The Highland Knight's Revenge

by Lori Ann Bailey

  “Oh. You’ll miss the jousting.”

  Sybil’s gaze darted to Ada and Eddie behind her. “I think I need the rest right now.”

  “All right, then. We will see you before tonight’s feast.”

  “Yes.” Sybil was turning and rushing away before she could say another word. Perhaps it was best she didn’t watch Ada’s reaction to Eddie on the field today.

  Then Jennet was alone, and her mind drifted to where Sir Giric might be just now and if he was thinking of her.

  Giric’s attention roamed the great hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lady Jennet. Tonight’s feast was only for the guests who were staying in the castle, and he was pleased that he now knew she could make an appearance.

  The meal was not yet over, and by virtue of making the acquaintance of Lord Marcus Debar, Lord Yves’s guest of honor, Giric had gained a seat near their host. Although the conversation had been lively, it had never turned to politics, and he’d not learned anything about where Lord Yves’s loyalties lay. Fortunately, he was now a step closer toward attaining an audience with their host. It would be easier to bring up more sensitive matters when the man thought the topic was casual. At least he’d made some progress on that mission.

  He’d spent part of the afternoon scouring the village in hopes of finding the arse who had attacked the ladies today. What he’d learned was disturbing, and it made him anxious that he’d not yet seen any of the ladies tonight during the meal.

  The rest of the afternoon, he’d spent exploring the camp and sparring with Sir Thomas Brisbois of Kelso. Giric had never met him before today and had only heard of the man who had been put in King William’s prison for treason. It was said that Sir Thomas had never been defeated in battle or on the field of honor.

  Giric wasn’t sure why his king had plucked the knight from prison and sent him to the tourney, but it wasn’t his place to question his king. It had been a nice diversion to practice with a fellow Scot this afternoon and to train in hand-to-hand combat with the tall, dark-haired man in the lists, especially since fighting against one so capable proved that he was ready for his mission in the melee.

  Throughout the day, he’d also scanned the crowd, looking for Edward Linton, but had no luck with that pursuit. Should he approach Edward before the melee to get information from him or wait until he’d taken the man on the field of battle?

  Though the melee was only a practice exercise for battle, real weapons were used, and it was permitted to take prisoners and ask a ransom for their return. Would Edward’s family present him with the devil who’d killed his father if he demanded it? That was his hope.

  The final course was being served, but Giric excused himself, knowing he would get no further with the baron tonight and that Edward was missing. He had another diversion in mind.

  Really, she’d been in his thoughts all afternoon. Meandering out to the gardens, he took a seat on the bench by the roses, waiting for the most intriguing lass in all of England to make an appearance.

  Thick tapers lit the doorway to the courtyard, and as Jennet appeared in the glowing light, his breath caught. A rush of desire and something deeper erupted from his core.

  Could he have come to England for vengeance only to find something more? The companionship he’d felt with her was like nothing he’d experienced with any other lass. He could imagine sharing his darkest moments and fears with her and her response making him laugh, or her arms holding him tightly in a comforting embrace. He trusted her and admired that she’d spent years caring for her brothers.

  As he watched her cautiously walk nearer, he couldn’t help but think that if he could gaze upon her every day, his world would be a brighter place. Her family was important to her, and he admired that quality. She would make a wonderful mother, and she knew how to run a large household. Not only did that make her a seamless fit into his life, but his clan would welcome her with open arms despite her English heritage.

  Jennet floated toward him like a vision his mind might have concocted of the perfect woman. Her gown was dyed a dark, rich indigo and had a scooping neckline that gave a glimpse of alabaster skin. She held up her skirts with their intricately embroidered trim as she moved. Her dress was of the finest quality, and he was certain she was accustomed to having nice possessions.

  She might prefer a man with a higher station than a knight, but he had done well for himself and could provide whatever she needed. Even if she had no dowry, he had reliable income from his position with the king and a good home to offer her with his clan.

  He blinked, not quite knowing why his thoughts had yet again turned to marriage when he barely knew the lass. There was something genuine about her that made him feel as if the world didn’t have to be a treacherous place.

  Her gaze darted around the courtyard. After the morning’s attack, she might still be wary of the other guests, but she need not fret as long as she was in his presence. He would protect her.

  Her worried gaze fell on him, and the strain melted away. Her eyes lit, and he was suddenly standing to greet her as his heart pounded at the anticipation of hearing her lovely voice.

  She curtsied. “Good evening, Sir Giric.”

  “Aye, ’tis now, Lady Jennet.” He bowed and reached for her hand, craving the feel of her soft flesh near his own.

  She smiled.

  “I looked for ye during the meal, but alas, I couldnae find ye.”

  “After the morning’s excitement, my brother was distressed. Then Sybil went missing this afternoon, and he didn’t want to let Ada and me out of his sight. So, he arranged for us to take a meal in private.”

  “Is yer friend unharmed?” Dread spiked in his chest. Should he have sought them out earlier?

  “Aye. She returned not long ago.” Jennet’s relief was plain. “She’d gone out for fresh air because her head was aching, and she said there were too many unfamiliar noises from the hall. She is feeling much better now.”

  Relief washed over him. He tightened his hand on hers to pull her toward their bench in the shadows. “Are ye enjoying the tourney?”

  “Aye. I enjoyed the jousting today. Eddie performed well, and he remained seated.” Jennet’s smile was genuine.

  There was her pride in her family again. He hoped that she would have watched for him if he had chosen to joust.

  Every muscle in his body was on edge. She was so near that her leg was flush with his, and her sweet smell invaded all his senses. He wondered if she could sense how lost he was in her.

  “Do ye always worry so for yer family?”

  “Aye. I admit I do. After the tragedies we’ve been through, I am a little overprotective.”

  “I understand. I lost my parents some time ago, and if I could go back to prevent their loss, I would. ’Tis one of the reasons I’m here.” He squeezed her hand where it rested on their thighs.

  “How would that bring you to England?”

  Her curious, direct gaze met his, and for a moment, he questioned his own judgment. Should he let this lass know that there was a darker side to him…one that couldn’t find solace? If he were to pursue her, she had the right to know images and failings from the past still haunted him.

  “I’m here to face the man who murdered my father. I seek vengeance.” The familiar anger sparked and burned in his chest.

  She stilled for a moment, and her gaze focused on their hands before it returned to his.

  “Is he here?” Her lips thinned, and where he expected judgment, she squared her shoulders as if she might look after his safety as she did her family’s.

  “Nae. He has not made an appearance.” He swallowed his disappointment. He would still find his revenge. It might just take a little longer than anticipated.

  “I am sorry you will not be able to meet him on the field. Perhaps it’s a gift from the heavens, and you will now be able to live for what lies before you. I know that in dwelling on the wrongs we cannot change, we sometimes lose what’s important now.” Her gaze clouded.


  He wanted to make the regret in her eyes disappear. Since last night, anytime he’d thought of what lay ahead, his mind had been filled with visions of days and nights of gazing at the woman in front of him. But what if she didn’t feel the same?

  “What do ye see in yer future?” he asked.

  “Freedom.” Her chin tilted upward, and he could see the pride and resilience in her magnify. “Since my youth, I’ve been trapped in one prison or another. But now, I will be allowed to choose my own path.”

  “And does that road include a husband?” His heart pounded. His interest in her was unexpected, but he sensed that Jennet was the only woman he might ever desire. He craved her as he never had another woman—her ability to make him laugh, her compassion, and her strength of character.

  “I wouldn’t be adverse should I find someone I believe suitable.” She nodded, and even in the dark, her cheeks seemed to grow pinker.

  “May I request another favor?”

  “You may ask.”

  His chest tightened. Tilting his body closer to hers, he swallowed, and his free hand lifted to lightly caress her cheek, judging her interest and wondering if he was moving too fast. But everything about this was propitious as if fate had brought them together. The rise and fall of her chest were the only indication she might be experiencing the same desire.

  She smiled. “Well, are you going to keep me waiting?” Her teasing tone had returned, but it was huskier, and the sound enveloped him.

  “Lady Jennet, may I have a kiss?”

  He wanted to do this right, and it wasn’t proper to push before she was ready. But anticipation had grabbed him, and his body tensed, both pleasant and terrifying in its intensity.

  Her eyes lit, then skirted to the side—he assumed to make certain they weren’t being observed. Was she afraid to be seen with him? Had he asked too soon? His breath hitched as he prepared for her denial.

  Chapter 6

  Jennet’s heart raced as a charged hum vibrated through her. She only barely remembered where they were, and that Ada needed to talk to her brother before she told Eddie that Jennet had found a man she wanted to further her acquaintance with. Giric’s place of allegiance didn’t matter to her, but Scotland was the one place Eddie and her father had ever forbidden any of their family to return to.

  Before, she’d believed all Highlanders were barbarians because no one had tried to save her from her uncle when he’d taken her to his land. Her father’s oldest brother had destroyed their lives in his madness, but Giric was different. And although he was seeking recompense for a past wrong, just as her uncle had, she felt her knight would never let his need for revenge come between them.

  Yes, this was fast, but nothing had ever felt truer.

  Now she knew in her heart that accepting Giric as a suitor and possibly going to Scotland as his wife would free her from the bondage of her past. If she could make new memories in that land with a man who valued her, one she trusted, she would no longer be trapped by the things she couldn’t change.

  Giric swallowed and stilled as if he were holding his breath. The confident man who had made her laugh and saved her life was suddenly shy and unsure. A flush crept up onto her cheeks.

  “Aye, Sir Giric, you have proven yourself worthy of such a favor.”

  His thumb traced her cheek and sent shivers down her spine. Her core clenched at the prospect of his mouth on hers, and she was having a hard time filling her lungs.

  He dipped his head closer and stopped so near that a fresh burst of dark, heady lavender pulled her in and shrouded her in his earthy scent, a smell that was all Giric. One she knew she’d always recognize. He seemed to inhale her as well as his hand slid around her face to clasp the back of her head. His fingers threaded into her hair; sparks flying through her with the intimacy.

  He closed the space between them, and his velvety, soft lips landed on hers…sweet, strong, sensual. The embrace was everything, yet her body craved more. It was as if she couldn’t get close enough to him. She sighed and tilted farther into the embrace. Time stopped as she let desire and exhilaration absorb her.

  When he pulled back, she opened her eyes to his intense scrutiny as fire blazed openly in his stare. He was focused solely on her. A thrill ran through her as she realized his breathing had shallowed as much as her own. Her lips parted, and she brought her fingers to them. A small giggled escaped.

  Saints, she was nervous. She never let her emotions run wild, but his touch seemed to knock her senseless.

  His fingers caressed her head, and he moved closer yet again. This time when their lips touched, he licked across hers. It surprised her, and she gasped as his tongue darted into her mouth. An inferno erupted inside her, and her breasts tightened.

  With each swipe he made, she fell deeper into a spell she’d never been under before. It was like magic, like the sweetest wine, and she knew she would want more. All she desired was for this perfect moment to never end. She clasped his leg to steady herself, but the muscle she felt beneath the fabric was powerful and taut, and she wanted to feel the rest of him.

  When he withdrew, his gaze said everything she had been sensing.

  Feeling bold, she said, “Sir Giric, you have taken advantage. I granted one kiss.” She tilted her head and teased.

  “I cannae say I’m sorry, my lady.”

  She moved closer and whispered, “Your thievery has stolen more than a kiss.”

  “And what could be more precious than what you freely gave?”

  “My senses.”

  A low rumble came from his chest before the husky burr of his voice filled her ears. “How is that?”

  “Is it wrong for me to wish you will do it again?” Just acknowledging it gave her liberty that made her soar like a robin. Other than with her family, and since her father’s illness had begun, she’d not felt such security to express her thoughts.

  “Nae, ’twould be wrong to deny such a thing.”

  The curfew bells rang and then a burst of voices pealed from nearby. Remembering they weren’t entirely alone, she backed away and instantly missed the heat of his hand on her neck. She glanced up to see a group standing on the opposite side of the gardens. One man ripped a woman from another’s arms. He pushed her aside, then attacked the man who had held her. Fists flew, but several other men moved in to pull them apart.

  After the confrontation ended, Jennet trembled until Giric’s calm arm circled her shoulder and drew her near.

  The group moved on, and when they had all cleared the area, her Scottish knight finally spoke. “Yer friends and ye need to be cautious.”

  “Of what?”

  “I didn’t find the man from the alley, but when I described him to the local magistrate, the lawman knew of him. He’s a paid mercenary.”

  “That makes no sense. Who would want to harm one of us?”

  “I dinnae ken since I couldnae find the arse to question him, but ye need to remain guarded and warn yer friends.”

  She nodded, and a coolness replaced the warmth of his embrace. She tilted closer toward him, hoping to regain some of the security she felt at having him near.

  “And ye should keep yer chamber locked at all times. I’ll search for the man again, but if he thinks he might be caught, he might have fled the area.”

  Her mind was racing. Why would someone want to hurt her or her friends? “I need to tell them straight away.”

  “I agree. Can I escort ye to yer chamber?”

  What if Eddie was there with Ada? She had to approach this sensibly and showing up with a Scottish knight on her arm wouldn’t be the best way to win her brother’s approval. “No. There are plenty of people about. I’m capable of getting back on my own.”

  She could see he wanted to protest.

  “Let me at least see ye back to the great hall.” His eyes pleaded.

  She nodded and reluctantly rose, but she still couldn’t release her hand from his.

  “Will ye be watching the jousts again tomorrow?” he a
sked as he stood.

  “Aye. Will I see you there?”

  “I would like that, but ’tis a crowded space. If our paths dinnae cross, will you meet me tomorrow?”

  Her heart soared. He’d enjoyed their kisses as much as she.

  “Yes. I shall come to this very spot tomorrow at curfew, Sir Giric.”

  When they parted at the bottom of the stairs, she bounced up to her chamber, already looking forward to seeing him again tomorrow. Upon arriving in their room, it was to find Sybil asleep and Ada missing, perhaps with her brother. She hoped that her friend’s words would temper her brother’s disdain for all things Scottish.

  Giric watched Jennet navigate the steps up toward her chamber. He had the urge to follow her to ensure her safety, but if he knew where her room was, he would possibly feel the need to guard her door instead of doing his work for the king or deciphering what kind of man his enemy’s son was.

  He’d spent most of the afternoon chasing down clues about the attacker’s identity instead of doing what he was here for. He wanted to pursue a relationship with the lass, but he couldn’t lose any more time with his mission.

  But that kiss had knocked him senseless. Perhaps it had been too long since he’d kissed a lass, but he didn’t think that was it. There was something special about Jennet. She reached into his soul and made him forget the pain of the past. She made him look forward to the future, something he’d not done since vowing revenge.

  Turning, he made his way back into the great hall to pass through the crowds one more time, and then he retired to his room.

  When sleep finally claimed him, his dreams were darkened by images of Edward Linton laughing, then turning his back and walking away, and the solemn girl who had perished all those years ago.

  Chapter 7

  Jennet woke with Sir Giric on her mind. Ada hadn’t returned to their room, and she was anxious to know if her friend had remembered to talk to her brother. As the sun shone through the window, she sighed and stretched. Ada had told her how she enjoyed sleeping by her brother’s side. Jennet wondered what it would be like to wake next to Giric.