Chapter Two

 

Calum scanned the great hall for a glimpse of Gwendolyn to no avail. James and Lady Aileana addressed their guests near the hearth, but he saw worry etched on James’ face. He and James had received word about raiders attacking crofter’s homes and travellers just north of Chattan Castle.

The news put them in a precarious position. The missive stated the raiders were the outlawed MacKay clansmen from the far north. The problem was he and James were currently hiding those same outlaws, and if they were revealed, disaster would result, and all their work to clear Fergus MacKay from a wrongful accusation of a horrible crime would be lost.

If the raiders were not MacKay, but the ones really responsible for the murder, rape, and the desolation of a village several months before, the precautions required would be more than warranted. Either way, he and James would ride out this eve and discern what they could about the threat. But first, the guests who had gathered for the betrothal ceremony must decide to forego travelling to their homes for the remainder of this evening. Until the raiders’ identities were determined, no chance would be taken with anyone’s safety.

Raiders were never to be taken lightly, and if it was MacKay and his men, those gathered really had nothing to worry about. But that could not be revealed.

Calum stood to the side and scanned he crowd again. He knew most of the people in attendance, and would be sure those he did not know were scrutinized.

Watching James say his good-byes to his lady then move in his direction, Calum’s heart sank a little at Gwendolyn’s absence. A rare beauty, with dark hair and hazel eyes, she had bewitched him from the moment he first encountered her. She portrayed an air of confidence, despite her position as Lady Aileana’s maid. He had never wanted to know a woman more in his life.

Calum had had plenty of opportunity to bed women over the years, but his brother’s habits left a sour taste in his mouth. He had seen the resulting broken hearts his brother had left in his wake. Not that he was without complete honour, but Calum had vowed long ago that he would honour his future wife by keeping himself for her and her alone.

When they arrived at the stable, Calum was surprised to see Gwendolyn waiting for them.

“You may have to play heroes tonight, but you do not have to do so with an empty stomach.” She held two satchels and passed one to James first. “My lady insists you keep up your strength.”

James nodded his thanks, mounted his destrier then trotted outside.

Gwendolyn turned to Calum and passed him the other satchel. The aroma of warm bread and meat made his stomach rumble. She smiled at the noise and cast her gaze downward, a light flush dusting across her cheeks.

“I had hoped to see you before I left.”

She looked up to meet his gaze; his heart skipped several beats. By God, she was enchanting. A wimple covered her hair now. He wanted to tear it off and bury his fingers in her dark tresses. “I told you I would take care of everything, did I not?”

For a brief moment, they simply regarded one another. Calum stepped closer, standing with his face inches above hers. He let his gaze move from her eyes to her lips and back again. “I will return with my brother in a couple of days. May I see you again?”

She let out a soft breath. “Aye, my lord.”

“You do not sound like a servant.”

“I was not always.”

“Will you tell me your story when we have more time?”

“Aye, my lord. I will.”

“I want to kiss you, Gwendolyn.”

Her lips parted. “Please, call me Gwen.” Her husky voice made him want to pull her body close and taste her. No, he could not dishonour her like that. Servant or not, she deserved his respect, and he would do well to remember he was a gentleman, despite the temptation she presented.

He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. His loins tightened at the lavender scent clinging to her soft skin. He drew his fingers into a fist on his other hand to keep from reaching around her waist and dragging her to him.

Then she stepped closer and he closed his eyes and swallowed hard. When he opened his eyes, she was staring at him. He cupped the back of her head, drawing her closer, and leaned down. Her soft gasp sent a thrill racing down his spine, the like he had never felt before. Her scent and mesmerizing hazel eyes held him in place, for he was sure she had cast a spell on him. “I want to kiss you, Gwen,” he whispered again.

“Aye, my lord. I want that too.”

Still holding her hand, he leaned down and brushed his lips across hers. His whole body shook with the resulting tremor of pleasure coursing through him. She pressed her mouth against his, her hot tongue darting out to trace his bottom lip. Christ’s teeth, if he did not break this, he would surely lose control and take her then and there in the stable.

The stable.

The reason for him being there washed over him like a bucket of cold water. He and James were going to investigate the possible danger.

Calum pulled away from her. He stared hard into her eyes. “Please, return to the castle where it is safe, Gwen. My brother awaits, and we must see to this threat.”

Why did her frown tug at him?

“I shall return as swiftly as possible.”

And then, because he could not help himself, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her hard and fast before mounting his horse and leaving the stable, and her, behind.

* * *

The threat was very real.

She had been wakened during the night when she was told that Lady Aileana had been taken from her own bed. Gwen now suffered through the worst night of her life. She paced and wrung her hands until they were nearly raw. Her stomach had churned into a great knot.

She stepped out into the courtyard. The moon was dull, but provided enough light for her to make out the stone wall. She walked toward it and rested her back against the cool stones. The air was misty; under different circumstances she might find it cold. Not this night.

Lifting her face toward the sky, she focused on the night time creatures and willed their energy to connect with her. She envisioned the many fishes swimming in the loch surrounding the castle and the birds sleeping in their nests.

Tingling worked its way through her body, and she smiled for the first time in many hours. Before long, her body was filled with a surging force she willed into one great ball and then pushed outward toward Lady Aileana in an effort to surround her and protect her.

When Gwen had expended all her energy, she lay on the ground to reconnect with the earth’s life force. Channeling like this took all her strength; it was several minutes before she regained her strength and made her way back inside. She could rest now at least, and pray to her goddess, Brigid, that her dear friend was safely returned.

Gwen heard the commotion coming from the outer courtyard a short time later. She ran outside to see the MacIntosh riding with Lady Aileana in front of him. Her eyes were closed. A lump formed in Gwen’s throat.

Please let her be unharmed.

The MacIntosh drew his horse to a halt and slid off then pulled Lady Aileana down as well. Her eyes fluttered open. Gwen ran to them and embraced her.

“You will see she is cared for?” the MacIntosh said.

“Never doubt it,” Gwen said.

Her goddess had never let her down, and she was so very grateful for that. As she drew her lady inside the castle keep and to her chambers, she whispered many thanks.

Though she tried to find out what had happened, her lady was clearly exhausted, so Gwen quickly bathed her and put her abed. She obviously needed rest now more than anything.

Everyone had returned safely, but Gwen had yet to see Calum.

She tried not dwelling on that though. Now there was much to do. She had to concentrate, for the second evening of betrothal festivities would be much more lively than the first and filled with music, dancing and storytelling well into the night. The highlight of the meal would certainly be the slowly turned, roasted pig that usually took the entire day to cook.

As she turned the corner, heading toward the kitchen to check on preparations, she was nearly taken off her feet by two large arms and a swift embrace that took her by surprise.

Calum!

His hair was damp and his skin smelled clean, but his scent was of no concern to her while he held her, absorbing her so completely with his gaze.

“Miss me?”

He didn’t give her a chance to reply. He pulled her into a dark corner, where there were no prying eyes, and kissed her with such tenderness Gwen melted into the wall he had her pressed against. Her hands slid up behind his neck and pulled him closer, marvelling in the sweet taste on his lips as they pressed against hers.

“I could not go to bed without something sweet to dream about, now could I?” Calum whispered.

She smiled. “Of course not.” His rich leather scent enveloped her and combined with the sweet taste of mead from his lips to steal her wits. For long moments, she stared into his eyes and saw his desire building there. His breath was shaky, and though he had kissed her, she could not help but wonder just how experienced he was.

“As much as I would rather stay with you, I must rest before the evening meal. It has been a long night and rescuing your lady has sapped my strength.”

“You have earned it.” She suddenly felt somewhat shy around him. When they kissed, it was as though the rest of the world did not exist. But the reality of their situation soon washed over her. She dropped her hands from his neck. He kissed her hand before disappearing around the corner.

Gwen stared after him. It thrilled her to think he wanted to see her before going above to rest, and she was still a little more than breathless from his kiss. So much so, her thoughts remained pleasantly engaged while she went about her business.

Now, if only she could remember what it was she had been on her way to do.

Nearing the evening meal, she kept finding excuses to return to the great hall, hoping to find Calum there. To her dismay, like the other times she had entered, he had not returned. Another encounter was impossible, but still she hoped.

Gwen ambled to the chamber she was permitted to occupy alone. She was about to open the door, when she heard a voice in the dark hallway.

“Good evening my lady,” Calum stepped forward into the dim light.

She turned at his first word, and by the time he had his last one out, she had taken his hands and guided him inside.

Soft candlelight danced in beautiful patterns across his face, accenting the strong lines there. They were completely alone here, and there was no sense of impropriety except their own preventing them from exploring the attraction they felt for one another.

Under any other circumstances, Gwen would remove her gown as an invitation to her new lover. But she sensed something different in Calum; not so much innocence, but a driving need to do things properly. She already knew they would not share their bodies this night, but was delighted anyway that he was here with her and content to let him set the pace.

She shifted closer to him, hoping the movement would prompt a response from him. Calum responded by taking her hands in his. He kissed her fingers before moving a hand to her cheek.

“You are so beautiful. You fill my thoughts. I know I have been improper with you, but I cannot seem to help myself.”

He leaned in and softly kissed her mouth. He trailed his lips along the edge of her jaw toward her ear and down her neck. The combination of his unsteady breath and warm kisses just about sent Gwen into a frenzy.

She could not tell him just how much experience she had in the ways of love. Would he be appalled by it?

Calum raised his head and met her lips again in a much deeper kiss. She reached up and explored the thick curls at his nape.

He did not venture into other areas, and she was not willing to be so forward a second time. She would let him take the lead.

Eventually he broke away with ragged breath and held her at arm’s length.

“There I seem to go again. Will I ever be able to be in your presence without wanting to take you in my arms?”

“Passion between two people is natural and appropriate when ‘tis mutual, my lord.” She smiled warmly, hoping it assured him there was no offense.

He regarded her for a moment before responding. “You speak true, my lady. And before our passion drives us to further impropriety, I shall beg your leave.”

He quickly brushed his lips across hers and left her chamber. It was not how she would have ended the night, but it was better than not seeing him at all. Now more than ever, she realized that despite their obviously powerful attraction to one another, they came from completely different worlds.

Would he ever be able to understand the choices she had made in the past?