True to the Highlander(59)

“But you apologized.” Her eyes were wide. “I thought you regretted—”

“I apologized, aye. Not for what happened between us, lass, only for having to leave things…unfinished.”

She blushed and covered her embarrassment with her hands. “We can’t do that. You know what could happen,” she muttered between her fingers.

Best to let the matter rest. He put his arms around her and kissed her forehead. “You said a few things. What else must we discuss?”

“You’re going to retake Meikle Geddes?”

“Of course. Uncle Robert and Aunt Rosemary would be most displeased with me should they return from London to find their home in the hands of our enemies.” He could see her working herself up to respond. “Give me a kiss before we discuss the matter further.”

“Didn’t I just say we can’t go down that road again?”

“I am not asking you to disrobe, woman. I seek only a kiss.” He feigned injured pride and gave her a crestfallen look, gratified by her smile.

“I know how that works.” She shook her head, even as she grinned. “Only a kiss, only a taste, just a touch you promise, and poof, before you know it, I’m beneath you, sans clothing, and you’re muttering something about spring.”

His laughter filled the air as he lifted her onto his lap. “Och, ’tis no easy task seducing a truth-sayer.” He cradled her face in his hands and took her mouth with his. Several minutes of blissful silence ensued as he feasted on her sweetness, reveling in the soft noises she made in response. Her small hands pushed at his chest, and he lifted his head to gaze into her eyes, losing himself in their depths.

“When do we leave?” she asked.

“There is no we in this matter, Alethia. You will remain here within the safety of the curtain wall while I am away.”

“Don’t be stubborn about this, Malcolm. I have to be with you if I’m to save your life. I can’t bear the thought of not being there when you need me the most.” She’d worked her fingers into the wool of his plaid, twisting the fabric in her distress as she stared at his chest.

“Alethia.” He raised her chin with a finger until she met his eyes. “Dinna worry so. I promise no harm shall come to me. I know why you were sent, and the warning alone is enough. You will no’ leave this island in my absence.”

“Greater men than you have said the same, with disastrous results. I’m going with you. I’m supposed to save your life.” She lifted her chin and met his eyes. “I mean to do so.”

She scowled most fiercely, and he fought the smile threatening to ruin his stern countenance.

“Don’t bother,” she snapped.

“What?”

“Don’t bother trying to hide what you feel. I can sense your amusement. It’s condescending and extremely irritating.” She stood up. “This is serious. I’m serious. At least promise me you’ll think about it?”

“Aye, I promise to consider your words most carefully.”

“And we’ll discuss it again before you leave?”

He rose from his place and encircled her waist with his hands. Bringing her snug against him, he kissed her, ravishing her mouth with his tongue, caressing her with his hands.

Pushing him away, she whispered, “We’ll talk about this again tomorrow.”




Alethia woke with a start. Disoriented, she sat up and looked toward the window. Not yet dawn, the sky gave no hint of light. Her pounding heart set off alarms in every cell. Dread premonition, an oppressive force, swept the cobwebs of slumber away as she sought its source. With a gasp, sudden insight propelled her out of bed. Careful not to wake Elaine and Hunter, she groped her way around the dark room in search of clothes.

“True?”

“Go back to sleep, Elaine. I just have to use the garderobe.” Finding her garments—or were they Elaine’s?—she tugged them on as she went. Slipping out of the room, she ran down the shadowed corridor and down the stairs to the great hall.

Remnants of a hasty meal were strewn over the trestle table. Candles still burned in their holders in the midst of emptied dishes and pewter mugs. Embers glowed red in the hearth. Those who had shared the meal were long gone. She came to a dead stop at the sight. Disbelief, rage and fear held her fast as the truth crashed over her in waves. He’d left without her. He’d left her without a word.

Frantic, she ran out of the hall to the ferry landing. If she hurried, maybe she could catch him. Maybe they still loaded the ferry with supplies and hadn’t yet crossed the lake. Not a soul stirred in the darkness of the bailey, dampening her hopes. She ran through the portcullis toward the landing.