Page 14 of Stolen by the Rival Scot (Tartan Trails of Love #2)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

H er heart thumped in her chest as Evelyn gazed up at her husband. Not ten minutes ago, she had been terrified at his arrival. Now, she didn’t want him to leave. Something had changed between them so quickly, it was hardly comprehensible. But changed it had. She could feel it in every fiber of her being.

Excitement and fear licked at her belly, and yet, her curiosity overwhelmed any doubt she had of what might happen next.

“Aye, I dae want tae ken,” she replied, her voice barely recognizable to herself.

Even after her reply, Edward remained where he was, still as stone, as though he feared that any movement might frighten her. His eyes were like fire as they bore down into hers. Boring into her very soul, searching for something, though what, she did not know.

Slowly, he took another step toward her. He brought both hands to her face, and lay his palms against her cheeks. Evelyn’s heart felt like a drum now, thumping loud, and strong, and fast. Bringing his face to hers, he hesitated for a another second. It felt like he was giving her a chance, an opportunity to stop him if she so desired. But Evelyn did not. In fact, the twisting fire in her belly ached for what was about to happen.

Confident she wanted it as much as he, Edward brought his lips down on hers. Evelyn had never been kissed before, and thus, the sensation that rushed through her body surprised her. A wonderful tingling travelled down her spine, and the sensation in her belly intensified.

But then Edward slipped his tongue between her lips. Automatically, her lips parted and bid him entry. She had thought the kiss pleasurable up to that point, but as his tongue rolled over her teeth, and explored her mouth, more sensations exploded inside her. An ache, a warm, burning ache began far deeper than her stomach. Other parts of her body reacted as intensely, nearly taking her breath away. She was just beginning to lose herself, when Edward retreated, bringing the kiss to a slow and tender end.

Evelyn opened her eyes and looked up at him. That same fire raged in his gaze. They were both standing there, breathless, lost in each other’s eyes. Evelyn felt the flush on her cheeks from the arousal. Arousal that had taken over her entire body. Her heart still thumped, and she found herself wanting. What she wanted, she was not entirely sure, but in that moment, she realized why Edward had made efforts to leave earlier.

Taking a step back, she said, “Ye are right. Ye should probably go.” Her voice was hoarse, and again, she barely recognized it.

A flicker of a smile jumped to his lips. “Why?”

She couldn’t tell if he was mocking her, but after what they had both shared, she didn’t think that to be true.

“If ye want me tae stay, I will,” he added. Like hers, his voice was full of emotion. Full of wanting. Full of desire.

Evelyn took yet another step back, leaving the pathway to the door clear. “I think it better if ye go,” she repeated.

Edward didn’t argue this time, and instead, headed toward the door. Once it closed behind him, she pressed a hand against her bosom and dropped onto the bed.

Feelings rushed through her. Feelings she had no way of stopping. She could hardly gather her thoughts. Seeing her naked had caused a reaction in Edward. Something so powerful, he had struggled to control himself. And yet, she acknowledged that he had. In fact, it was she who had pushed for what had just happened between them. Even when she knew it was coming, she still wanted it.

Conflict battled within her. So much effort had been put into keeping her distance from him for nearly a month after their return to the castle. But something had changed now. Something that didn’t make any sense to her. How could she go from not wanting to be near him, to desiring him so desperately?

She didn’t know the answer to that question. No matter how long she thought about it, even after Caitlin came in and helped her dress for supper, Evelyn was still as clueless as before.

At supper, Michael gave another warm speech, welcoming the newly arrived family from Clan MacGregor. After that, Edward stood and declared how delighted he was to have his family and all the guests who had made the long journey with them for the wedding feast.

Evelyn watched all those gathered in the great hall. The reception was certainly mixed. Some clapped and cheered, while others seemed to look on with expressions of disdain. Alistair’s demise was clearly still too fresh in their minds. She could see that some members of the clan were still struggling with the fact that Edward was now laird.

The meal commenced, and the normal rowdy sound of conversation and laughter grew around the room. Edward and Evelyn were seated in the middle of the top table as usual. Morgana sat to Evelyn’s right, while James and Freya sat to Edward’s left. Edward conversed easily with his brother and sister-in-law, but the same could not be said about his wife. In fact, since that kiss, she and Edward seemed to be now more awkward now than they had ever been.

“Are ye two nae speaking?” James joked, nodding his head to them both. “What’s the matter. Have ye had a lover’s tiff?”

Evelyn bloomed red at James’ comment, but Edward was quick to laugh it off. “Ye’d ken all about them, wouldnae ye?” Edward bantered back.

Smiling and pretending to look affronted, Freya pressed her hand to her bosom. “How dare ye?” She grinned. “James and I never argue. I just tell him what tae dae, and he daes it.”

Edward burst into laughter at her remark, while James spun around to look at his wife. “I dinnae think that’s the way it is.”

“Och, now darling,” Freya said, as though she were speaking to a small child. “Dinnae be worrying yersel’. Everyone kens who mak’s the decisions in our marriage.”

Evelyn now joined Edward in laughing. While James’ and Freya’s antics were amusing, Evelyn was also more than a little relieved that the attention had been taken off her and Edward. She certainly did not relish the thought of having to explain why the tension between them was as thick as mud.

The evening continued, and Evelyn found herself relaxing little by little. In fact, she enjoyed a long discussion with Morgana, talking about all sorts of things. As always, her husband’s sister was an open book, and so very easy to talk to.

The evening eventually came to a close, and the group bid each other goodnight in the corridor outside the great hall. James, Freya and Morgana headed for the wide stair case, but Edward held back.

“What are ye daeing?” Evelyn asked.

“I have some things tae attend tae in the study,” Edward replied. “I will retire a little later.”

Evelyn hesitated, feeling like she ought to say something more. But with nothing coming to mind, she simply nodded, turned on her heels, and followed in the footsteps of the others.

After readying herself for bed, and slipping under the covers, she found she could not sleep. Her body was exhausted, but her mind would not let her rest. She could not help but think that Edward heading to the study rather than the bedchamber had something to do with the kiss they had shared that afternoon, which had generated the tension between them. The kiss that had them more on edge with each other than they had ever been.

Now she was alone, she replayed those moments in her mind, over and over. At one point, she lifted her fingers and brushed them against her lips, feeling that same intense sensation in the depth of her belly.

How can a kiss from a man I hate affect me so deeply?

Ye dinnae hate him. Ye ken that.

Of course, she knew that. She had voiced her hatred to him on several occasions, but deep down, she didn’t mean it. Her words had only been a tactic to keep the distance between them.

Tae keep him at arm’s length until ye figure out how this marriage is going tae work.

The truth was that, as the days had passed, she had found herself snatching glimpses at him, even admiring him. Caitlin was right. He truly was a remarkably striking man, both in looks and in stature. What impressed her more, however, was how calm he had always remained, despite her resistance against him. His calmness was soothing and it made it even more difficult for her to remain behind the solid wall she had tried to put between them. More than that, she was beginning to feel her resistance waning.

The kiss they had shared seemed to have produced a crack in the wall she had so carefully built, and now she didn’t know what to do. What happened now? Confusion merged with excitement, which only made her mind feel even more muddled.

Somewhere along the way, she did slip into slumber. But she woke again in the middle of the night, her mind torturing her with the feelings the kiss had evoked.

What am I supposed tae dae now? Am I tae just open me heart and let him in? Nay. I cannae. Me heart is such a fragile thing. Am I nae opening meself up tae certain pain and heartache?

Slowly, she turned to search for him beside her, only, he wasn’t there. Surprised, Evelyn sat up in bed. Lifting the candle, the flame casting long shadows over the coverlets, she was a little taken aback. Edward had not retired to the bedchamber as he said he would. She did not have to think too hard to know the reason why.

It made sense that, after the moment they had shared that afternoon, he was now struggling as deeply as she was. Perhaps, even more and he no longer trusted that he could curb his desires.

Had they opened a Pandora’s box ? Had they released something that could no longer be put back inside?

Those thoughts tortured Evelyn even further, and sleep, when it came again, was fitful and infrequent.

She arrived in the family dining room the following morning for breakfast. Morgana and Freya were already seated, and enjoying slices of cake and cold meats.

“Good morning, Evelyn,” Freya said, as Evelyn entered.

Morgana turned in her seat to welcome her with a smile. “Morning.”

“Good morning tae ye both,” Evelyn said, pressing the back of her hand to her mouth while trying to stifle a yawn.

“Did ye nae sleep well?” Morgana asked, her brow furrowed.

That question alerted Evelyn. She did not want to answer for fear of where it might lead. Instead, she seated herself at the table.

Lifting her shoulders in a shrug, she lied through her teeth. “I dinnae ken. Maybe I didnae.”

“If ye want tae put the picnic off fer another day…” Freya began.

But as Evelyn reached across the table toward the bread, she shook her head. “Nae at all. We will go.”

Placing the piece of bread on her plate, she then frowned and looked about her. “Where are James and Edward?”

It was now Freya’s turn to frown. “They left for their hunt at dawn. Did Edward nae wake ye when he left ye this morning?”

Feeling awkward, and not wanting to reveal that Edward had not slept beside her last night, Evelyn lied once more. “I was still sleeping when he left. Or if he did, I cannae remember it.”

Ye are making a bit o’ a habit o’ this lying malarkey.

Indeed, she was.

“Och, dinnae talk,” Freya said, swiping a hand. “James tells me things when I’m half asleep all the time. Then he gets frustrated when I cannae recall it.” She rolled her eyes. “Men.”

The women shared laughter, though Evelyn felt more relief than humor as she laughed along with the other two.

After breakfast, orders were given to the guards to ready themselves to escort the women on their picnic. An hour later, they left the castle in a carriage with guards at the front and rear.

It took a little over half an hour to journey to the loch. Upon arriving, Caitlin and Martha, Freya’s maid, readied a blanket for the women to sit upon. The day was overcast, but warm, typical Scotland weather. The women settled themselves on the blanket, while the guards positioned themselves in the surrounding areas.

Just as Caitlin began taking parcels out of the baskets they had brought, Freya lifted her hand and pointed across the glen. “Are they yer men?”

Evelyn lifted her eyes to look. Being a good distance away, it took her a minute to focus. From her vantage point, there seemed to be ten or more men riding on horses. They were advancing at great speed.

“John,” Evelyn called out, fear tinging her voice.

John McDonald appeared from a group of trees nearby. “Me lady?”

Evelyn pointed to the men who were getting closer by the second. Now she could see them more clearly, she noted that none of them were wearing clan colors, which she found even more alarming. What she could see, by the expressions on their faces, were determined scowls. Whoever they were, these men were not there for anything good.

“Get tae the carriage,” John barked.

He then yelled orders at the other guards he had brought with him.

“Ready yerselves, men. Protect the women,” he bellowed.

But as the guards scrambled to their defenses, the advancing men were already upon them.

Panicking at the sudden change in circumstances, Freya and Morgana shrieked as they tried to gather the baskets.

“Leave them,” Evelyn screamed. “Get tae the carriage.”

Grabbing hold of each other, Morgana and Freya ran. Caitlin still fussed with the blanket, causing Evelyn to panic and run back for her.

“Move, Caitlin. Move,” she cried, pushing the young, frightened lass forward.

Even as Evelyn ran towards the carriage, she heard the striking sound of clashing swords behind her. The guards were already battling with the intruders. What worried her was how few guards there were in comparison to the attackers, for they were sorely outnumbered. Still, she dared not look back.

Her feet thudded against the soft sod beneath her as she ran. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she could hardly catch a breath. A myriad questions flew through her mind as she ran.

Who were those men? Why were they there? Why were they attacking them? How had they known where tae find them?

It didn’t make any sense. As far as she was aware, Clan Campbell was not at war with any other clans. There had been no threat from anyone. What was going on?

It was as these questions were flying through her mind that Evelyn stumbled. She flew forward, throwing her hands out to try and save herself, but it was too late, and she landed flat on the ground.

Struggling to stand, she ventured forth, aware of Morgana and Freya’s screams from the carriage. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t make out what they were saying, though their arms were flailing, trying to tell her something.

Suddenly, her head yanked backwards and excruciating pain ran across her scalp as she realized someone had grabbed her by her hair.

“Argh!” Evelyn screamed, feeling herself being pulled back with great force.

As quickly as she tried, her feet could not keep up with the speed at which she was being propelled backwards, and stumbling again, she eventually lost her balance and landed on her back. Standing over her was a huge and ugly man, his face a scowling grimace of anger and hatred.

“Get up,” he spat, grabbing her hair again, and yanking her to her feet.

The pain was agonizing, for the man was a brute and clearly strong. But once Evelyn was standing before him, he let go of her hair, lifted his arm high, and struck her across the head, sending her reeling to the floor again.

The pain was indescribable as it flowered, stunning her and rendering her nearly powerless. For a moment, the world seemed to spin beneath her, and her eyes could not focus. But even in that state, the fear of dying swept over her, causing a panic she had never before experienced.

How could she fight such a man? He was nearly three times her size. Surely, she was going to die. And yet, somewhere deep inside of her, the will to live was stronger than the acceptance of death.

Ye have tae get up! Get up! Get up, now!

Listening to the forceful voice in her head, Evelyn pushed herself to a stand with effort. Her legs wobbled a little beneath her, and for a second, she struggled to gain her balance.

Somewhere in the distance, she could hear the desperate cries of Morgana and Freya. She could still hear clashing sounds. Swords. The guards are fighting.

If they were still fighting, then so must she. She had to try, no matter how hard it might seem. She reached for the dagger she always carried in the pocket of her frock.

I am nae going tae die today. I am nae going tae die today.

Somehow, that mantra pushed Evelyn forward, and slipping her hand down, she unsheathed the dirk and wrapped her hands around the hilt. She was still swaying, looking up at the man who grinned derisively down at her. If she could just wound him, she might have a chance.

I have tae get away. I have tae, or I will certainly die here.

And then, out of nowhere, Edward flew into her mind. It was a memory of the first day they had been in their bedchamber together. The time he had wanted to see if she could strike him.

His voice echoed in her mind.

“Ye need tae aim a little lower. Remember, ye’re a wee lass. Trying tae reach high is going tae tak’ yer power from ye.”

He had demonstrated exactly how she was to do it. Bending his knees, he had propelled his hand forward. “And then, ye thrust it intae the belly,” he had said.

Could she do it? Could she really do it?

Ye havenae any choice. It’s ye or him.

With that realization, Evelyn planted her feet a little wider apart, as Edward had shown her to do, and with no warning, she lunged forward and swung low. So quick was she, that her opponent was taken completely by surprise.

A cry left his lungs as the dagger plunged into the soft flesh of his belly. Warm liquid oozed onto Evelyn’s hand, stunning her, for she had not expected the sensation. Her stomach tightened as she stumbled backwards, aghast at what she had done. His hands rushed to his stomach, clasping the wound. Evely watched in astonishment as blood seeped through his fingers, trickling over his hands, and dripping down his tunic.

She seemed caught in that moment in time, unable to move, struck by what was happening before her very eyes, watching as the man’s soul slowly left his body. He fell to his knees, panting for breath, and then, finally, his whole body toppled forward, landing on the ground at her feet.

Evelyn still gawked at him for what seemed like forever, until, eventually, a familiar sound seeped into her mind. She turned to it, and gazed almost in daze at Morgana and Freya. Their mouths were moving, but she could hardly hear them. And then, slowly, their voices grew louder and louder, until she heard their piercing screams.

“Move, Evelyn. Ye have tae move. Come on.”

As though awoken from a trance, Evelyn shook her head, and then bolted toward the carriage. Scrabbling over the uneven ground, she ran to the carriage with all the strength she could muster. Freya and Morgana’s screams of encouragement pushing her on.

No sooner had she clambered into the carriage, than the driver yelled an order at the horses, forcing them on. The carriage jerked violently, throwing Evelyn to the floor. But she hardly cared. She was safe. She had escaped. Barely, but she had escaped all the same.