She took a step to rush down the stairs and then thought better of it. The guard would be punished for letting her get away. Clearing her throat, she pretended to be confused as to which way to go.
The guard immediately rushed to her. “Ye are to stay in the bedchamber, lass,” he told her. He seemed to recognize her, his gaze friendly. “Are ye bored as well?”
“Aye. I prefer to be outdoors. Would ye walk with me? I would like to deposit my things downstairs in the servants’ quarters first.”
He frowned for a moment. “I was told ye would be staying up here. And to keep ye safe.”
Of course he would not agree so easily. Paige decided to appeal to the fact that he and she were on the same social level. “As ye may understand, tis not my place. I know Alec McLeod means well, but his mother is upset and so is yer laird. I would appreciate it if ye would walk with me.”
He considered her words for a moment. “I will take ye for a walk. We shall go through the kitchens. What ye do with yer belongings is not up to me.”
When he took the bundles and motioned for her to walk ahead, relief filled her. Her legs were heavy, steps stilted. It was as if there were two boulders, one on each shoulder as she made her way down the stairwell. If only she could turn time back to the day her brother spoke of coming here. She would have argued harder and convinced him to seek another way to feed them.
They passed along the side of the great room. Thankfully, it was empty and then they walked down a second corridor to the kitchens. Paige peeked in to see two women. The older one, a red-faced, plump woman hurried to and fro from a sideboard to a large wooden table. She turned to the other. “Stir the pot. It will burn if ye do not continue.”
The guard pushed Paige in through the doorway. All the foodstuffs, pots, pans and dishes took her aback.
Paige had been in shock; racked by grief the last time she’d been there, it was as if stepping into a place she’d not been before. Along one wall there were shelves laden with cups and tankards. On a lower shelf, plates and bowls were stacked.
She turned to look to a wall with a window where bundles of herbs dried in the sunlight. This was truly a place she’d only dared to dream about.
“What is this?” the red-faced woman asked with a broad smile directed at the guard. “My son comes for a visit?”
The guard blushed and shook his head. “I am escorting the lass for a walk, Mother.”
Nonetheless, he neared and kissed the woman’s cheek.
The cook studied Paige, her keen eyes taking in the bundles in her son’s arms. “Ye have to accept what is decided. Sit down.” She motioned to a chair, not leaving any room for argument. “I will make ye a warm cider.”
When a plate with bread and cheese was slid in front of her, Paige took a chunk of each and ate. The guard did the same while standing by the doorway, her bundles at his feet.
“My name is Rose and I have been serving the McLeods my entire life. They are a good people. Ye will see.”
Paige bit her tongue to keep from stating how they’d sent her brother to his death. “Tis not that I am ungrateful, but I know my place and I should be here, in the servants’ quarters.”
Rose looked to her son and then to her. “Where are ye staying now?”
The guard replied for her. “On the second level, the chamber next to Alec’s.”
“Oh!” Rose’s mouth formed an “O” and the girl who was stirring the pot turned to look at her with the same expression.
Paige swallowed the sweet cider. “Ye see, both the laird and lady are cross with him and I do not blame them. Tis best I either come downstairs or leave.”
They remained in companionable silence for a few minutes and then Rose stood. “I have much to do. Best get to work. Several girls will be here shortly from their other chores to prepare for the evening meal.”
The guard motioned to the outdoors. “Lass, we can go for a walk this way.”
Once outside, once again the vast difference from the life she was accustomed took Paige by surprise. The amount of activity and discussions along with the clanging of metal from swordplay was a cacophony almost too much to handle. A group of men with swords strapped to their backs guided horses to corrals.
Pots were suspended over fire in another area and women hovered over them while others scurried to long tables with bowls, serving people who sat.
The guard turned to her. “Those that are being harbored eat earlier so that the laird, his family, guests and guards can be served last meal without being disturbed. There is only room for some inside, so these eating areas were set up.”
She nodded in understanding. Just then, the gates opened and four men on horseback rode through. One of the warriors atop the enormous warhorses was Alec. His gaze flew to her and the guard and Paige saw her companion stiffen.
“Remain here,” he instructed and went forward without being beckoned.
It was curious to see Alec speak to the guard. The sun shining down on his hair brought out reddish highlights in his brown hair. It seemed not to be an unpleasant exchange, she noted, and relaxed.
Finally, he dismounted and the guard who’d just been with her guided the steed away.
Alec neared, his dark gaze roaming over her as if to ascertain if she was under any duress. “I am told ye do not find the accommodations suitable.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks, especially upon noting several people had stopped what they were doing and now watched them.
“Tis not that. I should not be upstairs. I know my place.” Paige pointed to the keep. “Yer parents agree with me.”
His brow furrowed. “Ye spoke to them?”
“What? No, I did not. But I overheard yer conversation earlier.”
“I am in need of a wife. The people would benefit from something to celebrate.”
She looked across the courtyard. “They are aware of yer father’s generosity by how well they are treated. Although I detest what my brother went through, I find yer family’s kindness admirable.”
“Tis not just kindness, but duty. The people are not at fault for what is happening.”
“My brother would tell ye tis my fault. I am the reason for the clan war.” A warrior approached. He was a younger version of Alec, but with a certain demeanor that made Paige instantly dislike him. Arrogance dripped from him like sweat on a summer day.
“Ye would think I would be hailed a hero for what I did. I defended myself and those with me.”
Alec’s jaw tightened and his nostrils flared. “Ethan, ye provoked it all. Everyone knows better than to believe what ye spew.”
The last thing Paige wanted was to be caught between two warriors battling. So she took a step forward and placed a hand on Alec’s arm. “Would ye accompany me on a walk?”
She looked to Ethan. “If ye are proud of yer accomplishment, that should be reward enough.”
Ethan’s eyes widened and then he turned on his heel and stalked off.
“I must admit, ye are a very good peacemaker,” Alec said, guiding her away from all the activity before them.
As soon as they were alone, Paige looked up to him. “Please allow me to remain downstairs. I beg of ye. There is nothing to be gained by any kind of assignation with a woman of my low status.”
“Do ye not see,” he replied, his gaze roving over her. “Ye are who I want as a wife. I am tired. I do not wish to worry that the woman I marry will bring any kind of additional burden to my clan. True, most first-born sons marry for gain, but my clan does not need to be united with another. Right now, what we need is peace.”
Paige understood and although she had to admit to being very attracted to the handsome man, she couldn’t see how a marriage would help anything. If nothing else, there was the possibility of strife between the son and his parents.
“Ye should think about it more. While ye do, why don’t I move downstairs?”
He didn’t respond. Instead, he guided her to an area beside the keep. There was nothing but g
rass and shorter solid walls. A very private area that was no doubt reserved for the laird’s family.
“Look at me, Paige.”
She had to tilt her head back because he was so much taller. When their gazes met, she saw warmth and something else. His green eyes darkened and her breathing hitched. He was going to kiss her.
The moment his mouth crashed atop hers, Paige was lost. Everything disappeared except for the hard body holding her against it. The taste of him was like nothing she’d ever experienced. As were the hard beats of her heart and the heat that traveled from every extremity to pool in the center of her core.
He pushed past her lips with his tongue and she parted them to allow it. If he were not holding her up, the sensations from their tongues intertwining would have sent her to fall.
Not wanting the wonder to stop, Paige wrapped her arms around his neck and when that wasn’t enough, threaded her fingers through his hair. All the while, he continued to plunder her mouth, nipping, licking and suckling every single portion. If kissing brought so much pleasure, Paige was sure not to survive further intimacy with him.
There was a hunger in Alec by the sounds he made, a deep rumble that rose from deep in his chest as his hands traveled down Paige’s back, cupping her bottom and pulling her tighter against him. If not for social propriety, she would have jumped up and wrapped her legs about his waist.
If only the kiss would continue forever. Reality was pushed away and Paige prayed for it to remain so.
She moaned softly when his lips left her mouth, not wanting the kiss to end. However, when he trailed his tongue down from the corner of her lips to her jawline, she let out a long sigh of relief.
The warmth of his mouth followed by the coolness of the breeze multiplied every sensation. She raked her fingers across his wide back, wanting to touch and feel more of him and not caring at this point how far things went. She wanted more…no, she needed more. It was as if her life depended on his touches, kisses and caresses.
“Paige,” Alec murmured in her ear, the deep rasp of his voice sending currents down her entire body. His tongue traced the rim of her ear and he nibbled at the lobe until she shook with need.
“Please,” she begged, not sure what it was she needed. It had to be him, all of him. “Please,” Paige repeated.
He bent and pulled her up to sit on a short wall, and then took her mouth again as his hand slid up her leg to the inside of her thigh. “I know, sweet lass. Ye need release.”
Licking his way down her throat, his fingers found her core and Paige bit her bottom lip to keep from crying out. Her sex throbbed, demanding attention, begged for more.
Delight was followed by a feverish need for him to continue to stroke the special spot he’d found at the very center of her. Paige writhed and lifted her hips into his hand until losing control. Heat surged down both legs and her eyes closed as the most overwhelming explosion of sensations overtook her.
Her body shattered.
“Ye see, Paige, we are meant to be.” Alec pulled her against his chest, allowing for her to regain composure. “Marry me.”
“Mmmm?” Paige managed to look up at him. “I cannot.” She wanted to hide from him as the realization of the freedom she’d allowed crashed down. “I…I should go.”
“Brother?” A pretty woman, who by her resemblance to Alec was obviously related, strolled toward them.
Alec cleared his throat and placed both hands in front of himself to hide his arousal. Mortified, Paige wasn’t sure what to do. Here she was perched atop a wall and jumping down would only make the situation worse.
“My sister, Merida.” Alec smiled at his sister. “This is Paige, who I am trying to convince to marry me.”
Merida laughed, her friendly gaze meeting Paige. “Ye are smart to not agree right away. However, I must tell ye, my brother is a good man. Ye cannot possibly find a better one in all the region.”
“What do ye want?” Alec asked, shaking his head.
“Nothing at all,” Merida replied, twirling hair around her finger. “Can ye take me to the see Freya tomorrow?”
“No, Merida.”
“I need to ensure she and her family are well.”
Alec sighed. “We can send guards to check.”
His sister blew out a breath and looked to Paige. “Perhaps I spoke too soon. Do not marry him, he is an oaf.”
Chapter Thirteen
Murmuring ceased when Elspeth entered the great room and upon Malcolm coming to her side, the silence continued. Every eye in the room followed them as they made their way to the high board.
She did her best to keep from looking directly at anyone, her heart pounding with every step. Finally when seated, she was forced to greet those beside her.
On her left was Malcolm’s mother, sitting as still as a stone.
“Lady Ross,” Elspeth said by way of greeting and bowed her head.
The woman’s mouth thinned into a tight line, her gaze moving down from Elspeth’s face to her simple dress. She didn’t acknowledge the greeting, turning instead to Malcolm’s sister and murmuring, “I am feeling ill.”
Elspeth looked down at her empty plate, her stomach lurching at the thought of eating anything.
When Malcolm’s shoulder touched hers, she turned to him. “I should go.”
“Nay. Ye will remain.” He looked past her to an older man on her left side.
“Elspeth, this is my Uncle Gregor.”
The older man seemed to be the only one who didn’t find any fault with her. He leaned forward so he could look at her, his kind eyes meeting hers for a moment. “How fare ye, lass?”
It was an odd question. Did he wish to know the truth or was he simply being kind?
“As well as can be expected. My injury still a hurts,” she said, deciding it was best to be honest. “And ye?”
The man smiled. “I find this to be a most interesting evening and, therefore, I am in good spirits.”
Of course, he meant because of her presence. Just then, servants entered and began serving.
When Malcolm turned to her, her eyes rounded. There was purpling beneath his left eye and his bottom lip had been split. Had there been a battle?
“I can treat yer wounds after the meal.”
His gaze locked with hers, the darkening of them making her swallow with awareness. “I thank ye. Tis ye who needs tending.”
“What happened?”
He shrugged. “Nothing of importance.”
Annoyed at his lack of reply, Elspeth wanted to shove him. But then he shocked her by touching the top of her right hand. “Ye think too much.”
Hiding a sharp intake of breath, she pretended interest in the room and scanned it.
She looked around hoping to spot Ceilidh, but her friend was nowhere to be seen.
“Yer friend is taking her meal with Ian.” Malcolm seemed to have read her thoughts. “Perhaps ye would like to visit her once we finish?”
“I would like that,” Elspeth replied, her gaze colliding with his. “Also, I have so many questions to ask ye.”
Up close, Elspeth could see every detail of his handsome face. From the light freckling across his nose to the slight crinkles at the corners of his eyes. Malcolm was a handsome man, muscular with wide shoulders, rich brown eyes that changed from greenish to golden brown. Although he didn’t seem particularly arrogant, there was a commanding presence about him.
When his gaze fell to her lips, they parted of their own volition and she inhaled sharply, looking away. A tingle of awareness settled in the center of her chest as she did her best to keep from looking to his mother who’d suddenly found her interesting.
Malcolm ran a finger down her forearm. “After ye see yer friend, we will go for a walk and ye can ask me any question ye wish.”
Did that mean he planned to go with her to Ian’s chamber? Elspeth eyed the large entryway and itched to dash from the room and back to her simple life. How had things changed so much so quickly?
Never in her wildest dreams did she picture herself at last meal there at the Ross Keep and much less at the high board sitting next to the laird.
Thankfully, the people gathered had stopped paying them attention, their new focus being the platters of food placed in front of them. For a moment, Elspeth wondered how it could be that so many were fed daily. There were trays with meats, root vegetables, breads and cheeses.
Enough was served that everyone could eat his or her fill. In addition to that, those that sought refuge outside had also been fed.
The noise of the room was interrupted when the doors opened and six large warriors entered. Amongst them Kieran Ross. There wasn’t any mistaking the man. Taller than the other men with thick arms and a broad chest, he towered over the others. Wearing a breastplate and archer’s gloves, he looked ready for battle. Across his wide back a sword and bow were strapped. On his side, a pouch with arrows.
The angelic face did little to hide the darkness within him. Everything about him made one want to move away. Malcolm stiffened next to her and it was then she noticed that Kieran’s jaw was swollen and he had a reddish mark beneath his left eye.
The reaction of those around was very different than when she’d walked in. The women did not hide their admiration, which Kieran didn’t seem to notice. Probably used to it, Elspeth gathered.
“Brother, ye bring news?” Malcolm said by way of greeting when Kieran neared. “Are ye just now returned?”
Kieran’s hazel gaze moved to her for a second and then he nodded. “Aye. We can speak after the meal. Right now, I wish to eat.”
“First, go to the kitchen and wash up. Ye smell horrible.” His mother sniffed and waved him away.
Despite the man’s sternness, Elspeth wanted to chuckle at the crestfallen expression as Kieran looked to their plates. However, he did as instructed and hurried toward the kitchen.
“People wash in the kitchen?” Elspeth asked Malcolm.
He shook his head. “Nay, just outside there is a trough that is always filled with water and drying cloths are kept on hooks. Mother cannot abide anyone eating who has not washed up.”
Well, it was at least one thing Elspeth had in common with the woman. Her father and brothers had learned to wash before entering the house. Her mother could not stand the sight of grimy hands reaching for bread.
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