Bound to the Highlander(79)

“I wouldn’t start that, wife, if you want your dress fixed before I go.”

“You don’t know how.” Aileana’s teasing drew a cocky smile to his lips. What was once despised, she now craved.

She took the dress and buttons out of his hands, placed them on the floor and scooted in front of him to straddle his hips.

Warm ripples spread through her at the memory of the passionate lovemaking that followed. James MacIntosh had come to mean everything to her in such a short time and he felt the same way about her. Her heart was near bursting. Two people who enjoyed the kind of physical passion they shared, must possess deep feelings for one another.

What about Calum and Gwen? Didn’t they also appear to have feelings for each other? Couldn’t those feelings overcome any obstacle? How important was James’s past to their relationship? She remembered the jealousy, thinking of James with another woman - Calum must feel the same way. Therefore, Gwen must mean a great deal to him. If he was ready to become intimate with her, did that mean he intended to marry her? Why should her past matter if he loved her?

A loud noise outside the room gained her attention. It sounded like a struggle. She motioned for Gwen to use the side door hoping she could find out what was going on. A guard was posted out there and by the muffled sounds coming through her door, she assumed he was being attacked - but by who?

Seconds after Gwen closed the side door, Gawain burst through the other. Her heart leapt up into her throat and for a few moments she couldn’t even utter his name.

“Well, my love we meet again,” he said, his voice low and menacing.

Aileana was horrified at the sight of him. Deep crimson splatters stained his shirt, his eyes were excited and wild. His face twisted into an attempted smile, but his deformed jaw prevented it from holding. Only his voice held any note of the former man.

Why did he carry a quiver of arrows slung across his back? “You—you’re an archer?”

“Arrowsmith. It was the easiest way to gain access to the palace.”

“But what are you doing here?”

“Why, I’ve come for my bride.” Gawain stepped forward. “We’ll be married by sundown and after our glorious wedding night, will return to my castle. Aileana, I must tell you, I’m disappointed in you. You’ve made it difficult for me to claim my inheritance. You understand, I’ll have to punish you. Oh don’t worry; like mine, the scars will heal in time.”

She tried to force air into her lungs to scream, but her breath caught and her blood pounded in her ears. Gawain took a few menacing steps toward her and as he did she stepped backward keeping perfect time with his forward movement.

“Come to me my love.” He taunted her, like a wildcat stalking its prey. “I have a need to see the body beneath all your layers of finery. We needn’t wait for a priest’s blessing to consummate our union    . I intend to show you what your stir in me right now.”

Her gut lurched. He couldn’t mean it.

Oh God where is Gwen?

As he moved closer, the thick copper scent of blood caused her body to convulse with the urge to retch. She looked around, frantic for escape. He had backed her into the room and could overtake her should she attempt to dash for either exit. Perhaps if he knew the truth, he could be reasoned with.

“Gawain, I’m already married.” She managed her confession through trembling lips.

Her words hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity.

The wildcat had stalked enough. He pounced on her, knocking her to the floor. Gawain grabbed the sides of her head and slammed her skull onto the stone tile. White hot pain raced down her spine and the room spun in sickening circles.

Oh God.

Slam!

The agony inside her head was unbearable. His fists were full of her hair which she was sure he would rip it out.

I’m going to die.

Slam!

I love you, James.

Sounds faded. Blackness drew closer, dulling the pain in her head, the sound of his cursing and the sight of his monstrous face above her. At long last, the void consumed her.





Chapter Twenty




Near Peebles, Scotland, August 1430



Aileana bent low over a patch of wild strawberries, smiling at her discovery. These would please him. Her basket was almost full of apples and she couldn’t wait to get home to start the pie.

Bending and standing had a dizzying effect after a while. She was almost done anyway, just a couple more berries would do the trick. She leaned over and searing pain shot through her temple.

“Help!” She managed to yell while falling to her knees. “Help,” she whispered, just before she fainted.

Aileana blinked several times before recognizing where she was. Her quilts were tucked around her and the smell of rabbit stew and burning peat eased her tension. She smiled at her husband when he placed a cool cloth on her head.