As the darkness of the forest closed around them, Lindsey felt a sudden chill. Thoughts of her last adventure in the Highland forests filled her mind. With an effort she brushed the gloomy memories aside. This was nothing more than a morning jaunt. She would be back at the castle in time for Mistress Macnab’s midday meal.
As she began to follow a well-worn path through the woods, Ian clutched her reins.
“Nay, my lady. This way.”
“If we leave the path we will be lost.”
“Did I not tell you that I have an uncommon sense of direction? Trust me.”
Without waiting for her reply he veered off the path and plunged into the darkened forest. Lindsey followed.
The foliage was so thick they had to pick their way carefully over fallen logs and around muddy bogs. The farther they rode, the deeper grew the forest, until it seemed to close around them, shutting out all light, all sound.
Ian held several thick branches aside and reined in his mount, allowing Lindsey to move ahead of him. As she did, her horse stumbled down a sharp ravine, sending her flying through the air. She landed with a dull thud on the spongy, moss-covered floor of the forest.
For several moments she was too stunned to react. Then, quickly getting to her feet, she was dismayed to see her horse galloping ahead of her through the thick foliage.
“Nay,” she shouted. “Halt. You must wait.”
The horse was swallowed up by the woods.
She turned, scanning the wall of trees. Ian was nowhere to be seen.
“Ian. Where are you?” she shouted.
The only sound she heard was the shrill cry of a bird. “Ian. This is not amusing. Do not tease,” she called. “Show yourself.”
Her voice seemed to echo in the mist-shrouded woods. The forest closed around her. She stood very still, gripped by a paralyzing chill. It was happening again. The demons that had plagued her for so long were returning to torment her once more.
* * *
The queen, accompanied by Neal, waited in the courtyard to claim her victory. Soon her smile of anticipation turned to a frown of concern.
“They should have emerged from the woods by now.”
Neal glanced at the sun, almost directly overhead. “Aye, Majesty. It is not a large island. They could have traversed the entire distance by now.”
“Help me from the saddle,” Mary commanded. Neal assisted her and stood holding the reins of her horse as she climbed the steps of the castle.
Over her shoulder she called, “Summon me when your sister returns. I wish to collect what it due me.”
“Aye, Majesty.”
When the door opened, Jamie and Douglas, who had been deep in conversation, looked up to see the queen’s flushed face. Both men scrambled to their feet.
“It would seem you exerted great energy on your ride, Majesty.”
“Aye. I engaged Lindsey in a race. But she has not yet returned.”
“Where did you ride?” Douglas came forward to offer his arm.
“The forest.”
Douglas paused and glanced toward Jamie, whose smile faded to a look of alarm.
“Lindsey is alone in the forest?”
“Nay. Neal and I rode together. Lindsey is with Ian MacPherson.”
MacPherson. That was even worse. Jamie’s throat went dry. Struggling to control his voice he asked, “Did you see the direction they took?”
“Nay, my friend. You know how I hate to lose a wager. I led the way into the forest and never looked back.”
Jamie was already heading up the stairs toward his chambers. Strapping on his scabbard, he lifted his sword from the mantel and hurried from the room.
* * *
As Lindsey picked her way through the undergrowth, she cursed the clumsy skirts that impeded her progress. Having had the occasion to wear a lad’s breeches, she knew that a woman’s clothing put her at a distinct disadvantage.
She paused a moment, seating herself on a fallen log. As she lifted a handkerchief to her face she had the eerie feeling that she was being watched. But when she turned to glance over her shoulder, she saw no one.
Getting to her feet, she studied the progress of the sun. It seemed only minutes ago it had been directly overhead. But already it had begun its arc to the western sky. She must find her way to the castle before daylight faded. Else she would be forced to spend a night of terror alone in these woods.
She tossed her head, refusing to permit such thoughts. She would think of this forest as a maze. And she would work her way through it to safety.
She heard the snap of a twig above her and looked up just in time to see a heavy branch falling toward her. With a cry she leaped back and watched in horror as the limb crashed to the ground inches from her. Had she not looked up in time, she would have been crushed.
She looked through the dense foliage. There was no one visible. It was merely the wind. She knew she was imagining dangers that were not really there, but she could not fight the terror. With her heart pounding she took off at a run, plunging deeper into the woods.
Behind her, pale, nearly colorless eyes watched her progress. The sun glinted on fair hair. The hand holding the dirk tightened its grip.
* * *
The neighing of a horse alerted Jamie that someone was near. Following the sound, he left the well-worn path he was traveling and entered the thick forest.
He was a man unaccustomed to fear. It never occurred to him to worry about his own safety. And yet, since he had met Lindsey, he had been afraid for her more than once. This time, the fear bordered on desperation. He must find her, and soon.
The sound of a woman’s cry turned his blood to ice. Urging his mount to a run, he tore through the wild, tangled growth.
“Lindsey,” he shouted. “If you can hear me, call out so that I may follow the sound of your voice.”
Despite the crackle of brush underfoot, Lindsey heard Jamie’s words and came to a sudden halt. She turned. For a brief moment she thought she saw the flutter of crimson in the woods behind her. She blinked and it was gone.
Cupping her hands to her mouth she shouted, “Jamie. I am here.”
With her heart pounding, she continued to call until a horse and rider emerged from the forest.
“Jamie.” With a cry she raced toward him.
He leaned down and lifted her easily into his arms. “It seems all I do is save your pretty neck,” he muttered thickly.
“Praise heaven you found me. I was beginning to fear that I would be forced to spend the night in this...”
She glanced up and the words froze on her lips. Though he said nothing, the dark scowl on Jamie’s face spoke volumes.
Her cheeks flamed. And to think that she had almost hugged him fiercely in her joy at being rescued. In such a temper he probably would have pushed her away.
Wheeling his mount, they plunged into the darkness of the forest. They picked their way through the woods until they emerged on the path. Minutes later they broke free of the forest and entered the clearing. They rode the entire distance to the castle in silence.
When they reached the courtyard, Jamie tossed the reins to Neal, who led the queen’s lathered horse to the stables.
Taking Lindsey’s arm, Jamie strode up the steps and sent the door open with a resounding crash. Once inside he released his death grip on her arm as Douglas and his sons surrounded Lindsey, embracing her warmly. They looked up when the queen came hurrying into the room.
“Wherever have you been?” Mary demanded.
“I fear I became hopelessly lost in the forest,” Lindsey said, feeling the sting of shame upon her cheeks.
“Where is Ian MacPherson?”
“I know not. I became separated from my horse during a fall. When I looked around, Ian was nowhere to be seen. And though I called and called, I never caught sight of him.”
Jamie and Douglas exchanged a glance.
“You look terrible,” Mary said.
Surprised, Lindsey glanced down at her arms and saw that they had been scratched by brambles and were bleeding in a dozen different places. Her gown and cloak were likewise torn and stained with her blood.
“Oh, my,” Mistress Macnab cried when she entered the withdrawing room and caught sight of Lindsey. “I shall see to your bath immediately, my lady.”
“Thank you, Mistress Macnab.” Turning to the queen and her family, Lindsey said softly, “There is no need for all this fuss. It is not nearly as bad as it looks. A few scratches. A torn gown.” She turned to include Jamie, who had still not spoken a word. His features were stiff with anger. “You will see. I will be fine after my bath.”
“I am relieved that you are unharmed. But you seem to have forgotten something,” the queen called.
Lindsey arched a brow.
“You owe me ten gold sovereigns.”
“Aye.” Reaching into the pocket of her gown, Lindsey withdrew the coins.
“Now you may retire to your bath,” Mary said with a smile of triumph.
Lindsey saw Jamie’s scowl deepen. With a look of extreme discomfort she turned and followed Mistress Macnab up the stairs to her chambers.
A few minutes later Ian MacPherson strode through the door. On his face was a worried frown.
“I have searched everywhere for Lindsey,” he said. “I found her horse, which I returned to the stables. But there is no trace of the lady.”
“She is safe,” the queen said. “She returned a short while ago in the company of Jamie MacDonald.”
“Praise heaven.” Ian made a great show of relief. “I have been searching for her ever since I found her mount.”
Without a word Jamie turned away, his jaw clenched.
* * *
Jamie paced the floor of his chambers, unable to shake the anger that simmered inside him. On a sideboard, his half-filled-tankard glinted in the light of the candle’s glow. It was not ale he needed. There was not enough ale in all of Scotland to drown his fury.
In the next room he could hear Lindsey, talking and laughing quietly with Sabina, who was helping her with her bath.
His hands clenched and unclenched. What was he to do with Lindsey? If he could, he would lock her here in her chambers and keep her safe. But that was impossible. She was a woman with a mind of her own. It seemed that all he could do was stand idly by while she leaped from one dangerous adventure to the next.
Did she not know that she was tearing him apart?
He heard Sabina’s high-pitched, childish voice. “Oh, my lady. That is the loveliest gown of all. You look so beautiful.’’
“Thank you, Sabina. And thank you for all your aid. Now you must go and assist the queen, or she will have your head.”
The girl giggled. “Aye, my lady.”
Jamie heard the door close, then heard the sound of Lindsey humming as she moved around her room.
Humming. His fury grew. She was humming a tune while he was still reeling from the assault on his nerves.
The door of her sleeping chamber opened and Lindsey stepped into the room.
She was wearing a gown of gold that would put the sun to shame. Shot with silver and gold threads, it shimmered and glowed in the light of the candles. Her hair had been pulled off her face with golden combs. She was so beautiful she took his breath away.
She seemed surprised to find him there. For a moment her eyes widened. Then she gave him a sweet smile. She had already forgiven him for his earlier display of temper.
“I never properly thanked you for what you did, my lord. I am most grateful that you rescued me from the forest.”
He said nothing. But, she noted, the frown was back on his face. And a little muscle was working in the side of his jaw.
“I am sorry to have caused so much trouble.”
“Aye. Trouble. You have been nothing but trouble since the day I met you.”
She was stung by his harsh words. She should have known he was nothing more than a disagreeable tyrant. “Then you will forgive me, my lord, if I do not tarry, since I am obviously unwelcome company.”
As she turned away his hand snaked out, clamping her wrist in a painful grasp. She could feel the carefully coiled tension vibrating through him.
Her eyes grew as dark and stormy as his. “You will let me go at once.”
“Nay, my lady. Not until I have had my say.”
She lifted her chin with an air of defiance. All the curses her brothers had taught her through the years leaped to her mind. “I am not interested in your words, you son of a viper. May you rot—”
“You will listen.” His hand closed over her shoulder, forcing her to stand still. He bit off each word with a fury that had him trembling. “You will ride only when I am with you.”
“How dare—’’
He drew her closer, until she could feel the sting of his hot breath against her temple. “You will go nowhere with Ian MacPherson.”
“I will go wherever I—”
“Damn you.” He kissed her. A hard, punishing kiss that cut off her words and left her breathless.
Against her lips he rasped, “You are driving me mad, Lindsey. You are the most infuriating, impossible female I have ever encountered.”
“Well, if this is how you intend to treat me...”
He kissed her again and felt all his tightly held control begin to slip. What had begun as a desperate move to silence her quickly became a passion that, once unleashed, whirled out of control.
He crushed her to him and devoured her with kisses that left her no chance to protest, no chance to even think. There was no gentleness in him now. Only fire and rage and hard, driving need. The hands that pressed against her might have bruised her tender flesh. He was beyond knowing. He knew only that he was caught up in something so powerful, so compelling, he had not the strength to fight it.
Lindsey was overwhelmed by the passionate rage in him. It matched her own troubling feelings. But as the kiss deepened, she sensed the subtle change in him. Though the hands that held her were still firm, they were no longer rough. And though his kisses devoured her, they were no longer punishing. His lips were warm and firm and demanding. “What am I to do with you?” His whisper had the sound of quiet desperation. “I cannot sleep, knowing you are but a few steps away. I am tormented by thoughts of storming your room and making you mine. I can bear this tension no longer.”
For the first time, she was at a loss for words. She went very still as his meaning began to penetrate the confusion that clouded her mind.
She lifted her lips and felt a wild surge of power when he kissed her with a hunger that left her trembling.
“You are not angry with me?”
“Angry, my lady?” His lips roamed her face, touching lightly across her lids, her brow, her temple. “I am beyond anger. I am being devoured by worry, and jealousy, and fear for your safety.”
She heard but one word.
“You are jealous? Of—Ian MacPherson?”
He responded with a low, guttural sound before returning for another taste of her lips. “I am consumed with fears for your safety, and you care only if I am jealous.”
“You are. I can hear it in your voice.” She gave a delighted laugh and wrapped her arms around his waist.
He was surprised at how quickly his anger returned. “You mock me.”
“Nay, my lord.” She drew closer, loving the way his eyes darkened as he studied her. “It is just that I thought...” She ran a tongue over her lips and tried again. “Earlier this day, I suspected that you despised me for carelessly getting lost in the forest. I realized that I caused you untold worry, but...”
“It would seem,” he said, pressing his lips over hers, “that this is the only way to make you understand anything.”
The kiss was long, and slow, and unhurried. And as the passion built, their kisses became more desperate, until their breathing was shallow and ragged. His hands gripped her shoulders, his thumbs making lazy circles on the bare flesh of her upper arms.
“Stay with me, Lindsey.”
She heard his words as if from a great distance, and struggled with a new kind of terror. She pushed against him, but she was no match for his strength.
“I must go. They await me below stairs.”
He brought his lips to her throat, where his nibbling kisses left her weak with needs. Needs that pulsed and throbbed until she was forced to cling weakly to him.
“Nay. Stay here with me.”
His meaning was very plain. She struggled to clear her mind. She wanted what he wanted. The need for him had grown with every kiss. But the thought of what he was asking terrified her. They were not betrothed. He had not spoken for her.
“I cannot.”
He brought his lips to her shoulder and thrilled to the way she trembled in his arms as he ran kisses across her sensitive skin.
“And I cannot bear another moment without you, Lindsey. I love you. God help me, I tried to deny it, but I can no longer deny what my heart tells me. I love you.”
Love. It was the only thing he could have said that left her defenseless. With a little gasp she stared at him, then lifted her hand to his cheek in a gesture so tender, he felt his heart stop.
“You truly love me?”
“Aye.”
She touched a finger to his lips. “And I love you, Jamie MacDonald.”
For a long moment, Jamie could not speak. But in his eyes was a look so filled with love and longing, there was no denying his feelings.
“Then you will stay with me?”
Lindsey could not speak over the lump in her throat. With tears glittering like diamonds in her eyes, she nodded.
Without a word he lifted her in his arms and carried her to his sleeping chamber.