Romantic Legends

by Kathryn Le Veque

  Four escorts rode close, beside and behind her. The four clansmen, who would gladly die for her, were also childhood friends she trusted implicitly.

  On the outskirts of the village, she slowed down and spoke to her cousin, Dugan, who came up alongside. “We’ll stable the horses at Uncle Kiel’s.”

  It began to rain and Cailyn frowned at the damp bag of clothes she’d tied to the horse’s saddle. She’d have to pay one of the maids at the inn to dry her garments for the next day.

  Once they arrived at the inn, a boy ambled toward them with an expectant look on his face. “Master Kiel sent me to see about your horses,” he told them, grabbing at the reins.

  Cailyn dismounted and followed behind the lad. “Do you know where the captain of those ships is lodging?” She pointed to the large vessels off shore.

  “Here at this inn, Miss,” the boy replied, his eyes wide. “The Red Pirate arrived just last night.”

  Infamous for sailing the seas, selling arms and munitions while remaining neutral during the English-Scottish war, Jamie Westcott would be a challenge, but somehow she had to deter him from going in search of his sister. The last thing she wanted was more bloodshed because of what happened to her at the hands of the British man.

  Cailyn handed the boy a coin and went back to the men. “Dugan, walk inside with me.” She looked at the others. “Go about the village and find out what you can from his men. I’m sure they will be at the pubs asking their own questions. We must know what his plans are.” She tugged at one of the men’s plaid. “Do not wear clan colors while we are here. They already know a McDougall is involved in Victoria’s taking.”

  Inside the Harbor Inn’s pub, Jamie Westcott placed the mug of ale down on the table and leaned back. Sitting in the corner with his back to the wall, he had the perfect view of everything that transpired. The inn belonged to a McDougall, which was why he came to be there.

  A serving girl walked over, with an exaggerated sway to her hips. He ignored her, did not have time for the familiar invitation. Jamie barely nodded in acknowledgment when she placed his plate of food before him. Moments later with lips pursed in disappointment, the girl left.

  With dispassionate eyes, he focused on the people in the bar. His sister Victoria needed him. To find her, was his singular focus. He’d just arrived at McDougall lands, and already the largest obstacle he’d come across since becoming a privateer loomed over him. He was English.

  Anxious to find Victoria, he’d made a huge mistake. The show of force with the two battle ships anchored just offshore made for wariness from the village people. And rightly so, his wildly exaggerated reputation did little to help. The villagers avoided eye contact and crossed the street when he or his men walked along the front of the local establishments. Holding any type of conversation was out of the question.

  The McDougall clan was one of the largest in the Highlands. Trying to single out the man who attacked Turner would not be an easy feat. He’d learned that within the huge clan, there were three separate entities, which at times didn’t get along with each other. But against an outside force, they’d join forces.

  It would be difficult to find out which McDougalls attacked his sister’s home, much less who killed Victoria’s husband, Lord Turner.

  No matter, he’d bring war to the entire clan if he had to, but he’d not leave without his sister.

  The door opened and a man of impressive size entered. The sword strapped to his back and wariness in his gaze, told of battle experience. Behind him walked a smaller figure. Jamie didn’t catch the gender at first but when the light caught the curves and delicate features, there was no mistaking it was a woman.

  Dressed in men’s breeches topped by a flowing blouse, the woman’s wet, dark hair hung in waves down her back. Shorter curls framed her angelic face. She stopped and with narrowed bright blue eyes scanned the room before landing on him but for a moment. She made her way to the empty table just over from his, along the wall. The escort at her back lifted his hand in greeting to the husky Kiel, who hustled over to greet them.

  Jamie did not have to strain to hear their conversation, as they did not make an effort to keep their voices down.

  “Dugan,” the innkeeper slapped at the man’s chest. “Ave’nt seen the likes of you in a while, finding yerself in need of a wench?” the robust man laughed. He abruptly stopped and coughed and looked to the woman at the table. “I beg your pardon, Cailyn lass.”

  “Cailyn, the angel had a name which suited her”, thought Jamie.

  “Not a problem, I’m used to men’s lack of manners,” she replied with a tingle of laughter in her voice. “It’s a good thing I love your cooking.” The woman reached for the jolly man and cupped his jaw. “How fair you uncle?”

  “Well, Lass, well,” the man preened at her attention. He called over his shoulder to the serving girl. “Mary, bring the choices pieces of meat and fresh bread.” He turned back to the duo who’d settled at the table. “Ye must stay, the weather is about to turn for the worse. I will have rooms prepared.”

  Jamie ate his food, which proved to be quite flavorful. He pondered at such a place where women could travel with only a male escort and remain the night at an inn without a handmaid. Surely the Scots gave their women much more liberties than the English.

  Although he was English-born, his mother was Scottish. While maintaining the rules of the elite, Elsie Westcott managed the household with a strong hand. The fine-looking woman also managed his father quite well, although the old man would never admit it. She’d often tell them about the freedom she’d been afforded in Scotland.

  Jamie’s attention went back to the duo. Cailyn kept a steady conversation with the oversized man across the table from her. They seemed more like siblings than lovers by their mannerisms. When the male eyed a bar maid who walked by the woman didn’t seem discomfited by it.

  Jamie had gotten both names. If he could find out which McDougall clan their affiliations lay, then perhaps they could lead him to Victoria.

  “Pardon,” he got the woman’s attention. “Are you from these parts?”

  She nodded and looked to her table partner before replying. “Aye, just a day’s ride away, why do you ask?”

  “I find myself at a loss in finding land to purchase here, in Scotland. Would you know of where a half-born could find out about such things?”

  Bright cobalt eyes met his before sliding to her companion again. She shrugged, an elegant gesture, and put a piece of bread down before speaking. “McDougall lands are not for sale. I wouldn’t know about other clans.”

  When she didn’t elaborate, he finally spoke again. “Would you know who I could speak to, then?”

  This time the man spoke, his tone less inviting. “Why would an Englishman wish to buy land?”

  “My mother is Scottish and brought to me the love of this country. I wish to settle here,” he lied.

  “Interesting.” Cailyn pushed damp curls behind her shoulder, fingers sliding across the skin at her neck. The unaware, yet sensuous gesture brought him to lock eyes on the spot where they’d trailed. “I’d say you should go further south to the lowlands. Lowlanders are much more attuned to the ways of the English. Otherwise, you could find yourself in the middle of a clan clash or two up here.”

  “I see,” he replied. “Is your clan in battle?”

  The man scowled at him, eyes narrow with mistrust. “Not yet.”

  “Point taken,” replied Jamie.

  Jamie went back to his meal, not hurrying, in hopes of learning more from their continued conversation.

  Unfortunately, they rose too soon from the table. The woman headed for the stairs, and the male moved to a table closer to the kitchen.

  Jamie had not found out much in almost two days. His men had not faired any better. The Scots were a mistrustful people when it came to anyone not part of their clan. Made sense, the war so newly ended. Tomorrow he’d ride to the closest of McDougall lands, and begin his search openly.
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br />   He waved the barmaid over and paid for his food. Afterward Jamie made his way up the stairs to his room.

  At the top of the stairway, Cailyn stood with a serving woman. She handed a bundle to the maid. “Please see about getting these dried out by morning.” She looked up at Jamie, but did not acknowledge him. “Thank you, Eileen.”

  The maid started at his presence, her eyes darting between them. “Will you be all right, Miss?”

  Cailyn’s lips curved into a lazy smile, her eyes meeting his. “Of course I will. Good night, Eileen.”

  The maid scurried away. As Cailyn turned to leave, Jamie stopped her. “Are you sure of your safety, Miss? Most people fear me,” he mocked.

  She looked at him over her shoulder, straight in the eye. “Ah, yes, the infamous Red Pirate. I’ve heard you kill babies and throw them overboard to feed the sharks, afterwards pushing the mothers in, as well.” The laughter in her voice caught him off guard, and he found himself at a loss for words.

  A smile curved her lips. “Already losing at the battle of wits, Captain?”

  “You shouldn’t be alone with me, Miss,” He warned, leaning closer with a menacing look. He expected her to back away. Instead, she laughed.

  “I can take care of myself, Captain Westcott. Raised by warrior brothers who are well-known for their battle skills, no Highlander would dare lay a hand on me.”

  His eyes raked over her figure. “Not laying hands on you, I find it a pity,” he murmured glad to see her color deepen. “I’m sure many have dreamt of doing such a thing.”

  Her blue eyes lifted to him. Daring him. “Would you?”

  Intrigued, Jamie could not hold back a smile. “Only… if you allowed it.”

  “Hmm.” She cocked her head to the side, as if trying to decide what to say next. “I think I would. Allow it.” She closed the distance between them and placed her arms around his neck, then drew him down closer, her eyes on his the entire time. “Would you like to kiss me, Captain Westcott?”

  Chapter Seven

  Cailyn hoped her inexperienced attempt at seducing the handsome, worldly captain would work.

  Her only experience with men had been a hurried and painful endeavor with her cousin, Dugan, when they were barely into adolescence. After that only a few times with the man she’d been hand fasted to. She enjoyed the sensations of mating and although she planned to never marry, she did plan to take a lover.

  “I may not wish to stop at a kiss.” Jamie Westcott’s deep voice brought her out of her musing. Cailyn peered into his startling green eyes and then down to his mouth, which curved at the regard.

  His lips pressed against hers in a kiss promising a venture into a place she’d never explored. Powerful arms wrapped around her waist and drew her against a solid chest. Cailyn wrapped her hands around his wide shoulders.

  When his tongue probed at her lips, she gladly parted them and allowed the heated invasion. He tasted of ale and sea, an intoxicating combination that made her cling to him tighter. This was not enough; she needed more.

  Captain Westcott’s hands slid from her waist to clamp onto her bottom. Holding her in place, he crushed his stone-hard bulge into her. “If you don’t plan to part your legs for me, then we must stop this game, Miss…” He murmured the breathless words against Cailyn’s ear, sending shivers down to where he ground against her.

  He nipped at her throat. She moaned and raked her fingers through his silky reddish-brown hair. Warm lips trailed down to her shoulder, while he fumbled with the doorknob behind her, managing to open the door and maneuvering her through it.

  In a haze at the intensity of the sensations flowing through her, Cailyn heard the click of the door closing. Jamie pushed her hard against the door and picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him.

  The friction between her heated core and his hardness brought a surge of want, unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Cailyn sucked his tongue deeper into her mouth.

  He groaned and pushed into her with fluid motions, until she released his mouth to cry out.

  Was she prepared to surrender herself to a total stranger? What if her plan to keep him here until late the next day failed? Doubts battled with desire. The large bed looming in the room drew her gaze.

  Without warning, Jamie dropped Cailyn to her feet. His motions were less than gentle, yet he held her shoulders to ensure she didn’t fall. He panted, mouth slightly open, his eyes now a darker emerald green. “I am not a man to take a woman who is not sure of what she wants.”

  “What?” Cailyn blinked several times until his words registered.

  “This,” Jamie gestured toward the bed. “Are you sure?”

  Not able to help herself, she took in the bed and then turned her attention to the man who stood before her.

  His tussled, cropped auburn hair framed a face far too exquisite for a male, with almond-shaped eyes shaded by long lashes, over a perfectly formed nose that flared slightly.

  Wide-shouldered and muscular, a full head taller than her the Englishman was magnificent.

  Cailyn did not reply. Instead, she walked toward the bed. With her back to him, she pulled her blouse off over her head. Then she looked over her shoulder and maintained eye contact as she shimmied out of the damp breeches.

  His breathing pitched and eyebrows rose at the display, but he remained fixed to the spot.

  She moved closer to the bed and leaned forward to place her palms on the bedding. “I’m sure, Captain.”

  When he came up behind her and grabbed the orbs of her ass, victory was hers.

  “What a stunning vision I have come upon,” Jamie pressed a kiss at the small of her back and slid his hands up her sides to cup her breasts. “I don’t know what brings you to me, but I am grateful.” He pressed his stiff cock against her bottom and he moaned.

  She pushed back into him, heat infusing the area between her legs. “I want to feel your body inside mine.”

  Instead of a reply, his hand moved between her legs, his skillful fingers parted her folds. Cailyn gasped as she bit her lip to keep from crying out. When his fingers began to flick at her throbbing center, she released a whimper.

  “You are so hot and wet.” Jamie’s husky voice fell over her like a silken caress.

  “Yes,” Cailyn replied, not wanting him to stop the sweet torture.

  “Come for me,” he prompted, and inserted a finger into her, while his thumb continued to circle her nub. He groaned and thrust his hardness against her derriere.

  Totally bare to him while he remained fully dressed made the experience even more erotic. Cailyn rocked with the rhythm of his hand.

  An inferno raged through her and she began to quiver, her arms lost strength, and she collapsed face first into the bedding. Jamie kept her bottom up, his fingers not stopping while she quaked through the climax.

  When she stopped shaking, he lifted her gently and set her on the bed.

  He stepped back and took his jacket and shirt off, throwing them down without care to where they landed. Her eyes widened at the display of such a powerful build.

  He bent to remove his boots, she watched with fascination at the bunching and releasing of his chest muscles. Without straightening, he pushed his breeches off his slender hips. At the prominent display of his arousal, Cailyn lost the ability to breathe.

  Prominent and long, his thick cock jetted straight from him. Cailyn could only stare transfixed. He would be fully hers. His glorious body would be hers for the taking.

  Confident, powerful strides brought him to the bed. Instead of just lying next to her, Jamie climbed over her, trapping Cailyn between his arms and his thick legs. On all fours, he looked down at her, lowering to kiss her.

  Cailyn lifted to meet him, raising her arms to circle around his neck. She tried to bring him down to her, but he resisted, preferring to tease her. She smiled at the slight tremble of his shoulders when her fingers skimmed over his skin; it seemed the distance also tormented him.

  He trailed k
isses from the corner of her lips down her throat. The soft press of his lips brought her body back to life. “I am finding it hard to resist you, vixen,” Jamie breathed into her ear. “Every instinct tells me to hold back and find out who you truly are.”

  “Why don’t you just ask me?” Cailyn ran her hands down his back and cupped his well-formed ass, squeezing the hard flesh. “I will answer your questions honestly.”

  With a groan of surrender, he lowered. Her body reveled at the weight of him, at the feel of his heated flesh against hers. “This is not a time for talk, my cock demands release.”

  Cailyn slid one hand between them and found his hard shaft, hoping to please him. She wrapped her fingers around it and caressed the length. Jamie moaned and thrust into her hand. He grunted while continuing the motions.

  His mouth found hers again, and when his tongue probed, she parted her lips to allow him full access. She suckled him, enjoying the masculine taste.

  That such a powerfully built, imposing man at the moment undone by her ministrations empowered Cailyn to brave forward, to explore him more. “Take me, Captain,” she called out, guiding him between her legs. “I want you inside me …now.”

  He did not resist, but instead eagerly drove into her. The invasion of his thick cock, into her tight channel could only be described as an instant, delicious assault to her body.

  “You feel incredible,” Jamie grunted the words out, his face tight in concentration. The fluidity of his movements timed in perfect succession, lifting her to heights she’d never imagined. Cailyn held onto his hips to help him remain at the pace, while at the same time wishing he would thrust harder and faster.

  Jamie slid his hands under her and lifted her hips off the bed, his eyes locked onto hers. “I can’t hold back much longer.”

  His hands grasped her thighs and guided her legs over his shoulders. “This allows me to take you deeper,” he explained at her widened look.