them, and thankfully, Duncan's men had not pursued them. Only one had gotten away. The others lay near Duncan's body in the forest.

  She shivered, remembering how close the Scot had come to raping her. The one man her father had trusted to care for both her and Adelstan. Their father would be horrified to learn his friend had betrayed them all so badly.

  At least Duncan was no longer a threat to her or her brother.

  But that did not mean Duncans people would not want vengeance.

  Whatever the case, she would put it from her mind for now. She instead was anxious to see Renaud and her brother.

  She dressed in a light blue kirtle with a delicate silver girdle Elena had given to her. Securing the cloak about her shoulders, she tied it, and stepped out in the drafty hallway.

  The bailey was alive with activity and she smiled at a young boy who held a basket of freshly cut flowers. He handed her one, and she bent down and kissed the top of his dark head, thinking he could very well look like her son, if she and Renaud had a child. The boy's cheeks turned bright red as she stared. She had not had her menses yet and she wondered if even now Renaud's baby grew in her womb.

  For some reason the thought of carrying his child no longer horrified her, but pleased her. She would love to give him many sons, and a daughter or two. Aye, she would enjoy having many children with the man she loved. Because she did indeed love Renaud de Wulf with all her being. She felt like shouting it from the rooftops.

  She entered the great hall, which was full of knights and pages who were frantically setting the room.

  "Good morning, my lady."

  Adelstan!

  Her heart leapt with joy. He grinned and came toward her in long strides. She rushed to greet him and flung her arms around his neck. He lifted her and swung her in a circle, his laughter vibrating against her chest. "I hoped you would still be here."

  Over his shoulder she saw the flash of white teeth as Renaud smiled. He turned back to face the hearth and the fire roaring within, giving them a moment alone.

  Adelstan set her back on her feet. "I told you I would stay overnight at Braemere."

  She cupped his face between her palms. "I am so pleased to see you, brother."

  "Aye, and you as well."

  "Will you be staying?"

  His grin broadened. "For now. I do not know how long I will stay. At least until MacMillan's threat is no more or William calls for my head." Adelstan sobered a little. "He is a good man, Aleysia. He forfeited much to make this happen."

  She frowned. "What do you mean?"

  "Renaud did not tell me, but I want you to know what happened with William so you prepare yourself for what might happen. I have heard whispers that he was stripped of Braemere."

  Aleysia's stomach clenched. "Elena said that could happen."

  "William says he must surrender the fief to another Norman baron who will be here in the near future."

  Her mind reeled with the news. Renaud had sacrificed so much, and it had all been for her. She felt nauseous.

  "What will we do?"

  "Only time will tell, but you must be strong." He smiled, trying to soothe her. "You look beautiful in your gown," he said in an effort to comfort her from the sobering news. "Methinks this new attire suits you."

  "It is hard to get used to," she said, tugging at the skirt. "I confess I miss the freedom breeches and a tunic allow."

  "I think de Wulf appreciates seeing your feminine side," Adelstan said, motioning toward Renaud. "Perhaps later we can go to the cemetery?"

  She nodded. "I would like that very much."

  He kissed her cheek. "I will give the two of you time alone."

  She nodded, and gave him another hug before she left him again and walked toward Renaud.

  She drank in the sight of him. The broad shoulders, the lean waist, the tight buttocks, and long strong thighs. What a truly amazing specimen he was. Perfect in every way, and he had come to her rescue. This protector of hers.

  Her blood quickened the closer she came to him, anxious for tonight when they could be alone together.

  Uncaring of who watched, she walked right up to him and hugged him from behind, her arms wrapping around his waist, greedily feeling the muscles of his abdomen ripple beneath her fingers. Her cheek lay against his
back, and she listened to the pounding of his heart. She inhaled deeply of his scent, realizing how much she had missed him while he'd been in York. "Thank you, Renaud. Thank you so much for all that you have given up for me."

  His palms covered the backs of her hands, his thumbs smoothing over her wrists. "I would do it all over again, Aleysia." He turned and smiled down at her, pulling her into his embrace.

  Desire pulsed in every nerve ending. An ache that went beyond just the physical. How perfect this man was, she thought, joy bubbling within her, taking in his striking features. The long eyelashes, sharp cheekbones that were even more pronounced. He looked like he had lost a stone in the past week. No doubt he had had little time for rest, and was exhausted from the trip to York and then her rescue. "What will you do now?"

  "William asked me to bring you to York, but with MacMillan's threat I have sent him word and asked for time. We must await word."

  Her heart hammered. "I am afraid, Renaud. I do not want to go to York."

  He pulled her to him, crushing her against his chest. "Nor do I."

  "What if William marries me to another? I have heard of such things happening."

  He lifted her chin with gentle fingers, rubbing his thumb along her lip. "I will never let you go."

  She remembered the words he had said on that day not so long ago. "Not now, not ever," she finished for him, and he smiled.

  "Aye, and I mean it. Aleysia, you are my woman."

  She knew he would never tell her what he'd given up for her. It was not in him to intentionally hurt another. Just as he had kept to himself the truth about Duncan not asking for Adelstan's release. He had done it to save her the pain.

  "I asked King William if I could take you as my wife."

  Her pulse skittered. "And?"

  "He did not agree, but I believe he will think upon it." Renaud bent and kissed her. "I betrayed him when I released Adelstan." He brushed a thumb along her jaw. "I believe even I would turn traitor to have you as my wife, Aleysia. You belong to me and no other."

  She could see the sincerity in his eyes. Knowing how devoted he was to his king, she felt humbled.

  "Will you return to our chamber with me?" he asked, a devilish grin on his face.