Page 21 of Bride takes a Scot (Highland Vows & Vengeance #1)

I sabella opened her eyes and glanced at the window in the bedchamber. It was still dark out. She lay there wondering where Declan was. Last she recalled, he and Noah rested beside her. They weren’t there now. She stretched and got up to hurry through her washing and dressing. Before she left the bedchamber, she ran her fingers through her hair. Lord, she probably looked a mess.

In the hallway that led to the main living area, she stopped and listened, but it was quiet. At the massive table by the hearth, she paused to snatch a soft piece of bread from the trencher in its center. Her stomach rumbled because she hadn’t eaten a meal since the day before.

“Oh, there ye be,” came the familiar cold voice from behind her.

Isabella turned to see Lady MacKendrick standing there. “Good morn.”

“Good morn? You mean eve. Ye slept all day. Ye are the laziest harridan. I have been working all day whilst ye have been lazing in your bed.”

She knew that couldn’t be true because the woman barely lifted a finger to care for the upkeep of the cottage. Isabella quickly swallowed the bit of bread she’d placed in her mouth and rounded the table to put more space between them.

“It is your fault. Why did ye have to come here and lure my son to wanting ye? I hold ye accountable for his death and now ye will pay for it.” Helena walked slowly around the table and picked up a supper dagger. She held it in her fist and stared at her.

Isabella’s heart raced at the sight of the maddened woman. She continued to move around the table, keeping a good distance from her.

The door slammed and Isabella glanced toward it. Declan stood there with a fierce scowl on his face. He marched to Lady MacKendrick and took her neck in his hand. He squeezed and his jaw flexed with his exertion.

“Ye are the vilest woman alive. I do not know why my da cared for you. Ye are akin to your son, uncaring for anyone but yourself. I told ye if ye cannot respect my wife, I would remove you.” Declan wouldn’t release the woman. She gasped and clutched at his arm, trying to get him to let her go.

Isabella sidled next to Declan and placed a gentle hand on her husband’s arm. “MacKendricks do not kill women.”

“There is always a first time,” he gritted out.

“No matter how foul the woman is, you shouldn’t kill her. Declan, release her. Please.” She pulled his arm, and he released Lady MacKendrick.

Helena gasped, bent over, and held her throat. “Ye! Ye are the vile one. I heard ye murdered my son outright. Aye, ye killed him.”

Isabella was surprised that Declan remained still. She had never seen him more intense or violent.

“Aye, I killed the miscreant. Your son murdered Leona, hurt my son, and tried to drown Isabella. He was fortunate that I did not slay him at the loch. Ye, Mistress, will be taken to the border of my land and be left there. If ye step a foot on my land in the future, I will not stay my hand. Do ye understand?”

“But I have nowhere to go. Ye cannot make me leave.” Helena rasped and straightened. “Your da promised me that I would always have a place here.”

“That was before your son killed my first wife and threatened my second. Now my da is dead and his promises with him. I took care of ye out of honor to him, but now I know ye have no decency. He would be ashamed of ye. I care naught where ye go, but ye will be removed from my land before dawn.”

Declan shouted “guards” and two men hastened inside the cottage. “Attend this woman while she packs her belongings. She is to be taken to the border of our land and left there. See it done before the sun rises.”

The soldiers took Helena’s arms even as she continued to complain. Isabella stood by the table, not sure of what to say to Declan. She understood the reasons for his hatred toward Lady MacKendrick. She didn’t like the woman much either, but still, to have her banished perhaps was a little too harsh. Yet she knew that in this instance, it wouldn’t be right to say so to her husband. They stood in silence until the soldiers passed by with Helena and the door to the cottage closed.

Declan took slow steps toward her. “How are ye? Ye should probably be abed.”

Isabella opened her arms to him when he reached her. She thought he’d be tense with ire or shaking from dealing with the horrid woman. But all Isabella sensed from him was his gentle arms holding her. Even his heart beat in a rhythmic lethargy. She kept her cheek pressed against his chest and wanted to stay that way, protected.

“I was hungry,” she said when she finally found her voice.

“Ye should return to bed, love.” He rested his head on hers and continued to hold her.

“I am well, Declan. Even my throat is returned to normal thanks to Edith’s concoction.”

Declan pressed her back, then touched her chin with his fingertips and lifted it until she looked into his eyes. “I suppose ye are hungry since ye missed last eve’s meal, the morn and mid-day meal too. Come and sit at the table. I will get ye something to eat.” Even as he offered, he refused to release her, and she continued to hold him.

Their moment alone was suddenly invaded. Edith strolled into the room, holding a tray of foodstuff on her hip. She set it on the table and smiled at them. Noah followed behind her, skipping into the room, and as soon as he saw Isabella, he rushed forward to wrap his arms around her and Declan both, as far as he could reach. Isabella returned his embrace with her closest arm and after a moment, Declan let her go with one arm and dropped it down to hold onto the lad in their three-way hug.

Anse opened the door to the cottage and marched forward. He bowed to her and then to Declan. “I am here for the meeting, Laird,” he said and snatched a roll from the basket.

“Sit first and have your supper with us.” Declan let go of them and helped Isabella sit on the closest bench. Noah scrambled to sit beside her as Declan set a trencher in front of her. “Edith, will ye bring a jug of wine to the table?” He sat down beside her as Anse dropped onto the bench on the other side of the table.

“Ye never drink wine. Is this a special occasion?” Isabella hadn’t ever seen her husband partake of wine, only mead, ale and whatever was in Anse’s flask. But she favored wine, so she was pleased to have it with her supper. She filled her trencher with the delicious-looking bread and stew and peered at the food.

“Aye, we are celebrating the completion of our home. Anse has come to report on the latest and we are going to discuss when we can move in,” Declan explained.

Isabella wondered what kind of meat was in the stew. “Is this chicken?”

Edith set a cup of wine before her. “Oh, nay, Milady. Venison. The men hunted yestereve and brought back enough meat to fill our stores for winter.”

“But it’s only late summer.” Isabella almost gagged at the scent. She hastily pushed the trencher away. Never fond of the meat, it was worse now and smelled wretched. Her stomach coiled and she couldn’t get the smell out of her nose.

Declan pulled her trencher back to her. “Ye need to eat, love.”

“I cannot stomach venison right now. I will just have bread.”

When Edith heard her, she returned to the table. “There’s leftover pottage from the midday meal. I shall get you some, Milady.” She took the trencher away and hurried from the room.

“Are we really going to live in that monstrosity?” she posed the question to Declan.

“That monstrosity is necessary for the protection of my family.”

“Da, can I go to Gran’s?” Noah asked.

Declan nodded and smiled at him. “Have Slone take ye. Ye will stay there this night and be a good lad for your gran.”

Before Noah vacated the room, he approached her. “Milady, I am glad ye wasna hurt. Next time, I will protect ye.”

His promise was sweet, but Isabella hoped with all her heart that she didn’t need saving again. She took his hand and squeezed it, tears forming in her eyes. His words made her want to bawl with happiness. “You are gallant, Noah, and I’m glad you can hear again.”

“Will ye sing to me again?”

“If it pleases you. Perhaps on the morrow, we shall spend the morning together.”

He bowed to her. “Milady, I would like that,” he said, then turned and fled.

Declan chuckled. “He has been mimicking the soldiers all day. I told him to emulate them, and he has taken it to heart.”

Isabella wanted to weep. Her heart burst with joy to see the lad speaking and hearing. She was amazed at how clear his voice sounded. It was remarkable that he hadn’t suffered any permanent damage.

“He will be well enough, wife. Do not worry about him. Cease your weeping.”

“I am just so…happy.” She pressed her eyes to stop tears from gathering. “Now what is this about us moving into the monstrosity?”

Edith returned and placed a small trencher of chopped chicken with chunks of pears and some kind of small bean. “This should help your ailing stomach, Milady.”

Isabella drew in the delicious scent of the meal. “It looks tasty.” She devoured the meal within a moment. When she had time, she would ask the cook what it was and would ask her to make it for her again.

Anse had remained quiet until now. “The thatchers are putting the last roofs on the outbuildings. On the morrow, they will move the kitchen. That’ll take a fortnight at least. But ye will have the small kitchen area at the back of the fief to use until the kitchen is moved.”

“Good,” Declan said. “And the inside? Are all the doors on the chambers?”

“Aye, the carpenter finished that task this day. He should be putting on the window coverings and finishing up some areas of flooring. All should be ready within the sennight.” Anse lifted his cup of wine. “Your new home awaits, Laird.”

“On the morrow, love, we can take a walk through it. It might look like a monstrosity, but it will be our home. Ye shall make it so.”

She smiled lightly at his compliment. “You have much faith in me, Husband.”

“Aye, I do.” Declan grinned at her and raised his cup to her before taking a sip.

A soldier peeked his head inside the door. “Laird.”

Declan stood. “All stay. I will return.”

Alone with Anse, Isabella thought the man was being too quiet and solemn. It wasn’t like Anse at all. “What is wrong with you? Why are you being so reserved?”

Anse shrugged. “’Tis the truth I hold a wee bit of guilt for what happened to ye, Milady.”

“Oh, Anse, you shouldn’t. I should have told Declan that the man was untrustworthy. I sensed it right off, but I wasn’t sure if Declan admired his stepbrother. I didn’t want to ruin their relationship if he cared for Silas. It is not your fault and as you can see, I am well.”

“I do not deserve your forgiveness, Milady. I must ensure your safety when our laird is not here.” Anse’s mouth set grimly. “I failed ye.”

“My forgiveness is unnecessary. Now, cease this silliness. You did not fail me. You will not be plagued by what that wretched man did. That is the end of it.” Isabella raised her voice slightly to effectuate his accord. “Before you go, Anse, I wanted to ask you something…”

“Aye, Milady, what is it?”

“If I wanted to irritate Declan…What would annoy him?”

“Ye want to displease your husband?” he asked with astonishment.

Isabella held in her laughter at the man’s shock. “Well, mildly. Tell me, what would annoy him. Is there something that would bother him and raise his ire?”

Anse seemed to ponder her question. “He has a fondness for his family. If someone threatened his family, he would be ireful.”

“I know that, Anse. No, I don’t mean anything of that sort. Is he possessive of anything?”

Anse chuckled. “Ye.”

She laughed and shook her head. “Besides me.”

“I do not understand why ye are asking me this but there is his sword. I am the only one who has ever touched it besides him. Declan is superstitious about his sword. A soldier’s sword is akin to his woman. He handles it with great care, shows it affection, and depends on it for his well-being. If someone were to move it, touch it, or God forbid, destroy it, he would be full of wrath.”

“Oh, that is quite helpful. My thanks.”

“Now, now, Milady, do not go and do anything to your husband’s sword. It cost him a good bit of coin when he had it made. Aye, he has had it for years and is fond of it.”

“I don’t plan to do anything with it. Worry not, Anse.” Isabella rose and piled the trenchers. She placed them on a smaller table for Edith to discard. As much as she tried to fill her time, Declan hadn’t returned. Anse left after a short while, excusing himself with a short bow, and she returned to her bedchamber to await her husband.

Isabella undressed and lay on the bed. She could have laughed at Anse’s reaction to her asking him what would anger Declan. Her reasoning was simple: she wanted to irritate him enough to have him be rough with her again. She longed to respond like she had when he was demanding.

In time, she heard Declan’s footsteps in the hallway outside of their chamber and in no time, Declan opened the door. His eyes instantly found hers. Quietly, he closed the door and stood rigidly, watching her. Isabella almost read his thoughts because a desirous mien overtook his gaze. He began to approach the bed, and as he did so, he removed his garments. She marveled at the view of his body. Taut muscles, steely arms, strong thighs, and lovely manliness met her gaze.

He pulled back the bedcover and lay next to her. Declan reached to extinguish the candle on the table by the bedside, but she stopped him.

“Leave the candle lit, please.”

“Why? I like it dark when we sleep.”

She exhaled with a light laugh. “Do you really plan to sleep?”

Declan grunted. “Ye were almost killed yestereve.”

“Almost. I am well, truly, Declan. There is nothing wrong with me. I want you.”

He groaned and turned on his side. “I do not want to hurt ye.”

“Please…” She pleaded in her most teasing tone.

Declan leaned over her and set his mouth on hers. The pleasure of his kiss swarmed through her body. She needed, wanted, and craved his touch. Having him in her arms again thoroughly aroused her. Declan was a sweet lover and easily spurred her lust. Their kiss lingered for a long moment until she pulled away and pushed his body back.

“Let me,” she said. “I cannot wait, Declan. I need you now.”

Declan eased back and watched her with hooded eyes. “Do ye now?” He spread his arms wide and grinned. “Do as ye will, love.”

Isabella straddled his body. She pressed her hands over his rigid torso to his strong neck and caressed him. Purposely, she kept her breasts within his mouth’s reach. Declan easily followed her lead and took her hardened nipple in his mouth. Isabella groaned. The exquisite sensation brought on twinges deep within her.

“I am not going to last…” Isabella took hold of his manhood and shifted to help him enter her. She huffed at the intensity of it. With her eyes closed, she propelled her body to take him in, thrusting hard against his erection and within seconds a rush of culmination swarmed her. She couldn’t breathe, think, or move, but fell against Declan in a heap of well-pleasured bliss.

He tenderly kissed her shoulder. “Ye are the fairest of lasses, love, when ye come undone.”

Isabella breathed hard and kept her head against his shoulder. When she’d calmed enough, she raised her face and kissed him with all the passion coursing through her. He yanked her to him, easing himself from her, and rolled her onto her back. She squealed lightly but instantly wrapped her legs around his hips.

Declan set light kisses over her face, neck, and chest. His rough hands caressed her arms and body. When he entered her the second time, she moaned. He held her legs almost above her body and thrust hard until his breath came heavily.

Isabella couldn’t control her desire and another maddening climax overtook her. She cried out at the bliss and tilted her head back. She gripped her calves and kept her position, delighting in the view of him as he neared ecstasy. His handsome face tightened as the first wave of his climax consumed him. Isabella released her legs and set her hand on his face. She roamed her hand over his body but when she reached the pounding of his heart, she stilled and took pleasure in feeling his excitement.

Declan moaned deeply and came undone. She soothed him by whispering how much she liked what he’d done, how her body still twinged. The aftermath of their loving was just as pleasurable as the act itself. Isabella would never tire of him, and she shook the thought of love from her mind. She never believed a person could love another and that it was a senseless emotion. Isabella always thought love was for fools. She now realized she was the biggest fool of them all.

“Good Lord, woman, you are going to slay me.”

Isabella giggled. “I like being with you…like this.”

He grunted. “And I you, love.”

She lay next to him and meandered her fingers over the sparse hairs on his chest. “Can we ever do it like we did that night in the cottage?”

Declan didn’t glance at her but pressed his hand over her arm. “A husband does not take his wife that way. Husbands make love to their wives. What ye are suggesting is that we make war.”

“Oh, I love the sound of that. Will you make war with me again?”

Declan moaned. “Wife, cease this talk. I will not take ye in anger again, so nay, we will never make war again.”

Isabella pouted. Somehow, she had to get Declan to understand that war was exactly what she wanted. She wanted his rough hands on her. Even though he had more than pleasured her by making love to her, she wanted more. She wanted war and Isabella knew exactly how to obtain it. It would take a little cunning on her part and the use of his sword.