Page 16 of Bride takes a Scot (Highland Vows & Vengeance #1)

I sabella spent a good hour in the chapel, praying for Declan’s return. He had been gone for over a sennight when he’d told her he was only going to be away a day or two. She repeatedly asked Lorcan if he would send men out to search for him, but he dismissed her worry. Lorcan was like a shadow, never leaving her side or presence. Isabella was glad for his company, but he rarely spoke to her. Instead, he followed her like a shadow, focused on her security.

Lorcan, by the look of him, was more than capable of protecting her. He appeared similar to Slone and she’d begun to wonder if he could be his brother, for they both had the same features of face, body shape, and wavy brown hair.

At least she didn’t have to worry about the threat that Declan had insinuated about before he left. Whoever threatened her must have absconded or changed their mind. There had been no further messages—or dead rats—left for her and that relieved her.

The clan seemed docile what with the heat of summer affecting everyone. Most tended to stay inside during the hottest part of the day. For days, nary a person walked on the lane in the mid-afternoons. Isabella knocked on various cottage doors and invited the women and children to the loch. She hoped to give everyone time to speak to her since she wasn’t introduced as Declan’s wife, a slight she had hoped he would remedy, but with him away, she took care of it herself. The clan began accepting her and the women spoke to her more frequently, giving her greetings as she passed by.

At the loch, the children played by the water. Their lighthearted banter solaced her. Noah seemed in good spirits as he played with some of the lads. He even made sounds from his mouth and ran around, displaying normal boyhood excitement. As the days passed, the women began to set up covers on the bank and some even brought their mid-day meals to share. Isabella joined Marian and Edith on their blanket to listen to the elder women speak of times gone by and reminisced about their children when they were young.

Isabella noticed Rhona sitting by herself. She decided it was a good time to talk to her and perhaps make strides in winning her friendship. She approached the lass and sat on the grass next to her. “Good day, Rhona. Do you mind if I sit with you?”

The lass shook her head. After a moment, she asked, “How did you do it?”

“Do what?” Isabella asked her.

“Silence Lady Helena?”

Isabella would have laughed but didn’t, even though the thought of Lady MacKendrick being silenced was somewhat comical. Most of all, she’d realized, it was a blessing, one she wouldn’t destroy by poking fun at the woman. “Your brother spoke to her and demanded that she respect me, or that she should seek elsewhere to live.” She looked out over the shimmering water of the loch and inhaled the clean fresh air. She hadn’t been able to enjoy her new surroundings as much, until Helena had started to leave her alone.

Beside her, Rhona said softly, “I am sorry…”

Isabella turned and peered at her. “Sorry that Helena now has to respect me?”

Rhona giggled. “Oh, nay, for the way I behaved when ye first arrived. I am sorry, Milady. I was unkind and should not have been. My mother passed away years ago and I have not had a woman to speak to about…certain things. I cannot speak to Helena about anything because she taunts me and calls me a simpleton.” Rhona spoke awkwardly, lowering her voice with each word.

“I understand. She made me feel the same way.” Isabella leaned to touch the young woman’s arm. “Please, Rhona, call me Isabella. You are my sister-in-law now and I want us to be close, friends even. You can trust me because I shall never betray your confidence in me. My mother spoke of nothing but the duties of a wife and I was fortunate to have her to ask questions.” Isabella chuckled when Rhona’s eyes widened.

“Even about what happens in bed with a man?”

“That was her favorite topic. I mean not to take the place of your mother, Rhona, but I bid you to think of me as an older sister. You can ask me anything and I shall answer you honestly and as best I can.”

Rhona nodded. “Well, as ye know…I worry that Declan will not allow me to marry Willeli. I love Willeli and we have been together…you know, like that. I fear if my brother does not come around, I shall likely be heavy with child by the time he does.”

“Oh…” Isabella realized what Rhona meant. Whether or not she was ready to be a wife in Declan’s opinion, it didn’t appear to matter. Willeli and Rhona had made their decision and had already been intimate. “Worry not because I will speak to Declan and get him to agree.”

“How will ye be able to do that? Declan is stubborn, I vow, and when he sets his mind to something…there is no changing it.”

Isabella smiled. “I shall tell you a secret that my mother passed on to me…” She leaned closer. “When a husband wants to please a wife in that way, it is easy to gain his accord. You just have to time it right.”

“You mean withhold yourself unless he agrees?” Rhona giggled.

“I don’t mean to actually withhold yourself, but after, when you have exhausted your husband or pleased him beyond sense, you can get him to agree to pretty much anything.”

“That is quite sneaky.”

“But unfortunately, necessary sometimes, especially when your husband is being bull-headed.”

Rhona laughed. “I am gladdened ye are here. We shall talk more.” Rhona clasped her hand. “There is Willeli. I must speak to him.” She got to her feet and scampered away.

Isabella searched for Noah amongst the children to assure herself that he was well and safe. She rose and walked around the coverings that littered the ground, speaking to some of the women she passed, wishing them a good day.

She noticed Claude, who stood by Friar Faelan; they were looking at an old piece of parchment. Curiosity piqued her interest and she walked toward them.

They didn’t cease their conversation when she reached them, but after a moment, the friar looked at her and said, “Oh, Lady Isabella, ’tis a fine day for an outing. I am heartened ye invited all here by the loch. It was a fine suggestion. It is much cooler here. I may even walk in the water a wee bit.” Father Faelan grinned. And then, he walked off and removed his sandals by the water. The clergyman wandered along the bank holding the hem of his robe up like a lady wearing a gown, and with the water up to his knees.

She turned to her brother-in-law. “I have seen you at the chapel every day this week, Claude. Are you apprenticing with Friar Faelan? I heard the friar speak of sacraments.”

The lad shook the hair from his eyes. “Aye, my brother gave me permission to learn from the friar. In time, God willing, I will be able to take the orders and then I will be a friar. Or a priest.” He smiled and ducked his chin.

Isabella clapped her hands. “That is wonderful news. I thought you were rather passionate about it when you spoke of it at supper that one time. Are you learning much from him, from Friar Faelan, that is?”

“I am. He can go on and on sometimes, but I like listening to him speak of God and our duty to serve Him. It is what I was meant to do.”

She smiled and was happy for him. Declan had actually listened to his brother and allowed his pursuit of the clergy. “What have you got there?” She pointed to the parchment.

“Oh, this is my grandda’s treasure map. I found it in his cottage hidden beneath a floorboard. It is hard to decipher for it is written in Latin—so Friar Faelan says—and some other language he doesn’t know.”

“Maybe you can still figure out what it means by the images drawn,” she suggested.

Claude peered at the parchment he held open and nodded. “I will study it further and maybe ask some of the elders what they think.”

“That’s a great idea.

“I would be pleased to help you. Why don’t I meet you tomorrow after morning Mass and we’ll look at it again and try to follow the markings.”

As she finished speaking, Isabella heard the call of the gate watchmen. She turned and saw Declan riding through the keep’s gate. Relief overwhelmed her and she was pleased he was safely home. She would give him a little time to get his reports before she hunted him down.

“I’ll do that, Milady.”

“Please, Claude, you are my brother-in-law. Call me Isabella. It’ll be fun helping you search for your grandda’s treasure. It will be an adventure. Perhaps Noah and I can help you. A lad his age would love the quest.”

He smiled, bowed to her, turned, and walked away.

Isabella’s heart lightened that she’d been able to befriend Declan’s siblings. She thought about it as she retook her position on the blanket where Marian and Edith sat, discussing various methods of what stitch to use on a tapestry Edith was making. She listened as she snatched an apple from the trencher that sat in the center of the cloth and set about eating it. A commotion sounded from afar and she turned to see what was happening.

Declan stood before Willeli and Rhona. He didn’t look pleased by any account, as his voice rose and his face reddened. Quite suddenly, she saw him grip the lad’s tunic before shoving him away with great force. Willeli fell to the ground onto his backside.

She heard Declan yelling from where she sat. “I told ye nay, Willeli. Now, get back to your duties. And you, Sister, will return to the cottage and stay there. I will speak with ye later about your blatant disobedience.”

Willeli bowed his dark head to Declan and Rhona stomped her foot. They marched off in different directions. It was only a matter of moments before the lass lifted her hem in both fists and began to run, her hair streaming behind her as she sobbed.

Isabella took a deep breath. Her husband had just returned and already his homecoming was rife with problems. She waited for him to approach and when he stood before her, he threw down his hand to help her rise.

“Wife, there ye are. It is good to see ye.” The red-faced yelling man suddenly appeared pleasant and calm.

She would focus on that and not what had just occurred in front of practically the whole clan. “Declan, you are home, finally. What took you so long? I worried that something happened to you.” Isabella held tightly to his hand.

“Trevor was injured, and we had to hold up at the healer’s cottage whilst she tended him.”

“Is he well now?” she asked and hoped the soldier wasn’t permanently injured, or—God forbid—had perished.

“Trevor is still there, but he is out of danger. Still, the lad cannot be moved yet and will need to convalesce for some time.”

Isabella began walking, leading him away from the others, seeking privacy while they discussed how he’d just treated the young lovers. “I must ask, Husband. What were you yelling about over there? Everyone could hear you.”

Declan scowled. “My sister… I caught her and Willeli kissing. She knows my feelings on the matter of her marrying Willeli. I will probably have to send him away if she does not listen to me.”

She stopped, released his hand, and stepped back. “How could you? You don’t realize what you have done. I spoke to your sister and she—”

“Lower your voice, Wife. Dare ye tell me how to handle my family matters?” he clipped, cutting her off from explaining.

She wouldn’t allow him to shut her down. “I do when Rhona’s heart is involved. And I am your wife, for heaven’s sake. I should be able to speak to you about such matters anyway I please.” Isabella glared at him. He was in a mood, but she wasn’t about to allow him to belittle her in front of their clan.

Declan frowned fiercely, grabbed her arm, and forced her to walk with him. She huffed as he made her sprint behind him. They continued walking, more like running, until they reached his grandda’s cottage. After he opened the door, he gestured her inside, entered, and slammed the door closed.

Isabella stared at him with her mouth agape. She hadn’t realized she would instigate his rage when she spoke out about his reaction to Rhona’s relationship with Willeli. As she peered at him, she remained silent. She’d never seen him so riled. Declan took two steps in one direction and then two back before her. He didn’t appear to know what he wanted to say but sent a glare at her.

The wait for his reprimand became unbearable and the silence in the cottage deafening. She wasn’t about to remain silent and Isabella’s ire raised her voice. “You have little patience for your siblings, Declan, and for me. I think you need to consider our feelings—”

“Feelings? I forbid ye from speaking to me in this tone,” he said and continued to march back and forth as if he were inspecting his soldiers. He wouldn’t meet her gaze either after he reproached her.

“You knew I was outspoken when you married me, so don’t tell me you forbid me from speaking my mind now. And I am your wife, lest you forget, and I am telling you that you are acting like a brutish fool when it concerns your sister. If you’ll only—”

Declan pressed his hands over his face and his shoulders moved from his heavy sigh. “This is not what I had hoped for on my return. I do not mean to be cross, Wife, but my siblings are my responsibility, and I won’t discuss them with ye.”

“We are married. What concerns you, concerns me. Let me help you, Declan. Explain to me why you are so distant toward Rhona and Claude. They only seek your approval, surely you must know that.”

Declan rushed at her, scooped her in his arms and set her on the small table near the hearth. His eyes darkened with passion. “All I wanted to do on my return was this,” he said and set his mouth on hers and crushed her lips. His hands fumbled with her garments as he tried to undress her.

Isabella in turn unfastened his tunic and splayed her hands over his warm skin, until she was finally able to lift it over his head. She’d never tire of the sight of him ungarbed with his muscles taut from her caresses. She then moved her hands to his waist and tried to unlatch his belt, but her hands shook. Desire swarmed her heart and body now and all she wanted was for him to hurry and take her.

“Declan, please…I need you.”

He pressed his mouth back on hers, growled low in his throat, and dislodged his mouth from hers. “I want you badly, Wife.”

Isabella watched him intently when he released her briefly to finish undressing her. She stood before him naked, peering at him in wonder at what he was going to do.

Declan shed the rest of his garments within seconds. He moved her back to the table and pressed her back upon it. His hand stroked her hair and the side of her face. With hooded eyes, he peered at her with such longing. She’d never seen him appear so hungry for passion. Isabella too had missed him, and her desire was as strong. He pressed her head to the side and set his mouth on the tender skin below her ear. She gasped at the sound of his rasped breath. Declan suckled the skin and glided his lips along the base of her neck. He fondled her breasts roughly as he continued to press his mouth on her neck and shoulder.

Isabella held her breath. With each of his kisses, desire dampened the curls between her legs. A yearning to have him inside her overtook her and she was impatient for him to enter her. She thought he would because he groaned and pressed his hard erection against her. His movements were wild and erratic. He used his body to caress her, keeping her still with his hand flattened on her torso.

“Declan, please…” She moaned, swarmed with the need for him. Isabella leaned upward and stared at his handsome face. Her fingers perused his cheek, and she told him with her eyes that she needed him.

“Shhh…” He lifted her leg and bade her to hold it by pressing her hand there. “Don’t let go.”

Isabella shrieked when he entered her. She fell back against the tabletop as he propelled her back upon it, driving into her with such force that she couldn’t catch her breath. The table shifted a little and she almost shrieked thinking it might crash to the floor. His movements were rushed, and he had his eyes closed but his brows furrowed.

He grunted with each thrust and pulled her back against him when he drove her forward. Declan wouldn’t release her, and she held onto the table to support herself and to keep herself from falling off. He continued his sensual assault with effectual strokes to cause her culmination. The intensity of his forcefulness sent her reeling. Isabella cried out, not with pain, but with intense pleasure. Her body exploded with bliss and torment, sending her to an exquisite place she never knew existed.

Declan pulled out of her, lifted her off her feet, and carried her to the bed. There, he said nothing but instructed her to lay back. Impatiently, he drove into her again. His body thrust forcefully against hers unrelentingly. Isabella marveled at the severity of their lovemaking. Declan was wild with his need, and she was as needful of his fierce love play.

“Do ye like this, Wife? Do ye want it hard?”

“Please,” she whispered. “Yes, harder.”

He was almost brutal in his measured strokes. As he entered and pulled out of her, her vagina twinged and she couldn’t hold back the climax that shook her legs and caused her to cry out, surrendering once again to his vigorous treatment. His hands grabbed and caressed her so physically, she huffed and took hold of them.

Declan moaned and rasped from his exertion. He guided himself back into her and thrashed madly until his shout passed his manly lips. It seemed to go on for a long time until he slowed his thrusts and pulled out of her.

Isabella breathed through her nose to try to settle her breath. Yet she’d enjoyed their intense, rough lovemaking, and he hadn’t hurt her.

Now, he didn’t seem to want to talk so she lay back on the bed and stared at the ceiling of the cottage. It seemed to her that Declan needed release and not the sweet-wifely lovemaking that she offered. That he’d been somewhat fervent with her fueled her need for him to be rougher. She was amazed at her response.

Declan sat on the side of the bed, leaned his elbows on his knees. His head lowered and his breath sounded labored. A long moment passed before he spoke, “I have never taken a woman so roughly before,” his voice came quietly. “I acted without honor, and I apologize.”

“I should not have been so angry with you… But you knew before you married me that I was outspoken. Perhaps you should have chosen another bride.” She wanted to weep as she spoke those words because she hoped with all her heart that he wasn’t completely displeased with her. Though she was doing her best, it saddened her to think that he was unhappy to have married her. Isabella placed her hand on his bicep, hoping to calm him.

“Ye know as well as I do that the choice was yours, Wife. I had no say in who I was to marry.” Declan set his hand atop hers but kept his face averted.

“What do you mean by that?”

Declan shrugged. “Aye, I got to tell the king who I wanted to marry after the brawl, but it meant nothing because the choice was already made for me, was it not?”

“Perhaps. I’ll grant you that I did tell the queen that I hoped you would offer for me.” She leaned up on her elbow and wanted to reach out to touch him, but she held back. Declan needed time to calm and not her pawing at him. Besides, Isabella didn’t know how to respond to his declaration. “Are you so displeased with me as a wife?”

“Nay, of course not. I am more appalled by my actions. If I hurt ye…that is the last thing I would ever do, Isabella. Ye must believe me.” Declan turned to look at her. The discomfort in his eyes spoke volumes.

“You didn’t hurt me. I am not a feeble woman, Declan,” she said and wiped at her unabashed tears that gathered and fell one by one over her cheeks.

“I have never touched a woman like that before, Isabella. I vow that to be true. Why I lost control sits poorly in my chest. Say ye forgive me,” he implored.

“Of course, I forgive you. Come, lay beside me. We will not speak if you don’t want to.” She opened her arms and he lay back. She clasped his body and enjoyed the feeling of him against her. His hard body, still rigid with his taut muscles, enthralled her. It dawned on her that he could have easily hurt her or worse, killed her with his strength.

“I do not know what came over me, Isabella. Never would I hurt ye intentionally.”

“I am not hurt, Declan, and confess I might have enjoyed it. Worry not.” She pressed her hands through his hair and sighed. He worried for her and that relieved her.

“What ye said… ’Tis true…what ye said about Rhona and Claude. I should speak to Rhona soon.”

Isabella sat up and shifted to kneel beside him. “Declan, you were right because it is not my place to tell you how to act with your siblings. I understand you have been acting like her father for some years now. But Rhona is a grown woman, though young, and if she wants to marry, you should let her. What is the real reason you won’t give your consent?”

He pulled her to lay beside him and she set her arm over his torso. “I…I do not want to lose her yet. She will be gone and living her own life and I fear I will be unable to protect her.”

“That is what must be, though. You cannot keep her with you forever. She loves Willeli and they want to have a family. Just as you and I want to have a family. Willeli will protect her now. Let her go. Besides, she is not leaving the clan. Imagine how my parents felt when I left them. I probably won’t ever see them again.”

Declan grunted. “Ye always speak so frankly, but sensibly. I will give her my consent on the morrow to marry Willeli.”

“Oh, Declan, that makes me happy.” Isabella practically rolled on top of him and squeezed him in an embrace. There was always a way to make a husband agree and she had proved it to be so. Her husband easily conformed to her idea. She smiled to herself and suspected she might, in the future, have to use such wiles to gain his accord.

“I will make ye even happier in a moment.”

Isabella laughed when he pressed her back and set his mouth on hers. Their lovemaking was gentle as Declan tried to make up for his mistreatment of her. Yet deep down, Isabella had to admit that his rough lovemaking stirred something inside her.